How to keep her loved.

A corset, properly cared for, will outlast the romance that bought her. Treat yours with the deference she earns.

Lacing in

Loosen the back fully before stepping in. Hook the busk starting from the bottom — bottom hook first, every time, no exceptions, this is a matter of grain. Settle the corset on your waist, then pull each loop of the back lacing in sequence, top to bottom, with deliberate small tugs. There is no rush. The corset wants to be eased; force her and she will pucker for the rest of her life.

Cleaning

• Never machine wash. Never. We mean it.
• Spot-clean satin and silk with a damp cloth and a breath of mild soap.
• Coutil bases air out beautifully on a wooden hanger — wool, ideally — overnight after wear.
• Dry-clean only when the spot-cleanings have lost their dignity. Find a cleaner who knows boning.

Storage

Hung, never folded. In a wardrobe that breathes. Away from direct sun, which will fade silk faster than gossip.