the corset has been a fashion favourite for seven centuries. Corsets make your waist look slimmer, your bust larger and your stomach flatter. They give you beautiful posture and a graceful carriage, they provide support for your back and, if that isn't enough, they're hot! Wear them in, wear them out, wear them all about - corsets are the sexiest garments around, hands down.

PUTTING ON A CORSET

Lacing into a corset will be a lot easier if you have help. (Consider it a hint of how much fun it will be to unlace you later!)

Fully open the laces at the back of the corset.	Unfasten the front of the corset.
Wrap the corset around your bust and waist. Fasten the busk, starting at the top and working your way down or at the bottom of working up.

	Lace in the back of the corset, starting at the waistline and tightening up or down until the centre gap is even top to bottom.
Tie the loose ends securely at the back and tuck them under the bottom hem. Trim any excess lacing with scissors. Reverse the process to remove the corset.

CORSET TIPS

Corsets should feel good, as well as look good. A well-fitted, properly-laced corset feels like a hug. If it causes pain or discomfort, you've laced it too tight.

• Corsets should be 2"-4" smaller than your normal waist size. (Your waistline is about an inch above your belly button.)
  If you lose or gain a few pounds, your corset should still fit.
  
  
• Don't jerk the laces. You'll snap the ties or break an eyelet.
  
  
• Make sure you reattach garter straps in the proper direction. Garter ribbons should point towards the centre busk or toward the back laces of the corset.
  
  
• Put on your stockings and fasten your shoes before you lace into your corset. Leaning forward can cause you to pop the waistline stud on the busk.
  
  
• Allow a few extra minutes for dressing when wearing a corset.
  

View our full range of corsets.

CARING FOR YOUR CORSET

Modern corsets are low-maintenance. Many can be hand laundered or machine washed on the gentle cycle. Spot treat stains straight away and use a lingerie bag as extra precaution.

Some fabrics, like silks and brocades, should be dry-cleaned. Follow the instructions on the garment care tag, and you’ll be enjoying your corset for years to come.

A PERFECT FIT

A corset just might be the perfect garment, maximising the positive and minimizing the negative. There’s a corset to flatter every figure. Choose carefully and you’ll look your breathtaking best.

• The most flattering style for most body types is a cut that gently hugs the bust and falls just above the hip.
  
  
• If you want maximum waist reduction for a special occasion, loosely lace into the corset a few hours ahead of time.Tighten the laces every half hour, until you reach the desired fit.
  
  
• Corsets need a break-in period. Once the fabric contours to your natural curves, you can lace tighter.
  
  
• To make a smaller bust look larger, choose a lace-front corset with shoulder straps. Tighten the front ribbons to expand your cleavage.
  
  
• Draw the eye to your best feature. A decorative bodice is ideal for fuller figures – it showcases ample cleavage, rather than the waistline.