Moulding the stays
Before adjusting the corset it is necessary to take care of the ends of the Spirella stays and the flat bones which the corset contains, including the back-wire and front clasp, so that none of the ends may protrude in an ugly line which will show through the outer clothing. To do this take the front clasp firmly in your hands, holding it between the two lower hooks, and bend the lower end so that it will curve toward the body when the corset is on, being careful that each side is moulded alike, as otherwise the hooks would come unfastened. It should not be necessary to mould the ends of the clasp above the waist line, but if the shoulders droop in the sitting position, this must be done to prevent the corset from pushing in at the breast bone. Grasp the clasp firmly at the waist line, holding the corset wrong side toward you, and bend the clasp outward, being careful that each side is moulded alike.
The back-wires should be moulded in towards the wearer's body at the top and the bottom but should not be moulded at the waist line. The Spirella stays along the top of the corset should be bent inward about one inch from the top of the stays, towards the wearer's body, giving them a decided little "nip" so that they will remain as moulded. Spirella will not take a permanent bend outward, but can be made to take a permanent shaping towards the body.
The long Spirella stays sometimes need moulding inward toward the body at the bottom to prevent their wearing through at the lower edge. Moulding the stays protects the garment as well as gives a smooth outline to the figure. When the ends of the stays are moulded, they are less likely to wear through the material. This is especially true under the arm.
It would be well to practice moulding the stays on an old corset so that when you do it in the presence of a customer you can handle the corset confidently, thus inspiring confidence in her.
