Lacing Guide
There are two videos below: one for lacing the corset, and one for tightening down. There are also written instructions provided below.
Please allow for an estimated 30 minutes for putting on any classic design of Kricket Marie corset bodices. It is also highly recommended to have 1-2 assistants for lacing, as it will be incredibly difficult for the wearer to effectively complete their own lacing. Ideal is one assistant to lace behind the wearer, and one to hold the top back edge.
Most issues arise due to incorrect lacing, so following these instructions will help avoid fit complications. This can lead to issues such as: poor fit, drooping, ill-comfort, gaping, and wrinkles.
- Before tightening, ensure the corset's waist is directly on our natural waistline. When tightening the corset, ensuring proper placement of the waist is of the utmost importance for the proper reduction.
- Adjust your bust frequently throughout the tightening. Namely, bringing your breasts together and up, similar to a push-up effect. This will help prevent bulging or spillage of skin and flesh, especially in the armpits.
- Do not let the back top edge of the corset slip downward while tightening/lacing down. This edge tends to 'droop' while tightening the laces. It would be a good idea to have the second assistant to hold the top edge at the proper place during the lacing.
- Slowly tighten from the top-down to the waistline, and then bottom-up towards the waistline. Go line-by-line. Tighten at the waistline via the 'bunny loops' at each respective side's waist point. It is incredibly important the final tightening and tying of the corset happens at the waistline, not at the bottom of the corset. Avoid tightening all in one go from top to bottom.
- Go slow. Lacing your corset slowly will allow time for your body to adjust more easily. You may find that you are able to lace 1/2-inch or more further after adjusting for 10+ minutes. Please reference the diagram for the bunny loop method.
- The ribbon is included with any corset or bodice order, and is 1/4-inch satin ribbon. Once laced down fully, feel free to clip the extra length on the end of the ribbon.
Disclaimer: there is a lacing gap built into each classic design of an individual corset unless customized and ordered to fully close. This is an ideal lacing gap of 2-inches, of which reveals the inserted modesty panel underneath the lacing. This is apart of our design to allow for minimal fluctuations in weight and sizing. It also allows you the lace-down further when you are ready for a smaller waist reduction.
Please be aware that your corset, if new, will need to mold to your body over time. It is always recommended that you "break it in" by wearing the corset 2-3 times prior to your event for 20-30 minute intervals. The more that you wear any garment from Kricket Marie, the more comfortable the fit. Breaking in the corset, if fused, will also help alleviate any wrinkles that occur in the first try on as the steel boning molds to your body.
