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The corset craze has been gaining momentum for a couple of years now (what with the revival of burlesque, pin-up and all things vintage), and things really kicked into high gear around January 30th, when Kim Kardashian posted a photo of herself on Instagram wearing her “corset” at the gym in an effort to slim down her already enviable waist. Now, after baby number three, Kourtney Kardashian has vowed to follow suit and is determined to regain the waist she once had.

But, can we please address the fact that these aren’t corsets? They are rubber girdles, or “fajas”, intended specifically for wear at the gym to help increase perspiration.

My issue isn’t at all with anyone, celebrity or otherwise, working on ways to better themselves, improve their lives or get healthy; not at all. My issue is that fact that with corsets becoming as popular as they have and continuing to grow in popularity, our knowledge of what exactly a corset is should grow as well.

Think about it: the article is talking about working out in said “corset”. For someone who doesn’t know the difference between a faja (what Kim and Kourtney Kardashian are wearing in their photos) and a waist trainer, they may go off and purchase a waist trainer and wear it to the gym without having consulted anyone about it: not their physician, not a trained/licensed physical trainer! This is a very scary idea as one could potentially cause injury to themselves if wearing a steel boned corset or waist trainer during strenuous exercise.

Also, these fajas not only have zero steel bones and zero lacing, they tend to be made of rubber or a highly elasticized textile, in an effort to make you sweat more and as a result possibly lose weight. A real waist trainer is not designed to make you sweat. A real corset is made with steel bones. Any steel boned corset should not be used while working out unless your doctor or trainer has told you differently!

And a benefit of the waist trainer vs. the faja? Waist trainers can be worn all day everyday whereas a faja is intended more so for wear at the gym and some of us haven’t got the time in our busy schedules to visit the gym 5 to 6 days per week. As I mentioned before, the revival of burlesque, pin-up and vintage culture have brought back to the forefront a garment so flattering, so versatile and so very sexy.

So yes: for some of us a steel boned corset or waist trainer may not be our preferred choice when it comes to whittling the waist. Some of us may very well indeed prefer a rubber or elasticized girdle, and that is perfectly fine. But please: let’s stop talking about the two things as if they were one and the same, shall we? Just like pantyhose are not stockings, girdles are not waist trainers.

Happy lacing!

When measuring yourself for a corset, we always recommend that you start with the measure of your natural/relaxed waist and then subtract 4" to 5" to get your size for a steel boned corset, and to subtract 6" to 7" from the measure of your waist to get your size for a waist training corset.

But what are you to do if your waist measure so many inches and a half? Should you round up or round down?

There are those who believe that if your waist measures 30” or more and you have a ½”, to round down and if you have a waist that measures beneath 30” and you’ve got a ½” on there, to round up.

However, I disagree.

What’s most important to take into account here is what your middle feels like. Firm? Little bit of extra fluff or squish? This is what will really help you to determine your ideal size.

So keep in mind that if you have a firm middle, you will want to consider rounding that ½” up.  And if you have a bit of extra fluff or squish, then go on and round down.

And there you have it: how to handle the half inch.

Happy lacing!

A well made corset is true to size. A size 30" will measure 30" when closed, a size 22" will measure 22" when closed, etc. So sticking exclusively to the numbers and the cinch capacity a corset has (4" to 5" cinch for a steel bone and 6" to 7" cinch for a waist trainer), the size chart is your best friend when determining which size to select.

But what about those of us who have measured ourselves, stuck to the chart and still find ourselves with a corset that is either too large or too small? Should we guesstimate which size to request as our exchange? Should we just give up and assume waist training isn't right for us?

Nope! And here are 3 tips on how you can figure out which size you should go with as your exchange if you followed the size chart to a "T" and were still left with a less than ideal fit:

1. Fully unlace your corset before putting it on

And by "fully", I mean fully! With the back laces unlaced to their fullest capacity (without untying the bottom knot!) the corset should be able to wrap around your middle with absolutely no difficulty. In fact, with the laces fully unlaced, the corset should seem huge and incredibly loose.

By either not loosening the laces or only loosening them by 4" to 5", the odds of the corset fitting comfortably about your middle are slim to none unless your corset is far to large for you in the first place.

2. Tighten the corset to a comfortable degree

There are 2 mistakes that happen here:

(A) You get overzealous and tighten the corset so much that you find it uncomfortable and there is less than a 2" gap between the 2 back panels.

(B) You didn't cinch your corset in enough for fear that you then couldn't return it.

Both of these cases won't give you a proper idea of the fit. So when your corset arrives, do be gentle but don't be shy: pull the laces in until there is about a 4" to 5" gap at the back. If you feel like you could still take it in  an inch or 2, then you've got the right size. If you can't possibly cinch it anymore, then you should go up a size.

3. Measure the gap between the 2 back panels

So you've got your corset on and it is either too small or too large. Where do you go from here? Measure the gap between the 2 back panels of the corset.

Let's say the corset is too large and there is no gap. Can you fit your hand down the front of your corset and still have plenty of room? Then consider going down a size or 2.

And if the corset is too small? Then measure the gap at the back and mark it down. Remember that the ideal gap should be 2". What is the difference between your current gap and 2"?

Here is an example: you measured your waist at 30" and bought a size 26" steel boned corset, but the gap at the back is 4" and you cannot comfortably tighten the corset any more. Then the difference between your gap of 4" and the ideal gap of 2" would suggest that you should go up by one size to a 28".

The size chart is still them way to go when selecting your corset size, but sometimes other factors need to be considered like if you have a bit of squish around your middle (then you could usually afford to go one size smaller than the chart suggests) or if you have a very firm middle with little to no squish (then you'd have to consider a size bigger than the chart suggests).

And of course, if ever you have any questions or need further guidance, you can always contact me!

Happy Valentine's Day!

When shopping for a corset, many come to a cross roads in deciding whether to go with a steel boned corset or a waist trainer. But the fact of the matter is that there's more to making that decision than wanting the maximum cinch.

Here are 3 things to consider before you decide on a waist trainer:

1. You've got experience wearing corsets

If you've never worn a corset before it is advisable that you begin with a steel boned corset. Steel boned corsets provide a cinch of 4" to 5" which is already a dramatic difference and quite a lot to get accustomed to in terms of the sensation of added tension around the waist.

If you've never worn a corset before, the odds that you will find a greater cinch of 6" to 7" which a waist trainer provides is unlikely and since waist training is a regular regimen (either daily or several days out of the week), you don't want to get discouraged because you find it to be "uncomfortable".

2. You have at least one other corset that you'll be able to wear interchangeably with your new waist trainer

For what ever the reason (you may be feeling bloated, suffering menstrual cramps, or you just feel like you'd like to give your middle a bit of a break), you will appreciate having a steel boned corset on hand for those days when a waist trainer just feels like too much.

Our waist trainers are made with 24 steel bones (spiral and flat), 4 layers of cloth for extra strength, and just those 2 characteristics alone give a True Corset waist trainer the ability to offer maximum cinch. And some days, that can feel like too much so having a steel boned corset handy can keep us on track with our waist training rather than leaving us discouraged ("this is too hard" or "ugh, I've missed a day!").

3. You are considering a waist trainer because you want to waist train and not because you're looking for a quick fix for a smaller waist

Fact is that waist training is definitely more of a lifestyle than a quick fix. Aside from the immediate cinch that it can deliver, your waist will return to its natural state within very little time after removing your corset or waist trainer.

If your main motivation for selecting a waist trainer is that it offers more of a cinch than a steel boned corset, then I wouldn't recommend it.

The results that many people claim to see from waist training have got more to do with the fact that some report feeling fuller faster when wearing their corset or waist trainer during meal times and as a result, they claim to consume fewer calories. Fewer calories consumed generally leads to weight loss.

So in brief, you would want to consider going with a waist trainer if you've got some corset wearing experience, you've got another corset handy for those days when a waist trainer feels like too much and you're interested in waist training as more of a long-term goal rather than as a quick fix.

Happy lacing!

You've just received your corset in the mail and you're dying to get it on, right? You tear open the package, take the corset out of its bag, untie the laces and try and wrap it round your waist to see how it fits, yes? Well, here are a few reasons why it is so very important that you take the time to fully loosen your corsets laces before putting it on. It takes very little time to do and can save you numerous inconveniences.

1. You'll think your corset is too small 

Even if you have purchased the perfect size for your needs, you will not be able to get the corset on before you've fully loosened your laces.

Think about it: a steel boned corset should be in a size 4" to 5" less the measure of your waist and a waist training corset should be 6" to 7" less the measure of your natural waist. Since the corset is designed to reduce and cinch the waist, there is no logical reason why you should be able to wrap it comfortably round your middle if the cord is not loosened completely.

2. You'll be convinced your corset is uncomfortable

If you've partially loosened your laces and after loads of struggle and strain have managed to get it around your waist, you won't feel comfortable in it. All that effort has almost managed to have you break a sweat, increase your heart and breathing rate and body temperature...not comfortable!

If you completely loosen the laces, your corset should not only wrap around your middle with zero difficulty, it should seem absolutely huge on you until you tighten it. For example, a properly loosened corset should not only fasten with great ease but you should be able to twist it round your middle with almost no friction.

3. You risk bending the busk and bones

If you manage to get your corset on without bending/warping the busk or the bones after not having properly loosened you laces, the odds of achieving the same success when you remove your corset are slim.

Loosening your laces is not only important when putting the corset on but almost very important when you've decided its time to remove your corset.

The most common thing that will occur if you haven't loosened them enough when trying to take your corset off is that the center hook of your busk will feel like it is completely stuck over its pin and this is where the potential for bending the hook comes in.

And there you have it: 3 reasons why it is in your best interest to take just one extra minute to completely loosen your corset's laces before putting it on and when taking it off.

Happy lacing!

*The information in this post is not intended as or meant to replace medical advice. Before beginning a waist training regimen, always seek the advice of a medical professional*

Though there are loads of reasons why some of us become interested in corsets and waist training, I'd say a very popular if not most common reason, is to create a smaller waist. And I know that I at least speak for myself when I say that perhaps no one misses their "once-was-waist" more than a woman who is either approaching the end of her pregnancy or has just recently given birth.

Here are 3 of the most common questions asked in relation to pregnancy, childbirth and corseting:

1. "I'm in my last trimester of pregnancy and want to buy a corset now for after I give birth. Should I buy a size that would have fit my waist before I was pregnant?"

Let me tell you, there is almost nothing a woman is more ready for than childbirth as she approaches the end of her last trimester! As such, it is completely understandable to start considering things like having a corset ready and available for the day that you will once again be able to lace up.

However, setting our excitement aside, it is wise to be patient and wait until after you've given birth to select a corset.

Since the size of corset is crucial for keeping things comfortable and to avoid any possible damage to the garment, or worse yet, injury to oneself, you will be best to measure yourself after you've had your little bundle of joy.

You should also note that for several weeks (if not months) following the birth of your child, you will still have something of a belly. For many woman, their belly looks something like it did at the end of their first trimester or very beginning of their second. Though this isn't permanent and your tummy will eventually go back to its normal relaxed state, this will definitely impact which size corset will best meet your needs if your doctor has given you the green light to lace up straight after you've given birth.

2. "How soon after childbirth can I wear a corset?"

This is where you will absolutely have to ask your doctor for their medical opinion. For example, for those who have to undergo a c-section, wearing a corset before you've had the chance to heal properly is a definite no-go.

If you had a natural childbirth (i.e. did not require a c-section), then some doctors will tell you that it is okay to begin wearing either a girdle or corset as soon as you are ready to return to your home.

Again: this one is a question best suited for your doctor to answer, as only they know your current condition and whether it would be of benefit or not.

3. "Will wearing a corset after childbirth affect/limit my ability to breastfeed?"

Though I can give some pointers/tips on this subject, the best person to answer this one is again,your doctor. They will be best equipped to answer any question you might have on the topic and they would best know if there is any reason you may want to wait to get back into your corset until after you've decided to stop breastfeeding.

If you have already inquired with your doctor and they see no reason why corseting would in anyway negatively impact or limit your ability to breastfeed, then there are a few things you should consider for convenience sake:

-Stick to an underbust corset.

I couldn't personally imagine anything more impractical wearing an overbust corset if you've decided to breastfeed your little one. Nursing bras, easy to remove tops/blouses can be complicated enough: stick to to an underbust.

-Keeping your corset dry

Its a fact of nature: your breasts will leak. Whether you choose to breastfeed or not, you get to look forward to wet spots on your bra and blouse/top for a good bit of time to come.

In order to keep your corset and other garments dry, they do sell inserts to place in the bra to aid with absorption. As these can be quite expensive, an alternative is to cut a sanitary napkin in half and place them in the bonnets/cups of your bra. Voila! No more milky messes :)

And there you have a few simple tips and tricks to help you get back into your corset! But again, ALWAYS consult with a medical professional before making any hasty decisions about when to start corseting after childbirth.

Happy lacing!

Ahh the creases left on your midsection when you remove your corset. Some people find it pretty, others...could do without.

Though it isn't quite possible to avoid it entirely, for those of us who would like to at least see less of it, here are a few tips:

1. Make sure to moisturize

Dry skin has a tendency to crease/wrinkle more than hydrated skin. So, when you step out of the shower be sure to generously moisturize your middle. Though this won't completely eliminate the creases your corset will create, it will leave your skin more likely to "bounce" back to its non-creased state a little more quickly.

2. Powder up

Baby powder or talcum powder applied to your skin will help wick away sweat. Your skin is more prone to to irritation and vulnerable to the friction your corset will add to it when you sweat. Powdering your middle before putting your corset on will help absorb the sweat more so than if you left yourself un-powdered. Less friction equals less irritation, which equals less redness/prominent creasing from your corset.

3. Wear a cami under your corset

Adding a thin, preferably cotton, cami or t-shirt under your corset will also help reduce any irritation your skin might otherwise encounter from sweat. The added layer will not only help wick the sweat off your body, but also help avoid having the sweat absorb directly into your corset, keeping your corset fresher longer.

4. Take a shower

If you choose to remove your corset at the end of your day (rather than choose to wear it through the night), then consider taking a shower to help get rid of the creasing to your skin. The moisture from a shower will help hydrate your skin, which in turn softens the creases, making them less noticeable and also help get rid of the creasing quicker.

And there you have it: 4 easy and simple to follow tips that will help you reduce and eliminate skin creasing from corset wear.

Happy lacing!

Lots of us wonder what to do in order to conceal our corset laces. Though we have made a post on how to successfully hide your corset laces, there are 3 top things to avoid:

1. Do Not Tie Them in a Knot:

Its true that a neat little knot tends to be less bulky than tying your laces into a bow, however: knots are not easy to untie!

Even with assistance, a knot can be very difficult to take apart, so imagine the anxiety that could result in trying to untie it on your own! You always want to make sure that you can easily remove your corset at any time, so stick to tying it into a bow.

2. Do Not Cut Your Laces Once You've Tied Them:

Another "quick trick" some people have tried is to cut their laces once they've got their corset on and the cord tied. Please please please avoid this at all costs!

Think about it: before putting your corset on, you loosen the laces, sometimes to their fullest capacity. So, although once tightened and tied the cord may seem excessive, its required in order to be able to comfortably put on and take off your corset.

If you were to cut it, you would be left with less cord and as a result, you would not be able to loosen the corset comfortably in order to get it on or off.

3. Do Not Wrap Your Laces Around Your Waist & Tie in the Front:

Again, some feel that this method reduces how much "hang" there is to the cord once tightened and tied, but think about the friction that this wrapped cord will place around your corset's beautiful fabric!

We go about our regular days in a corset: we sit, we stand, we walk around, we drive our car, etc. Brief: we move! As we move, if the corset's laces are wrapped round the waist, they will rub against the corset and eventually cause the fabric to fray, ultimately reducing the life of you corset.

And there you have it: 3 things to avoid when tying your laces.

Happy lacing!

When selecting a corset for waist training, one has to wonder: does fabric choice matter?

Aside from the obvious things one might want to avoid, such as trim or swing closures, so that the corset can be kept discreet when worn beneath one's clothes, can you select, say a brocade? How about mesh?

Now, some people will tell you that fabric is not an important factor. That the main thing you should consider is that the corset be lined, steel boned and have strong cord for lacing, but I disagree and here's why:

Mesh Corsets & Leather Corsets Are Not Lined:

Because a mesh and/or leather corset is unlined, it does not have the same strength as a double steel boned waist trainer with a cotton twill lining, which is fused for additional strength. So naturally, the mesh and/or leather corset will stretch with wear, more so than other steel boned corsets will.

Brocades and Jacquards Are More Delicate Than Satin or Taffeta:

Brocades and jacquards are decorative fabrics. They are not engineered for strength, but rather for aesthetics. Now, that's not to say that they are a weak fabric, but overall they are not a fabric designed to be worn for extended periods of time. With a full day's worth of wear every single day of the week, a brocade or jacquard fabric will risk fraying.

My favorite suggestion for waist training is to select a simple design in a sturdy tafetta or satin. These choices will have the longest life and make for the best investment in a waist trainer.

Happy lacing!

Many of us who waist train do it with the goal in mind to size our waists down from their current size to something a tad bit more narrow. As such, it is perfectly understandable to view it as a milestone when the time comes to go down a size. But how exactly can we be certain when the right time is to go down a size?

Here are 3 of my favorite tips on when you can be sure it is time for a smaller sized corset:

You can tighten the corset completely, with no gap between the 2 back panels:

Now, in some cases we can tighten our corsets to this point, but it still doesn't mean that its time to go down a size. If, for example, you can tighten it to this degree but don't feel quite comfortable, notice that there's too much cinch going on when you do this, then you're not quite there yet and would be best to still leave a 1" to 2" gap between the back panels.

If you can tighten your corset completely and notice that even at this degree of lacing, it no longer offers the same cinch, then it may very well be time for a smaller size.

When your corset closes completely at the back & you can fit one hand comfortably down the front:

If you've laced your corset completely closed and you try to fit your hand down the front of it with no difficulty or even a good bit of room for your hand to fit, then you can be certain it is indeed time for a smaller size.

With your back panels are touching, you can rotate the corset around your torso:

If you can not only lace your corset completely closed but also once closed, shift the corset around your midsection with little to no friction, you can again be certain that you are indeed ready for a smaller size.

It is important to keep in mind that if you haven't quite met any of these 3 stages in waist training with your current corset, but you think that you feel ready for a smaller size nonetheless, it may not be the best idea. A corset's pattern is not only drafted to fit one's waist, but also the hips, underbust and bust and as such, even if you think you can comfortably cinch your waist in to a greater degree, you do risk discomfort around your hip and bust area.

And there you have it: 3 tips to help you determine if you are ready for a smaller sized corset.

Happy lacing!