A guide for those new to corsets, or for those who have questions about 'tight lacing' can be found here.
How to put on a busk front, back laced, steel boned corset What Katie Did specialise in steel boned corsets which are manufactured in their atelier to their very exacting standards.
Corsets are designed to temporarily reduce your waist by 3 to 4 inches. What Katie Did corsets come in even waist sizes (22", 24", 26" etc). To determine your corset size take 3 to 4 inches from your normal waist measurement. If you have a natural waist measurement of 28", then your corset size will be 24". If you have a natural waist measurement of 29" then your corset size will be 26".
Whilst it is perfectly possible to put on a corset alone, it is worth having a practise before the big night, as putting it on will take a little getting used to. Overbust corsets are a little more tricky than underbust corsets.
Step One
The laces at the back of the corset will be tied in a knot. Undo the knot and pull the two sides apart. Do not undo the lacing at the bottom of the corset. You will need a gap of several inches at the back.
Once this is done, undo the busk fastening at the front of the corset.
Step Two
Put the corset around you like a belt.
What Katie Did corsets all have a modesty panel at the back. This covers any naked skin that shows should there be a gap at the back of the corset (and it is usual to have a little gap). It also stops any lace-burn on the skin when you tighten the corset.
Step Three
Fasten the busk at the front of the corset. This can be done starting at the top or the bottom, whichever is easiest for you.
Take a moment to ensure that the busk is completely fastened as it's not uncommon to find that one little busk has been missed.
Step Four
Pull gently but firmly on the centre strings at the back of the corset. If you are wearing a little underbust corset this might be all you have to do.
If you are wearing a longer corset the centre strings will only tighten the corset in the centre so, keeping the strings taught, hook you thumb under the looser strings towards the top allowing the taught centre string in you other hand to pull up the slack. Repeat on the bottom half of the corset. Repeat until you have required the level of closure you desire.
Step Five
Voila, you're nearly there. Now all you have to do is tie the strings in a bow at the back of the corset. If you aren't sure about having a 'tail' then tie a double bow (but not if you're alone and intend to get tiddly as you might not be able to get out of it when you get home!) Alternatively you can wrap the laces around your waist, finishing in a little bow - although this isn't advisable with more delicate fabrics as it might leave a mark.
Maybe I should have mentioned earlier that it's advisable to put on shoes and stockings before the final tight lacing...
Final Check
If this is the first time you have tried your corset on and you are able to fully close it, it will be too big. There should be a decent gap at the back which you can gradually close over the next few wears.
Removing a Corset
Always loosen the strings at the back before trying to undo the front busk. Busks can be easily damaged if you attempt to undo them before loosening the back of the corset.
