From Dita Von Teese to the iconic corset maker Mr. Pearl, it seems like everywhere you look in the press these days, there’s yet another article about how corsetry is back in a big way.
And with good reason.
Not only are corsets incredibly sexy and elegant, they’re also an awesome way to get the shape you want without having to fight for the treadmill at your local gym. They’re an amazing trend that never seems to go out of style.
However, corsets are an investment. To keep the boning from breaking and to ensure that your steel boned corset stays looking its best, you need to know how to take care of it.
In this post, we’re telling you everything you need to know about how to both clean and store your favorite corsets.
1. Storing: Resist The Urge To Roll
Because a steel boned corset is so small in size, many people make the mistake of rolling it into itself and throwing it in the same drawer where they keep their socks, or even the rest of their underwear.
This is a common error, but it’s certainly one you want to avoid.
Rolling your corset will eventually bend its bones out of shape. Plus, you don’t exactly want your corset to be smelling like mothballs, old underwear, and whatever else you have stashed away in your drawer.
So, what’s the proper way to store it?
Hang it up! (We think it goes without saying that, as Mommy Dearest not-so-subtly suggests, you shouldn’t be using any wire hangers.)
Loosen up the lacing in your corset so that it’s able to drape over the hanger, then fold it in half over the hanger. This will keep the fabric much sager, and it will also make sure that each of your corset’s laces has an equal amount of weight.
2. Cleaning: Skip The Machine
It might sound obvious to you that you should never put your steel boned corset into the laundry machine, but you’d be surprised by how many people think it’s a great idea.
When it’s time to take your corset in for a deep clean (which, if you’re a performer, can be fairly often) you need to keep things strictly professional. The harsh cycles and high heat of the washer and dryer will quickly tear up your corset.
Lengthen the time in between professional, dry cleaning drop-offs by storing your corset in the way we mentioned above after each time you wear it.
If you notice a little funk, you should spray on your favorite fabric spray — not perfume, as sometimes the ingredients can warp the color.
3. Storing: Temperature Is Key
Your steel boned corset is incredibly delicate.
When you’re storing it, it’s a smart idea to think about it in the same way as you would any medications you take.
You don’t want to store your corset anywhere that it will be exposed to extreme temperatures. This means that places like your garage or even your attic (where the sun’s rays often beat down) are both off limits.
Instead, always put your corsets in a place that’s cool and free from any dampness.
High heat can actually change the shape of the boning over time, and sun can cause stains that you’ll never be able to scrub out. But even if the sun doesn’t leave a stain, extreme temperatures can actually weaken its fibers, meaning that the next time you do a shimmy and shake, you’ll likely tear your corset.
That’s definitely not where you want to be.
4. Cleaning: It’s OK To Tackle A Small Stain
So, you wore your steel boned corset on a fun night out with the girls, or maybe you wore it indoors and…we’ll let you fill in the blanks there.
Either way, you’re dealing with a situation that doesn’t require a full-blown trip to the dry cleaners, but still needs a little bit of attention.
Don’t sweat it (or worry about those sweat stains.)
If the situation calls for it, it’s completely fine to do a little spot treatment on your steel boned corset.
For best results, aim to treat the stain as soon as possible. Not only does this mean you’ll be able to get more of it out, it also prevents the need for potentially harsh chemicals. If possible, aim for only soap and water.
However, if that won’t cut it, then try to use a stain removal pen or only a tiny amount of detergent to help you lift up the stain.
Now, your corset is as good as new, and ready to be paired with red lips and bright, bold eyeshadow.
5. Storing: How To Handle Multiple Corsets
So, you were able to take advantage of a great Corset Deal, and now you have three or maybe even four corsets to your name.
Of course, if you’re a burlesque dancer, you may already have even more than that!
Properly storing multiple corsets can be a little tricky. You might be surprised by how easy it is for the lacing to get intertwined and tangled (seriously, they can be just as annoying as headphones.)
When storing multiple corsets, you might consider getting a clear plastic protective hanging bag to separate them. When not in use, be sure to occasionally spray your entire corset closet with fabric refresher to avoid a musky smell.
How Can You Wear A Steel Boned Corset?
Now that you know what you need to do to properly clean and store your corset, you’re probably wondering how you should wear them?
Believe it or not, lots of people — not just celebrities — have embraced wearing a steel boned corset with jeans, a sexy miniskirt, look-at-me high heels, and fabulous jewelry. If you’re interested in learning how to best pull off the look, then you need to check out our blog.
No matter your personal style or the occasion you’re dressing for, we’ll show you how to put together an outfit that turns the right heads.
