[.how.]

• tightlacing/waist training - These terms are often used interchangeably and basically refer to someone who uses the corset as a tool for long term reduction of their waist size. Tightlacers wear their corset most, if not all the time. As a result of their back muscles becoming dependent on a corset, tightlacers need to take special care when they are out of their corsets not to injure themselves. Back strengthening exercises are highly recommended. Tightlacers also have to watch what they eat. Contrary to popular belief, you can eat while corsetted. You just can't gorge yourself. Frequent small meals are key. You will feel full faster. Carbonated beverages cause more gas while corsetted. Over eating in a corset can cause indigestion, whether you waist train or not. Tightlacers also take special care of their skin. Moisturizer and baby powder applied to your waist area before tightlacing are recommended, as are corset liners.
• fashion - People who use corsets for fashion are just as much enthusiasts as the tightlacers, though there are differences. Fashion corset users don't wear their corsets for extended periods, rather use them as part of an outfit. Therefore, their corsets don't need to be as strong or as durable. Fashion corset wearers should remember several things. Firstly, a corset liner is important in extending the life of your corset. Secondly, listen to your body. If your body isn't used to being corsetted, you won't be able to achieve the hourglass curves that a tightlacer would. Tighten the corset slowly over a long period of time and if it feels uncomfortable, stop tightening and/or loosen the laces some.
• costume - Corsets are a necessary part of some costumes and a cool addition to others. For historical costumers, corsets are necessary to give the proper shape. For victorian clothing, an underbust is essential. For tudor clothing, an elizabethan corset is essential. For non-historical costuming, the possibilities are endless. You could be a geisha girl, a superhero, a bug, a fairy, anything.

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[.accessories.]

• shrug - These are basically sleeves that you wear as an accent to the top part of the corset or as a great cover-up for the upper arm area.
• handbag/backpack - Just about any coordinating purse/bag will do, but these little corset handbags and backpacks from FairyGothMother are adorable, the perfect accessory to a tightly cinched waist! The bag is 8" tall (14" with handles) and 7" wide at its widest. The inside is about 3" deep.
• corset jewelry - What better way to dress up that plain back corset than with some stunning jewelry on it? .
• neck corsets - This is basically an awesome necklace. Its a corset like garment, complete with grommets, that goes around your neck.

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• clubs/bars - Why not expose your corsetted curves to the night life? Wearing a corset for a night out on the town can be a great part of a goth/cyber/punk/or any plain old sexy outfit. Just be prepared for compliments on your figure and people wanting to touch your waist.
• restaurants - Corsets can be a great way to prevent over eating at restaurants. You feel full faster so you're more likely to save some left over for later and maybe even skip dessert.
• cultural/art events - The opera, ballet, or any event like that are great opportunities to show off a corset outside your clothing. A matching overbust corset and skirt looks both classy and elegant. Go all out with with gloves and a fancy up do and you'll feel like the belle of the ball.
• anywhere/everywhere - Tightlacers wear their corsets mostly everywhere. Many times, the corset is invisible under clothing. Wearing a girdle and pulling it over the corset bottom helps eliminate any visible corset lines there and wearing a bra and pulling it down over the top of the edge of the corset helps eliminate that top line. Most people remove their corsets when traveling in airports and having to go through metal detectors. Others leave it on and say its a back brace.

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• corset liners - Whether you corset for fun, fashion, costume, or waist training, corset liners are a necessity. They save both your skin and the corset. Corset liners protect your skin from friction and pinching that a tight corset can cause. A custom made corset greatly reduces/eliminates pinching, but if you have an off the rack corset be prepared for some discomfort. Secondly, corset liners protect the corset from your skin. Sweat and oil secreted by our skin can quickly wear down the fabric and stitches of even the most finely made corsets.
• busk covers - A busk is the strip of metal present on the front of a most corsets that hooks it closed. Busks themselves are attractive, but sometimes you want a different look, thats when you get these. Think of button covers for your corset and you have the idea.
• corset handbag - Oh ok, so its not a necessary tool, but these little corset handbags and backpacks from FairyGothMother are adorable, the perfect accessory to a tightly cinched waist! The bag is 8" tall (14" with handles) and 7" wide at its widest. The inside is about 3" deep.
• corset hooks - Though not necessary to tightening or lacing a corset these nifty creations can greatly help the person doing the tightening. They can often be found on ebay either under the name corset hooks or boot hooks.
• lacisstant - A great aid for when you have to lace yourself in
• lock guard - Starkers and Bizarre Creations both offer corsets with locks built into them, but this is the first place I've seen a locking mechanism that you can switch to and attach to any corset.