You may have heard of the terms waist trainer and waist cincher. While some think that these words can be used interchangeably for the same product, there are actually some significant differences between the two types of shapewear.
How A Waist Trainer Is Different Than A Waist Cincher
As the name suggests, a waist trainer is a type of undergarment that works to gently train your waist into a better shape. It’s made of a thick mix of material and sets of flexible steel rods (flexible fabric) for structure, and can be connected at the front of the torso by a set of hooks, a zipper, or velcro.
One widely spread misconception is that a waist trainer is the same as a corset, which uses many more stiff, steel bones (steel boning) and is usually bound with hooks as well as lacing in the back for tightening. Corsets are much more restricting due to their lack of flexible metal and may be uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time, constricting the waistline. Although both waist trainers and corsets work toward the shared result of shrinking your waist, each one provides different experiences, and it’s up to the wearer to decide which is right for them.
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How Does Waist Training Work?
Waist training works through weight loss and body contouring. First, it helps to suppress appetite. The wearer becomes more aware of how much food they are consuming by feeling the waist trainer get tighter around their waist, signifying that they may have had enough to eat. A good and healthy dieting strategy is to allow yourself to eat the food you want but decrease the amount, and waist trainers can help keep this in check. Besides weight loss, waist trainers also help to sculpt bodies by redistributing the fat in the torso to other areas, as well as eliciting sweat from the belly area by compressing it and having little ventilation for the heat. Although the molding effects on your body shape from the waist trainer aren’t necessarily permanent, wearing it from time to time will ensure that you keep your obtained figure.
How A Waist Cincher Is Different Than A Waist Trainer
A waist cincher is a type of shapewear that’s usually made of latex material and helps to reduce the size of one’s waist. It can be made with little to no boning, and may be connected through a set of hooks or can be one piece.
How Does Waist Cinching Work?
Waist cinchers work by applying a tight, compressive force to the torso to reduce the size of the wearer’s waist.
Waist Trainer Vs. Waist Cincher: Differences And Similarities
The table below shows the similarities and differences between waist trainers and waist cinchers. (Waist trainer vs. Waist cincher)
| Similarities | Differences |
|
The overall design |
Results from waist cinchers are only temporary |
|
Their utility/purpose |
Their design |
|
Their cost / price range |
Their material |
Similarity #1: Design
It’s common for waist cinchers and waist trainers to be mistaken for each other since they can look very similar. Both are thick “belts” that wrap around one’s torso and may have different colors or patterns.
Similarity #2: Utility
These two undergarments can both be used to give the wearer an instantaneous, slimmer look - most commonly an hourglass figure. They can be used when attending events or taking pictures for an aesthetically reduced waist.
Similarity #3: Cost
Depending on the quality, both trainers and cinchers can have a similar cost at $40 to $50.
Difference #1: Material
While both waist cinchers and waist trainers are made with latex, the latter can also be made with material like powernet or even steel. This makes it thicker and more durable, and provides less ventilation for heat. Furthermore, waist trainers have more metal bones for more structure, while waist cinchers have few to sometimes none, making them easier to bend in.
Difference #2: Design
While these two waist slimming tools may look similar, there are some essential design differences between them. While a waist trainer is typically applied with hooks, zippers, or velcro, waist cinchers may have none at all and can be one piece to slip on.
Difference #3: Long-term results
A waist trainer is used to not only provide a quick solution to slim your waist, but also to train your waist to keep its form for longer periods of time. After achieving results from the trainer, a wearer only needs to wear it once in a while to maintain their figure. Conversely, a waist cincher is only used for temporary slimming rather than molding your body because of the lack of structure and its material; however, it may be more suitable for activities like working out due to its pliability.
Does Waist Training Or Waist Cinching Work?
Both waist trainers and waist cinchers work toward their intended goals, but as stated earlier, these tend to differ. For a waist trainer, results can start being seen within 30 consecutive days of wear, and sizing down can happen quickly. Waist cinchers work to cinch your waist temporarily, and are effective in tucking everything in for a given amount of time.
Which Is Better For You? What To Consider
If you’re looking for a quick fix to reduce the size of your waist or some comfortable shapewear to work out in, consider getting a waist cincher! Although it doesn’t give you lasting results, it’s great for events and physical activity since it’s easy to move in. However, if you want to gradually mold your body into a fixed shape, waist training may be best for you. Having the determination and motivation to slim down your waist are good qualities to have when considering getting a waist trainer.
Helpful Safety Tips
To stay safe while waist training or cinching, remember to be balanced when wearing your slimming product, always listen to your body, and make sure to choose the right size for you.
Tip #1: Be Balanced
Just because you can wear a waist cincher or waist trainer every day for 24 hours doesn’t mean you should. It’s important to take breaks and give your body some rest even when you don’t feel like you need it. It may be tempting to wear your trainer or cincher for as long as you can to see results quicker, but following the recommended times by its manufacturer will provide you with the same results. A lack of restraint may eventually lead to extreme and dangerous behaviors.
Tip #2: Listen To Your Body
Everyone has a different body type. Whether you have a short torso or are plus size, it’s important to listen to your body. If you’re trying to wear your waist cincher or trainer for a certain amount of time but feel very uncomfortable, take it off! Don’t force yourself to reach your goal if your body is telling you otherwise.
If this is the case, try reducing your time goal and increasing it again gradually when you feel ready. Both products should feel tight and compressive, but never painful or extremely uncomfortable. Don’t forget to eat small, frequent meals throughout the day to provide you with the necessary nutrients for your body to perform optimally.
Tip #3: Get The Right Size
It is of the utmost importance that when selecting a waist trainer or cincher, you find the correct size. Choosing a wrong size can lead to discomfort or ineffectiveness of the product, and can also lead to some consequences in the long run such as sweating or muscle cramps. Be sure to follow the sizing guidelines or contact the manufacturer of the product to be certain that you’re getting the right size.
Summary - Waist Cinching Vs. Waist Training: The Final Verdict
Ultimately, waist cinchers and waist trainers are both effective tools to reduce the size of your waist, but each works differently and yields different results. It’s important to choose the right product for your lifestyle to help you achieve your waist slimming goals.
Here’s to you achieving that hourglass shape!