The $90 dress was hanging in my closet. It was a beautiful, vintage-style dress with a fitted bodice and a full skirt. I had bought it for a wedding two years ago, and it fit perfectly. But when I tried it on last month, it didn’t fit anymore. It was two inches too tight around the ribcage. Not a huge difference, but enough to make the zipper impossible to close.
I took it to a tailor. The quote was $60 to let it out. That was almost as much as I paid for the dress. I couldn’t justify it.
Then I remembered a trick I had seen on a costume design blog: adding a corset-style back lacing to a dress that’s too tight. It’s a way to resize a garment without cutting it open and sewing it back together. You remove the zipper, add grommets, and lace it up with ribbon. The result is a custom fit that looks intentional and expensive.
I tried it. I removed the zipper, added grommets, and threaded a $2 ribbon through the back. The dress fit perfectly. It looked like a designer piece. And I had saved $58.
This is the complete guide to the $2 ribbon corset hack. The technique. The no-sew version. The mistakes. And why you should never, ever pay a tailor $60 to resize a dress that’s only slightly too tight.
Jump Links
- The $90 Dress That Was Two Inches Too Tight
- Why the Ribbon Corset Hack Works (And Why Tailors Hate It)
- What You Actually Need (Under $5)
- Step-by-Step: How to Add Back-Lacing to a Dress
- The “No-Sew” Version (Using Fabric Glue and Grommets)
- How to Tie the Laces (The Corset Knot)
- Customizing Your Lacing (Colors, Widths, and Styles)
- My Biggest Mistakes (So You Don’t Make Them)
- What to Do If the Dress Is Still Too Tight
- The Math: What I Saved in One Year
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Final Thoughts: Your Dress, Your Rules
The $90 Dress That Was Two Inches Too Tight
Let me describe the dress and why this hack was the perfect solution.
The dress: A vintage-style midi dress with a fitted bodice, a full skirt, and a back zipper. The fabric was a thick, non-stretch cotton blend. The zipper was a standard invisible zipper that ran from the nape of the neck to the waist.
The problem: The dress was two inches too tight around the ribcage. The zipper would close at the waist and at the neck, but it would pop open in the middle. There was no stretch, so the dress simply didn’t fit.
The tailor’s solution: Let out the side seams. That would require removing the lining, adding fabric, and re-sewing the seams. The quote was $60.
The DIY solution: Remove the zipper, add grommets, and lace it up with ribbon. The result is an adjustable fit that accommodates any size variation. The cost was about $2 for the ribbon and $3 for the grommets. Total: $5.
What a costume designer told me: “Corset lacing is the oldest trick in the book for resizing garments. It’s adjustable, it’s forgiving, and it looks intentional. Tailors don’t suggest it because it’s a DIY technique, not a tailoring technique.”
Why the Ribbon Corset Hack Works (And Why Tailors Hate It)
The ribbon corset hack works because it converts a fixed-size garment into an adjustable-size garment. Here’s how.
The problem with fixed closures: A zipper or a row of buttons provides a fixed circumference. If the dress is too tight, the zipper won’t close. If it’s too loose, it gapes. There’s no flexibility.
The advantage of lacing: Lacing provides an adjustable circumference. You can tighten it for a snug fit or loosen it for a relaxed fit. It accommodates small fluctuations in weight, posture, and body shape.
Why tailors don’t suggest it: Tailors are trained to alter garments using traditional methods: taking in seams, letting out seams, adding darts, and replacing zippers. Lacing is a costume technique, not a tailoring technique. It’s faster, cheaper, and more forgiving, but it’s not part of a tailor’s standard toolkit.
What a seamstress told me: “Lacing is a great solution for a dress that’s slightly too tight. It’s not appropriate for formal tailoring, but for a casual or vintage-style dress, it works beautifully.”
What You Actually Need (Under $5)
You don’t need much to do this hack. Here’s the complete list.
Essential items:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Ribbon (1/2 inch to 1 inch wide, at least 2 yards long) | $2 |
| Grommets (also called eyelets) and a grommet setting tool | $3 |
| Seam ripper (to remove the zipper) | $1 |
| Scissors | $0 (already have) |
| Chalk or a fabric marker | $0 (already have) |
| Total | ~$6 |
Where to find grommets: Craft stores (Joann, Michaels, Hobby Lobby), fabric stores, and online (Amazon). A basic grommet kit costs $5 to $10 and includes the grommets and the setting tool. You can also buy individual grommets if you only need a few.
What kind of ribbon to use: Satin ribbon, grosgrain ribbon, or velvet ribbon. Satin is the most common choice because it’s smooth and slides easily through the grommets. Avoid sheer ribbons or ribbons that fray easily.
What a crafter told me: “The ribbon is the star of this project. Choose a color that complements the dress, or go for a bold contrast. A black dress with a red ribbon looks incredible.”
Step-by-Step: How to Add Back-Lacing to a Dress
Here’s the exact process I use. It takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the dress and the number of grommets.
Step 1: Remove the zipper.
Using a seam ripper, carefully remove the zipper from the dress. Work slowly to avoid damaging the fabric. Remove all the stitches and the zipper tape.
Step 2: Mark the grommet placement.
Measure the length of the opening. Mark where you want the grommets. Space them about 1 inch apart. Mark both sides of the opening. Use chalk or a fabric marker.
Step 3: Create the holes.
Using an awl or a small hole punch, create a small hole at each mark. The hole should be just large enough for the grommet to fit through. Be careful not to tear the fabric.
Step 4: Set the grommets.
Place a grommet in each hole. Using the grommet setting tool, press the grommet firmly into place. Make sure it’s secure and flat against the fabric.
Step 5: Thread the ribbon.
Cut a piece of ribbon that’s at least twice as long as the opening. Starting at the bottom, thread the ribbon through the grommets in a crisscross pattern. Go up one side, cross over to the other side, and continue up.
Step 6: Tie the laces.
Once the ribbon is threaded through all the grommets, tie it in a bow at the top or bottom. Adjust the tightness until the dress fits comfortably.
Step 7: Finish the ends.
Trim the ends of the ribbon to prevent fraying. You can also melt the ends with a lighter (if it’s a synthetic ribbon) or apply a small amount of fray check.
What a crafter told me: “The grommets are the most important part. If they’re not set properly, they’ll pull out of the fabric. Take your time and make sure they’re secure.”
The “No-Sew” Version (Using Fabric Glue and Grommets)
If you don’t want to set grommets, you can use a no-sew version with fabric glue and ribbon loops. Here’s how.
Step 1: Remove the zipper.
Same as the sewn version.
Step 2: Create ribbon loops.
Cut small pieces of ribbon (about 1 inch long). Fold them in half to create a loop. Glue the ends of the loop to the inside of the dress opening. Space them about 1 inch apart.
Step 3: Let the glue dry.
Let the glue dry completely (usually 24 hours).
Step 4: Thread the ribbon.
Thread a long piece of ribbon through the loops in a crisscross pattern. Tie it at the top or bottom.
Step 5: Test the fit.
Try on the dress and adjust the tightness. If the loops feel weak, reinforce them with a few stitches.
What a crafter told me: “The no-sew version is faster, but it’s not as durable. If you plan to wear the dress often, set grommets. If it’s for a one-time event, glue is fine.”
How to Tie the Laces (The Corset Knot)
The way you tie the laces matters. Here’s the classic corset knot.
The crisscross pattern: Thread the ribbon through the grommets in a crisscross pattern. Go up one side, cross over to the other side, and continue up. This creates the classic corset look.
The bow: Once the ribbon is threaded through all the grommets, tie it in a bow at the top or bottom. The bow should be secure but not too tight.
The adjustable fit: To tighten the dress, pull the ends of the ribbon. To loosen it, loosen the laces. You can adjust the fit as needed.
What a costume designer told me: “The crisscross pattern is the most flattering. It draws the eye up and creates a beautiful silhouette. It’s also the easiest to adjust.”
Customizing Your Lacing (Colors, Widths, and Styles)
Here are a few ways to make your lacing even better.
Choose a contrasting color. A black dress with a red ribbon, a white dress with a navy ribbon, or a floral dress with a solid ribbon. The contrast makes the lacing stand out.
Use a wider ribbon. A wider ribbon (1 inch or more) creates a bolder, more dramatic look. A narrower ribbon (1/2 inch) creates a more delicate, subtle look.
Add a decorative bow. Instead of a simple bow, add a decorative bow with multiple loops or a long tail. It adds a feminine, romantic touch.
Use a ribbon with a pattern. A striped ribbon, a polka-dot ribbon, or a velvet ribbon adds texture and interest.
What a crafter told me: “The best part of this hack is that you can make it your own. Choose a ribbon that matches your personality and your style.”
My Biggest Mistakes (So You Don’t Make Them)
I made plenty of mistakes when I first started doing this. Learn from me.
Mistake #1: Setting the grommets too close to the edge.
I set the grommets too close to the edge of the fabric. They pulled out after a few wears. Leave at least 1/2 inch of fabric between the grommet and the edge.
Mistake #2: Not using interfacing.
The fabric was thin, and the grommets tore through it. Iron a small piece of interfacing onto the back of the fabric before setting the grommets. It reinforces the area.
Mistake #3: Using a ribbon that was too short.
I cut the ribbon too short, and it didn’t reach the top of the dress. Always cut the ribbon at least twice as long as the opening.
Mistake #4: Not removing the zipper properly.
I tore the zipper out and damaged the fabric. Use a seam ripper and work slowly.
Mistake #5: Setting the grommets in a straight line.
I set the grommets in a straight line, but the dress needed a curved line to fit properly. Follow the natural curve of the opening.
Mistake #6: Not reinforcing the lacing.
I didn’t reinforce the lacing, and the dress gaped at the top. Add a hook and eye closure at the top of the lacing to keep it secure.
Mistake #7: Expecting a perfect, tailored fit.
Lacing is adjustable, but it’s not tailored. It’s a DIY solution, not a professional alteration. Embrace the imperfections.
What to Do If the Dress Is Still Too Tight
If the dress is still too tight after lacing, here are a few solutions.
Add a panel. If the dress is significantly too tight, you can add a panel of coordinating fabric behind the lacing. This provides extra coverage and allows for more adjustment.
Use a corset back extender. You can buy a corset back extender (a piece of elastic or fabric with hooks) to add extra length to the lacing.
Wear shapewear. If the dress is tight in the waist or hips, shapewear can smooth the silhouette and make the dress fit more comfortably.
Consider a different dress. If the dress is more than two inches too tight, it might not be the right candidate for this hack. A tailor or a different dress might be a better solution.
What a seamstress told me: “Lacing is a great solution for a dress that’s slightly too tight. If it’s significantly too tight, it’s not the right solution. Know when to stop.”
The Math: What I Saved in One Year
Let me break down the actual dollars.
If I went to a tailor:
| Item | Cost | How Often | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tailor (to let out a dress) | $60 | Once | $60 |
What I actually spend:
| Item | Cost | How Often | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ribbon | $2 | Once | $2 |
| Grommets and tool | $3 | Once | $3 |
| Total | $5 |
Savings: $55
Over 5 years: $275
And I have a one-of-a-kind dress that fits perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I do this hack on any dress?
It works best on dresses with a back zipper and a fitted bodice. It’s not ideal for dresses with a side zipper or a stretchy fabric. It’s also not appropriate for formal gowns or structured garments.
2. Do I need a sewing machine?
No. You can do this hack with hand-sewing tools or the no-sew version with fabric glue. A sewing machine makes it faster, but it’s not required.
3. How many grommets do I need?
It depends on the length of the opening. Space the grommets about 1 inch apart. For a 10-inch opening, you’ll need about 10 grommets on each side.
4. What kind of ribbon works best?
Satin ribbon, grosgrain ribbon, or velvet ribbon. Satin is the most common because it’s smooth and slides easily through the grommets. Avoid sheer ribbons or ribbons that fray easily.
5. Can I wash the dress after adding lacing?
Yes, but gently. Hand wash in cold water with a mild detergent. Air dry. Don’t put it in the dryer—the heat can damage the ribbon and the grommets.
6. What if the dress is still too tight?
If the dress is significantly too tight (more than two inches), this hack might not be enough. You can add a panel of fabric behind the lacing, or consider a tailor.
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Final Thoughts: Your Dress, Your Rules
The $90 dress is hanging in my closet. It’s no longer too tight. It’s laced up, adjustable, and one-of-a-kind. And I made it work for $5.
The $5 routine:
- Remove the zipper
- Mark the grommet placement
- Create the holes
- Set the grommets
- Thread the ribbon
- Tie the laces
- Adjust the fit
That’s it. A custom-fit dress for less than the price of a coffee.
I’ve been doing this for three years. My dresses fit perfectly. My wallet is happy. And I’ve saved hundreds of dollars.
That’s not cheap. That’s smart.
That’s the frugal glow. And it’s waiting for you in your closet. 👗💛
*For more DIY fashion tutorials, upcycling ideas, and money-saving style guides, visit The Frugal Glow.*
