Waist Training Before and After: What Results to Expect

The concept of waist training was developed in the late 16th century through the introduction of corsetry where women wore corsets in an attempt reshape and resize their waists. The hourglass figure is one that was popular in Victorian times, with corsets being designed to help accentuate a woman’s figure.

However, it has enjoyed a bit of a revival lately. This is partly down to celebrities like the Kardashians showing off their curvy figures all over the internet.

You don’t have to wear an old-fashioned corset though that does more damage than good, or one that requires help to put on. Ain’t nobody got time for that!

There are things you should take into consideration first. Knowing what before and after results are realistic is a good idea before deciding if waist training is right for you.

What is a waist trainer?

A waist trainer is a garment that makes your waist look smaller while you wear it. The effect is temporary, whatever style you choose.

Some waist trainers act as corsets and keep everything tightly in shape to give you more of an hourglass silhouette. These will change the appearance of your waist without really doing much else.

Other waist trainers, often the latex ones, are marketed as reshaping your body over time.

Cleveland Clinic says slimming your waist this way over time isn’t really possible, and the effect fades once the garment comes off.

Bear in mind that it’s near-impossible for your stomach to shrink based on wearing one of these alone.

Your body fat may appear to have vanished, but it’s only been squeezed and pushed around.

Unlike with undergoing a liquid diet for weight loss, these products aren’t designed to help you lose weight so will only work to shift your body around and create new shapes.

The best way to use your waist trainer is in conjunction with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise. Wearing one during hard exercise isn’t a good idea, since tight compression can make it harder to breathe deeply.

Make sure you’re staying hydrated, and immediately remove it if you experience any breathing difficulties!

Some people find the support helps them sit up straighter while it’s on. Constant compression can weaken your core muscles, though, so it isn’t a fix for back problems.

Any lasting change in your waist comes from diet and exercise, not the trainer.

Who is waist training for?

Waist training isn’t for everyone. You can buy waist cinchers and corsets in a huge range of sizes and styles, so there’s something for everyone.

These are for women who want the appearance of a smaller waist – you won’t actively lose weight just by wearing one.

That requires some extra effort, unfortunately. If you’re already working on changing your body, a waist trainer is a cosmetic extra; it won’t speed up fat loss.

Ideally, you’ll be pretty active and eat a balanced diet – this will encourage your body to lose weight while you’re working on changing its silhouette, too.

If you have any existing medical conditions, waist training is not for you. Not until you’ve consulted your doctor, at least!

Long-term compression can push on your liver, kidneys and other organs, make breathing harder and worsen acid reflux.

Short, occasional wear is the lower-risk way to use one: a couple of hours for an event, never overnight. If you have any medical conditions, using a waist trainer could make things worse.

Waist training is for people who have realistic expectations and want to make their waist look smaller, temporarily.

What results can I expect from a waist trainer?

You can expect your waist to appear smaller, for starters. Half of the aim of wearing a waist trainer is to give you an hourglass look, and that’s what you’ll get.

These waist trainers cinch in your waist and compress any body fat you have around your mid-section.

While you won’t lose weight, it will look as though you have when you wear one of these. We all have a super stretchy pair of granny-pants that suck us in, right?

This is the older sister of those pants…

Super secure, extra tight and designed to slim everything down, waist trainers are perfect for those days when you need a little extra help.

These can be worn under clothes to give you a sleeker, smoother silhouette.

If you want to permanently change the appearance of your waist, you’re going to need to put some effort in.

Wearing your waist trainer will make a temporary change, but your body will soon go back to its usual shape and size after you stop.

Make some healthy changes to your life and you’ll be on your way to a naturally-slimmer you.

what types of waist trainers are there?

When you hear the word “waist trainer,” you probably automatically think of the traditional corset. These corsets have been used since the late 16th century to cinch in the waist.

They were often put onto the front of the body and laced in the back. Think of Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind!

They were often made of whalebone and other stiff materials that were very difficult to breathe in.

Today, corsets are not usually so stiff, allowing more room to breathe and move around.

They also now normally fasten in the front, which is handy, as you probably don’t have a maid to help you out! Once on, you can see the difference immediately.

Another type of waist trainer is a waist trimming belt. These belts wrap snugly around the waist and stay in place withVelcro.

They’re more flexible and mostly worn during exercise. They make you sweat more, but sweat is water, not fat, so the lost inches come back once you rehydrate.

They’re often too bulky to wear under clothes, unlike corset waist trainers.

How Do Waist Trainers Work, & Do They Show Results?

Waist trainers instantly change the way you look. That change lasts only while you wear one; your waist returns to its usual shape after it comes off.

Waist trimming belts work differently. They trap heat and make your midsection sweat, almost like a mini sauna for the stomach.

Any inches lost this way are water weight. Sweating doesn’t burn belly fat, so your measurement returns once you drink and eat normally.

Can A Waist Trainer Cause Harm To The Body?

Yes. Corsets should only be worn for short amounts of time due to the damage it can cause to your internal organs.

Corset waist trainers can push your organs to places they’re not meant to be. Some organs move more upwards and others move downward, putting pressure on the lungs and intestines. The pressure can also push stomach acid upward and worsen reflux and heartburn.

It can also weaken the abdominal muscles since you aren’t using them as much. This is especially true if you were to wear the corset for long periods of time, which is why it’s recommended to only use them for going out in.

That way, you can get results that are safer, and you’ll still look amazing.

Traditional corset styles will show an immediate, dramatic difference in the size of your waist. Know that this is only temporary, and you’ll return to your normal body shape when you take it off.

It should never be left on for long periods of time. That’s because it can shift internal organs and cause some pretty serious harm within the body.

They’re great, though, for getting that shapely body before a night out or event, but not for the long term.

A waist trimmer belt isn’t a long-term solution either. Real progress in trimming that waist comes from exercise and diet; the belt only adds sweat.

Pro Tips for Buying a Waist Trainer

Look for something that’s going to fit into your daily life. If you already wear tight-fitting clothing, find a waist trainer that will work well under it.

Some corset-style trainers have heavy boning so might look bulky and strange under tight tops.

You want something that’s going to smooth your stomach, but don’t go crazy and get something way too tight.

This will only make you feel very uncomfortable, and can potentially cause issues such as acid reflux and breathing problems.

You’ll be able to tell very quickly if your waist trainer is too tight.

On that note, it’s best to find adjustable waist trainers. Find one that gives you tightness-options, such as ones with several columns of hook and eyes.

This way you can start off on a larger ‘setting’, essentially, and move your way down as needed.

If you wear one while working out, choose one designed for exercise and keep it loose enough to breathe deeply. Take it off right away if you feel dizzy or short of breath.

Some are made specifically for exercising in, so offer breathable material and are slightly more forgiving.

I wouldn’t really suggest wearing a boned corset to the gym, as it will really limit your ability to breathe properly when you’re exercising.

Waist Trainers Product Guide

Image	Model	Sizes	Colors	Fastening	Rating	Buy Now
Waist Training Belts
Camellias Women Waist Trainer Belt Body Shaper Belly Wrap	Camellias Women Waist Trainer Belt Body Shaper Belly Wrap	S-XXL	9 options	Velcro		Click here to See Latest Price
Women's Hourglass Waist Trainer Belt By Sbelt	Women’s Hourglass Waist Trainer Belt by Sbelt	S/M-L/XL	Beige or black	Velcro		Click here to See Latest Price
SEXYWG Women's Waist Cincher Trainer Body Girdle Corset Gym Workout Sport Shaper	SEXYWG Women’s Waist Cincher Trainer Body Girdle Corset Gym Workout Sport Shaper	S-XXL	Black	Velcro		Click here to See Latest Price
Latex Waist Trainers
Ann Chery Women's Faja Clasica Waist Cincher	Ann Chery Women’s Faja Clasica Waist Cincher	XS-4XL	Beige or black	Hook and eye		Click here to See Latest Price
Lover Beauty Women's Latex Underbust Corset Waist Training Cincher 9 Steel Boned	Lover-Beauty Women’s Latex Underbust Corset Waist Training Cincher 9 Steel Boned	XXS-6XL	6 options	Hook and eye		Click here to See Latest Price
Fajastec Women's Beauty Classic Latex Waist Cincher 3 Hook	Fajastec Women’s Beauty Classic Latex Waist Cincher 3 Hook	XS-5XL	Black	Hook and eye		Click here to See Latest Price
Non Latex Waist Trainers
Waist Trainer Corset For Weight Loss Sport Workout Body Shaper Tummy Fat Burner	Waist Trainer Corset for Weight Loss Sport Workout Body Shaper Tummy Fat Burner	S-6XL	Nude and black	Hook and eye		Click here to See Latest Price
Camellias Women's 26 Steel Boned Heavy Duty Waist Trainer Corset Shaper For Weight Loss	Camellias Women’s 26 Steel Boned Heavy Duty Waist Trainer Corset Shaper for Weight Loss	XXS-6XL	White or black	Hook and eye		Click here to See Latest Price
Alivila.Y Fashion Womens Sexy Satin Vintage Underbust Waist Training Corset	Alivila.Y Fashion Womens Sexy Satin Vintage Underbust Waist Training Corset	S-6XL	10 options	Lace-up		Click here to See Latest Price

Top 3 Waist Training Belts

Camellias Women Waist Trainer Belt Body Shaper Belly Wrap

This wraparound-style trainer is secured with Velcro to keep your stomach looking trim.

This waist trainer contains ‘flex-boning’ – essentially it’s pretty sturdy but will move as you move.

This makes a nice change from the heavy-duty trainers that leave you feeling uncomfortably upright.

This is a latex-free option, so perfect for anyone with latex allergies.

It’s stretchy and comfortable, and provides back support for those who need it.

There are also panels of mesh woven into the back of this product. If you’ve recently given birth, check with your doctor or midwife before wearing any compression garment.

It helps to hold everything in, so any excess skin that hangs around post-pregnancy will be nicely tucked away.

Your appearance won’t be your priority after giving birth, of course. But if you are feeling uncomfortable with your body, give one of these a go.

The confidence boost will hopefully help you feel more positive about various other aspects of your life, too!

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Women’s Hourglass Waist Trainer Belt by Sbelt

This is quite a small waist trainer so works really well for people who want to wear it under their clothes on a daily basis.

The elastic in this trainer gives you plenty of lumbar support, and is also sold as a postpartum girdle (ask your doctor or midwife first).

The support may help you sit up straighter while it slims the look of your waist.

This is made from Spandex so will stay nice and tight to your body, allowing you to move as normal.

It’s also very breathable so you can wear during light exercise without worrying about getting too hot and sweaty.

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SEXYWG Women’s Waist Cincher Trainer Body Girdle Corset Gym Workout Sport Shaper

This is a polyester/ Spandex blend so is gentle on skin.

No latex here if that’s something you need to bear in mind!

It has mesh sections, too, to allow your skin and body to breathe.

There’s no extra boning or laces to show through clothes so it feels close against your skin.

It’s not the best under-clothes option but it does everything else very nicely.

Again, this offers some back support while you wear it.

Of course, the main reason we’re interested in this is the fact that it makes your waist look smaller.

The Velcro straps give you twice the adjustment levels of some other waist trainers. This allows you to adjust the tightness as needed throughout the day.

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Top 3 Latex Waist Trainers

Ann Chery Women’s Faja Clasica Waist Cincher

This waist trainer has a cotton lining over a latex core, so skip it if you have a latex allergy.

This is designed to be worn while you exercise and is super comfy.

It’s marketed as boosting workout results by making you sweat more, but extra sweat is water loss, not fat loss.

It also works to offer support to your back, as well as improving your posture.

This is quite a long, corset-style waist trainer so covers all of your mid-section.

The latex inner keeps you feeling tight and secure.

There are two columns of hook and eyes, which means you can adjust the sizing as needed throughout over the days and weeks you choose to wear it.

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Lover-Beauty Women’s Latex Underbust Corset Waist Training Cincher 9 Steel Boned

This corset uses a mix of cotton and latex to cinch your waist in.

It’s accompanied with several steel rods to offer maximum support and to really help pull everything in.

Don’t worry, you can still bend and move around easily! The steel supports are surprisingly flexible.

The material is breathable, though steel boning makes deep breathing harder during hard exercise.

The Spandex makes this product super clingy and stretchy, so it will mould to your body under clothes.

This is a long-fit corset so will cover all of your torso. This is great as it supports your back while keeping everything in place.

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Fajastec Women’s Beauty Classic Latex Waist Cincher 3 Hook

This is a solid pick for anyone who wants their waist to look smaller.

I love that there are three columns of fastenings on this product.

Initially, you’ll want the largest size to be the tightest, so measure yourself carefully before buying.

As you get used to it, you can move to the two tighter settings.

You’re essentially getting three products in one!

This can be worn during workouts, and actively increases the temperature in your lower stomach area.

The claim is that extra sweat burns more calories. Sweat is mostly water, though, and it won’t melt belly fat; your workouts and diet do that work.

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Top 3 Non Latex Waist Trainers

Waist Trainer Corset for Weight Loss Sport Workout Body Shaper Tummy Fat Burner

This is a lovely choice for any women with latex allergies.

It’s gentler on latex-sensitive skin, but you should still limit how long and how often you wear it.

It’s another long, torso-length corset with three columns of hook and eye fastenings.

This product has a nice, smooth outer so that it’s invisible under clothes.

The boning offers extra support for your lower back while you wear it.

It also keeps you upright while it’s on.

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Camellias Women’s 26 Steel Boned Heavy Duty Waist Trainer Corset Shaper for Weight Loss

This is a really beautiful corset, but don’t let that fool you – it’s designed to be heavy-duty!

This corset actually has a whole heap of boning lining the inside to offer you the best waist-cinching experience possible.

The steel bones are flexible enough to move in, though daily wear isn’t advised.

Thanks to its sturdiness, this waist trainer really shrinks you in.

You won’t have much choice in terms of slumping while it’s on!

Don’t rely on it for posture, though; it holds you up without building the muscles that do.

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Alivila.Y Fashion Womens Sexy Satin Vintage Underbust Waist Training Corset

This sultry little number measures eleven inches in length at its longest point, so is designed to cover your mid-section.

It’s got two different forms of keeping everything tightly sucked in.

The fastenings are coupled with a lace-up back to really help you make the most of it.

It can be a little tricky to put this on! I’d suggest loosening the laces until the fastenings are done.

From there, either reach around or ask someone to help out – the laces provide an extra form of support, so pull them nice and tight.

This latex corset can be worn as outerwear if you’re feeling confident, as it’s designed to look pretty.

The satin finish will give you a little boost – it feels a lot slinkier than some of the beige monstrosities out there!

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To Wrap Up

Whichever you choose, make sure you use it safely following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Treat any before and after change as temporary. Wear a trainer for a few hours at most, never overnight, and talk to your doctor first if you have reflux, breathing problems or another health condition.

Sources

• Why Waist Trainers Aren’t the Same as Shapewear (and Other Things You Should Know), Cleveland Clinic