Corset Care Advice from Curve Couture

I am most commonly asked about how to look after corsets by many of my clients at Curve Couture, so I have put this up to answer any queries.

For the longevity of your corset you must treat it with care and respect. For although the corset as a garment is robust enough to pull in a waist four or so inches, without proper care of the materials the corset will become weakened, particularly the outer fabric which is usually of a more delicate fabric.

How you put on and take off your corset is of vital importance. Always unlace your corset before it is taken off or put on. Without unlacing your corset you are putting extra undue stress on the top fabric and stitching at the front panels, and the fabric could potentially rip right out of the seam.

It’s very hard and laborious (and therefore expensive) to repair a corset, and results are less than satisfactory, so ensure you unlace it enough to place it around your body without pulling it.

Most corsets are labelled dry clean only, and especially if they are made of silk or dry clean fabrics you should follow that advice. Of course it is a bit much to dry clean it after every wear, and a spray of fabreeze (or similar product) and a good outside airing will usually suffice.

If you unfortunately do stain your corset, deal with it as soon as possible. If your corset is made of non-dry clean only fabric such as cotton sometimes the stain can be lifted with a relevant spot cleaner and a slightly damp cloth – of course this is your own risk so exercise your best judgement. Never immerse your corset in water, as potentially this could affect the metal busk and boning. Another consideration in your corset cleaning is it’s decoration – if it is beaded it my be prudent to send it to a specialist in bridal dry cleaning as they deal with elaborate fabrics and trimmings, you may be asked to sign a waver relieving them of responsibility for the outcome. Again, this is at your own risk.

One of the first corsets I made, over ten years ago is still robust and wearable, so it just goes to show that with proper care your beautiful corset can last many years of enjoyable wearing.

In summary:
• Always unlace your corset before it is taken off or put on
• Give your corset a good airing, and maybe febreeze (or similar), in between use
• If it needs to be cleaned, *dry clean it – don’t put it in the washing machine or put it in soak
• If you stain it act quick! Take it to the dry cleaners. If t is a non-dry clean fabric it may work with a stain remover and damp cloth (at your own risk)
NB.Beaded corsets or elaborate trimmings may require specialist bridal dry cleaning

Chrissie Nicholson Wild
Curve Couture
27-03-09