When you get your brand-new corset, your first thought would be to wear it and tighten it as much as you can. However, this is not the right way to do it since you need to season it before doing that. Seasoning is a way of breaking in your corset so that it fits you better.
It is common practice when you buy something new such as shoes; you need to allow you to get used to them. This is the same thing with seasoning. There are many different ways of doing it, so this corset training guide will help you to do it correctly.
Why should you season your corset?
It is impossible to get the full benefits of the corset if you don’t season it first. It is an important step that can not be skipped since you risk damaging the piece.
Many people with custom-made corsets don’t realize that they too have to break them in, but this remains the case. The following are some of the reasons to season a corset.
So that it doesn’t warp
One of the dangers of tight lacing a corset without seasoning is that it becomes warped. This means that the steel boning becomes bent such that it doesn’t mold into your body.
A warped corset is destroyed, and it is impossible to fix it once this happens. This is why it is imperative to give your corset time before lacing it tightly.
Allows it to form into your body
The number one reason for seasoning a new corset is to give it time to adjust to your body. A corset, whether it is for waist training or costume, is meant to shape your body. This doesn’t happen overnight since your body has many curves that will take time to get used to.
The idea is to allow your corset to fit like a glove with no spaces between you and the piece. This process takes a while, so you need not rush it since you won’t get the desired results.
Allows your body to adjust
It is not only the corset that needs time to adjust to your body; your body also needs time to form into the piece. Whether or not you have the corset for waist training, wearing it over time allows your body to be shaped by it.
This ensures that it is comfortable to wear. It is also essential so you don’t injure yourself, which will happen if you start tight lacing it too early.
Elongates the corset’s lifetime
A well-seasoned corset can last years without any damage, and it will continue shaping your body better with time. It ensures that your corset perfectly fits since it has already formed into your body. A seasoned corset doesn’t change in shape, and it is difficult to destroy it even when you wear it wrongly.
How to season your corset
There are a few ways to season your corset depending on what works for you. Remember that consistency is critical when doing this, so it is essential to work with what works best for you. Do not cut short the recommended duration since this will reverse the gains made during the process.
The long method
If you are keen on waist training, it is vital to follow this method when you want to reduce your waist size. It works best since it gives your corset more time to form into your body and makes it more comfortable for you to wear.
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This method requires you to consistently wear your corset over two to four weeks depending on what feels more comfortable. Start by taking the measurement of the smallest part of your waist and noting it down. Fully untie and unbuckle your piece and lie it flat on a surface.
Take it and buckle it at the front, then pull the bunny ears to start tightening it. Ensure that the corset fits snugly and comfortably. Once you have it on, measure again and ensure that you get no more than a two-inch reduction from your initial measurements. Some people don’t get any reduction at all, and that’s fine. The more you wear it, the easier it will be to get some inches off.
Corset Seasoning Schedule
You should wear the corset for between one and two hours each day. You can either spend the time with the reduction you had when wearing it or tighten it a bit more after 45 minutes. However, keep in mind that there shouldn’t be a difference of more than two inches in your initial measurement.
After every two to three days, add one more hour in how long you have the corset on. Increase the time gradually, and by the end of your seasoning period, you should be doing six to eight hours a day. By this time, you can have between two- and four-inch reduction.
The short method
When you are not wearing a corset for waist training but just shaping your body, you can do it for a much shorter time. The results are less drastic, so if you want to see some change, you should opt for the long method.
This method is commonly known as the 2-2-2 way. It requires you to wear your corset with a two-inch reduction for two hours every day for two weeks. It is that simple, and your piece will be well seasoned. This option is great when you need to work without the risk of damaging your corset, and if you don’t have enough time to take the long route.
How long does it take to season your corset?
The recommended duration is between two and four weeks but ideally for 21 days. You should not do it for less than 14 days since this is not enough time to fully form the corset to your body. It is likely that if you reduce this period, your corset will get damaged, and that is irreversible.
How do you know that your corset is seasoned?
After two weeks, you will wonder whether you need to continue seasoning your corset. The following is what to look out for corset seasoning before and after:
- It buckles easily. When your corset is seasoned, it won’t take any effort to buckle; it snaps into place quickly.
- There will be no spaces under or above the corset; it will fit just like a snug glove.
- The laces will be easier to pull, and they will go through the holes without any struggle.
Seasoning your corset is like having training wheels on your bicycle. You must get used to them before you can take them off and ride on your own. Therefore, you must remain patient and follow the schedule for the best results.