Waist trimmers, also known as cinchers or waist trainers, have become a trend in fashion and health circles over the last several years. People including celebrities, models and women of all shapes and sizes are pretty excited about what a waist trainer can do for their figure.

But is it all hype? Do waist trimmers really work?

It all depends on what you expect a waist trimmer to do. If you want to magically drop 50 pounds or drop five dress sizes overnight, then no—you’re going to be disappointed. But if you want to incorporate a flattering piece of shapewear into your wardrobe that also complements a healthy lifestyle? Well, then you might just fall in love with what waist training can do for you.

Here’s what you can realistically expect from using a waist trimmer:

Instant Slimming

The slimming is instant when you put the garment on!

A quality waist trimmer is constructed with high compression materials like latex or steel boning that will have an immediate effect on your figure. Just by putting it on, you can drop 1–4 inches instantly from your waistline and drop one or two sizes. You’ll also eliminate common problem areas while you wear the garment, including muffin top, pooch belly and love handles. It’s an effective way to achieve an hourglass figure, as it will create a slim and smooth midsection while enhancing the bust.

It’s important to note that, in order to get the best results, you’ll want to measure for the correct size and choose a garment that is well suited for your body type. Our waist trainers have been carefully curated and tested, so our sizing charts are customized for each garment.

You might start out with a waist trimmer to wear for special occasions or to enhance certain looks in your wardrobe. But if you really like the instant results, you might also consider how you can waist train every day to enhance your figure.

Workout Enhancement

The Kardashian sisters are known for displaying how workout waist trainers can produce stunning results. Not only do they create the immediate appearance of a slimmer, fitter midsection, but they can also enhance your workouts.

When you wear a waist trainer, the garment’s high compression will stimulate heat in your core. In turn, this causes more sweat around your midsection, which amplifies the intensity you feel while working out, without actually doing extra work.

Even if all you have time for is a short walk, by wearing a waist trainer you’ll be making it a high intensity walk.

Workout bands can be used in a number of different workout styles including walking, running, biking and cardio machines, strength training and HIIT. You may find that once you get used to the way a waist trainer feels, the more you’ll feel the benefits of your workouts and won’t want to hit the gym without it!

You might also enjoy the style of workout waist trainers, as they come in a variety of bright, selfie-worthy colors and patterns. Or, if you prefer to be discreet, you can conceal them underneath your workout top (as well as other clothing).

If you enjoy the effect of using a waist trainer for workouts, the next step is to incorporate a daily waist training regimen into your life.

Waist Training and Healthy Lifestyle

The practice of “waist training” is wearing a waist trainer every day as part of a healthy lifestyle, with the intent to slim down or maintain your waistline. We recommend easing your way into this discipline—starting out with an hour a day and gradually adding more time until you are comfortable wearing your waist trainer for at least eight hours daily.

It’s important to note again that wearing a waist trainer is something you should do in tandem with a healthy lifestyle that includes working out and eating nutritious food in sensible amounts. While you can’t expect to put on a waist trainer and magically drop weight, many people can attest how waist training and lifestyle changes have worked together to help them see results.

When Lillie started waist training daily, she was motivated to work out five days a week. Here’s what she said about her results:

“Wearing the waist trainer alone gives you an instant 1-2 inches off your waist, but to start seeing a change in my body that started staying more permanent, it took me about 2-3 weeks. My current results are after two months of wearing it. I wore the first set of hooks the first month, then the second set of hooks the second month.”

Likewise, Jessica started eating better and staying hydrated at the same time she started waist training. She was pleased with how quickly she and her friends and family noticed her results:

“I started seeing results within a week and a half. I would notice that my posture would stay the same even after I took it off! It also made my midsection flatter with it off. Within two weeks I was able to go down a hook…Everyone noticed my results as soon as I put it on! I had a lot of compliments. Everyone wanted to know what I was doing. My family has also noticed the results of my shape without the waist trainer on!”

Most of the women in our Before and After Gallery have similar stories about how a waist training routine worked hand in hand with a healthy lifestyle transformation. Wearing a waist trimmer helped them feel more motivated to follow through with their health and fitness goals and habits.

When you see how confident and sexy you look while you have a waist trainer on, it can be inspiring enough to help you work towards having that figure when the waist trainer is off.

Getting Started

The best way to know whether waist trimmers work is to try one yourself! Whether you want to get one for occasional use, workouts or everyday wear, there’s a style that meets your needs. Talk to one of our expert stylists if you need assistance picking your ideal garment.