Overview
When you look at the tight lacing on the back of a corset dress, it looks like it takes a lot of time, effort and know how to lace up. But, it's actually quite simple if you know what you're doing. A corset style dress is slenderizing and looks great on just about any type of figure, so got for it if you're on the fence about trying one on. These dresses are available in Renaissance styles and are an option in some wedding gowns, too. You'll need a friend to lace up the back after you slip the dress on.
1.
Slip the ribbon that comes with the corset dress in the left-side topmost loop at the back, then bring it horizontally across and put it through the topmost right-side loop. Step back and pull the ribbon until it looks like you have to two equal lengths hanging down both sides.
2.
Take the ribbon hanging down the right side and put it in the second loop down from the top on the left side.
3.
Cross the ribbon back over to the right side, skip a loop and put it in the third loop down from the top (on the right side). Don't worry about tightening up just yet, that comes later.
4.
Cross the ribbon back over to the left side, skip a loop and put it through the next one down the back. Cross it over to the right, skip a loop and put it in the next one down. Get the idea? Keep doing this until you're slightly over halfway down the back.
5.
Pick up the ribbon hanging down the left. Cross it over to the right and pull it through the open loop. Cross it over to the left and put it through the open loop. Repeat until you get down to where you left off with the right side ribbon. Your corset back should now be fully laced just a little over halfway down your back. It will look like a series of "Xs"
6.
Focus on the top part of the corset now. Grab each side of the ribbon on the second "X" from the top and pull outward, away from the dress. This is important. Pulling up, or down will make adjustment harder, so pull out. And pull until the torso of the dress feels tight and snug.
7.
Pull on the the sides of the next "X" down, until the "X" above it is tight. Continue this pattern all the way down to the laced portion of the back to tighten the corset.
8.
When you've tightened up the laced part, continue lacing the dress all the way down to the bottom, like you did in the previous steps. Cross the right side over to the left, skipping a loop and then lace the left side through the loops you skipped.
9.
Now, for the final adjustment. Start at the top again, grabbing the second "X" and pull it outward. Go down the rest of the dress, pulling on each "X" as you go, to tighten, until you get to the bottom. At first this process is slow going, but once your friend gets the hang of it, she can do it in a matter of minutes.
Make sure you communicate with your friend as she tightens the corset. If it feels too tight, tell her to ease up a bit. A too tight corset can result in discomfort at the least, and fainting or breathing problems at the most.
