Quick Answer

Hand wash your corset in cool water with a gentle detergent, never wring or machine wash, and air dry flat away from heat. Store it flat or rolled in a breathable bag to preserve its shape and delicate materials.

Why Corset Care Differs from Regular Lingerie

Corsets rely on structured boning, sturdy fabrics, and precise stitching to hold their shape. Machine washing or harsh detergents can warp the boning, fray the fabric, and loosen the seams. Even a gentle cycle can cause irreversible damage. Hand washing is the only safe method for most corsets, especially those with satin, lace, or powernet components like the As Above So Below Ribbon or the Bodysuit from Nearer The Moon.

What You'll Need

Prepare a basin of cool or lukewarm water, a mild detergent formulated for delicates (free of bleach and enzymes), a clean towel, and a flat drying surface. Avoid fabric softeners, which can coat the fibers and reduce breathability.

Step-by-Step Corset Care

  1. Step 1: Prepare the Wash Bath: Fill a basin with cool or lukewarm water and add a small amount of gentle lingerie detergent. Swirl to dissolve. Do not use hot water, which can shrink or distort the fabric and boning. Checkpoint: Water should feel neutral to the touch, not warm or cold.
  2. Step 2: Submerge and Gently Agitate: Fully submerge the corset and gently press it underwater for 5–10 minutes. Do not rub, scrub, or twist. For stubborn spots, dab with a soft cloth dipped in the soapy water. Common mistake: Scrubbing or twisting can damage the boning and fabric.
  3. Step 3: Rinse Thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with cool, clean water. Submerge the corset and gently press to remove soap. Repeat until no suds remain. Residual detergent can irritate skin and attract dirt. Checkpoint: Rinse water should run clear.
  4. Step 4: Remove Excess Water: Lay the corset flat on a clean, dry towel. Roll the towel up gently to absorb moisture. Do not wring or twist the corset. Unroll and reshape the corset to its original form. Common mistake: Wringing can break boning and distort the silhouette.
  5. Step 5: Air Dry Flat: Place the corset on a drying rack or a fresh towel, away from direct sunlight, radiators, or tumble dryers. Flip it halfway through drying to ensure even airflow. Drying can take 24–48 hours depending on fabric thickness. Never hang a wet corset — gravity will stretch the fabric and pull the boning out of shape.
  6. Step 6: Store Flat or Rolled: Once fully dry, store the corset flat in a drawer or rolled loosely in a breathable cotton bag. Avoid hanging, as the weight of the boning can cause the shoulders or waist to stretch over time. Keep away from moisture and direct light. Checkpoint: Use a breathable bag, not plastic, to prevent mildew and fabric yellowing.

Products That Benefit from This Care

  • As Above So Below Ribbon: All Nether items should be hand washed with gentle detergents and never tumble dried. Fabric Composition: Satin Ribbon. The satin ribbon of this scarf is delicate and can snag or lose its sheen if machine washed. Hand washing preserves its smooth finish and embroidered details.
  • Bodysuit: Fully sheer powernet throughout with opaque gusset. High cut leg with thong back. Adjustable straps with gold-tone hardware. The powernet fabric and gold-tone hardware require gentle handling to avoid stretching the mesh or tarnishing the metal. Hand washing and flat drying keep the bodysuit fitting as intended.