Corset
Care

First of all, if you have any interest in making your own corset, there is a site that will generate a corset pattern for you if you enter your measurements. And, it's free. Find it here. But be forewarned, boning isn't easy for beginners. I'm still learning myself.

When buying a corset, choose one that is about two to four inches smaller than you. If you can completely close the gap after lacing up, the corset is too big.

The first tip in caring for your corset is to always wear something under the corset, even if you want to wear it as your complete top. Wearing something underneath will help keep the corset clean. You're going to sweat and have natural oils that you want to keep off of the corset. Don't wear your corset daily. With more time in between wearings, the cleaner it will stay.

For the outside, it's a good idea to treat the fabric with Scotch Guard or leather protector. This will protect against spills, weather, etc.

Air out your corset after wearing. If there is any smell, Fabreeze will take it out. Fabreeze is a miracle! If you need to wash the corset, it all depends on the fabric. Listen to the maker of the corset on that subject. Some of mine are hand wash in gentle soap, and hang dry. But those are my vintage ones. They were made to be washed because the were worn as underwear. Today's method of cleaning corsets is to have them dry cleaned. Clean as a last resort. With patent leather, use a damp, soft rag to clean. They also sell polish that will keep it shiny.

Fasten first, lace second. To lace your corset, start at the top and work to the middle, and then from the bottom to the middle. This will help lengthen the life of your corset. Also, loosen the lacing before unfastening whatever fasteners you have (zipper, hooks, etc.)

Don't share corsets. Because of how tightly corsets are worn, they shape to your body. It's like sharing a pair of shoes, you will always feel the other persons feet while walking in them and it's not very comfortable.