Corset Care
AFTER WEARING
Allow your corset to air thoroughly after each wear.
Lay it flat or drape it gently over a suitable hanger in a dry, well-ventilated place. Keep it away from prolonged direct sunlight, radiators and other sources of heat.
Do not put a corset away while it is still damp from perspiration or moisture.
If the interior becomes particularly damp during wear, allow it to dry completely before storing.
CLEANING
Fae Skin corsets should not be machine washed or tumble dried.
The combination of structured construction, boning and silk makes immersion and mechanical washing unsuitable for most pieces.
For small marks, gently dab the affected area with a clean, slightly damp cloth.
Do not scrub, rub aggressively or soak the garment.
Because every Fae Skin piece may contain different textiles and construction methods, care requirements can vary. If you are unsure whether a particular cleaning method is suitable for your corset, contact the atelier before proceeding.
STEAMING & PRESSING
If your corset needs to be refreshed, gentle steaming can usually be used.
Keep the steamer at a safe distance from the fabric rather than pressing the nozzle directly against the garment. Take particular care around embroidery, metallic elements, appliqué and other embellishment.
For pressing, use the lowest appropriate temperature for the outermost fabric and place a clean pressing cloth between the iron and the corset.
Never iron directly over embellishment, embroidery, metallic trims or areas of delicate or uncertain textile.
When in doubt, don't press it. Contact the atelier first.
PROFESSIONAL CLEANING
Some corsets can be professionally cleaned, while others contain textiles or components for which dry cleaning is unsuitable.
There is no single cleaning method that applies to every Fae Skin piece.
If your corset requires a deeper clean, contact the atelier before taking it to a cleaner. I can advise you based on the particular textile and construction of your garment.
If you are unsure whether a particular cleaning method is suitable for your corset, please ask before proceeding.
STORAGE
Store your corset somewhere dry, clean and protected from prolonged sunlight.
Flat storage is generally preferable for heavier or more elaborately constructed pieces.
If you need to hang your corset, use a hanger that supports the garment appropriately rather than allowing its full weight to hang from narrow straps.
Avoid storing corsets tightly compressed, folded over sharp edges or beneath heavy objects.
For long-term storage, breathable fabric is preferable to plastic.
WEARING YOUR CORSET
A corset is designed to withstand tension, but the textile and decorative elements still deserve consideration.
Put the corset on and remove it carefully rather than pulling on decorative components, straps or trims.
When tightening a laced corset, distribute the tension gradually rather than forcing the lacing closed in one movement.
Do not use excessive force to achieve a smaller waist than the garment was designed to accommodate.
If something feels unusually tight, catches, strains or pulls, stop and reassess the fit.
A properly fitted corset should feel secure and supportive without requiring you to fight the garment.
RECLAIMED TEXTILES
Some Fae Skin corsets are made from fabrics that are decades old or have already had a previous life.
Small variations in colour, weave, fading or surface texture may therefore be part of the textile rather than signs of damage.
This is particularly true of vintage silks.
Treat these characteristics as part of the garment's material history, while remembering that older textiles can be more susceptible to abrasion, prolonged sunlight and harsh cleaning methods.
IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG
If a seam loosens, a fastening becomes damaged, boning shifts or you notice another structural problem, stop wearing the corset until it has been assessed.
Please contact the atelier at atelier@faeskin.com and include photographs where possible.
Do not attempt extensive repairs yourself unless you are confident working with corsetry construction. An apparently small alteration can affect the balance or tension of the garment.
Fae Skin pieces are made to be worn. They are also made to be looked after.
When in doubt, ask before cleaning, repairing or altering the garment.