Lacing vs Tightlacing


Some corset wearers, past and present, engage in "Tightlacing or "Figure training". This is a training procedure by which the figure is gradually molded and reduced over a period of months by continuous wear and gradually adapting to increased levels of constriction. Usually 4" is mentioned as the transition from moderate corseting to tightlacing, but in reality this varies with muscle tone, general build and the desire to tight lace. The continuous pressure allows the body adapt and conform to the corset shape. Over time, this adaptation allows the corset to be worn tighter with the same comfort level . The cycle of tightening and adaptation is repeated over the span of weeks, months or even years. The gradual shaping is accepted naturally without adversely affecting health, similar to a pregnancy. Modern day tightlacers confirm that  good results come faster by wearing the corset as many hours in the day as possible, minimizing the "out of the corset" time.
The degree of tightness is usually moderate and never extremely tight. The 4" number reflects this. Although it is possible for some to pull in 8", it would be difficult to endure for 24hrs in a day. Of course, there are some who have grown accustomed to tightlacing and over time have learned to tolerate the greater reductions for long periods of time.

Rather than interpreting tightness, which is subjective, consideration of proportions is far more important.
For example: an average modern 40-30-40 figure can lace down 4 inches to a 26" waist and cause a similar proportional effect as a 34-26-34 laced to 23" waist. Both would be considered moderate lacing. By taking in five or six inches from the natural 26" waist it would be considered tightlacing and probably will require accustomization or training. Muscle tone, general build and tolerance for constriction very a great deal from person to person, and even day to day there may be variations on the same person. But in general two to four inches is considered moderate lacing, and four, five or more the beginning of tightlacing. There is some obsession with numbers, small numbers for the waist, but regardless of it being eighteen or twenty four, all that matters is that the wearer feels comfortable and that proportions and posture are improved.


For general use, corsets are and were laced moderately tight, and anyone who has worn one during a wedding, festival or other, knows how comfortable they are, if properly made and laced!

In the past, women tightlaced usually to adhere to the ruling dress code or to prepare for marriage. One explanation for the willingness to tightlace however, was and still is, the pleasant sensations that are experienced from compressing the middle and abdomen, as anyone who has ever over-tightened a wide belt may have experienced. The sensation is often described as a "comforting bear hug". Then there is the extra attention the wearer receives by pretending a degree of suffering that has made past women into martyrs. Modern wearers report that tight corsets are restrictive but most certainly not painful. On the other hand, improperly laced or some off-the-rack, but also poorly designed corsets, can be very uncomfortable, and some ladies in the past may very well have suffered! Novice wearers sometimes lace too tight too quickly and are turned off ! While on the other hand, well made corsets are as a consequence comfortable and supportive, and more so than girdles or very tight jeans.

Research such as from Valerie Steele, and L.I.S.A, and others, confirms that if properly used, health risks are not associated with the practice, and that wearing corsets, even very tight corsets, is safe.
At present there are so many examples of all the degrees of corset wearing that it is safe to assert that they do not adversely affect anyone's short or long term health. The infamous "tightlace liver" turned out to be a natural phenomenon, called "Riedel's lobe", and exists in individuals who have never worn corsets. A study of 19th and 20th century genealogy shows how tightlacing women outlived their husbands by many years. We have now come to realize that this is in part because the practice promotes healthier eating habits.