Part 1: Getting the lace into the corset

First you should learn how to properly lace a corset, because wearing a badly laced corset is no pleasure at all and may harm the corset too. Take enough time and be patient by leading the lace through the grommets. Although the lacing methods are not difficult, it is not easy to handle a corset lace, which can be up to 8-9 meters long.

Lay down both half of the corset on a big table (or bed) with the lining downwards. The lines of the grommets should be parallel to each other. Pull each end of the lace through the first grommet on the top of the corset. You can lead the lace through the grommet either from the inside of the corset to the outside or vice-versa; it is only important to keep it the same way til the end. Divide the lace into two halves of the same length. Cross the lace and pull it through the next eyelets on the other side. Repeat this until the middle of the corset.	Many corsets, especially those made in Germany have a strong waist band on the lining. The grommets on this level are the so-called central grommets. If your corset does not have a waist band, choose two grommets in the middle (on each side two) as central grommets. This is very important because with the lace through these you will later regulate the tightness of the corset. Lead the lace through the first central grommet and, on the same side, pull it down through the second central grommet. Make a big slope on each side and continue crossing and pulling the lace through the eyelets downwards.	Arriving at the last grommets, you can either tie both ends together or knot every half of the lace under the last grommet. Tie the lace on the bottom of the corset firmly, here you will not loose it any more (except the case that you want to lace your corset again, maybe with another lacing method). Pull redundant lace to the slope in the middle.

Part 2: Putting on and pulling tighter the corset

Loose the lacing up to a distance of 15-20 cm between the both halves of the corset. The corset is loosed enough if it can be comfortable put on. Close the front busk with the second last hook, then move the first hook into the first eye and continue downwards closing the corset. After a while you will be able to move smoothly every hook and eye into each other just with one or two moves. Now the corset fits easy on your body. Pull it with the hands and push it easy with your hips to the most convenient position.

Straighten up your body, now you can start lacing tighter. The corset lace should be tighten always from the top of the corset to the central grommets, then from the bottom to the central grommets . The lace should be letting out to the loops on both side. In the first step the lace should be pulled just slightly and without power, because the waist should not be formed smaller yet. When the lacing lays flat on your back, you should move easy your hips and push the corset in the most comfortable position again. It is very important for the right and convenient fitting of the corset. Now the person helping you can start to pull the corset tighter. She should make this in small often repeated steps, from the top of the corset to the loops on both sides, then from the bottom to the loops. After every step you should push the corset in the right position which feels good for you.

If nobody is helping you, then cross the laces at the back and take it over your shoulders in your hands. Stretch your arm diagonally upwards and pull it by turns while moving easy your hips and push so the corset in the most comfortable position. Now you should take with one hand the laces at the central grommets and with the other hand pull the corset tighter. Pull more lace from the top of the corset through the central grommets into the loops, then from the bottom of the corset. Repeat this often in little steps, until the corset is tight enough for you.

The grommet lines should be parallel to each other. Tie the laces after the last step pulling tighter the corset. The laces you can

• hide under the corset,
• pull through the lacing upwards and hide it under the breast,
• tie it on the waist or
• just let it hanging.

Important to know

Never pull your corset too tight! Take your time to get accustomed with the corset. Generelly the waist can be pulled more tighter but the chest should not be pulled too tight. If it hurts anywhere, you should put off the corset immediately and try it later again. If your corset hurts on a party, you should loosen the lacing.

If your corset is really just moderately laced, you will feel it after a while becoming wider. It is normal. Now you can pull tighter the corset, if you want. This is the best sign for getting accustomed with the corset.