Corsetry 101: Tight Lacing vs Waist Training

Tight-Lacing vs Waist-Training What's the Difference? With the influx of novice corset wearers, we are frequently asked about tight-lacing and waist-training: What does it mean? How do you do it? What corset should I buy? And it has become apparent that these two terms are often used interchangeably-and they are definitely NOT the same thing! Tight-lacing is a method in which you would lace and wear a corset. Waist training is done over time, with the goal of achieving a semi-permanent reduction in your waist line. CS-426 Overbust Corset in Gun Metal Gray Let's begin with tight lacing, as it is pretty quick and easy to explain.Tight lacing is just what it sounds like: lacing your corset tightly to promote an hourglass figure. Steel boned corsets are worn for many reasons and situations. Some people wear them as a fashion statement, while others wear under clothing for back and posture support. However, many women are looking for that classic hourglass figure to really turn heads at a special event. Tight lacing involves cinching up your corset for a limited amount of time. A corset should never be worn so tight as to cause pain or shortness of breath. It's important to remember that when lacing a corset, you lace evenly. This means keeping the gap at the laces over the modesty panel equidistant from top to bottom, to ensure an even pull across the corset. Properly Laced CS-411 Royal Blue Overbust This will help maintain the shape, structure and life of your corset.  Women who are just looking to tight-lace are not looking for any permanent waistline reduction, and therefore are not looking to wear their corset for long periods of time. Examples of moderate and extreme waist training Waist training, on the other hand, is a process done over a long period of time often with a specific goal in mind. When you begin a waist training regiment, you should first season (break in) your corset by wearing it just a couple of hours at a time, and not too tight. The corset needs time to shape to your body, and your body needs time to adjust to the corset. Forcing a corset to lace-up with your first wearing can damage the corset. Over time, with dedication, you will need to move down into a smaller corset as you train down your waist. Waist reduction through corseting can provide you with semi-permanent waist reduction as opposed to permanent waist reduction. What this means is you will notice a reduction in your waistline even without the corset, but if should decide to stop corseting altogether, it is likely you will see your former shape return. For more on this, we recommend watching Lucy at Lucy's Corsetry, as she is a renowned waist-trainer.  Lucy reviewing our CS-426 Maroon Longline Underbust Corset Orchard Corset offers a great selection of steel-boned corsets for both the novice and experienced waist trainer, as well as stunning corsets for just about any occasion. Check out our Sizing Blog for valuable tips and suggestions.