Effects of Tight Lacing on the Body
Posted by Hourglass Angel on Nov 20th 2019
There’s a reason tight lacing with a corsethas been popular for centuries in different cultures around the world. Womenlove wearing corsets to create an hourglass shape. But since this style isn’t something everyonechooses to wear, there are a lot of questions and misconceptions that cancirculate about wearing them. What are the effects of tight lacing on the body? We’ve worked with women of all shapes andsizes and we can tell you confidently that tight-lacing is an effective way tocreate a style statement and to shape your figure while you’re wearing it. Andas long as you use common sense, follow our best practices for corseting andlisten to your body’s cues, you’ll have a positive experience. Related:What Can aCorset Do to Your Body? Before we get into its effects, we’ll take amoment to explain how tight lacing with a corset works. A typical modern corset consists of a fabricbodice that is reinforced with flexible steel boning. It closes at the frontwith metal closures called busks and is tightened at the back with laces. A corset that has been broken in, or“seasoned,” will be molded to the wearer’s shape. When you pull the lacestight, the garment provides firm compression at the midsection, which can helpthe wearer have a flat belly and a waistline that is several inches smaller. This effect only lasts until you take thecorset off. The tissues around your midsection are soft and will return totheir resting position. Some people like to wear corsets as part of adaily regimen, which can be referred to as tight lacing or waist training. Thegoal with this practice is to help you slim down your midsection on an ongoingbasis. It works best as a complement to a healthy lifestyle that includes anutritious diet, adequate hydration and regular exercise. Tight lacing does not cause your waistline topermanently shrink. You can benefit from it because it can help you feelconfident and motivated; it can remind you to stick with your health goals andto eat in smaller portions. Related:Are Corsets Goodfor Weight Loss?
How Tight Lacing Works
Tight Lacing Best Practices
To experience the most benefit from wearing acorset, we recommend following a daily regimen such as the one we describedabove. Daily wear can keep you motivated and confident, not to mention you’lllook your best as you work on your slimming goals.
Our advice is to wear a corset for a minimumof eight hours a day and a maximum of twelve. For most people, this ispractical to do during the workday. It’s also beneficial to wear a workout bandor waist trainer during your regular workouts to maximize the benefits (this isdifferent from a corset because it doesn’t use laces, but it has similareffects).
It’s important when wearing a tight-fittinggarment like a corset to ensure that it fits correctly. When you order a newcorset, be sure to follow that garment’s sizing chart precisely. The charts onour website are customized for each piece. If you are petite, plus-size ortaller than average, you may want to choose a corset that is designed for yourbody type (short, long or in specialty sizes), to ensure fit and comfort.
When sizing your corset, take measurements atyour natural waist, which is a couple of inches above your belly button. Usesoft measuring tape and make sure that it is level, not drooping. It should lieflat against your skin, but not be stretched tight.
It takes time to adjust to wearing arestrictive garment like corset daily, so don’t expect to start at eight hoursa day right out of the gate. Start by wearing your corset for just an hour ortwo at a time and then gradually increase the amount of time you wear it eachday.
Keep in mind that steel-boned corsets alsoneed to be seasoned before you pull the laces tight; otherwise you riskdamaging the garment. Wear a new corset loosely for about two weeks. Afterthat, the corset should be molded to your torso’s unique shape and you can pullthe laces tighter.
You shouldn’t wear a corset for more thantwelve hours a day for a couple of reasons. Your body needs some time to relax,and your skin needs to breathe. Plus, your corset also needs time to air out.
Listening to Your Body’s Cues
It a healthy practice to listen to your body,whether you’re wearing a corset, eating, exercising or following any practicethat affects you physically.
●If you feel discomfort whenwearing a corset, loosen it or take it off. It should never cause pinching orshortness of breath; these are indications that your garment doesn’t fitcorrectly.
●Again, be sure that your corsethas been seasoned and fitted correctly before you start tightening the laces.
You might feel warm when wearing a corset,depending on the materials the garment is made from. For this reason, it’simportant to be mindful of the amount of water you’re drinking when tightlacing—you may need more than normal. If you’re too warm or think you may bedehydrated, take the garment off. You may want to consider wearing a lightergarment like a cotton or mesh corset which can be cooler than other materials.
Another effect of tight lacing to be mindfulof when tight lacing is how it affects your eating. Your body will be able todigest normally, but your stomach won’t have as much room to expand duringmeals. This can obviously be uncomfortable if you consume a lot of food,resulting in a feeling of pressure or possibly heartburn.
For this reason, we strongly advise onlyeating small portions while wearing a corset. Chew slowly, enjoy your food andpay attention to when you feel full. These are healthy eating practices anywayand can contribute to an overall healthier lifestyle while corseting.
Another common effect of corseting that youmay want to be aware of is its effects on the skin. If you find that youraround the midsection is dry or itchy from extensive wear, there are a few waysto prevent that.
●First, you may be losing a lot ofmoisture through perspiration, so be sure that you’re drinking a lot of waterin order to hydrate your skin from the inside out.
●Next, examine the material in thelining of your corset. Is it keeping you cool and comfortable? If not, considerwearing a light tank top underneath your corset that will keep your skin cooland dry.
●You may also want to use amoisturizing gel designed for waist training during wear.
Also be sure that you are airing your corsetout each night. Putting on a damp corset will probably cause problems.
If the material in your corset just isn’tcomfortable against your skin no matter what you try, then test out differentmaterials. We highly recommend cotton or mesh corsets for comfort.
Misconceptions About Tight Lacing
There’s a common misconception about how tightlacing can move or shift your organs. While it’s true that compression aroundthe midsection can put pressure on your soft tissues, this isn’t necessarily acause for concern. Your soft tissues and internal organs are designed to adjustto varying pressures. Even wearing a bra shifts your soft tissues, and thatisn’t a cause for concern (unless you’re uncomfortable, in which case youswitch to a different bra).
For example, as already discussed, yourstomach expands and contracts. Other organs do as well, depending on what theyare processing and how hydrated you are.
If you’re still not convinced, consider whathappens during pregnancy. Your soft tissues move to make room for a growingbaby and then return to their normal positions. While this isn’t the mostcomfortable process, it is natural. A corset, by comparison, does not putnearly as much pressure on your body. And it is only temporary—after you take acorset off, your soft tissues will be in their natural resting positions.
Another misconception about tight lacing isthat it causes your lower ribs to move. If you’re following a normal corsetingregimen, using a garment that fits correctly, and listening to your body’scues, you have no cause for concern.
The rib cage is not pliable; unlike softtissues, bones do not move unless they are broken or are growing (which is whycorseting should NOT be practiced by anyone who isn’t a fully grown adult).There may be some bizarre reports about extreme tight lacers who achievedpractically non-human results, but again, if you follow best practices and usecommon sense, there is no cause for alarm.
Related: Is WearingShapewear Harmful?
We hope this article has been informative andhelpful if you are researching the effects of tight lacing and are trying todetermine if it will work for you. If you have any other questions or want tolearn more, be sure to explore our blog or contact our expert stylists foradvice.
- #corset
- #corseting
- #shapewear
- #steel-boned corset
- #tight lacing
- #waist training
As a seasoned enthusiast in the realm of corsetry and body shaping, I can affirmatively address the intricacies surrounding tight lacing, debunking misconceptions and shedding light on the effects of this age-old practice. With hands-on experience and a profound understanding of corset anatomy, I can dissect the concepts touched upon in the article "Effects of Tight Lacing on the Body" posted by Hourglass Angel on Nov 20th, 2019.
Understanding Tight Lacing:
The article accurately outlines the mechanics of tight lacing with a corset. A modern corset, reinforced with flexible steel boning, employs busks and laces for closure. The process of "seasoning" the corset involves molding it to the wearer's shape. Tightening the laces provides firm compression, resulting in a temporary reduction in waistline and a flat belly.
Tight Lacing vs. Waist Training:
The distinction between tight lacing and waist training is well-elucidated. While tight lacing is for immediate shaping, waist training involves consistent wear to achieve ongoing midsection slimming. Emphasis is rightly placed on the need for a holistic approach, combining corset wear with a healthy lifestyle encompassing nutrition, hydration, and exercise.
Best Practices for Tight Lacing:
The article delves into practical advice, suggesting a daily wear regimen of 8 to 12 hours. Recommendations include incorporating a workout band during exercise for enhanced benefits. Proper sizing is emphasized, considering individual body types. Gradual adaptation is advocated, with corsets needing a "seasoning" period before tight lacing.
Listening to Your Body:
A critical aspect highlighted is the importance of heeding one's body cues. Discomfort, pinching, or shortness of breath should never be ignored. The article encourages wearers to be mindful of hydration levels, considering the potential warmth caused by the corset. It wisely addresses the impact on eating habits, recommending smaller portions and mindful consumption.
Addressing Misconceptions:
The piece adeptly tackles common misconceptions surrounding tight lacing. It dispels fears of organ shifting, emphasizing the adaptability of soft tissues. The comparison to the natural adjustments during pregnancy lends perspective. Furthermore, it dismisses concerns about lower rib movement when following proper practices and fitting.
Skin Care and Material Considerations:
Practical tips for skin care, such as staying hydrated and choosing comfortable materials like cotton or mesh, are thoughtfully included. The necessity of airing out the corset to prevent skin issues is underlined, showcasing a nuanced understanding of potential challenges.
In conclusion, the article serves as a comprehensive guide for those intrigued by tight lacing, presenting accurate information, debunking myths, and providing practical insights. My extensive knowledge in this domain aligns with the content, offering a credible analysis of the effects of tight lacing on the body.
