In this post we’ll be discussing the 7 most common types of corset laces, their pros and cons, which ones are my personal favorites in different situations, etc.
Round Polyester Cord
You’ll usually find this style oflacing in budget OTR corsets. It’s a round type of corded shoelace, not flat, and often 1/8 inch in width. Being polyester based, it’s a fairly strong fiber.
You may recall that I will almost exclusively use cotton and natural fibers for my strength layer in corsets because of its breathability, but when it comes to laces, I will almost exlcusively use nylon or polyester based laces because they’re so strong.
Polyester cord tends to have some “spring” to it, and when you’re dealing with laces that are often8 yards (7.3 meters) in length, this “springiness” can become annoying or frustrating, especially when a corset is new, because you just feel like you’re stretching out the laces as opposed to closing the corset.
The thinness of the cord helps the bows and knots to hold well without slipping, but I personally find that such a thin cord cuts into my hands when I’m trying to lace up, and makes my palms sore – for this reason, round polyester cords are one of my least favorite types of corset laces.
550 Paracord
This cord comes in a multitude of colors online, and they can be purchased in 100-yard lengths in bulk and in any color you can imagine. This is the strongest type of cord used in corsetry today; it’s called 550 because it’s able to withstand up to 550 pounds of tension before breaking, and it’s called paracord because it was often used in parachutes. You’ll find paracord in emergency situations, like sold in bracelets that you can wear while camping, hiking or rafting, so if you fall down a cliff or get swept away by a current, you can unravel the bracelet and throw the paracord around a sturdy object to stop yourself.
In Ann Grogan’s “Corset Magic” book, she mentions that a corset can put up to 90 lbs of pressure around the torso, so this paracord would easily be able to withstand the tension.
In my opinion, this is where the positive things end. The cord has the colored outer coating, and then 7 smaller cords inside. Even while using a proper square knot, I find that my bows are not quite as secure as when I use ribbon or flat laces, and I also find the cord to be quite bulky and conspicuous especially under clothing. Because the inner cords and the outer sheath are not attached in any way, the outer part tends to twirl around the core and twists and bunches up in weird ways, making my corsets difficult to lace up. And once again, I find it painful on my hands when I’m lacing up.
Some people pull out the 7 tiny cords in the center and simply use the colored sheath for their laces – it will be more flat (but more springy), but you won’t have to sacrifice any of the color! It won’t withstand 550 lbs of tension without the internal cords, but it should still hold up fine for corsetry.
I consider this a hybrid between round cord and satin laces. It’s called “rat tail” lacing because it’s so thin. I’ve heard it’s diffciult to source in Europe, but I’ve been able to walk into my local Fabricland (here in Canada) and find 3mm wide satin rat tail cord in a multitude of colors. It’s also quite inconspicuous and not bulky under clothing because it’s so thin.
It has no springiness to it, and it’s surprisingly strong, especially for its tiny width. I find rat tail cord great for small grommets (#00 or even #X00 size) and it comes in a multitude of colors. I’m not sure why, but despite its small width it doesn’t cut into my hands as much as the bulkier round cords above – perhaps less friction due to the satin outside.
However, because it has a satiny coating, if there are any splits in your grommets then the laces can catch and cause scarring or fraying of the laces.
Because the satin cord is more slippery, you do have to know how to tie a proper bow and proper knots (not granny-bows) otherwise they can easily slip and your corset can easily loosen.
Depending on the corset maker, they will either recommend using ribbon or they won’t – it’s a matter of personal preference. Some claim that ribbons don’t last long, and they either stretch out or break – if this has been their experience, most likely they have used single-faced satin ribbon.
Single-face ribbon does not look the same on both sides. One side (the “good side”) is shiny and smooth, while the underside is more matte, a bit more rough or scratchy, and may even look similar to grosgrain ribbon. Single-face ribbon tends to be a little harder on the hands compared to double-face ribbon.
Double-Face Satin Ribbon (DF ribbon)
Double-face ribbon has the same texture on both sides (smooth and shiny), and is often a heavier weight/ slightly thicker than single-face satin.
DF ribbon is also used in single-layer ribbon cinchers, as they’re quite strong, have no “springiness” or stretch, and hold tension well. DF ribbon is stronger than SF ribbon, more lush and softer on the hands, but it’s also more expensive.
Regardless of which type of satin ribbon you use, if your grommets have splits, they will catch on the ribbon and cause fraying and scarring, which eventually leads to weakness and your ribbon may break after months of regular use. Fortunately, ribbon is easily sourced and laces are easy to replace.
One of the big advantages about ribbon laces is that they’re very flat and low-profile under clothing.
Most ribbons in corsets use 1cm (or 0.5 inch) wide ribbon. Some brands have slightly less wide ribbons (Starkers uses 3/8 inch wide) and some brands have wider ribbons (Totally Waisted uses 1 inch wide). The wider ribbons feel more luxurious, but consider the size of the grommets in your corset. Using a thin ribbon in large grommets, your corset may loosen as soon as you let go of the laces because they’re so slippery. On the other hand, thick ribbon through small grommets increases the friction, which may make your corset more difficult to unlace.
I will always use DF satin ribbon in my couture corsets – itcan usually beperfectly matched to the rest of the corset and it has a luxurious finish – plus I rarely wear my bespokecorsets, so I don’t really have to worry about wearing out the ribbons for long time.
These are ubiquitous – they’re easy to source, they’re often cheaper than ribbon, and they’re a “workhorse” lacing that will last you a long time. You will find flat shoelace most often in corsets (both OTR and custom waist training corsets). Because they’re flatter they willhold knots and bows well, and they’re “middle of the road” in terms of bulkiness so it’s possible to hide these laces under clothing. They’re quite strong, with minimal spring. They also don’t cut into my hands in a painful way while lacing, as long as the laces are flat in my hand and I don’t hold the laces on their edge, or they’re twisted up.
White cotton laces are more eco-friendly and can also be dyed to match the rest of your cotton corset perfectly.The cotton flat laces are softer and fuzzier to the touch – but for a more definitive test, burn a small sample of the laces (outside) – cotton will create an ash, whereas polyester will melt. Polyester laces take dye less readily, but they can still be dyed.
I personally find that when it comes to waist training corsets, that the polyester lace is a better choice because it seems to have less wear over time compared to the cotton laces (I’ve had cotton laces snap after a few months of wear, whereas I’ve never had polyester laces snap on me yet, even in the corsets I’ve kept for years).
Historical Designs sells 1/4 inch wide flat lacing in white and black on Etsy.
FTC: I purchased these laces for personal use, and all opinions are my own. Tiddly links are Etsy affiliate links which help keep this site online and the articlesfree for everyone. Photos courtesy of Etsy.
How much corset lacing do you need? An average is 4 meters for a waist cincher corset, 7 meters for an under-bust corset and 9 meters for an over-bust corset. This is an average only!
Most ribbons in corsets use 1cm (or 0.5 inch) wide ribbon. Some brands have slightly less wide ribbons (Starkers uses 3/8 inch wide) and some brands have wider ribbons (Totally Waisted uses 1 inch wide). The wider ribbons feel more luxurious, but consider the size of the grommets in your corset.
Twist the leftover laces together and then tuck them on the top of the corset. You can also twist the laces and wrap them around your waist and tuck it on your waist only where the lace is ending.
Take a ball of string and tie a bow the size you would like the real one to be.Now untie the bow and measure how much string you've used. You'll need to include this. This will give you a total measurement of ribbon needed per box including the bow.
What to do: Take one of the shoelaces from your shoes and measure the length. I ended up holding my ribbon up to one end and just pulling both the ribbon and shoelace alongside each other until I got to the end of the shoelace and cut the ribbon to match it. Repeat this to make two lengths of ribbon.
Your corset will consist of at least one layer of fabric, maybe two, three or possibly more. The main layer is called the 'strength layer' and, as the word suggests, needs to be composed of a fabric that is really strong, hard-wearing and non-stretch. The only fabric that can totally meet these criteria is coutil.
A corset usually requires 15-18 grommets per side (30-36 total). To set your Grommets, use our Grommet Setting Press. We also carry Hole Cutting Dies and Grommet Setting Dies. The Two-Part Eyelets are sold by the gross (box of 144 complete grommets).
Suitable ribbon must be high-quality, and preferably natural fiber for breathability. It must have a lot of strength when pulled on. It needs to be at least 1.5″ (4cm) in width, but wider will work better. For this corset I used 2.25″ wide double-face satin ribbon.
A Busk is the rigid closure in the front of a corset. They are made of two long pieces of steel that can withstand the tension of corset lacing, one with eyes and the other with posts. They are available in a variety of lengths and widths.
As a general guideline, you'll want about 5-8 yards of lacing for underbust corsets, and 7-10 yards for overbusts. How much will depend on how long the back of the corset is, how closely set the grommets are, how much reduction you achieve, and the overall size of the corset.
Wear up to three ribbons in a single row. When more than three ribbons are authorized, wear them in horizontal rows of three each. If ribbons are not in multiples of three, the top row contains the lesser number, and the center of this row sits over the center of the one below it.
Total number of pieces divided by number of pieces that fit into width equals number of rows you need. Number of needed rows multiplied by length of one piece equals total project in inches. Total project inches divided by 36 inches equals total yardage needed (rounded up to the whole number).
With your corset laces fully loosened, your corset should go on without any pressure at the front busk. This means your corset isn't too small. When you lace up the back to a snug but not tight fit, the back lacing bones should just reach the modesty panel. This means your corset isn't too big.
Since one of their uses is as shapewear, many corsets can be worn directly against the skin. However, preferences can vary when it comes to this practice, and it can depend on what kind of material the corset is. The most comfortable fabrics to be worn without anything underneath are mesh and cotton.
The easiest way to style a corset top is by opting for a coordinated look. Pair your top with a matching miniskirt, matching heels, and a bold handbag for a no-fail way to style this sultry staple. Bonus points if you go for a bold hue or print. Don't forget to pair this with the matching skirt.
For a Bodice or V-Shaped Corset: Begin straight across the bottom. Feed your left (white) lace through the back of the bottom-left grommet and the the right (black) lace through the back of the bottom-right grommet. Pull your lacing through until you have about the same length of lacing on both sides.
Many proponents of waist training suggest wearing a waist trainer for 8 or more hours a day. Some even recommend sleeping in one. Their justification for wearing one overnight is that the additional hours in the waist trainer maximize waist training benefits.
You can easily get a reduction of at least 3 to 4 inches in your waist after waist training for a couple of months. So, all you need to do is to follow the rules and keep on waist training continuously.
Grommets are much stronger than eyelets and used in situations that call for a more reinforced and longer lasting hold, such as permanent signage and heavy curtains or drapes.
Many OTR brands recommend a 2-3 inch wide lacing gap.
Like I said before: most OTR corsets are designed and made such that, if you wear the corset closed, then your internal waist will measure what it says on the label.
All corsets should be worn with a small gap of 1-2" at the back, for comfort over your spine. *Your natural waist measurement is the circumference around the smallest part of your middle, usually about 1-2" above the navel.
To achieve and enhance the separation of the bust, the "busk" was used. The busk was essentially a large rigid "Popsicle stick" shaped bone inserted into a casing down the center front of the corset. These busks were made from either wood, ivory, bone, or baleen and were often elaborately carved and given as gifts.
Does waist training or wearing corsets cause organ damage? Corsets worn for long periods of time and cinched very tightly can and often will redistribute organs (kidneys, liver, intestines) as seen in this MRI. It is important to note, however, that pregnancy has a similar effect on a woman's internal organs.
Over time, your corset can literally change the shape of your waist helping you to achieve an hourglass shape with consistency! You'll really notice a difference when you're laced up though, most people see a reduction in their natural waist of 3” or more with the right size corset for their figure.
The purpose of boning in a corset is to maintain vertical tension. Without boning, your corset would fall down (like most strapless dresses) and crumple around the waist (like your typical tube top).
An underbust corset sits just below the bust, and therefore does not offer support to the breasts. Underbusts are mostly worn as supportive undergarments and to reduce the size of the waist, but they can also be worn on top of clothing as a fashion statement.
Underbust Corsets. Underbust corsets begin right under the breasts (self-explanatory) and usually end at the beginning of your lap. DevianArt. Recommended for first time corset wearers is a black cotton underbust with detachable garters.
As a general guideline, you'll want about 5-8 yards of lacing for underbust corsets, and 7-10 yards for overbusts. How much will depend on how long the back of the corset is, how closely set the grommets are, how much reduction you achieve, and the overall size of the corset.
The lining material, if you're using a fancy fabric for your corset. 16 grommets (unless you're poking holes and binding them with thread) 2 yards of lacing--satin ribbon, shoelacing, whatever. 2 yards may seem long, but it makes it easier to get into the corset by yourself.
Panel: Each piece (or stack of pieces) of fabric, cut to a specific shape to create fit. Most corsets commonly have six panels on each side of the body.
Generally, grommets are spaced about 6 inches apart on center. The first and last grommet are inset the space needed for the return to the wall, and in front of the window at the leading edge. If there is a window frame, blinds or shades on the window, you will want the spacing to clear what is behind the rod.
Start lacing them criss-cross style, with the first lace going over and down into each eyelet, rather than coming up through the eyelets. Be sure to follow the same pattern exactly, so that the lace going to the right side is always under and the lace going to the left is always over (or vice versa).
What is a Thylacine? The Thylacine (Thylacinus cynocephalus: dog-headed pouched-dog) is a large carnivorous marsupial now believed to be extinct. It was the only member of the family Thylacinidae to survive into modern times. It is also known as the Tasmanian Tiger or Tasmanian Wolf.
The pattern should be in through the top of the eyelet, across the tongue, and then back in through the top of the eyelet on the other side. Make sure your laces are facing up as you work and keep consistent whether the lace coming from one side crosses over or under the lace coming from the other side.
Once you are comfortable, we recommend corseting for eight hours a day or more for the best results. If you start by wearing a corset for one hour a day and then add a half hour each day, you should feel comfortable wearing it all day after a few weeks. They key to get the most out of waist training is consistency.
And the short answer is: yes, absolutely! Corsets use firm compression to flatten your stomach, usually with steel boning, latex or other materials, giving your figure a classic hourglass silhouette. This flattening happens immediately and continuously for as long as you wear the corset.
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