The difference between corsets and waist trainers
Though all the waist tightening and shaping options can seem similar, there are many differences between corsets and waist trainers. It is important to understand the difference before deciding so you can align your purchase with your goals.
Corsets and waist trainers can be used together to achieve the look you desire or individually if the goal is specific to one or the other. The terms waist cincher and waist trainer are used to define the shaping garments that target the midsection area specifically. This is where a corset is extremely different. A waist cincher will take an inch or two from your waistline while you are wearing it where as a corset is going to achieve the look immediately by squeezing you in. We will jump into the distinct differences between a corset and a waist trainer so you can decide what is right for you.
Style
The styles vary due to the purpose, a corset fits around your midsection and can be overbust or underbust. The goal of the corset is less waist shaping and more focused on giving you a figure you want for certain occasions or on a daily basis. Corsets are more curvy and can fit a variety of different figures.
Waist trainers are meant to be under your clothing or worn in private and can have fun prints and styles. The goal of trainers are to tighten your core and help improve your posture influencing the hourglass look that helps stretch out your midsection.
The way they are tightened
Waist trainers work over time because they can be tightened using the laces, whereas a waist cincher do not because the closure on a trainer has only eyes and hooks and not laces. You will need to purchase a new cincher if you lose or gain too much weight because it can only be loosened or tightened minimally depending on how many rows of hooks and eyes the cincher has. Typically corsets are tightened by fastening the front and then cinching the corset by tightening the laces in the back.
Construction
Steel boned corsets are constructed from a strong, yet flexible fabric including leather, satin and mesh. Then they are reinforced with steel boning that is flexible enough to move but still firm to tighten, this gives the corset great strength for pulling in your waist and accentuating the curve of your hips and bustline. Most cinchers are made from a combination of nylon and latex or spandex, some with plastic or steel boning. If you carry your weight in your belly, they can help give you more of a waistline, but not the same hourglass curves as a corset.
Effectiveness
If you’re seriously considering waist training, we suggest using a corset. Corsets are sturdier, and designed to pull your waist line in over time versus all at once with a cincher, this makes a waist training with a corset a more natural process. That said, waist cinchers and trainers can be used as part of your waist training routine as well.
Depending on if you want quick results that are immediate due to the shaper or long term results after waist training will help you make the best decision. Corsets represent stiff clothing which supports and give shape for the torso. Waist cinchers are genuine corsets which looks like a belt and are a bit shorter. Check out our page on the best waist trainers once you decide what option is best for you.