Waist training and sculpting to get an hourglass figure have been followed by women for centuries and the first shaping garments can be traced back to the woven belt worn by the goddess Ishtar to increase fertility and the girdle worn by women during the Babylonian times. In Medieval times, the corset with its intricate lacing became very popular.
In the 20th century, shaping garments were used to attain boyish figures, which were in vogue then. All through the decades, shaping garments have been used by both women, as well as men, to shape their bodies and they have returned to take the beauty world by storm being popularized by many celebrities such as the Kardashians.
So, what are waist cinchers? Waist cinchers are a kind of body shaping belt which are worn around your waist and help to reduce the size of the waist. A waist cincher helps to shrink your waist by using elastic materials and plastic stiffeners and help to make you look much thinner and more shapely in your favorite dress. Although both belong to the same category, waist cinchers are quite different compared to corsets and are shorter compared to the full underbust corset.
Waist Cinchers vs Corsets
A waist cincher helps to trim down 1-2 inches from your waistline and offers a slimming effect, whereas, a corset provides an hourglass figure and can be worn either over or under your clothes and can reduce around 3-6 inches immediately from your waistline.
Also, both waist cinchers and corsets are different in terms of the materials and construction. Corsets are usually made from a fabric such as cotton, leather, satin or mesh over a steel boning that offers a strong and sturdy structure, which helps to pull in the waist while accentuating the hips and bustline. On the other hand, waist cinchers are usually made from nylon, spandex or latex and usually has a boning made of plastic or steel.
Corsets can be tightened easily with the help of lace ribbons that is present at the back of the corset, while waist cinchers can be tightened only to an extent with the help of hooks and eyes. Corsets can be worn both over and under your clothes, while waist cinchers are mainly worn under the clothes and there are various styles available right from simple ones to thong bodysuits.
A waist cincher helps to trim down the fat in the stomach area and does not give you an hourglass figure and body curves like a corset does. So, if you’re really looking to reduce a few inches from your stomach and waist, then you can opt for a waist cincher.
Types of Waist Cinchers
There are many kinds of waist cinchers available and you can choose one depending on your personal preference of the type of construction, material, and style.
Fabric Waist Cinchers
Fabric waist cinchers are usually made from several layers of fabric. These allow your skin to breathe easily through the cincher. The rigid structure of the fabric waist cincher helps to tighten your waist and also straighten your back. The only limitation of a fabric cincher is that it is less flexible compared to latex waist cinchers.
Latex Waist Cinchers
Latex waist cinchers are usually made from latex and are ideal for beginners. Latex cinchers are quite flexible and the structure contains very limited boning. Latex waist cinchers are ideal for wearing when you work out in the gym or for waist training.
Latex waist cinchers are quite effective when it comes to reducing inches from your waist; however, it has some limitations too. The latex construction of the cincher is not very breathable and can also cause you to sweat a lot. Also, the material gets crinkled very easily and is not very durable.
Laced Corset Waist Cinchers
These waist cinchers make use of lace ribbons at the back of the corset to adjust its tightness. Laced corset waist trainers are quite similar to the corsets that were used by women during the Victorian era and you need to tighten the ribbons on the corset till you reach the waist size you want.
Custom Waist Cinchers
You can have a waist cincher customized and tailored exclusively according to your requirements. This is the most expensive kind of waist cincher as it is tailored according to your specifications — your shape, size, etc. Custom-made waist cinchers offer greater comfort and control since it is made specifically for your body type and is a good option if you don’t mind spending a little extra for your waist training.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Waist Cincher
Before you set out to buy a waist cincher, you should consider a few factors.
Fitting
You should choose a weight cincher that fits accurately because if it does not fit well, it will not work properly. The waist cincher should be adjustable so that it can be adjusted and it will fit properly when you lose some inches from your waist. Most importantly when you wear the waist cincher, it should be comfortable as you will be wearing it for long periods of time and therefore it should not get too uncomfortable.
Durability
Ensure that the material of the waist cincher you buy is sturdy and durable. The waist cincher will be less durable and will not last for long if it is made of poor quality material.
Quality
The waist cincher you buy should be soft, supple and flexible, otherwise, you may develop a skin allergy or it may cause redness or rashes around your waist. Also, ensure that you buy a waist cincher that is appropriate for your size and body shape.
Cost
Buy a waist cincher that is within your budget; however, avoid buying cheaper products, as they may be manufactured from inferior quality materials that will not be durable and also not as effective. Look for a waist cincher that offers good functionality, is made of good quality materials and is affordable at the same time.
Style
Finally, when you buy a waist cincher, ensure that it will look appropriate with the clothes that you wear. It should be smooth and seamless and not produce unsightly bulges under your clothes.
Tips to Wear a Waist Cincher
Here are some tips and tricks of how to wear a waist cincher effectively and keeping these in mind while wearing one can help to improve the way the waist cincher will look and feel underneath your clothes. You must consider your requirements and your personal preferences and once you do this, you will be able to select the right waist cincher.
As we have discussed, there are several types of waist cinchers and you can choose one as per your waist training goals, one that will work best for you. However, take your time while choosing the appropriate waist cincher and consider the kind of construction, materials used, cost and also evaluate the pros and cons.
But the most important thing is to understand that you cannot achieve a slimmer waist overnight. Set realistic expectations and along with waist training, maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eat healthily, exercise regularly so that you are able to reach your goals slowly but effectively.