How To Put On A Corset: 15 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » How To Put On Corset » How To Put On A Corset: 15 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Put on, Tighten, and Tie a Corset PDF download Download Article Easily put on a corset, even if you're doing it yourself. Co-authored by LaTricia Brown and Devin McSween

Last Updated: April 20, 2024 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Putting on & Tightening a Corset
    • |
  • Lacing a Corset
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Interview
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by LaTricia Brown and by wikiHow staff writer, Devin McSween. LaTricia Brown is a Master Tailor and Designer and the Owner of Trish B. Stylin' based in the Savannah, Georgia metro area. LaTricia has over a decade of experience including bridal design, men's and women's clothing design, and fashion show directing. She has a BFA in Fashion with a minor in Accessory Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). LaTricia has worked with W Magazine in New York City and has assisted with the personal styling of P. Diddy. She has also assisted the development of Sean John's 10-Year Anniversary Collection and appeared in the filming of Diddy's "If I Were King" Documentary. There are 20 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 326,971 times.

Corsets are timeless fashion pieces that accentuate your curves, cinch in your waist, and support your bust and posture. Putting on your corset might look like a challenge, but with practice, it’s actually a quick and easy process. Simply wrap the corset around your waist and button up the busk. Then, pull on the pull loops and lacing to remove the slack and tighten the corset. Follow along with us as we explain how to put on a corset by yourself and thread the laces!

Things You Should Know

  • Wrap the corset around your waist with the laces flat against your back and the busk facing your chest. Then, fasten the buttons on the busk.
  • Adjust the corset so the smallest part rests against your waist. Then, grab and pull the pull loops (also called bunny ear loops) to tighten the corset.
  • Pull the laces away from your back and pull on the pull loops again to remove the slack. When the corset is snug, tie the pull loops into a bow.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:

Putting on and Tightening a Corset

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Loosen the laces... 1 Loosen the laces and wrap the corset around your back. Pull up on the laces to loosen the corset so it’s easier to put on. Then, wrap the corset around your body so the lacing rests against your back and the busk, or the front of the corset with the hooks and buttons, faces your chest.[1]
    • The bottom of the corset typically has a knot at the laces and tabs for attaching a garter. The top of the corset is usually more straight than the bottom.
    • Wear a corset liner underneath your corset to protect it from moisture and dirt on your skin. Just choose a liner made of a breathable fabric, like cotton.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Put on a Corset 2 Hook the busk together. Starting from either the top or bottom of the busk, insert the hook through the button. Then, move your way down or up the busk to fasten the rest of the hooks. The hooks sometimes come undone as you attach the rest of the busk, so it may take a few tries to fasten the busk.[2]
    • At this point, your corset should be fairly loose. If you are pulling hard at the corset or sucking in your stomach to fasten the busk, loosen the corset’s laces.
    • Some people find that the busk is easier to close when it's more snug than loose. Experiment with the tightness of your corset to find what works for you.
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Put on a Corset 3 Adjust the corset so it sits at your waist. Pull the corset up or down your body to ensure the smallest part rests against your waist, which is just under your ribs and above your hips. The waistline of the corset typically has boning running horizontally through it. It is also where the pull loops (also called bunny ear loops) of the lacing are.[3]
    • If your corset has a modesty panel, or a piece of fabric underneath the lacing, adjust it so it sits flat across your back.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Put on a Corset 4 Tug on the corset’s pull loops to tighten the corset. Grab the 2 looped laces on the back of your corset that rest just at your waistline; these are commonly called the pull loops or bunny ear loops. Then, gently tug on the loops to tighten the corset.[4]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Put on a Corset 5 Pull the criss-cross laces and pull loops to remove slack. Grab the criss-cross lacing at the top of the corset and pull it away from your back. Then, move down and pull at the lacing until you reach the pull loops. Tug at the pull loops to tighten the top half of the corset. Do the same for the bottom half of the corset, pulling at the bottom criss-cross lace and moving up until you reach the pull loops. Then, pull on the loops to tighten the bottom of the corset.[5]
    • Tip: Stand in front of a mirror to make tightening the laces easier. This helps you see what you’re doing and where any slack remains.
    • If your corset has a modest panel, it might bunch up as you tighten the laces. Just adjust it so it lays flat against your back.
    • How tight you make the corset has to do with the quality and fit of your corset.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Put on a Corset 6 Stop tightening the corset when it feels snug, but not uncomfortable. Keep pulling at the criss-cross laces at the top and bottom of the corset to remove the slack and tighten the corset to your liking. Just stop adjusting the corset when it’s comfortably tight.[6]
    • Loosen and pull out the laces if you’re having trouble moving or breathing, or feel pinched by the corset.
    • Note: If this is your first time wearing the corset, do not tighten it all the way. Keep it snug but fairly loose to help break in the boning of the corset.[7]
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Put on a Corset 7 Tie the pull loops into a bow. Loop the 2 pull loops together and give them one final squeeze to ensure the corset stays at your desired tightness. Then, tie the loops into a bow. If you want added security, double-knot the bow.[8]
    • Tip: Look in a mirror when tying the loops into a bow to make the process easier.
    • If the pull loops are very long, get a smoother look by looping the laces around your stomach and then making a smaller bow at the back.
    • Do not tie the laces into a knot, as this can make it difficult to untie and take off your corset.
  8. Step 8 Adjust your corset as necessary. 8 Adjust your corset as necessary. When you’re completely laced into your corset, take a look at yourself in the mirror. Ensure the corset is smooth at the front and gives you the shape you’re looking for. Then, look at the back lacing to make sure there’s a small gap and that the sides are perfectly parallel.[9]
    • If there are any large gaps or bulges, tighten or loosen your corset as necessary. This can also be a sign that you need a smaller or larger corset.
    • Style your corset by itself or under your clothes to define your figure. Or, wear it over dresses and shirts or under sheer tops for a feminine yet edgy look.[10]
    EXPERT TIP Stephanie Fajardo

    Stephanie Fajardo

    Professional Stylist Stephanie Fajardo is a Personal Stylist based in Portland, Oregon. Stephanie has over 17 years of styling experience in personal consulting, television, photography, and film shoots. Her work has been featured in Esquire Magazine and Portland Fashion Week. Stephanie Fajardo Stephanie Fajardo Professional Stylist

    "For an elegant event, wear your corset under a shawl or jacket, along with a very full, long skirt."

    9. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 2:

Lacing a Corset

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Put on a Corset 1 Push each end of the lace up through the top grommets. Take one end of the lace and push it up through the grommet at the top of the corset, threading it from the inside of the corset to the outside. Then, take the other end of the lace and push it up through the top grommet on the other side of the corset.[11]
    • Pull the laces all the way through the grommet and ensure they’re even on both sides. Then, straighten them out if they get twisted.
    • Note: If your corset has an odd number of grommets, push the laces down through the grommets. Then, follow the opposite of the pattern below.
    • If your corset didn’t come with laces, ensure your laces are at least 26 feet (8 m) long. Use double-faced satin ribbon or paracord.[12]
    • If your corset came pre-laced, don’t worry about lacing your corset unless it was laced incorrectly or you want to try a different lacing style.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Put on a Corset 2 Thread each lace down through the grommet diagonal to it. Take the right end of the lace and hold it over the grommet below it and on the left side, or diagonal to it. Then, push the lace down through the grommet, threading it from the outside of the corset to the inside. Do the same thread with the left end of the lace, pulling it down through the grommet diagonal to it.[13]
    • This creates the classic “X” or criss-cross pattern.
    • Keep your laces even and straight. Make sure the ends of the laces are an equal length as you pull the laces through the grommets.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Put on a Corset 3 Pull each lace up through the grommet diagonal to it. Instead of pushing the right lace down through the grommet again, thread it up through the diagonal grommet so you’re moving from inside the corset to the outside. Simply repeat this with the left lace, pulling it up through the grommet diagonal to it.[14]
    • This creates a criss-cross pattern with the Xs alternating “above” and “below” the corset. This helps you get an even and tight fit.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Put on a Corset 4 Repeat the lacing pattern until you get to the center of the corset. Keep creating the “X” lacing pattern down the corset. Just alternate between threading the laces down through the grommets (so the X is “above” the corset) and then up through the grommets (so the X is “below” the corset). When you reach the center of the corset, or where the waistline and waist tape rests, stop lacing.[15]
    • On some corsets, the center is designated by 2 grommets that are close together.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Put on a Corset 5 Push each lace down through the grommet below it. Take the right lace and push it down through the grommet directly below it, threading the lace from outside the corset to the inside. Then, do the same with the left lace. Push the left lace down through the grommet directly below it.[16]
    • Do not pull the lace all the way through the grommets. This creates your pull loops (also called bunny ear loops), so leave a lot of slack for the loops.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Put on a Corset 6 Repeat the alternating “X” pattern until you reach the bottom. Take the right lace and push it up through the grommet diagonal to it. Do the same thread with the left lace. Then, grab the right lace and thread it down through the grommet diagonal to it. Repeat this with the left lace. Just keep alternating the criss-cross pattern to create the Xs “below” and “above.” the corset.[17]
  7. Step 7 Tie the ends of the laces in a knot. 7 Tie the ends of the laces in a knot. Hold the ends of the laces together and create a loop. Then, pull the ends of the laces through the loop.[18] Or, tie a square knot. Cross the left lace over the right lace and tie a knot. Then, cross the same lace (which is now in your right hand) over the other lace and tie a knot.[19]
    • You might have a lot of slack at the end of the lace after you’re done lacing. Just pull on the criss-cross laces to get rid of the slack.
    • Alternatively, cut off any excess lacing that you don’t need.
    8. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Can men wear corsets as well? Community Answer Community Answer Yes. Just be sure to wear a size that will still allow you to breathe well. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 10 Helpful 62
  • Question Can girls 12 and under wear corsets? Community Answer Community Answer Technically, anyone can wear a corset; however, a young girl shouldn't need to waist train - her body will become more curvy with age, and changing the shape now could harm her later. If it's only to be worn for a few hours at a time (i.e. historical recreation), there shouldn't be any harm in it. It's okay to wear them, but lacing tight and changing the shape daily will change the body's shape without the natural change it requires. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 14 Helpful 40
  • Question How small can corsets be? Community Answer Community Answer They vary, depending on your own size. Your corset should fit you well and allow you to breathe. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 14
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • Remove your corset by untying the bow and pulling the laces all the way loose. Then, undo the busk.[20] Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
  • To wear a corset for the first time, break it in slowly. On the first 2 days, wear it for about 1 hour. Then, increase the time you wear it by 1 hour every 2 days.[21] Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
  • If your natural waist is under 38 inches, get a corset that is 4-7 inches (10-18 cm) smaller than your waist size. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Do not tighten your corset so tight that you can’t breathe or move well. Simply loosen the laces so you feel comfortable and snug in the corset. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Make a CorsetHow to Make a DIY Corset: The Complete Guide Put on a BraHow to Position & Put on a Bra the Right Way How toMake a Corset Dress Attach Thigh Highs to a Garter BeltHow to Put on a Garter Belt and Stockings Quickly & Easily Select a Garter BeltHow toSelect a Garter Belt Start Waist TrainingHow toStart Waist Training Tie a Belt on a Trench CoatHow to Tie a Coat Belt Tie a Wraparound SkirtHow toTie a Wraparound Skirt Tie the Back of a WaistcoatHow to Tie the Back of a Waistcoat (with Styling and Fit Tips) Sew a Hook and EyeHow toSew a Hook and Eye Wear a Viking CloakHow toWear a Viking Cloak Keep a Strapless Dress UpHow toKeep a Strapless Dress Up Tie a Wrap DressHow toTie a Wrap Dress Use a Harness for Rock ClimbingHow toUse a Harness for Rock Climbing Advertisement

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about fashion and style, check out our in-depth interview with LaTricia Brown.

References

  1. ↑ https://youtu.be/vAmlaC1a3y4?si=-NDnLyzS9jmKZP8y&t=30
  2. ↑ https://youtu.be/WBJgZJTl0lw?si=-B8dS1k-WvEuDbFg&t=64
  3. ↑ https://youtu.be/vAmlaC1a3y4?si=8LLbflAZCPTGwPgB&t=106
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us3VOCvLhlA
  5. ↑ https://youtu.be/WBJgZJTl0lw?si=cNf6Syn17sWsItpB&t=116
  6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Opd43hUOAhw
  7. ↑ https://youtu.be/C1dw1rooJNo?si=Ogh4_ElIMPbS4WRV&t=177
  8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVPAxsKpnXM
  9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Opd43hUOAhw
More References (12)
  1. ↑ LaTricia Brown. Master Tailor & Creative Director. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://youtu.be/DkLZpqlssRQ?si=cYW-VaFpfTojjMxL&t=86
  3. ↑ https://youtu.be/Jk5OnET9aQU?si=2EaXaTiBv7VvTxlo&t=37
  4. ↑ https://youtu.be/DkLZpqlssRQ?si=V9cOOcNPheeVGIoN&t=118
  5. ↑ https://youtu.be/Jk5OnET9aQU?si=I9sr4iwIkTAxQGMd&t=250
  6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifcsPD7zhd4
  7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5L43xUJ-E9A
  8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99XyqXZHZg0
  9. ↑ https://youtu.be/cUOousXmVUQ?si=J-ues9oDsVKlOgSW&t=61
  10. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bf76xbF1VY
  11. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezVXwm9_I28
  12. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5jxETirEg8

About This Article

LaTricia Brown Co-authored by: LaTricia Brown Master Tailor & Creative Director This article was co-authored by LaTricia Brown and by wikiHow staff writer, Devin McSween. LaTricia Brown is a Master Tailor and Designer and the Owner of Trish B. Stylin' based in the Savannah, Georgia metro area. LaTricia has over a decade of experience including bridal design, men's and women's clothing design, and fashion show directing. She has a BFA in Fashion with a minor in Accessory Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). LaTricia has worked with W Magazine in New York City and has assisted with the personal styling of P. Diddy. She has also assisted the development of Sean John's 10-Year Anniversary Collection and appeared in the filming of Diddy's "If I Were King" Documentary. This article has been viewed 326,971 times. 3 votes - 100% Co-authors: 10 Updated: April 20, 2024 Views: 326,971 Categories: Undergarments Article SummaryX

To put on a corset, start by standing in front of a mirror so you can see what you’re doing. Then, put on an undergarment made out of cotton or another breathable material under your corset to protect it from moisture. Make sure the side with the holes and nobs, which is the front, is open. Next, wrap the corset around your body with the laces at the back. You should also close the busk at the front by fitting the nobs into the holes. After your corset is closed, check that the modesty panel, which is usually attached to your left side at the back, is flat. Tighten the laces if necessary to secure the garment, which should be tight enough that it doesn’t need holding up. Finally, pull all 4 strings at once to tighten the waist. For tips from our Fashion co-author on how to tell if you need to adjust your corset, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Italian Russian French Spanish German Indonesian Dutch Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 326,971 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Sarah Moss

    Sarah Moss

    Jul 22, 2020

    "Bought a corset a long time ago and was very afraid of it. I'd never tried it on until only recently and then..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. LaTricia Brown Co-authored by: LaTricia Brown Master Tailor & Creative Director Co-authors: 10 Updated: April 20, 2024 Views: 326,971 100% of readers found this article helpful. 3 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote Sarah Moss

Sarah Moss

Jul 22, 2020

"Bought a corset a long time ago and was very afraid of it. I'd never tried it on until only recently and then..." more Judith Crowe-Wilson

Judith Crowe-Wilson

Feb 4, 2019

"It taught me everything I need to know about corsets. Love it." Anonymous

Anonymous

Jun 28, 2018

"I needed research for a paper." Rated this article: Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

What Makeup Should I Wear QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizWhat Do I Look Like QuizWhat Do I Look Like QuizTake QuizWhat Should I Wear Today QuizWhat Should I Wear Today QuizTake QuizWhat Piercing Should I Get QuizWhat Piercing Should I Get QuizTake QuizEngagement Ring QuizEngagement Ring QuizTake QuizAm I Hot QuizAm I Hot QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Make a CorsetHow to Make a DIY Corset: The Complete GuidePut on a BraHow to Position & Put on a Bra the Right WayMake a Corset DressHow toMake a Corset DressAttach Thigh Highs to a Garter BeltHow to Put on a Garter Belt and Stockings Quickly & Easily

Featured Articles

Enjoy the HolidaysHow toEnjoy the Holidays Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreHow to Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreAm I Girly QuizAm I Girly Quiz200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy Better200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy Better Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsHow to Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsWhat Would My Nickname Be QuizWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz

Trending Articles

Let Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizLet Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizCan We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Can We Guess If You're Single or Taken?How Much Do I Mog QuizHow Much Do I Mog Quiz

Featured Articles

21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like Lies170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like LiesIs He Interested In Me QuizIs He Interested In Me Quiz15 Signs Your Ex Misses You (and What to Do About It)15 Signs Your Ex Misses You (and What to Do About It) Observe Hanukkah (From Candle Lighting to Latke Frying)How to Observe Hanukkah (From Candle Lighting to Latke Frying)165+ "You Are Special" Quotes For Friends, Family, Partners & More165+ "You Are Special" Quotes For Friends, Family, Partners & More

Featured Articles

115+ Brain Teasers For Adults & Kids (With Answers!)115+ Brain Teasers For Adults & Kids (With Answers!)When Will I Get My First Kiss QuizWhen Will I Get My First Kiss Quiz17 Believable Excuses to Miss Class At the Last Minute17 Believable Excuses to Miss Class At the Last Minute Speed Up Your Slow-Performing Mobile DataHow to Speed Up Your Slow-Performing Mobile Data Get a Nice BodyHow to Get a Nice BodyIce Cream Personality TestIce Cream Personality Test

Watch Articles

Wrap a Round GiftHow toWrap a Round GiftSteam in an OvenHow toSteam in an Oven Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesClean a Silver NecklaceHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of Soda4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaPart Your HairHow toPart Your Hair

Trending Articles

Make OutHow toMake OutAm I a Furry QuizAm I a Furry QuizAm I Annoying QuizAm I Annoying QuizHow Weird Am I QuizHow Weird Am I QuizWhat Does “Cracked” Mean in Slang?What Does “Cracked” Mean in Slang?What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)

Quizzes & Games

Am I a Good Kisser QuizAm I a Good Kisser QuizTake QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizTake QuizMakeup Quiz: Discover The Perfect Stye For YouMakeup Quiz: Discover The Perfect Stye For YouTake QuizAm I Pretty QuizAm I Pretty QuizTake QuizWhat Color Braces Should I Get QuizWhat Color Braces Should I Get QuizTake QuizWhat Eyeliner Type Looks Best on Me QuizWhat Eyeliner Type Looks Best on Me QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Personal Care and Style
  • Clothing
  • Clothes by Type
  • Undergarments
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --737

Tag » How To Put On Corset