How do Waist Trainers work?

Waist training is a craze which is popular with the Kardashians. Despite its current status, waist training is rooted in Victorian England and is similar to the corsets that helped women achieve the coveted ‘hourglass’ figure in the period.

Nowadays, waist trainers are a tool to help women slim down their waist – but how effective are they?

Worn as part of a routine that incorporates exercise, a waist trainer can help you slim down and tone up – but they require strict dedication and can be uncomfortable.

Here’s our guide to waist trainers, from their past to their modern day uses. If you’ve ever wondered whether they work, here are your answers:

Diet patches

History

The ‘waist trainer’ as it stands now is based on the classic corset, a popular item of clothing in the early 1900s.

At the time, the hourglass shape was considered desirable and women began to wear contouring underwear that compressed the waist, drawing attention to the lower and upper body.

In the 1950s, the look returned thanks to Dior and pin-up girls like Betty Brosmer.

Unlike corsets, which were often prominent pieces of outerwear worn as part of elegant dresses, waist trainers in the modern age are generally worn underneath clothing.

How do waist trainers work?

Waist trainers are designed to reduce the size of your waist. They offer immediate benefits for people who want the appearance of feeling slimmer. As an example, UK brand Slimming Solutions offers shapewear that specifically reduce the appearance of your waist without any lasting effects.

However, actual waist training regimes aim to make a permanent difference by reducing the size of your waist even when the garment is removed. While fat cannot be physically compressed, there is evidence to suggest waist training can improve your core muscles and help posture.

The compression in the trainers also increases thermal activity, meaning you’ll sweat more in the tummy area when exercising, so you’ll lose more water weight from your core area.

Black Sports 3 Hook Metallic Waist Trainer by Ann Chery - 2045

Are there any risks?

Waist training comes with its own risks but most of these are due to overuse.

You should only wear your waist trainer for the recommended time, as compressing the organs can decrease blood flow and function.

Don’t wear anything that is too tight for too long. Some trainers contain latex too, so be careful when purchasing one to avoid anything you may be allergic to.

Are Waist Trainers worth it?

For people who want to support weight loss and make their waist appear smaller, a waist trainer can be a great idea.

You’ll need to start off gently, easing your body into the regime of wearing one by wearing it until it grows uncomfortable before removing and allowing your body to rest.

You’ll need to work your core as well to achieve the best results, so get working and remember: smaller steps lead to bigger results.

Don’t leap in with a tight trainer and risk damaging your body.

Womens shapewear slimming corset

Esbelt Slimming Corset

The Esbelt Slimming Corset is made with 100% natural rubber with triple filtered cotton which is designed to enhance your figure and take inches off your waistline!

Shop Esbelt Corset
Classic Black 3 Hook Latex Waist Cincher by Ann Chery - 2021 shapewear

Ann Chery Classic Waist Trainer

The Ann Chery Classic latex waist cincher is perfect for creating that hourglass shape.

Providing effective compression with a combination of 100% latex, flexible boning and 3 hook and eye closures whilst the inner material, made from 100% cotton, is super soft against the skin.

Shop Ann Chery Corset

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