Care
Wearing
Care
Instructions
While we use many different materials to make
our garments, there are some basic rules of thumb to follow:
Whenever possible, spot wash your bodices, cinchers, and doublets. Hand wash
when necessary, but machine washing will shorten their life expectancy. Use cold
water only, and preferably a mild soap. Line dry - no heat.
All of the cotton and muslin garments can be machine
washed on cold and line dried, or air-only machine dried. They will shrink if
you use heat. Cotton and muslin garments can ironed as usual, but be cautious of
ironing other materials.
Your bodice is sturdy, and will last a long time with proper care. It will not
substitute for a corset however, and it’s life will be shortened if you cinch it
up that tightly. Therefore, we do recommend that you use a corset under your
bodice for that “extremely shaped” look.
When tying skirt and pant drawstring waists -do not pull the ties in opposite
directions - While we do reinforce the grommeted area of the casing, there is
still a possibility of tearing the fabric if you pull the strings in two
different directions.
For items that must be hemmed, we recommend washing
and drying them once before hemming. When you hem your skirt or chemise, be
certain to wear the shoes and any underpinnings that you will likely be wearing
with the outfit.
If you have questions about care of a specific garment please don't hesitate to
drop us a note!
Wearing
Instructions
For women's clothing, we’ve included here a
few notes just to help you along. Guys, we don't currently have any instructions
for your garments, but if the need arises, we'll be certain to add it - please
ask us any questions you might have!
For a more modest look, your chemise can be worn somewhat closer to the neck.
For a more daring look, pull your chemise down to just above the bust line after
you’ve laced the bodice. Your chemise can be worn on or off the shoulder as you
desire. If you have drawstring ties, they can be loosened or tightened as
needed.
The bodices are made to wear snugly - there is no need for a bra. If you want a
more busty appearance, you can use the bodice to “push up” you assets as you
tighten it. It’s most helpful to have someone help you tighten the laces.
Bodices are generally laced from the top to the bottom. Roll your shoulders
back, stand up tall, and pull down on the sides of your bodice as it is laced up
to get a proper fit. The bodice should come down over the skirt. It is most
traditional for a front laced bodice to show a separation between the front
panels when you are finished.
We've found that you get the best, and most
comfortable fit when you lace the bodice once, wear it around for a few minutes,
then tighten it again.
If you have a back lacing bodice with a modesty panel, tuck the modesty panel in
under the opposite back panel and smooth it out as you lace.
Your bodice is sturdy, and will last a long time with proper care. It will not
substitute for a corset however, and it’s life will be shortened if you cinch it
up that tightly. Therefore, we do recommend that you use a corset under your
bodice for that “extremely shaped” look.
Cinchers simply go around your waist - lacing in the back or the front,
depending on the style you purchased. The central point should be on the bottom.
If your dress came with bracers, you’ll want to lace them from the wrist up and
tie in a bow. It’s sometimes helpful to tuck the ends of the laces into the
bracer when you are finished - this keeps them out of trouble. The bracers are
worn over the chemise with just the cuff showing.
Tie the skirt waist to a comfortable tightness. Do not pull the ties in opposite
directions, or you may rip your skirt. If you choose to engage in an activity
where you find you are tripping on your skirts, there is a simple solution. Just
grab a pinch of the fabric about 6 inches down from the waist and tuck it into
your waist band.
To add a bit of variety to your wardrobe, try wearing
two skirts - tuck part of the upper skirt in, as described above to show off the
underskirt!
A split skirt simply ties around the waist - leave as
much of an opening in the front as you’d like.
