Blisters from my corset?

[Orphena]

So, I was in Michigan for labour day, and it was quite humid - not as bad as it has been in past years, but still...

After 2 days in my corset, wearing either linen or 100% cotton shirts underneath, I have discovered I earned myself a few blisters from my corset...

Anyone else expereinced this? Any way to avoid it? I have another faire to attend in about 3 weeks!

[isabelladangelo]

How tight do you lace your corset?  It might be from the corset not being tight enough and your body is rubbing up against the corset.

Are the blisters on your hips or near another joint?  If so, again, the movement issue.   However, it might also be a "weight" issue.  If you have a dress that can be weighed in stones (14 lbs each), then it might just be too much weight on the corset itself. 

[gem]

Ouch!!

I once got a blister under my bra strap (shoulder) while running. I scavenged the padded straps from another bra and sewed them securely on, and never had another problem. Is there anywhere you can add a little extra cushion? Also, we have used Bandaid/Dr. Scholl's Blister Block pads on our feet for years. They're fabulous! I don't see any reason you couldn't put them almost anywhere (they come in different sizes). I have no experience with the following suggestion, but several products appeared when I searched "Blister Block" on Amazon--evidently there are new blister-blocking rubs/ointments that might be worth a try.

[Orphena]

Thanks for your quick replies, ladies! As I made a new bodice, we actually laced the bottom of the corset (technically  pair of bodies, but you'll forgive the "common" terminology) tighter than usual to ensure a better fit of the new bodice. I do tend to lace to the point that I am very well supported, with some of the squish being better distributed, but I never lace to the point that I am unable to enjoy my day!

The blisters are mostly on my sides, between hip and waist, where my tabs begin. Although my gown does have some weight to it, it is only a little heavier than the original version.

[isabelladangelo]

It's probably from raising your arms.  I know that sounds strange, but as you raise your arms, your torso constricts more, causing "air" between you and the corset - particularly where the tabs are.  This will cause some blistering or bruising.  The weight doesn't help either.   Sometimes loosening the corset at the waist can help - less of a constricting difference between the hips and weight area so you don't have as much skin trying to escape.  However, it can also make it worse.  Unfortunately, all you can really do is play with it and see what works if you plan on moving around a lot. 

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

I was having similar issues in the back above the waist with my corset too.  I had too much "squishy flesh" going on. I was too fat where I should not have been.

I have since solved that problem by going back to Weight Watchers  since 3 June and have lost 25 1/4 pounds by eating sensibly, working out  with weights to build and tone muscle, and walking 20 miles a week. Now my corset can be tightly laced and feel great on me. I will need to make a new Corset for Next Season or sooner for sure. My garb fits better as well now. NEW garb next year.

[DonaCatalina]

You might also have a spot where the fabrics join where the grain is at opposing angles so it works a little like sand paper when you are sweaty and raising your arms up and down. You could try making yourself a 'tube of cotton to wear just around your waist to give you a smoother layer of fabric in that area.

[Irma]

Huzzah to Lady Kathleen.

[gem]

I agree, well done--but let's not jump to the conclusion that Orphena should lose weight, please. 

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Huzzah to Lady Kathleen.

Thank you, Irma!

29 3/4 pounds down now as of yesterday with a weekend of festing, feasting, and walking a mile from the car to the front gate at faire.

There's definitely less SQUISH to SQUASH in the Corset.

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Huzzah to Lady Kathleen.

Thank you, Irma.

I am down 29 3/4 pounds now. There is definitely less squish to squash in the Corset. even all the way tight, it is loose. Not that I am complaining, mind you! 

[Rowan MacD]

  A quick. temporary fix might be to use an elastic bandage over that area-If it will stay in place.
  If not, use the wide fabric adhesive sports tape on your skin.  I have used it to prevent blisters in shoes, and I know fighters who use it under armor pads when they chafe.   Since the tape also helps the garment to slide over that area with out catching, that might help with bruising.

 

[Adriana Rose]

I know a lot of ladies that that wear tight tank tops under their corsets. It helps for fast change out at the end of the day and if there is a ton of sweat it helps wick it away.

[Tink]

  A quick. temporary fix might be to use an elastic bandage over that area-If it will stay in place.
  If not, use the wide fabric adhesive sports tape on your skin.  I have used it to prevent blisters in shoes, and I know fighters who use it under armor pads when they chafe.   Since the tape also helps the garment to slide over that area with out catching, that might help with bruising.

I was having problems with my Moresca half bodice causing blisters where the front points would dig in, so I used the adhesive sports tape wherever I had gotten blisters previously.  As long as I remembered to tape before dressing, I had no problems.