How to Lace a Front Lacing Corset

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How to Lace a Front Lacing Corset

Not sure how to properly lace up your new French Meadows Corset? This post describes how to lace our front lacing corsets, bodices, or stays.

 Lacing a boned bodice, like a corset or a formal gown with a boned structure, requires a certain technique to ensure a secure and comfortable fit. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to lace a boned bodice.

Step 1: Prepare the bodice

Put on the boned bodice or corset with your arms through the shoulder straps. If your corset also has a lacing panel in the back, ensure the modesty panel (attached rectangular piece) is properly situated.

Step 2: Position the ribbon

Hold the lacing ribbon with both ends in your hands. You should begin with the ribbon on the bottom, and you will work your way to the top. Ensure you have even lengths of ribbon on both sides.

Thread one end of the lacing ribbon through the bottom grommet (the holes where the ribbon will pass through) on the right side of the bodice, from the inside to the outside.

Now, take the other end of the lacing ribbon and thread it through the bottom grommet on the left side, from the inside to the outside.

Pull both ends through until the ribbon is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Start lacing

  • Cross the right end of the lacing ribbon over to the left side, passing it over the top of the left ribbon.
  • Thread the right ribbon through the second grommet on the left side, from the outside to the inside.
  • Thread the left ribbon through the second grommet on the right side, from the outside to the inside.
  • Pull both ends through until it lays flat and no excess ribbon remains. Do not worry about tightening your corset yet, just focus on getting the ribbon through all the grommets.

Step 5: Repeat the lacing pattern

Continue to cross the ribbons and thread them through the grommets, working your way up the bodice in a diagonal criss-cross pattern. Periodically check your lacing in the mirror to ensure it's even and symmetrical.

Step 6: Add the Modesty Panel (optional)

Your bodice may have come with a modesty panel (rectangular piece of fabric which goes behind the corset lacing). If you’d like to wear this with your corset, insert it now. It should be placed behind the lacing and positioned evenly between the top and bottom of the corset.

Step 7: Tightening the corset

Working your way from the bottom to the top, begin pulling on the lacing ribbon much the same way you would tighten a shoe. Work your way up the corset bit by bit until the desired tightness and look is achieved.

Don’t be afraid to pull too hard on the lacing ribbon – it’s quite tough! The bodice should be snug but not so tight that it's uncomfortable or restricts your breathing. Listen to your body and only tighten the corset as comfortably as you want to. 

Step 8: Adjusting the shoulder straps

You may find that after tightening the corset, it sits a little bit higher or lower than your natural waist. You can reposition the bodice by untying the shoulder strap ribbons, positioning the corset at your natural waist, and retying them.

After adjusting the straps, you may need to tighten/loosen the corset again now that it is in the correct position.

Step 9: Finishing and tying off

When your bodice is tightened to your liking, tie a secure bow with the two lacing ends.

Tuck the remaining lengths of ribbon inside the bodice so they are not visible.

Et voilà! You're done!

Some helpful tips

There is no right or wrong way to lace our corsets. If you mess up or feel like you didn’t do it perfectly, you can always restart, or aim to do better next time. Remember that lacing a boned bodice can take some time and patience, especially if it has a lot of grommets. It may take some practice, but with time, you'll become more efficient at achieving the desired fit and look!

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