In the past month or so, I’ve received the same question from over a dozen people: “Should I start with a waist cincher before buying a corset?”
This causes a lot of confusion, because two different markets are both referring to two completely different garments as “waist cinchers”. Within the corsetry community, “waist cinchers” are still genuine corsets – but simply shorter than a full underbust corset. Essentially, what I consider a cincher is simply a particularly short underbust corset.
However, within a certain market, it seems that “waist cincher” has become synonymous with latex/rubber elastic fajas that only reduce your waist 1-2 inches, and are designed to not let your skin breathe, overheat your body and make you sweat to reduce water retention. Below the video break, I’ve made a comparison chart between a genuine corset “waist cincher”, the other elastic “waist cincher”, and a full underbust corset:
| Elastic “waist cincher” | Corset “waist cincher” | Full underbust corset |
|---|---|---|
| Length/height is irrelevant to its definition. | May be 6-8″ long on the side seam. Doesn’t come right up to underbust, and stops short on the hips. | May be 9″ or more on the side seam. Comes right up to underbust, and may be short hip or longline. |
| Very few bones, often plastic. Wrinkles at the waistline. | Fair number of steel bones. Should not wrinkle. | Fair number of steel bones. Should not wrinkle. |
| Stretchy, unbreathable panels made from latex/rubber. | 100% cotton strength layer, breathable and not stretchy. | 100% cotton strength layer, breathable and not stretchy. |
| Fastens with hook and eye tape (not as strong) | Fastens with a steel busk | Fastens with a steel busk |
| No laces in the back. | Ties up with laces. | Ties up with laces. |
| Gives perhaps 2″ waist reduction | Can give 6-8″+ waist reduction | Can give 6-8″+ waist reduction |
The Grey Area
It’s important to note that calling a corset a “cincher” vs “underbust” depends on the person, whether you are the corsetiere or the client. A short corset that is advertised as a “cincher” by a certain brand, may fit like a full underbust corset on a client with a particularly short torso. Corsets that are between 8″ – 10″ on the side seam I often consider to be a grey area, because depending on your height and torso length, it may fit either like a cincher or a full underbust corset.
Who can wear corset cinchers?
I recommend corset cinchers to people who are short of stature or who have a short torso (because full underbust corsets on the market are often too long, which pushes up the breasts unnaturally and/or may dig into the lap when sitting down). Someone of average to longer waist may also enjoy a cincher because it provides more mobility and less rib contouring than a full underbust.
Which companies sell genuine Corset Cinchers?
I’m glad you asked! I have a whole gallery dedicated to Cinchers for $200 or Less.
Are Latex/ Rubber Cinchers good to start with, to get me used to corsets later?
Truthfully, I think a latex cincher and a genuine corset feel totally different. The few weak bones in the latex cincher don’t support it enough, and if they are plastic then they can warp and poke into me. The fabrics ends up wrinkling and bunching into rolls, making my figure look worse. I also find the non-breathable, sweaty, grippy, itchy fabric almost unbearable. Although a genuine corset is more rigid and can be bulkier with more layers, I find it more breathable, more comfortable and much more effective at giving a dramatic waist reduction. If you’re looking for a starter corset to test out tightlacing, go for a corset cincher that doesn’t come up as high on the ribcage. This will allow the ribcage to expand more freely, will give you more mobility, and may be able to hide under your clothing more easily compared with a full underbust or an overbust corset.
Which is more cost-effective, a Latex Cincher or a Corset Cincher?
Many people buy a latex cincher because it seems to be a cheaper/smaller investment (around $40 for some brands, as opposed to $75-$100 for an entry-level corset). But even a not-so-great OTR corset may still give you useful experience in corseting, and can help you reach a 4″ reduction in your waist, even if it falls apart within a month or two. By contrast, a latex cincher may cost less but also won’t give you as much waist training progress, won’t give you useful experience to see if you want to continue waist training, and will also not last forever, as latex can stretch out and dry-rot over time.
You really hate rubber cinchers, huh?
They might suit some people. If you want to keep a small waist reduction at night but you’re claustrophobic about sleeping in a genuine corset, then an elastic cincher may be a better option. Likewise, you’re not supposed to exercise in a genuine corset, so perhaps wearing a latex cincher would be better then (only if you insist on wearing one for exercise; I don’t). But if you are genuinely interested in tightlacing or waist training, I would encourage you to save your money and buy a worthwhile authentic corset.
*Now that you know to start with a corset cincher, check out my buying guide for curvy cinchers for under $200.
Hi Lucy, what is the difference between a cincher and a waspie? I’m looking for my first corset and I’m on the shorter side (5′ 3″) with a 30″ waist. I’m really interested in the mesh waspie from Orchard Corset but now I’m wondering if I should get a cincher or an underbust instead?
Thanks!
Hi Savannah, a corset cincher and a waspie are usually synonymous, although in some rare situations depending on the company, a waspie might be shorter in length compared to a corset cincher. That is not standardized in the industry though. And I’ve only ever heard of the rubber things being called a cincher (or trainer) but not confused with waspie.
Hello Lucy. Seeing that you have so much insight and that you reply to your fans instantly has encouraged me to present my queries to you. I’m going to buy my first corset, was going to order one from premadonna waist gang society but it seems like they’re just cashing off of the kardashians. If I send you my measurements here, will you be able to tell me what kind of corset will be best for me? I was hoping for one which is less bulky but the hooks one is going to go large soon as compared to the lace ones which you can keep tightening, yes? I don’t intend on buying any more later… So what do you suggest? A smaller hook corset or a lace one. I’m looking for intense and permanent results. Also, where can I send my measurements? In the comment section or in an email separately? And can I order from your website or something or do I have to search for them online elsewhere?
Hello Anmol, if you want a dramatic change to your silhouette, the strongest cinch possible, and permanent or semipermanent results (if you gain weight or never wear your corset again, you will slowly lose your corseting results over months or years), then a real corset is the only way to go. And unfortunately, all corsets are bulkier than the rubber cinchers. You need that structure to get the proper strength; the latex cinchers will only stretch out over time. You’re welcome to submit your measurements through the contact form on this page and I can tell you which corset will fit you best. Please refer to this comment as well, as I size many people and sometimes don’t remember every conversation.
Hi, thank you for the videos and explanations but am still a bit confused cos I have seen different ones here and people call them different names so don’t know which one to go for. Just gave birth 7weeks ago so will like to lose the post pregnancy tommy which one should I go for,( what’s the name, or material of which is made off) and can I see a picture of someone wearing it incase the name u tell me is different from what people call it here and how do I wear it. Thankyou
Hi Zeal, the type of corset you need will depend on your current measurements. Just like not everyone can wear the same pair of jeans, not everyone will be able to comfortably wear the same corset and have it fit and flatter them. You’re welcome to send me your measurements on this page and I can help you figure out what specific type of corset will work best for you. :)
Hi… I’ve been reading your website for a long time. . But. this is the first time I comment … my question:while I see instagram I find many personal trainers recommend wearing latex cinchers.. but no one recommend corsets.. I always wonder why???
Please excuse my English. .. it’s not my first language ^_^
Hi Farah, many people who use and sell those waist trainers have never tried a corset before, or they have the misconception that corsets are the same that they were in the Victorian era and came with the same risks. Corsets today are made with different bones and often constructed with a different shape to suit a modern wearer and no longer have many of the same risk factors involved. Corsets and rubber trainers function by completely different mechanisms but not everyone does proper research beforehand.
Hi Lucy! I’m interested in starting waist training, however, due to a fine-motor-skills disability, I cannot tie a knot. I’ve been looking at clinchers and I agree that the results don’t seem to give you as much for your money as a good, steel-boned corset would, but I can’t wear anything that ties, especially not something that ties in the back. Whenever I work with my hands, even for buttons, I have to be able to have the object in front of me, not behind me.
Unfortunately, I live alone and wouldn’t be able to recruit help to lace me up daily.
Are there any products you would recommend for waist training that will provide me with more than a 2 inch difference, but do not involve any tying?
Hi Emily, have you possibly looked into Fan-Laced corsets? They adjust by the use of pull straps and buckles instead of tying a knot or bow. It does look a bit like a medical brace, but some people can style them in quite pretty ways! Maybe contact a few of the corsetieres featured in the Fan-Lace Corset gallery (clicking through the photos will redirect you to their site) and see if it will work for you.
Hi, I’m on a diet right now and have lost about 15 lbs so far. I have a long way to go, my current waist is 40. What size corset should I purchase?
Hi Christine, congratulations on your weight loss so far! If you’re actively losing weight (more than 2 lbs per week) it might be better to wait a little bit before buying a corset because you might size out of it in a couple of weeks or months! But you can let me know your measurements and I could see what would be in the realm of fitting your body right now.
Hi!! I really love your site and your videos! I have a question, im tall, im 1.76m (I think it’s like 5ft 9 inches) and actually im skinny and I’ve always been skinny but I have no waist and I would like to reduce about 2″ or 3″ and its really annoying that in every waist trainer advertisement they just seem to offer them to people who want to lose weight and im not sure if I should buy a waist cincher or a corset so it would be awesome if you can reply or give me just an advice about what should I do :) thank you so much
Hi Diana, some people advertise corsets as being weight loss devices but this doesn’t necessarily have to be the case. I have a video critiquing the “Corset Diet” here. I also always recommend a corset over a rubberized waist cincher, and I explain why in this video. If you want me to recommend a corset for you (just for shaping and not necessarily for weight loss) then let me know your measurements on this page, and I’ll see what might be a good fit. :)
I’ve seen just about every video you’ve made on waist training and I’m so happy you’ve taken the time to explain things like this to the public. I have a short torso myself; only 8 in. I’ve looked all over trying to find more examples of petite women with similar torsos who waist train with not much luck. Everyone seems to have a long gorgeous torso that looks amazing in normal underbusts. Could you by any chance point somewhere that I can find anymore tips on training for short torsos or women who have?
Thank you again for educating the community :)
HI Kira, sorry for my very late response! The thing to be careful about training with a shorter torso is being careful that your ribs and hipbones are “separated” and not overlapping. The corset needs to sit in your skeletal waist; in the squishy bit under your ribs and over your hips. If you are so short-waisted that your ribs and hips overlap, it will make corseting very difficult. I don’t know anyone with a super short torso who is very active online, but RandomCorset (Andrea) has a shorter torso than myself so she may be able to answer your questions in better detail. :)
I have a 33 waist I haven’t been working but I want to purchase a 22 waist cincher because I don’t have the money to continue to purchase a waist trainer every 2-3 months if I purchase a 22 waist cincher will it be effective and give me a 26″ waist? What’s the lowest waist cincher should I purchase ?
Hi Ayanna, I strongly suggest against purchasing a corset 11 inches smaller than your natural waist. A gap that is too large in the back of your corset is not going to pull you in effectively and it can result in the bones twisting and damage to your corset, not to mention discomfort for yourself. At the absolute maximum, I would suggest a size 26″ corset for you but not any smaller than that. Normally I would suggest a size 28″ depending on the brand and what your other measurements are.
Hey iam also interested in getting the hour glass shape so kind confused which one to go for the corset trainer or latex waist trainer but my budget is pointing on latex waist trainer but hey I want better results wouldn’t mind also going for corset trainer so from your point of view which one would you recommend me to go for, I don’t have big belly just wanna shape it well. Thanks
Hi Isabela, I generally recommend investing in a steel-boned genuine corset. Even though the latex trainers are less expensive, they simply don’t perform the same way that the corsets do. You get what you pay for, and if you find a good quality corset it’s going to last you longer over time, potentially give better results, and pay for itself over time. You don’t want to get something cheap and then find that you have to replace it soon afterwards because that may become more expensive in the long run.