Pillow Talk w/ Hannah : Why is wearing my corset so difficult?

Corsets are, in my opinion, the sexiest thing in the world. But they also require a lot of respect, discipline, and preparation. A corset, despite their sexiness, can cause damage if you are not wearing it properly. 

A corset is meant to create a slimmer waist appearance thanks to the boning sewn inside of it which is used to shape one's torso. The key phrase here is 'appearance'.   corset will not make you thinner, it creates a LOOK. It SHAPES your body, but more accurately it redistributes parts of you. Yes, you may have a smaller waist, but that part of your body went SOMEWHERE. It may be pushed down (or up, depending on how long your corset is) which can create a muffin top (or bottom) appearance. A corset is NOT going to take a 40 inch waist and magically reduce you in half.  

Some of the danger in wearing a corset is the potential damage of your inner organs. This is rare but it happens. Listen to your body. When you are in pain, that is your body's way of saying I do not like this and we should address this, like now.

A true corset, as mentioned, requires respect, discipline, and preparation.  Respecting a corset might sound a little silly, especially for a piece of sexy lingerie, but it's important to remember that, if worn improperly, it can be damaging. You may find yourself short of breath, for example. Discipline and preparation go hand in hand. If you are wearing a true corset, with strong boning, your body must get accustomed to it. This is called seasoning.

Seasoning takes time. Do not put on a corset and then pop out the door for the day. If you are not used to a corset, especially when you have it tightly cinched, you may find that breathing can be difficult and you may feel a little light headed.  Instead, slip into your corset, tighten the cords, and then wear it for an hour. You should FEEL the corset, but it should not be causing PAIN. If you are in pain, take it off, loosen it, and try again. A true corset adapts to your body, not the other way around.

The first time I wore a proper corset, one with steel boning, I was amazed at how, well, powerful it was. I cinched it, and after an hour I gladly took it off. The next day, I wore it again and found I could wear it a little longer. I could cinch it a little tighter. It usually takes me a week or so to properly season a new corset. But after investing the time and patience, I can now wear my corset for over twelve hours without any discomfort.  

Also!  A corset is sexy to wear to bed, but please, never, ever sleep in one.  Restricting your breathing is, well, BAD.  

Corsets will, if worn properly, impact your posture and how you move, especially in the beginning. Going up and down stairs, getting in and out of a car, all will take a little more effort than you are used to.  

If you are going to wear a corset, invest in a quality one. Key word here is INVEST, whether your time, money, and patience. This is not going to be a $30 corset-looking bodice, but rather something that can (and for me, is) an essential part of one's lingerie drawer(s).  

Okay, let's move onto the fun stuff.

Corsets are fairly versatile and for the adventurous can be worn as outerwear. Paired with a cute skirt and heels? Sexy.  

I tend to wear mine under my clothes as I like the curvier appearance it gives me and my outfits, particularly a dress, a more flattering fit. Many dresses and skirts are designed for a curvier figure, not only in how they look but also how they cling to one's body. A curvier body makes most dresses look and fit better.

But let's face it, when most people think of a corset, they are typically associated with intimacy, whether alone or with someone else. I love few things more than lacing up my corset and fastening black thigh high stockings to the garters. I tend to prefer underbust styles so pairing my corset with a matching bra and panty is a must. 

Love,

Hannah