Steel-boned corsets are growing in popularity now that waist training overall is becoming trendy, but one of the questions we often get is: is it possible to wear a corset underneath your clothing?

Latex cinchers with hook-and-eye closures are pretty easy to conceal, but what about slightly bulkier lace-up corsets?

It is definitely possible to waist train with a corset while concealing what you are doing (although it can be a lot of fun to wear a corset as outerwear too!). The key is knowing what types of outfits to wear. Here is everything you need to know about stealthing corsets so that you can keep your waist training routine a secret.

The Most Flattering Waistlines

Women have been corseting for hundreds of years, and they never had an issue hiding their corsets underneath their everyday attire. If you think about it, up until recently, women’s clothing always came in at the natural waist, making it natural to sport a corset underneath. This held true for a variety of gowns as well as pants and jeans when women started wearing them more.

It got trickier over the last few decades, particularly when jeans started riding a lot lower. If you try to wear a corset with hip hugger jeans, you’re going to have a strange, bulky look around your lower abdomen.

That’s why it’s important when you’re waist training with a corset to pick outfits with waistlines that come in at the natural waist. You should want to do this anyway, since if you’re waist training, you’re going to want to show it off! Luckily, high waist styles are coming back into fashion, so don’t hesitate to pair your steel-boned corset with some higher waist jeans, pants or skirts. Dresses and suits tend to highlight the natural waist more frequently, so try those as well.

It’s All about the Fabric

 It should be obvious that the thinner the fabric, the more difficulty you’re going to have concealing anything underneath. If you’re having a hard time hiding your panty line or bra, then of course your corset is going to be pretty visible as well. If you want to wear thin, fitted blouses or dresses, you’re going to have much better results wearing seamless shapewear for those occasions rather than your favorite corset.

Having said that, you just might be surprised about how many outfits you can pull off wearing a corset. Try tops and dresses with ruching, ruffles and other embellishments that not only draw attention away from whatever texture there might be underneath, but can also be used to highlight your hourglass shape.

Even if you prefer wearing a t-shirt and jeans, you can still pull it off with a little trial and error. Remember to wear jeans with higher waistlines, and choose t-shirts in darker colors, prints or patterns. Just experiment with what you already have in your closet and you might be pleasantly surprised.

Belts, Belts, Belts 

We’ll let you in on this corseting fashion secret: belts are going to be your best friend. If you have a corseted waist, you’re going to want to show it off, and what better way to do that than with cute belt?

Some of our favorite outfits to wear with corsets are long tops paired with leggings and finished off with a belt. Your tiny waist will look amazing, and the long shirt and leggings will help elongate your figure, giving you a longer, leaner hourglass shape.

Dresses 

There are a lot of options when it comes to wearing dresses over your stealth corset. As with all of the outfits discussed so far, your results are going to depend on the fabric and the cut. Many dress styles come in at the natural waist, so it will be easy to wear your corset underneath. Where you may get into trouble is with any lightweight dresses that tend to show off every little curve. A belt can come in handy again; you might also do well pairing your corset with other shapewear like shaping panties, tights or leggings.

For the best results we recommended dresses will frills and ruffles, with a stiffer structure, or with thicker fabrics. You’ll also do well with belts to draw attention to your tiny waist.

And of course, we have to mention that corsets make some of the best bridal undergarments! They create a stunning silhouette for brides and bridesmaids alike. We especially recommend using them with A-line, ball gown, mermaid and strapless styles.

Layers

 Anything you can use to layer your look can go a long way in styling your stealth corset outfit. Aside from belts, jackets and vests also create some natural camouflage. You can also use cardigans and scarves to your benefit.

Corseting is a little bit easier in cooler weather because you’re naturally going to be wearing loose-fitting sweaters, which pair beautifully with most corsets. But don’t worry; you don’t have to give up waist training in the summer months or warmer climates. Just choose loose-fitting or textured fabrics that can highlight a slim waist without giving away your secret.

Does the Type of Corset Matter?

Some corsets are more effective than others when it comes to invisibility under clothing. First, the color can be important. If you’re planning on wearing any light-colored clothing, be sure to choose a corset closure to your natural skin tone (like nude or black), rather than some of more colorful varieties. Second, some corsets are lighter than others and are easier to conceal.

When It Just Isn’t Working

There are certain styles that simply won’t work with a lace-up corset due to the cut and the fit of the materials. But not to worry—you can still enjoy the benefits of waist training even if you need to find an alternative to your favorite lace-up corset.

While the results will be a little less dramatic, using a latex cincher in place of a corset when you just have to wear a certain outfit can solve your wardrobe problems. There’s definitely a benefit to having both styles of waist trainers in your wardrobe, depending on what you’re wearing. In particular you might want to have a no-closure cincher for absolutely seamless slimming. That way you can wear more figure-revealing outfits without getting set back in your waist training regimen.

If you’re very committed to waist training, remember that it’s okay to take a break every now and then. You don’t have to wear your corset to the beach, after all. Just be sure to get right back into your routine whenever you’ve skipped it—or wear your waist trainer at odd hours in order to make up for lost time. Some women even like to waist train while they’re sleeping.

Outfit Suggestions

Here’s the fun part: getting inspired with corseted outfits! It's easier than you might think when you have the right inspiration.

Outfit 1: Casual black dress with belt

Not only will you look stunning with that tiny little waist in your corset underneath, but wearing a belt over a black dress will create a statement for your outfit. We told you belts would be your best friend!

Outfit 2: Long tops with leggings (belt optional)

This can be a go-to comfortable-yet-stylish outfit for pretty much anyone! Go without a belt for a more flowing look, or add the belt to emphasize that shaped waist.

Outfit 3: Butt-lifting jeans plus t-shirt

Our butt-lifting jeans are ideal to wear with corsets because the waistlines are cut higher and will fasten easily around a corseted midsection. You can wear these jeans with any number of tops. Wear your favorite graphic tee or printed top for a casual, sexy look.

Outfit 4: Frilly summer dress

If you choose a fabric that has lots of little ruffles or other texture, it will work beautifully with your favorite figure-slimming corset. We also recommend choosing prints and patterns, but experiment and see what works for you.

Outfit 5: Fitted pantsuit or skirt suit

Make a statement at the office by wearing a fitted suit with a corset. If you choose a blouse that has appropriate ruching, ruffles or thickness to conceal the corset, you can look sexy and professional.

Outfit 6: Corset on top

Okay, we know this article is about stealth corseting, but don’t forget that corsets double as amazing outerwear! See what new looks you can create simply by putting your corset on over your favorite tops.

In conclusion, it is definitely possible and recommended to do waist training with a corset underneath your everyday attire. You just have to know what types of fabrics, cuts and accessories work best with your lifestyle and personal preferences.

Do you already wear a corset under your clothes? We’d love to see some of your results and outfit recommendations! Give us a shout on social media and show us your stuff! #BeTheHourglass

And as always, if you need additional styling advice, be sure to contact our team of experts who can help you find the perfect waist training solution for your needs.