Posted on 6 Comments

2nd day of Corset Seasoning

Last updated on April 2nd, 2021 at 06:04 pm

Today I discuss what factors affect how quickly and easily a corset is seasoned. Some corsets might only take a few days to feel comfortable on your body, while others take weeks (or even over a month!) to feel like a 2nd skin. Some of these factors that affect the seasoning time include:

  • What you’re wearing with the corset – thicker sweaters under the corset will obviously create more bulk and keep you from lacing down as much. If you insist on wearing a bulky shirt under your corset, then take your measurement of your natural waist overtop of the sweater (the shirt can sometimes add an inch or more of girth to your waist) and still only cinch down about 2 inches less than that (not 2 inches less than your “bare waist” natural measurement, as that will be more reduction overall and more tension on your corset).
  • The time of day or month might affect how much you can cinch down and how comfortable the corset feels. I can cinch more in the morning but less at night. I can cinch more right after my period, but the week before and during my period corsets are less comfortable than usual. (Note they are never painful, simply less comfortable – the same way blue jeans are less comfortable than yoga pants, but they’re still okay on a general level). Obviously a corset is more comfortable on an empty stomach (or after a light snack) compared to right after a big meal.
  • Some corsets are thicker/more heavy-duty than others, which may mean they take longer to soften, conform to your body and break in compared to lightweight corsets.
  • Corsets of different silhouettes can also be more comfortable or less comfortable/ compatible with your body, and take longer to get used to. Extreme hourglass corsets with a cupped ribcage are easier for me to break in and cinch down in, compared to wasp-waist/conical ribcage style corsets. Also, overbust corsets take longer for me to break in compared to underbust corsets, generally.
The corset maker that I’ve owned the most corsets from is probably Puimond. He’s very familiar with patterning for my proportions.

If you buy all your corsets from the same maker, you might be able to predict how your body responds and how  your new corset breaks in over time. There is nothing wrong with staying with the same maker – you can build rapport with that maker and develop a good business relationship, and they will know your lacing habits and be aware of issues with your body if they arise over time, so they know how to draft a truly well-fitted corset for you each time you need a new piece. But if you purchase many corsets from different makers like I do, don’t expect all corsets to behave or break in the same way, and also don’t expect the same results from your own body! Above all, patience is key.

See my video for my comments on how the corset is starting to conform to my body and how the structure of the corset is changing slightly as I wear it in more:

6 thoughts on “2nd day of Corset Seasoning

  1. Still hoping for a review of your Contour Corset!

    1. I will definitely be reviewing it in the next month or so! :)

  2. Thoroughly enjoying your miniseries. Where do I buy the corset liners? Thanks! Kitty

    1. I have a tutorial on making your own liners if you want, but the best liners I have personally tried have been from Fran of Contour Corsets. :)

  3. A really informative article with which I can empathise. As a male corset wearer I find that a custom made hourglass is the only type of corset I can wear comfortably and it does take me about two weeks to season a new corset; I alternate between an old one and the new one.

  4. I’m loving this series. I really appreciate how you share minute and detailed observations. It helps a newb like me pay better attention, and understand better what’s going on You also inspired me to treat the break in period with a little more care and respect.

Comments are closed.