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Corset seasoning sessions 11, 12 and 13 – final observations

Last updated on April 2nd, 2021 at 05:42 pm

When do you know that it’s seasoned to perfection?

Over the weekend, I finished up seasoning this corset with seasoning sessions 11, 12 and 13, totaling 30 hours of wearing this corset at a 2-inch reduction for about 2-3 hours at a time. The entire seasoning period was about 2 weeks. This article aims to recap the changes that I feel while wearing the corset, and changes to the corset itself as time has passed.

How the corset feels on me after two weeks of seasoning:

  • I’m able to lace the corset about 0.5 – 1 inch smaller than I had on the first day, while still keeping within the 2″ guidelines (from 26″ corseted from a 27.5″ natural waist on the first day, to 25″ corseted with a 27″ natural waist on the last day of seasoning)
  • The ribs don’t feel as restrictive; they cup smoothly around my ribcage
  • The waist hooks under my ribcage and doesn’t ride up on me, and the corset no longer feels “wobbly”
  • Some wrinkles around the hips have smoothed over
  • There are no hot spots or area of uncomfortable pressure. There is no irritation or poking from any corners or bone tips. The corset has conformed to the curve of my spine.
  • I’m relaxed and have a comfortable posture in the corset; my muscles aren’t fighting the corset and I feel that I would be able to accommodate a larger reduction.

At this point, now that the corset is properly seasoned, I will begin to gradually increase the hours each day as comfortable, and then start to close the corset more in the back, until I’m able to wear it closed for the official corset review.

I’m going to go over what is normal and what is not normal in a hypothetical corset after a proper 2-week seasoning period. The points in bold are what I experienced during this seasoning session:

  What’s normal What’s not normal
Bones by the grommets A bit of distortion of the fabric due to tension

Bones may become slightly more flexible along its proper axis, to hug the lumbar area more, and not dig into the tailbone

Back bones permanently bent, kinked, warped or twisted in their boning channels.

Bones popping out or wearing away the fabric of the channels.

Fabric around the grommets Some wrinkling of the fabric around the grommet panel may be normal Grommets pulling away, or the fabric around the grommets are starting to fray, or grommets feel wiggly or loose
Fabric around the waistline of the corset Tension in the thread around the waistline

Some fabric pulling or distorting around the waistline, and seams looking a bit wobbly when off the body

A bit of horizontal wrinkling, especially in the side-back, or over the front hip, particularly in an OTR/ standard-sized corset
*Note that a well-made corset may actually have some wrinkles smooth out over time

Broken threads or gaps where there are no stitching

Ripped stitches or fabric, no matter how small

Lining layer Some usual wrinkling of the lining and minor tension on the threads of the lining (although the lining shouldn’t take any tension if it is not the strength fabric) Broken stitching or gaps in the lining

 

If you have any other points to add regarding what is normal or not normal when you season your corsets, I would love to know! Leave me a comment either under this post, or on Youtube.

10 thoughts on “Corset seasoning sessions 11, 12 and 13 – final observations

  1. Currently seasoning a Dita Black Satin Corset (CG-134) and my question are: If using a reduction seasoning schedule, am I to measure using a tape for the 2″ reduction in the schedule or is there some other way to do this? And if I am to measure with a tape, is there a process of how to do so? Hoping that wasn’t a silly or confusing question…but basically I just want to know the proper way on HOW to reduce? Thank you.

  2. If the boning channel is too wide (wider than the bone) I know that can cause twisting on the bones near the back grommets. What else can cause that? I have a corset that I have about 5 hours in that is wanting to twist right along the grommets. It will lay flat when not on, but as soon as I fasten the front busk, they are twisted. The channel hugs the boning on each end, around the middle it is a little wider, and that is exactly where it is twisting. Is there something I am doing wrong or do I need to send this one back?

    1. Hi Nikki, if the bones are twisting and bowing, there may be several reasons all contributing together – firstly, the bones may be too narrow (or the channel too wide) as you mentioned. Secondly, the bones themselves may not be very strong, and they may be prone to bowing easily to begin with. Third, the grommets may be spaced too far apart (this can be rectified by adding more grommets in between the pre-existing ones, and also lacing your corset with chevrons instead of the Xs over and under which helps give a little more control). Lastly, make sure that your corset is the correct size, because if the corset is too small for you and giving you a gap of 4 inches or more, then the corset will not wrap correctly around your body.

  3. Wow thanks so much. I purchased my corset from timeless trends. I have been seasoning for 4 days now and I’ve noticed that the bottom front is folding a little. The bones don’t come down to the end of the corset. Does this mean it’s to long. Should I return and get a shorter corset.

    1. Hi Tameika, most corsets don’t have the entire front reinforced by metal boning, so the binding at the top and bottom of a corset may flip a little. If you find it uncomfortable to sit down because the corset is digging into your lap or pushing up on your bust, then the corset is too long for you and you might want to try a shorter one.

  4. Romantasy.com says that one should not sleep in a new corset… Why? That is the first I have heard of that.

    1. Hi Laura, when you’re lying down, your body and the bed is putting different pressure on the corset than when you’re standing. Especially if you sleep on one side, you might end up warping one side of the corset or causing more friction, wear and tear on one side of the corset compared to the other. Also sleeping in a brand new corset might not be the most comfortable. Many people opt for an old, soft floppy corset to sleep in.

  5. I just wanted to thank you so much for this series. My husband bought me a cute fashion corset a few months ago, and as I wore it more, I found I enjoyed the feel of it, so I bought my first *real* corset last week. A friend pointed me to your website, and I am so very glad I was able to read so much from you before buying. I was able to pick out an OTR corset for myself that fit perfectly based on your more recent series on measurements, and this series has been helping me break it in safely. I’ve only worn it for a total of 3 hours so far, but have been thrilled with it so far.
    The bit your first video about expecting it to be a bit loose around the bust and hips was the most helpful piece so far, as I would have thought the corset didn’t fit right otherwise.

  6. I just purchased my first corset a couple of days ago and although it is boned with plastic as opposed to steel, I am still unaccustomed to wearing something so custom fitted and figure-hugging. Are there any recommendations you have for these “fashion” corsets which offer no waist reductions as to how tight to lace or things to avoid besides the obvious you have already outlined?

    1. Hi Kristen,
      I generally find plastic-boned pieces to be less comfortable than real steel boned corsets, but the guidelines are pretty much the same, except I would not recommend lacing more than about 2 inches at most, at any time in those pieces. Plastic boning can easily warp, especially when it warms up next to your body, so be careful of the bones bending or poking into your sides, creating indents.

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