Lacing into a corset with an assistant
Your new Wasp Creations corset has very stiff steels. Much stiffer than those that other designers use. I employ these steels to help support the back and internal organs of the tightlacer. Your new corset has a 4-6 hour "breaking in" period. This period of time allows the firm rear steels to acclimate to the curvature of your spine. Please fight the urge to tighten the corset more than 3" for this period. The corset will take the strain, and will not rip, but the firm, un-conformed steels at the rear eyelets will put too much pressure on your spine, causing a very sore back. Please play it safe and lace with moderation.The extra piece of material that you will find attached to the corset's laces is the lacing protector. This stiffened fabric is to be used between the corset liner and the corset laces. The lacing protector will prevent the corset's pressure from pushing your flesh through the rear laces. Also, it will prevent the laces from digging into your skin.
Ready to put on your corset? I will first present directions for those that are blessed, and have a helper in which to assist in the lacing. An assistant is not mandatory, but it does make it easier, and adds to the fun.
Study your corset. Make sure there are no rips or tears in the fabric. If there are any, have them fixed as soon as you can. Make sure that the laces are at its fullest width at the back.Unclasp the busk. Wrap the corset around your body. Make sure that the "male" studs of the clasps are on your left side and the "female" hook clasps are on your right. If the corset is laced on upside down, the corset will not fit correctly.
Slip the provided lacing protector between your corset liner and corset laces. This is to prevent your skin from being pinched by the laces. Make sure that the Lacing Protector is not "woven" into the laces. All the "X's" that that laces produce should be seen.
Now is the time to attach the stockings the the garters.With the exception of our Long Corset, stockings are not mandatory to support the bottom of a Wasp Creations corset. The corset is constructed to hold its shape without other attachments. With the Long Corset, stays cannot be used to keep the lower apron of the garment in the proper place. I highly recommend modern support stockings as they are firm enough to hold the corset down. Old fashioned nylon stockings are still available and have light support, but are very fragile. Start to tighten the laces with more vigor. Continue to wiggle your body within the corset. It is not necessary to hold in your breath due to the fact that your corset is tailored to your body. The corset will not compress your upper ribcage.
When the corset is at a comfortable compression. Tie the laces in a bow at the back of the corset. Do not wrap the excess lace around the waist. Not only does add bulk to the waist, but will destroy the outer fabric of the corset and will give the wearer the look of a prostitute.
Walk about the room. Place your hands on your hips and move side to side and front to back. Adjust the garters to the proper tension. Now you are ready to dress for the day's activities.