It’s no secret that corseting is in! Thanks to celebrities like the Kardashians and Jessica Alba showing off their tiny waists in their waist trainers, ordinary women are loving the dramatic slimming results you can get from this classic style of garment.

But with so many styles of corsets to choose from, finding your style can seem daunting at first (browse our best selling body shapewear). Today, we break it down so that you know exactly how to make it work for you.

Waist Cincher or Steel-Boned Corset: What’s the Difference?

The first thing you might notice when you start browsing waist trainers and corsets is that there are some very different styles available. The two main categories you should be aware of are 1) cinchers, usually constructed with latex, and 2) corsets, which are constructed with flexible steel boning and a lace-up back.

The term “waist trainer” can be used interchangeably with either style of garment, although usually when someone says “waist trainer” they’re referring to latex cinchers.

Cinchers slim the waistline, typically with compression material and plastic boning. You fasten them by using hook-and-eye closures, which either come with two or three rows of hooks.

In contrast, lace-up corsets provide slimming power with the tightening of the laces as well as the steel boning within the bodice. They can provide dramatic results and provide maximum slimming power when fully tightened.

Which one is best for you is a matter of preference for most women, as both are effect garments for waist training. Waist training is the practice of regularly wearing a corset or cincher as a part of an ongoing slim-down regimen that ideally includes healthy lifestyle choices.

So, which one is for you? Identify your waist trainer personality profile to find out!

Your Waist Trainer Personality Profile

Here are several common “profiles” that you might identify with when selecting your perfect waist trainer.

Note: It's okay if you don't fit perfectly in any of these profiles – everyone is unique, after all. But as you read through, you'll get an idea of how your lifestyle may overlap in ways that will make your ideal corset obvious.

1. Workout Queen

Your second home is the gym (or perhaps the running trail). You are always training for something, whether it’s a 5k, a marathon or perhaps a Tough Mudder competition or triathlon. Mediocre activewear and equipment just doesn’t it cut it; you need the top-of-the-line gear or else you’ll wear right through it. You also might take a flexing selfie from time to time.

Your obvious choice is a workout band, which will help you sweat harder and intensify your workout program. This might not be your only waist trainer, but will certainly be your favorite for looking great while being active.

2. Working Professional

You work the 9-to-5 grind, plus a commute and a busy social or networking life. Since you sit at a desk (or stand on your feet) for most of the day, you’re prone to back pain. With a life always on the run but without a lot of movement, you tend to grab a lot of convenience food and are constantly watching your weight.

A great solution for you is an everyday waist trainer that will help you improve your posture, get control of your food portions, and generate more self-confidence as you see how great you look. You might also prefer the extra support of a vest-style trainer.

3. Busy Mama

You’ve got little ones at your feet, demanding attention all the time. You’ve struggled to shed the baby weight—perhaps it’s only been a few months since or your pregnancy, or perhaps it’s been more. Your diet consists of leftover crackers, boxed macaroni and cheese, and juice.

Any style of waist trainer can give you a big boost in self-confidence and motivation in your post-baby slim down journey. You might like an everyday waist trainer with three rows of hooks that gives you the space to slim down as you meet your goals. You might also love the durability and customizing fit of a steel-boned corset.

4. Fashionista

Maybe you fall into any of the above personas, but additionally you love bold, sexy style. You want to look good and feel good whether you’re running errands or dressing up for a formal event. You like dramatic curves and tight dresses, but you’re not sure if you can pull off such daring styles with your figure.

For you, the solution is obvious: go with the steel-boned corset! The lace-up design will give you the most dramatic results instantly, and you’ll be able to continue tightening it as you size down. What’s more, you can wear a corset as outerwear over a thin top, giving you a show-stopping, vintage touch to your style.

Maybe everyone has a little bit of inner fashionista. Remember that you can definitely have more than one style of waist trainer, depending on the occasion and your mood!

Getting Started with Your Corset

When you get a steel-boned corset, there are a few things to know before you start wearing it.

1. Try on and season your corset.

Corsets are a little bit tricky to try on. The steel busks should be in front; step in carefully. You may need help or a mirror to guide you as you tighten the laces. Pull the Xs the way you would with shoelaces, only you’re going to tie them off in the middle of the bodice.

The first time you wear your corset, don’t tighten the laces all the way. Tie them off when it is snug but not cinching your waist. The bodice should sit comfortably between your ribs and hips. In order for the corset to mold to your body, you’ll need to season it. Wear it for an hour or two a day for at least a week before pulling the laces tight. It should fit like a glove, with no gaps.

2. Wear every day for the best results.

Once your corset is seasoned, start wearing it a little more each day, until it’s on for at least eight hours. In a few weeks, you should be comfortable with all-day wear. Keep track of your progress with photos and waist measurements and prepare to be amazed!

So do you know your waist training profile? Now matter what your waist training personality profile, be sure to check out our full collection and let our professional stylists know if you have any questions.