Laced Corsets

The Look

The traditional laced corset extends from bosom to hips, thus shaping the entire torso. It pushes up the breasts, creating cleavage and making for a S-shaped silhouette. The higher breasts create a longer, more graceful torso, which is further enhanced by the slim waist.

Skirts that sit just below the waist flow well over the hips, adding to the overall sensuality created by the shaping. It is no wonder that many women, whether they want to look their best for their wedding or want to create an especially enticing look for a romantic evening, gravitate towards an old-fashioned laced corset.

Tying a Laced Corset

For many centuries, corsets almost exclusively laced up the front. Contrary to some perceptions, many of them still did lace in front during the 18th and 19th centuries. For women who preferred to wear a back-lacing corset, they usually had to rely on either a maid, mother, daughter, sister or roommate to help them dress.

That said, it is certainly possible to tie a back-lacing corset yourself, but you need to allow extra time and be a bit of a contortionist. If you want a really cinched look, you’ll have to use a lot of strength. Lacing a corset criss-crosses up the sides, and for the maximum effect, someone should hold the laced portions in place as the lacing continues.

Every few stitches, you should inhale from the chest, slimming your waist so that you can pull the laces tighter. When the lacing is completed, a few strong tugs will tighten the corset even more. A certain amount of training is necessary to avoid pain or shortness of breath. You want to look good, but you don’t want to faint.

Buying Your Corsets

Because of the nature of the fit, you really want to buy a laced corset in person rather than online. Of course, depending on the sort of corset you want, this may not be feasible. If that is the case, you must look for an online retailer who knows a lot about corsets and will work with you on picking one that best suits your needs.

Your best option, if you’re buying sight unseen, is to order something custom made from a reputable source. An online retailer like Delicious Corsets, which also sells ready-to-wear items, works with you as closely as if you were coming in for fittings.

A custom corset will take about six weeks to make based on your specific measurements. A mock-up is done first so that you can get a sense of the fit and alterations can be made if necessary. Meantime, you can make your corset your own by choosing the fabric, any appliqués, trims or special options that strike your fancy. As you might expect, such detailed and difficult work will not be bought cheaply, but if you’re serious about your corset, this is by far your best option as you will have one that is not only unique in appearance, but that will fit you and you alone – perfectly.

Before settling on an online custom corset designer, do a quick search to see if there are good designers in your area so that you can go in for fittings and discuss the shape and style. For this type of investment, a little extra effort is more than worth it.