Caring for your Sparklewren corset
To give your corset the best possible care will enhance its longevity and beauty. A corset that has gently molded to its owner’s body becomes, with a little time, even more beautiful than when it was brand new. Regular airing (and the occasional dryclean) will keep your corset fresh for years. Please read the following guidelines on caring for your corset.
- Lacing
- When putting on your corset, always loosen the lacing to the point where the corset hangs loosely about your body. Fasten the front busk, then use the ‘rabbit ears’ at the centre back of your waist to tighten the corset. When removing the corset, do the same in reverse. It is very important not to force the busk to open without loosening the laces first. If for any reason haste is needed in removing your corset simply snip the laces! They are easily replaced.
- It is a good idea to take your time when putting on your corset. Lace yourself in to the point where the corset is fitted, but not tight, and then let it “rest” for 10 minutes or so (this is especially recommended if you are new to corsetry). This will allow you to ‘settle’ into the corset and lets the materials of the corset warm to your body and take the strain of lacing up more evenly, thus prolonging the life of your corset. In addition, your corset will ‘break’ to your own body over time (the coutil will mold and the steels will curve), so do not lend it to other wearers! It is made for you and you alone.
- The lacing method I tend to use involves alternate Xs with extra reinforcement at the waist. This is a method which closes and laces easily, so it is recommended for the first time corset wearer. Other styles of lacing are possible, however, depending upon the client’s preference.
- When putting on your corset, always loosen the lacing to the point where the corset hangs loosely about your body. Fasten the front busk, then use the ‘rabbit ears’ at the centre back of your waist to tighten the corset. When removing the corset, do the same in reverse. It is very important not to force the busk to open without loosening the laces first. If for any reason haste is needed in removing your corset simply snip the laces! They are easily replaced.
- Wearing
- Please remember to treat your corset well! Sparklewren corsets are very sturdy, featuring extra bones beneath the busk for additional support, but the busk can still bend occasionally. I purchase my quality busks from a highly popular and reliable supplier in the UK, but it is possible to buckle them from time to time. This is especially possible when the corset is new and still needs to ‘break’ to your body. Remember to never bend at the waist (it is bad for your back anyway!) but to use your hips and knees to bend down.
- Please remember to treat your corset well! Sparklewren corsets are very sturdy, featuring extra bones beneath the busk for additional support, but the busk can still bend occasionally. I purchase my quality busks from a highly popular and reliable supplier in the UK, but it is possible to buckle them from time to time. This is especially possible when the corset is new and still needs to ‘break’ to your body. Remember to never bend at the waist (it is bad for your back anyway!) but to use your hips and knees to bend down.
- Cleaning
- Your Sparklewren corset is made from 100% silk shell, 100% cotton lining, and 100% cotton coutil strength layers (except where stated otherwise), with steel bones (both flat and spiral) providing support. Therefore, it is not suitable for washing. If absolutely necessary take to a dry cleaners and ensure they are confident handling the garment. Ideally, you would not clean the corset more than twice a year since dry-cleaning can be a brutal process too.
- You may spot clean the inside of your corset if necessary, with a lightly damp cloth. Do not do the same on the outside though, as silk water spots.
- If you have purchased a corset without a loose cotton lining, wearing an extra layer beneath your corset (such as a chemise or cotton singlet or t-shirt) will also prolong the life of your corset. Sweat accelerates the breakdown of most fabrics (and can mark silk quite badly).
- Your Sparklewren corset is made from 100% silk shell, 100% cotton lining, and 100% cotton coutil strength layers (except where stated otherwise), with steel bones (both flat and spiral) providing support. Therefore, it is not suitable for washing. If absolutely necessary take to a dry cleaners and ensure they are confident handling the garment. Ideally, you would not clean the corset more than twice a year since dry-cleaning can be a brutal process too.
- Storage
- Make sure to air your corset after every wearing (for example, over the back of a chair) and to store the item loosely rolled or folded. Ensure none of the bones are being pressed out of shape when the item is folded away. Keep it in a dry, cool cupboard or drawer and, if possible, keep a little sachet of something scented near the corset (such as lavender) as this will help wick away any excess moisture in the air and keep your corset smelling lovely.
- Make sure to air your corset after every wearing (for example, over the back of a chair) and to store the item loosely rolled or folded. Ensure none of the bones are being pressed out of shape when the item is folded away. Keep it in a dry, cool cupboard or drawer and, if possible, keep a little sachet of something scented near the corset (such as lavender) as this will help wick away any excess moisture in the air and keep your corset smelling lovely.
