When it comes to waist trainers, there are so many options! And while it can be fun to shop for them, you might also find it a little overwhelming. How can you pick just one? (Or even two?)

Whether you’re a newbie to waist training or you’d just like to change it up a bit, we’ve put together all the tips for how to buy a corset and find the perfect one for you!

Some of the main factors to consider when finding your perfect waist trainer are your lifestyle, preferences, body shape and goals. Here's how to narrow your options.

Lifestyle

Waist training can work for any lifestyle, but different garments are designed with different needs in mind. Consider which categories your personal lifestyle falls into…

1. Career woman

You work in an office environment daily, and you want to look sharp and confident while on the job. You might spend long hours in front of a computer, or on your feet. For you, a waist trainer will improve not only your waistline, but also your posture – and it will also help your clothes fit better, improving your style and poise significantly. When you’re at work you’ll want an everyday trainer like the Classic Waist Cincher by Amia or the Clasica Latex Waist Cincher by Ann Chery. You might also enjoy the dramatic results you get from a durable steel-boned corset.

2. New mom

You’re recovering from pregnancy and you want to slim down to your pre-baby body. A waist trainer can help you boost your confidence and reach your goals. You might want an everyday waist trainer with three rows of hook-and-eye closures so that you have more space to slim down with one garment. Try the Clasica Black 3 Hook Latex Waist Trainer by Ann Chery or the Metallic Edition Waist Trainer 3-Hook by Ann Chery for your workouts.

3. Fit and active

We hope everyone fits into this lifestyle! A waist trainer designed for high-intensity workouts can aid your health journey tremendously by helping you sweat harder during your fitness routines. Some women even like to wear them outside the gym, but they are really designed for workouts. Some popular options include the Active Band Waist Trainer by Amia and the Workout Waist Trainer by Ann Chery.

Preferences

There are also some style and construction options you should also consider when choosing your waist trainer:

1. Color

Most waist trainers that you see celebrities showing off come in bright colors and patterns; these are typically workout bands designed to be flaunted at the gym and beyond. If you’d like to be more discreet about your shaping goals and wear your waist trainer under clothing, try one like Perfect Waist by Squeem in black or nude.

2. Material

Most waist cinchers are made with latex to provide superior compression for the best waist-slimming results. However, if you have sensitivity to latex, other options include the TrueShapers latex-free line. And, some people pass on the cincher style altogether and use a steel-boned corset instead.

Body Shape

Not everyone is built alike, and that is one of the reasons we offer so many different solutions. Your size and shape can be some of the biggest contributing factors when picking the perfect waist trainer. Take note if any of these body shape characteristics apply to you:

1. Petite

If you’re shorter than about 5’2”, you may find that some of the everyday waist cinchers are uncomfortable because they are too long. Consider using a workout band for everyday wear, since they are generally shorter in the torso.

2. Tall/long torso

If you’re taller than about 5’8” or you think you have a longer than average torso (see the chart in this post to be sure), you may want a waist trainer that provides additional abdominal coverage such as the Long Torso Sporty Exercise Band by Caribbean Shape. You might also want to pair your favorite pair of shaping leggings with a waist trainer for better coverage on your lower abdomen.

3. Plus size

Not all waist trainer brands are designed to fit a curvier build. Customer favorites with sizes up to 5XL are Perfect Waist by Squeem and the Miracle Vest Waist Cincher by Squeem.

4. Full bust

If you’d prefer extra support in the bust, you might enjoy the comfort and control that a vest-style cincher provides. Note that some vest styles have adjustable straps while others don’t. If your waist measurement is significantly lower than your bust, you will probably want adjustable straps to ensure the best fit.

Goals

How much do you want to slim down? How committed are you to daily waist training? These are questions to consider when picking your waist trainer and will guide you in sorting through various features. These features include:

1. Compression level

If you want maximum slimming power for the most dramatic results, you will want a garment that provides maximum compression. For this we recommend Ann Chery brand waist trainers or steel-boned corsets. Even if you’re not using a daily waist training regimen, these garments will also give you the maximum results for special occasions.

2. Size-down capability

How much do you want to drop from your waistline in the long term? If you are planning to lose more than a couple of inches, you may want a garment with three rows of hook-and-eye closures so that you’ll be able to wear it longer before sizing down. Steel-boned corsets can also size down significantly before they are too loose to wear effectively—but it depends how much weight you hope to lose. You may still require a smaller size at some point.

3. Comfort

If you’re more concerned with comfort than maximum compression, you might enjoy alternatives like the Defining Moment No Closure Waist Cincher by Leonisa, which just slips on. You might also prefer the cool feel of the lightweight Firm Control Cotton Waist Cincher by Flakisima.

4. Durability

If you use a waist trainer daily, you’re going to wear it out faster than with just occasional use. Be sure to choose a garment designed for everyday wear so that you can wear it for a few months. Spandex does lose its elasticity over time, so also be sure that you are taking proper care of it. The most durable garments of all are steel-boned corsets.

We're here to help!

As always, please contact our customer service team if you still have questions about particular garments or if you need further advice about finding your perfect waist trainer.