Corsets, cinchers, trainers, trimmers – where to start? There are hundreds of different products out there, many with multiple descriptions in their titles! We give you the ultimate guide to the differences between the products and what will suit your waist shaping efforts best:
Waist Trainers
These can also be referred to as sports or workout waist trainers, and are made from a band of material with multiple rows of hook and eye fastenings. This is so you can increase how much you cinch yourself in as you lose inches. Waist trainers are usually made from latex or rubber, although some are made from softer materials. Don’t worry though, as they do have nice super smooth cotton linings to avoid nasty chafing or excess sweating. They have integrated boning, but are less restrictive to movement than a traditional corset. This is why they are very popular for wearing whilst exercising or for long periods of time (or even sleeping in). Due to the fabric composition, you will be looking at hand washing. The most popular brands include Esbelt and Ann Chery.
Waist Trimmers
These products are not specifically designed to give you an hourglass figure (as waist trainers, corsets and cinchers). However they will help towards a slimmer waist, as they promote burning more calories in your heat, basically by heating it! They work to imitate a sauna, helping you to lose fat and water as you work out. They can also be effective at providing support for your back. Waist trimmers are usually made form neoprene and come with velcro fastening so you can pull yourself in as tight as you want. Be warned though, you will need to wash them regularly due to the sweat factor!
Traditional Corsets
A traditional corset has bones (now made of steel rather than whale bones), with hook and eye fastening at the front and lacing at the back. This is for ‘tightlacing’ – as youtighten the laces over time, the boning gradually contorts your ribcage to the hourglass shape of the corset The boning is key to how the corset works as it allows the corset to keep its shape when it is pulled in tighter and tighter. Tightlacing is really not for the faint-hearted and is a long term commitment that shouldn’t be taken lightly!
Waist Cinchers
Similar to a corset but with a fixed ‘size’ so quicker (and easier) for when you need an instant solution. Waist cinchers don’t have inegrated boning, but rely on the nature of the fabric to provide firm or extra firm control. They are available as a one piece item which you pull on / off, or as a ‘band’ secured by one row of hook and fastening or a zip. Popular brands include Miraclesuit. You can also buy a torsette cincher, which is a waist cincher with added straps, but with space to wear your own bra, giving you a more streamlined silhouette at the back under slinky fabrics.
Leave a reply