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It has been a month since I started waist training so I thought I'd update you all on how it is going. It's has been a fun learning curve.

I've gradually noticed some physical changes from wearing my waist training corset and there are some adjustments I've had to get used to.

The noticeable changes are :
My rib cage has become more flexible, adapting to my corset and allowing me to pull in my waist tighter.
My natural figure is starting to contour to an hourglass silhouette even without my corset.
My tummy also seems to be a bit flatter.

The adjustments I have had to get used to are :
My body is getting used to my constant corset wear but I find I have in-prints on my skin from the boning of the corset. They go away fast, especially if you massage the area, so it is not a problem, but it is something I am getting used to. I'm hoping over time they will stop appearing.
When I am sitting for long periods of time, while wearing my corset, it's wonderful to have the extra back support. But it is not uncommon to have a bit of skin being pinched, below where my corset ends. When this becomes uncomfortable I've found it's better to loosen the bottom half of the laces, instead of taking it off all together.

I'm pleased with my progress having increased my daily wear to about 6 hours a day. I've even been taking some short naps, with my corset on.

Happy lacing,
Stephanie

We are all looking for ways to add a little romance into our lives, whether we are trying to add a little extra spice into a long-term relationship, or kick start a new one. With this in mind, take a look at these top 5 ways to help you create a romantic evening for the books.

1. Set the Mood

Nothing says romantic like an intimate evening in, but if you plan on spending the time at home it is important to make sure you add romantic touches to make it extra special. Soft lighting, flickering candles, fragrant flowers and music for dancing are all great touches to take your everyday environment and transform it into a romantic oasis. Go the extra mile, and use candles enhanced with pheromones, to really get the feeling of romance in the air.

2. Dress to Kill

If you are looking for romance make sure you've prepared yourself accordingly. Get all dolled up for the occasion and look your best, making sure you hair and make up is done and if you are going out for a special evening be sure to dress in clothes that are flattering and alluring, possibly even breaking out some sexy stilettos. If you are planning on staying in and really focussing on the romance then those stilettos might still come in handy, and consider really turning the heat up by wearing some sultry hosiery or an incredible corset that is flattering to any shape.

3. Dinner for Two

An incredible meal for two, obviously by candlelight is great fuel for a wonderful romantic evening, and you can make it extra special by preparing some gourmet delicacies in the wonderful, romantic atmosphere you have already carefully prepared. There are many foods that are said to encourage romantic behaviours, such as dark chocolate, oysters, avocados and chilli peppers to name a few, so consider incorporating some of these foods into the menu.

4. Draw a Bath

The tub is a divine place for two people to spend an evening, and can be incredibly romantic when prepared properly. Spread those candles throughout the room, dim the lights and top it off with some of your favourite foam bath to create an environment any couple will be pleased to spend some time in. There is no harm in adding a bottle of champagne and some chocolate covered strawberries to the mix as well.

5. Plan Some Special Activities

Have some wonderful activities planned to share with your partner that are out of the ordinary from your usual activities. Consider things like a couples massage, wine tasting, or a romantic moonlit stroll through a charming park or on the waterfront to help you connect as a couple, on a more intimate level.

Keeping the romance alive in a relationship means putting a little time and effort in, and if you take the advice above, you’re sure to please your partner and create a great romantic evening – just make sure they return the favour!

Hello fellow corset lovers!

My name is Stephanie and I've been a corset fanatic for years.

Waist training is the wearing of a corset with the intention of slimming and reducing the waist circumference. Regular wear of a steel boned corset can reshape the lower ribs and abdomen, in turn gradually decreasing the waist line. For more information on waist training and instructions please visit, http://www.truecorset.com/blog/the-ultimate-waist-training-guide-everything-you-need-to-know/

My goal is to shrink my waistline and gradually move down sizes in corsets.

I hope everyone enjoys my diary and I'll be updating it regularly with pictures and tips throughout my journey.

I encourage all those who would like to share their waist training experiences, progress, and tips, to feel free to comment. If you'd just like to show off your new corset, from True Corset, I'd be more than happy with that too.

Cheers,
Stephanie B.

The standard measuring guide when it comes to steel boned corset is to subtract 4" to 5" from the measure of your waist, and for waist trainers subtract 6" to 7" from the measure of your waist.

But what to do for those of us whose underbust, ribcage, right where  our bra band sits, measures less than our waist? Won't the corset gap at the top if we measure only what our waist should fit?

In this situation, yes indeed if you measure  the corset to your waist you will most likely experience a gap at the top. So how to measure?

Well, here's a little secret that will help you avoid the gap and get a good fit throughout:

The top and bottom of a closed steel boned corset will measure approximately 4" to 5" more than the corset size.

For example, a size 24" steel boned corset will measure approximately 28-29" around the top and bottom edges when closed.

Same for a waist trainer: it will measure roughly 6" to 7" more around its top and bottom edges than its actual size. So again using the example of a size 24", the waist trainer when completely closed will measure roughly 30" to 31" around the top and bottom.

In general, when using this method because our underbust measures less than our waist, the corset size we will need to select will be smaller than the size chart recommends: this is okay because in most cases if we are larger around the waist than we are around where our bra band sits, then we tend to have a softer tummy with a bit of "fluff" or "squish" and when that's the case, the corset can more easily cinch our middle, even if technically according to the chart, it is smaller than the suggested size.

So, if you've got your underbust measure at 30" and your waist measures 34", then don't size yourself based on your waist. With a 30" underbust measure, you would want to go with a steel boned underbust in a size 26" or a waist trainer in a size 24".

And of course, if ever you have any further questions about sizing, then you can always feel free to contact us  - we live for this stuff!

Happy 4th of July!

Whether you're thinking about taking your waist training to the next level, or you're considering a corset at night to help with an existing back problem (with your doctor's approval, of course!), there are a few things to consider and expect when you try to sleep in your corset for the first time.

Here's a list of a few of them along with some tips on how to best give it a go:

1. Be Prepared to Sacrifice a Night or Two

Just as it took you some time to get into the swing of wearing your corset throughout the day, readjusting to how everything suddenly felt new (e.g. sitting down, reclining, bending over and driving your car), adjusting to sleeping in your corset will also take getting used to.

If you're an active sleeper (i.e. you tend to move a lot, roll over constantly, etc.), then you may find yourself waking in the middle of the night because as we all know, corsets do limit our motion to a degree.

This will pass after a night or two and you will get accustomed to the sensation and eventually sleep through the night as you normally would.

2. Limit Water/Fluid Intake Before Bed

Some of us notice once we've begun waist training that we need to pee more frequently than before. This is no exception at bed time. So try not to have anything to drink up to an hour before you plan to go to sleep. Nothing worse than a night of interrupted sleep because you find yourself having to use the restroom.

3. Tuck in Your Laces

Very few of us wake up in the exact same position we fall asleep. It's very natural and very common to move around at night and as such, it is a good idea to tuck your laces (you can view the various ways of doing this here). By tucking your laces in, you avoid the risk of having them come loose or worse yet, having them get all tangled up around you or tangled in your sheets.

4. Pillows, Pillows, Pillows

Now, I love this tip[ even when I'm not sleeping in my corset because as far as I'm concerned it makes things so much more comfortable. What I'm referring to here is sleeping on your side, with one pillow pulled up nice and snug to your middle and another tucked comfortably between your knees. This helps keep your back and neck nicely aligned, reducing any potential discomfort and leading to a better night's sleep overall.

And there you have my 4 tips for having a go at sleeping in your corset.

Sweet dreams!

Whether you've got many corsets, just the one that you use on a regular basis or a special occasion corset or two, we all need to store them at some point and time. But what's the best way to do so?

Here, 2 simple solutions on what we feel are the best ways to store your corset:

1.Fold Them Over, Lining Facing Up

For this you can again use a clothes hanger, the back of a chair or a drying rack (intended for wet laundry, but works great in this situation as well).

Take your corset and fold it over either one of the above mentioned options,  with the lining facing upwards.

This is probably one of my preferred methods, especially for those of us who wear our corsets on the regular. Folding your corset this way, either on a hanger, chair back or drying rack allows your corset the chance to air out and breathe.

2. Tuck and Roll

If we're talking about a special occasion corset that you don't wear regularly or a corset that you would like to take a break from, then this is the only time that I would suggest this method.

Lace the back up completely (just like it looked when you received it), fasten the front busk and gently fold the side toward the back laces.

Once done, place her in a soft cloth bag or pillow case and place her away in a drawer.

I personally like to add a dryer sheet in the bad along with my corset: it helps keep her smelling pretty and fresh and also helps to absorb and possible moisture which could otherwise harm the fabric and/or bones.

And there you have our 2 favorite ways to properly store your corset.

Have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend!

Though summer isn't technically here, the days have been getting hotter and hotter...but does that mean you need to give up waist training during the warm months?

Nope!

Here are 3 key tips to keeping cool when the weather is anything but:

1. Consider a Cami

Now, I realize that I'm suggesting you add an additional layer, but a thin cotton camisole beneath your corset will help wick away any perspiration, reducing friction or other skin irritation.

For added comfort, you may like to consider applying talcum power to your skin before putting your corset on to keep things all the more dry.

2. Net mesh is the coolest option

Without a doubt, a net mesh cincher will be your best choice if you're looking to keep things cool and comfy but not sacrifice your waist training during the hot months.

A net mesh cincher won't have a lining and the fabric is highly breathable, letting your skin stay dry and comfortable throughout even the hottest of days.

3. Cotton equals pure comfort

Instead of dawning your favorite tafetta number, consider cotton.

Cotton is a gorgeous natural fiber that allows for excellent breathe-ability, keeping perspiration off your skin and keeping you feeling cool and dry.

So there you have it: no need to give up your waist training during the hot months so long as you consider these 3 key tips.

Happy lacing!

How To Start Waist Training: The Do's, The Don'ts & the How To's

Waist training is quickly catching on in popularity and as a result, there is a lot of information out there about set regimens that people believe they must follow, but what is most important for you to consider is that you needn’t follow a rigid guideline. I always try and underscore the importance of listening to your body as you get into the swing of waist-training. So here is a comprehensive guide on how to start waist training.

How do I Know if I am Ready to Waist Train?

How to Measure:

Before you even decide which style of corset you'd like to go with for your waist training journey, it is most important to determine which size you need.

To do this, you will need a soft tape measure

Take your tape measure and wrap it around the narrowest part of your torso, this is usually close to where the belly button is. Get the measurement of your waist in inches and jot your measurement down on a piece of paper.

Now that you have your waist measurement, here is how to calculate:

For a steel boned corset: Subtract 4" to 5" from the measurement of your waist.

For example, if your waist measures between 30" to 31", you would want to go with  steel boned corset in a size 26".

For a waist training corset: Subtract 6" to 7" from the measure of your waist.

Therefore, using the same example, if your waist measures 30" to 31", you would want to select a waist trainer in a size 24".

Which Corset to Choose, Steel Boned Or Waist Trainer?

How do you know if you should start with a steel boned corset or a waist trainer? And should you select an underbust or an overbust?

When shopping for a corset, many come to a cross roads in deciding whether to go with a steel boned corset or a waist trainer. But the fact of the matter is that there's more to making that decision than wanting the maximum cinch.

Here are 3 things to consider before you decide on which type of corset:

1. Have you got experience wearing corsets?

If you've never worn a corset before it is advisable that you begin with a steel boned corset. Steel boned corsets provide a cinch of 4" to 5" which is already a dramatic difference and quite a lot to get accustomed to in terms of the sensation of added tension around the waist. A steel boned corset will allow you to slowly work up to a waist training corset, which  gives 6-7” reduction to the waist.

If you've never worn a corset before, beginning with a steel boned corset is advisable. A steel boned corset starts you off with a 4" to 5" waist reduction, which some may find more comfortable to start with than the 6" to 7" reduction a waist trainer provides. By insuring that you are comfortable throughout your waist training regimen, you will better your chances of sticking with it and seeing greater results.

2. You should have at least one other corset that you'll be able to wear interchangeably with your new waist trainer

For whatever the reason (you may be feeling bloated, suffering menstrual cramps, or you just feel like you'd like to give your middle a bit of a break), you will appreciate having a steel boned corset on hand for those days when a waist trainer just feels like too much.  You  will  appreciate  having  a  less  constricting  corset  on  hand  for  those  days  when  a  waist  trainer  or  even  a  full  blown  steel  boned  corset  feel  like  too  much.  Our  mesh  corsets are  steel  boned  but  are  less  constricting,  ideal  for  those  days.

Our waist trainers are made with 24 steel bones (spiral and flat), 4 layers of cloth for extra strength, and just those 2 characteristics alone give a True Corset waist trainer the ability to offer maximum cinch. And some days, that can feel like too much so having a steel boned corset  or  a  steel  boned  mesh  corset   handy can keep us on track with our waist training rather than leaving us discouraged ("this is too hard" or "ugh, I've missed a day!").

3. You are considering a waist trainer because you want to waist train and not because you're looking for a quick fix for a smaller waist

If your main motivation for selecting a waist trainer is that it offers more of a cinch than a steel boned corset, then I wouldn't recommend it.

Steel boned corsets can also be used for waist training and are my personal favorite to recommend for those who do not yet have very much experience wearing corsets. They still provide an excellent cinch of 4" to 5" and can be worn throughout the day for your waist training journey.

How to Put Your Corset On:  

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Seasoning:

Perhaps one thing that most everybody who puts a corset on for the first time loves most about it is the way you quite literally achieve instant results. Your waist, in a matter of the time it takes to lace yourself in comfortably, goes from its original size right down by 4" to 5" with a steel boned corset or even down by 6" to 7" with a waist training corset. A virtually instant and impressive difference!

However, for those of us who wish to waist train or even just wear our corsets, if not all day long, then certainly on a regular basis, we must learn to practice a touch of patience so that we can properly season our corset.

To "season" your corset might sound like a fancy and exclusive term, but it’s really quite simple. It basically means to "break it in".

The very same way you wouldn't choose to wear your newest shoes out for a long walk, you also wouldn't want to take your corset straight out of its package, tighten it to its fullest capacity and not take it off again for 6-10 hours.

If you were to do this (put it on and lace it to its fullest capacity straight out of the package), then you risk damaging the corset and causing yourself significant discomfort.

So, how does one season their corset? Simple! Just follow these basic steps and your corset will be fully molded and shaped to your unique curves in roughly 7-10 days:

• Before trying to fasten your corset, make sure that you have fully loosened the back laces. This will insure that you do not warp the front busk by trying to hard to get it to fasten.
• Once fastened, gently pull the laces in until the corset feels lightly snug. To a degree where if you wanted to, you could still tighten the corset further, but for the time being, stop there!
• After wearing your corset like this for 45 minutes to an hour, feel free to take the laces in a touch more.
• Continue to take the laces in a touch more after every 45 minute to 1 hour interval until the corset is fully tightened.
• Do not wear your corset tightened to its full capacity for over 1-2 hours.

Continue these steps daily for 1 week to 10 days, and by the end of that period your corset will be well seasoned, the laces will slide smoothly between the grommets, the front busk closure will fasten up with nary any effort and you will be able to take your corset in to its fullest degree with no gaps or pulling, no warping or bending of the bones.

How Many Hours to Wear Your Trainer:

Try getting through the day without taking your corset off. If you notice that you are experiencing any sort of discomfort during the day (whether from a little bit of bloating after a meal, or from growing accustomed to being sat while in your corset), rather than taking it off, simply unlace your corset to the point where you are no longer uncomfortable. You will still feel the support that the corset offers, but you won’t feel as restricted.

Beyond that, you can feel free to wear your corset from the time you wake up and get dressed right up to the time you go to sleep, or you can even feel free to sleep in your corset. The only times you would need to remove your corset are when showering/bathing or if you partake in any sort of exercise that calls for a full range of motion (something a corset might interfere with).

Diet Tips:

As I am sure you have heard, many people claim that when they are wearing their corset, they cannot eat as much as they would when not wearing their corset. Due to the tension placed around your midsection from the corset, there is some truth to this and as such, it is highly important that you make sure to eat a sufficient amount (you can try eating 5-6 smaller meals throughout the day rather than 3 larger meals) and also to make sure that you are getting enough nutrients (a proper balance of proteins, healthy fats and unrefined carbohydrates). It also isn’t a bad idea to consider taking a vitamin supplement while you waist train.

Water is very important! Keep a bottle of water within your reach throughout the day. Hunger and thirst can frequently be confused and as a corset can lead you to feel less hungry you don’t want to risk neglecting your hydration. Sip throughout the day.

Sleeping Tips:

You can sleep in your corset if you like. Again, there is plenty of information available about the lifestyles of some of the most disciplined waist trainers and most of them will tell you that they wear their corsets for 23 hrs per day and only remove it to shower. If you do want to give it a go and try sleeping in your corset, do loosen the laces before bed and try sleeping on your side (this will most likely be the most comfortable position while wearing your corset).

To give sleeping in your corset a try, here are a few basic tips:

1. Test it out with a nap:

Some people may love wearing their corset throughout the day but this doesn't necessarily mean they'll love sleeping in one. Perhaps you're not the type who stays particularly still in your sleep. Or perhaps the sensation of a corset around your middle is too distracting when you're trying to fall asleep. Rather than compromise an entire night's worth of sleep, why not try it out the next time you take a nap? If you are successful in taking a nice comfortable nap in your corset, then give it a go at bed time, too.

2. Don't eat a large meal right before bed:

Eating a large meal right before bed isn't a good idea whether you are sleeping in a corset or not; a large meal before bed can cause acid reflux (heartburn) and wearing a corset on top of things can exacerbate things further. Give yourself a good hour or 2 to digest before going down for the night.

3. Better to sleep in an underbust than an overbust:

Unless you're the type who wakes up in the exact same position you fall asleep in, I like to suggest underbust corsets for bedtime. An underbust covers less of your trunk/core and as such, will allow a slightly greater range of motion. Permitting yourself to move more freely in your sleep by sticking to an underbust corset will reduce any chances of the corset having a negative impact on what would have otherwise been a restful night.

4. Don't tie your corset laces into a knot

I always discourage anyone from tying their laces into a know but especially while you sleep! If you feel the need to wake up and loosen your laces in the middle of the night, this would be much more difficult to do, if not impossible, were your laces tied into a knot. Stick to a loose bow instead.

5. Sleeping in your corset is not required when it comes to waist training

Your are not a better waist trainer if you sleep in a corset nor are you any less of a waist trainer if you choose not to sleep in a corset. This part is entirely up to you, if you feel comfortable trying it and if after having given it a go, it doesn't interfere with your sleep. It is not at all a requirement in order for you to achieve the results you're after.

Exercise Tips:

Some people will tell you that it is fine to exercise in your corset. This is an area where I highly recommend speaking with a licensed trainer. They will be better informed on this topic than I and can give you the best advice. In terms of personal experience, I can tell you that a brisk walk while wearing your corset should be fine but for anything more physically demanding, please do seek out the advice of a licensed professional trainer

Cleaning Tips:

If ever you find yourself wondering how to clean/launder your corset or how to remove a spot or stain, here are our best tips. These tips will leave you with a corset fresh and clean as new:

1. Dry clean only!

Under no circumstance should you ever throw your corset in a washing machine. I don't care if you promise to put it in a lingerie bag and wash it in cool water on the most delicate setting! Putting your corset in a washing machine will completely destroy your corset and probably your machine too, so stick to dry cleaning.

2. Spot cleaning is okay

If you happen to get a little spot or stain on your corset, it is safe to spot clean it with a damp cloth. Start first with water alone and gently rub the soiled area to see if water alone will do the trick. If water isn't enough, use a delicate non-bleach laundry detergent. But use restraint! Most laundry detergents, even those intended for the most delicate fabrics, can be quite concentrated. A drop should be plenty.

If you do decide that you will need to use laundry soap of some kind, then be sure to apply the soap to the cloth, rather than directly to the soiled spot on the corset and once you've rubbed the spot out of the corset, do not fully immerse your corset into any sort of bath to rinse the soap off. Rather, take a clean cloth, add water to it and gradually wipe the soapiness off of the corset.

Once complete, allow your corset to air dry, preferably out of direct sunlight.

3. Go with some vodka

Yep, equal parts vodka and water in a spray bottle are a great and inexpensive way to clean your corset.

Once you've got your mixture ready in your spray bottle, simply lay your corset flat lining side up, hold the bottle at least 6" away from the lining and gently spray a thin mist. No need to saturate the surface; the thin mist of half vodka, half water will work as a simple antibacterial.

It is important to note that you only want to do this on the interior of your corset for 2 reasons:

A.. The lining is the part closest to the body and most affected by perspiration vs. the shell, which won't be affected by these factors to the same degree the lining will.

1. You wouldn't want to potentially disturb the finish of the corset's shell/exterior fabric by spritzing it with alcohol.

If ever you do notice a small stain on the exterior of your corset (make-up or deodorant marks), simply rub with a damp cloth until the stain is gone. For tougher stains, feel free to add the teeniest little bit of gentle laundry detergent & that should get the job done.

Back to the vodka method: once you've applied an even misting of the solution to the corset, simply leave it flat until dry and voilà!  Your corset will be fresh as new!

4. Hand washing (NEVER MACHINE WASH)

The corsets that are made from sturdy fabrics such a taffeta, cotton or mesh can be gently submerged in warm soapy water if they require more than simple spot cleaning, but always remember to:

-Only use the mildest of detergents

-Wash off all the detergent

-Make sure to let your corset dry thoroughly before wearing again (either lay flat or hang to dry out of direct sunlight)

-Never wring excess water out of your corset as this can cause damage to the fabric, bones and busk

-Never machine was, under any circumstances.

You can also feel free to unlace your corset should the laces require cleaning, place them in a laundry bag and machine wash them on a delicate cycle.

Tips on How to Wear Your Corset

Most of us have either got a day job or attend school full tie and as a result, don't have the option of wearing our corsets during the day as an over piece. So let's first start with some tips on how to wear your corset beneath your clothes:

1. Stick to an underbust

Overbusts are gorgeous when worn as the centre piece of a special outfit but they don't always offer your bust a pretty silhouette when you've got a t-shirt or blouse draped over it. Stick to an underbust and bra and people will never know you've got a corset under there. For maximum discreetness, consider a net mesh cincher: not only is it the most breathable option for complete comfort beneath your clothes, it is light and airy, minimizing any bulk.

2. Go with a neutral color and something with little to no decorative trim

Brightly colored corsets will be a dead giveaway under a thin t-shirt or blouse, so use the colour filter on the site to search for neutral colours like white, blacks or browns.

Also any form of trim, whilst stunning if you wear your corset over your clothes, could interfere with the drape of your clothes. Ribbon, sequins, decorative buttons are all best reserved for pieces we wish to show off, not corsets we hope to conceal.

3. Braid your laces

To avoid and lumps or bumps at center back, braid your bow and then pass the braid behind the x'd laces, either from center up to the top of your corset or from center down to the bottom of your corset. Tuck any excess lacing up into the hem of the corset and presto! No bump or bulge from the laces.

4. Avoid anything in a clingy knit

What I'm referring to here isn't your average t-shirt or camisole. Instead, I'm referring to something like a bodycon or bandage dress or any tightly fitting knit made from a rayon/spandex blend. These types of clothes cling to every single little detail (e.g. every hook and pin of your front busk closure, for example) and so aren't exactly ideal if you want to keep your corset your little secret.

Following these 4 basic tips will allow you to pair your corset beneath virtually any outfit you would normally wear on the day to day. It will still deliver the benefits of waist training, provide a gorgeous hourglass silhouette and all while keeping things totally discreet.  For those of us who have the freedom to wear our corsets as an over  piece, the options are virtually limitless:

1. Wear an overbust to replace virtually any top you may have otherwise paired with your outfit

Overbusts can be paired with virtually any pair of pants, jeans or skirt. Feel like an overbust leaves you showing too much skin? Easy fix: top it off with a blazer, cardigan or bolero for your preferred amount of coverage. Or, take it one step further and add a statement bib necklace or a silk scarf tied round your neck to cover some of your decolletage. And voila! Totally sexy, totally appropriate.

2. Wear your cincher over your favorite outfit or dress instead of a belt

Whether wide, narrow, leather or chain, belts are a staple accessory. So why not wear a cincher instead? Rather than highlighting your waist with your belt of choice, reach for your pretty underbust for an even more dramatic effect.

3. You can still keep things casual

Corsets pair easily with more casual looks, too! Pair your corset with a pretty circle skirt, (or why not a corset dress?  A pair of flats and a denim jacket, or with your favorite pair of jeans and favorite cardigan. Not too fancy and just the right touch of vintage glam.

Still find things a bit too dressed up? Consider a denim corset! Whether opting for the overbust or the underbust, nothing says "laid back" better than classic denim.

And there you have it: your very own comprehensive guide on everything to do with waist training! Feel like we missed something? Feel free to send us any questions you may have and we'll be more than happy to help.

Happy lacing!

Though I promise it isn't as hard as it may seem to lace, tighten and tie your corset with zero assistance, it can be quite tiring on the arms.

We've all been there: you've tightened all your x's from top to centre and then from bottom to center and just before you tie your laces into a bow, you relax your grip on the loops, just for a moment, to give your arms a rest and...the corset's laces slip loose and you're virtually back at square one. Not fun.

When this happens, for some of us our first reaction is to find a friend, family member or partner to assist. But what if no one's around? That's when you should give the door handle technique a try.

3 easy steps, no assistance required. Here's how:

Step 1: Hook your loops over a door handle

Find a sturdy door, open it and then hook one loop over the handle facing inside the room and hook the other loop on the handle facing outside the room. Make sure your laces are not crossed and your back is to the open door.

Step 2: Start walking away from the door

Slowly and gently begin walking away from the door until you feel you cannot walk any further. One you feel like you cannot walk any further away from the door, gently lean forward to tighten any remaining slack to your laces.

Step 3: Unhook & tie

Holding the loops (which at this point are still hooked over the door handles) firmly at the base, slowly walk back toward the door until there is enough slack to the loops where you can comfortably unhook them from the handles using your free hand (do not let go of your loops with your other hand, or your corset will loosen!). Once unhooked, tie your laces into a bow as per usual.

And there you have: 3 easy steps to tightening your corset using the door handle technique.

Happy lacing!

So with Cinderella only having been out in theaters for just over a week now, it has already made massive headlines. But not because of critics offering their 2 cents on the film itself, but rather the public, who for the most part, feel that Lily James' corset is broadcasting an unhealthy image to young viewers everywhere.

Though her waist is indeed slight when she's in full costume, here is where and why I have a problem with the above mentioned sentiment. Let's look at some facts, shall we?

Lily James measures approximately 5'7" and weighs in at around 132 lbs with a 26" waist.

Let's say we put her in a steel boned corset; that would take her waist down to 22"...tiny, yes?

Okay, now let's put her in a waist training corset which would bring her waist down to 20"...even tinier.

Now, let's consider the fact that the costume she is wearing in the film is custom designed for her, which also includes a custom corset. A custom corset can take the waist in by much more than 4" to 7", if that is the desired effect! It all depends on what the corset what designed to bring the wearer's waist in by, in the first place!

And there are plenty of renowned tight-lacers out there (Mr. Pearl comes to mind), who cinch themselves down to a mere 18".

If we compare the waist of Mr. Pearl to what Lily James' waist looks like in her costume, would we even guesstimate that her waist was brought down to 18" (which, is Mr. Pearl's measure when tightly laced)? Suddenly, her waist doesn't seem so incredibly small anymore, does it?

So with her custom corset, her already slight frame, and  the beyond voluminous ball gown to further exaggerate how small the rest of her is, would we really go so far as to call this an unhealthy image? I wouldn't.

All I ask is that before any of you decide to consider waist training that you seek the advice of a professional. Besides that, I say go forth and cinch!

Happy lacing!