Can I Waist Train in That Corset?
Contrary to popular belief, waist training is not synonymous with tightlacing. One can tightlace on an occasional basis (for special events, or just for fun) while waist training is the process of wearing a corset on a daily or nearly daily basis for a specific goal – for instance, the ability to close a certain size corset, to achieve a specific silhouette, or to modify your natural waist (semi) permanently. (Many people who wear a corset on a regular/ daily basis for other reasons (such as back pain relief or prevention of anxiety) often “accidentally” waist train – because the body responds to consistent pressure, even light pressure over a long period of time, they may find that they need to size down to maintain the same pressure on their torso.)
Many people have their own requirements as to what a waist training corset should comprise of, so please take this information with a grain of salt. Note that this list is my opinion – and where applicable, I will include notes and disclaimers made by the corset maker/ company. Also note that overbust corsets are not mentioned here because most people prefer to train in underbust corsets. Overbust corsets may present some fitting/ mobility issues that underbusts don’t – although it’s not impossible to train using an overbust.
My requirements is that a waist training corset:
- has strong stitching to withstand the rigors of daily wear without tearing of the seams (preferably reinforced with a waist tape)
- contains sufficient steel boning that do not warp or break, thereby preventing extreme/ uncomfortable wrinkling at the waist
- resists warping or collapsing over time
- contains sturdy, fair quality grommets that don’t pop out under stress
- preferably comes with a guarantee or statement by the vendor or corsetiere
- has appropriate curves for the wearer – **while curvy corsets are more comfortable for me, the curve of a corset may not reflect its quality. Please note that some corsets are more compatible with different body shapes than others. Choose a corset that will best fit your body, not necessarily the curviest corset on the market. If you would like to compare proportions of different corsets and see which one will fit you best, see my Corset Dimensions Directory.**
Should I avoid a brand completely if their corset is not suited for waist training?
You can still purchase and wear any corset you like! Just because a corset is not recommended for waist training doesn’t mean that it’s not a good quality corset. For most of the brands shown below, I have been able to tightlace in them for 8 hours (if the proportions of the corset allow me to do so) although not every day. Just know that if you choose to train in non-training corsets, some may last longer than others, and some companies have better service/ policies than others. So in some cases a “no” is not definitive – more like a “proceed at your own risk.”
** Check back later as changes are currently being made to their construction**
| Brand/style | Waist Training Friendly? | Guarantee/ Policies/ Customer Service | Construction concerns? | Curviness? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axfords C242 Corset | No (train at own risk) | 60-day exchange/return on non-custom items | Single bones/ no waist tape reported. | Moderate |
| Burleska Athena underbust | No | 21-day return/exchange | Plastic bones/ partial waist tape reported. ** Check back later as changes are currently being made to their construction** | Mild |
| Corset Story/ Corsets-UK (etc) | No | 30-day exchange/return | Weak/ popped grommets reported, single bones/partial waist tape in some styles. Questionable materials reported. | Very mild |
| Isabella Corsetry (Immediate Line) | Yes | 10-day exchange/return of non-custom items Long wait times and unreliable customer service reported. | Some variability in curviness of corsets reported. Reports of the waistline stretching at least an inch over time (especially satin corsets). | Very curvy |
| Leatherotics | No | 7-day exchange/return (20-day for international) for non-custom items only. Unreliable customer service. | Weak/ popped grommets reported, single bones/partial waist tape in some styles. | Mild |
| Meschantes | No (train at own risk) | 14-day exchange for unworn non-custom items; 21-day repair window for custom items. Unreliable customer service. | Plastic reported in closed-front trainers (though not in those with a busk). | Moderate (standard size waist trainer) |
| Ms Martha’s Corset Shoppe | No (train at own risk) | 5-day exchange/store credit on non-custom items. Ms Martha states that although the silk collection is strong, her corsets are not guaranteed for waist training. | Single bones/ no waist tape reported. | Moderate (geometric cincher) |
| Mystic City Corsets (all styles) | Yes | 14 day exchange/ return window. Corset must be unseasoned, worn less than 15 minutes for sizing purposes. Customer service is spotty (can take months to receive sizing advice). Old reports of customers being blocked after requesting returns. | Company uses several different manufacturers, which implement different construction techniques. As such, bones and busk vary in rigidity, quality, etc. Customers have reported the use of strong fragrances on MCC corsets which may be an allergic trigger to some. | Silhouettes range from moderate to extremely curvy |
| Orchard Corset CS-201 | Yes for cotton, no for mesh | 30-day exchange/return. 1-year guarantee has been revoked as of 2014. Responsive customer service. | Popped steel bones reported. Opt for all-cotton fashion fabric; stronger structurally. Expect mesh corsets to wear down quickly. | Moderate |
| Orchard Corset CS-301 | No (train at own risk) | 30-day exchange/return. 1-year guarantee has been revoked as of 2014. Responsive customer service. | 10 bones/ partial waist tape reported. | Moderate. Length may promote tummy pooch/muffin top. |
| Orchard Corset CS-345 | Perhaps | 30-day exchange/return. 1-year guarantee has been revoked as of 2014. Responsive customer service. | Single boned, partial waist tape reported. Opt for all-cotton fashion fabric; stronger structurally. | Mild |
| Orchard Corset CS-411 | Yes for cotton, no for mesh | 30-day exchange/return. 1-year guarantee has been revoked as of 2014. Responsive customer service. | Popped steel bones reported. Opt for all-cotton fashion fabric; stronger structurally. Mesh corsets wear down quickly. | Moderate |
| Orchard Corset CS-426 | Yes | 30-day exchange/return. 1-year guarantee has been revoked as of 2014. Responsive customer service. | Popped steel bones reported. Opt for all-cotton fashion fabric; stronger structurally. | Curvy |
| Restyle “Wide Hip” underbust | Yes but Train at own risk | 10-day exchange/return Restyle tells me that the corset is suitable for rigorous daily use and comes with a 2-year guarantee. | *Updated* new stock now has waist tape. Some torn seams reported in old stock before waist tape was included. | Very curvy |
| Snobz Corsets | No | 7-day exchange/return on non-custom items. Unreliable customer service. | Single bones/ partial waist tape/ single-piece eyelets reported. | Moderate |
| Timeless Trends cincher | No | 30-day exchange/return; lifetime manufacturing guarantee. Responsive customer service. | Very mild. Length may promote tummy pooch/muffin top. | |
| Timeless Trends HOURGLASS cincher | Yes | 30-day exchange/return; lifetime manufacturing guarantee. Responsive customer service. | Curvy. However, length may promote tummy pooch/muffin top. | |
| Timeless Trends standard underbust | Perhaps | 30-day exchange/return; lifetime manufacturing guarantee. Responsive customer service. | Some variability in sizing/ proportion. | Mild to very mild – 2011 stock is curvier than 2013-2014 stock. |
| Timeless Trends HOURGLASS standard underbust | Yes | 30-day exchange/return; lifetime manufacturing guarantee. Responsive customer service. | Size 26″ hourglass corsets in the blue, emerald and burgundy have a slightly smaller ribcage. This has been corrected in the other styles. | Curvy |
| Timeless Trends longline underbust | Perhaps | 30-day exchange/return; lifetime manufacturing guarantee. Responsive customer service. | If your hip spring is more than 16 inches, the side hip ties run the risk of splitting over time. | Small ribcage; contains adjustable hip ties for curvy/very curvy hips. |
| Timeless Trends HOURGLASS longline underbust | Yes | 30-day exchange/return; lifetime manufacturing guarantee. Responsive customer service. | Curvy. Contains adjustable hip ties for curvy/very curvy hips. | |
| True Corset steel boned cinchers | No | 30-day return/ exchange window. Reports of some customers not receiving their corsets, especially from UK warehouse. Reports of customers being refused a refund after returning their corsets. | Single bones, weak/ popped grommets reported. Partial waist tape has been corrected; they now contain a full waist tape. | Mild |
| True Corset waist training long cincher | Perhaps | 30-day return/ exchange window. Reports of some customers not receiving their corsets, especially from UK warehouse. Reports of customers being refused a refund after returning their corsets. | Mild | |
| Vollers Corsets | No | 21-day exchange/return on non-custom items | Single bones/ partial waist tape reported. Single-piece eyelets. | Mild to very mild |
| What Katie Did Corsets (all underbusts) | Yes | 30-day exchange/return on non-custom items; store credit given for custom items. WKD recently revised their previous statement and now says that their corsets are suitable for training. | Eventual stretching at waist reported (satin pieces only). | Mild (Gina) to moderate (Mae) to very curvy (Morticia, Baby and Vamp) |
Hi Lucy, I was eyeing Mystic City’s MCC36 and was wondering if this was suitable for waist training?
Thanks!
Hello – I still need to update this page with the recent corsets I’ve reviewed! But if the measurements of the MCC36 works for you and you find it comfortable, sure you can train in it. When I tried it (borrowed from a friend) it seemed to be well constructed and would hold up to regular wear. But it’s important that it fits you well and you find it comfy!
I was wanting to start waist training to slim my waist. I do wear a neoprene belt while working out, but want something more breathable during work. I work in a hot room, do a lot of walking (on cement) and plenty of lifting. My load today was about 2,500+ pounds. I want the metal bracing to help support my back, but I get lost with 4 bars, 7 bars, 28 bars. Then I don’t want to buy something that I can’t breath in and pass out. Or get something I can’t move\bend in.
Have any suggestions to what I could use?
Hi Christin, for my corsets I prefer to have at least one steel bone for every 1-2 inches around the waist. So if I wear a size 24 corset and I plan to wear it on a daily basis, I prefer 24 bones – although if it’s a corset that I only wear for fashion once in awhile, I could probably get away with 12-14 bones instead. 4 bones or 7 bones is definitely not enough for any size corset. If you work in a hot area, you may feel more comfortable with a mesh corset at first – I organized mesh corsets from many different brands in a gallery over here. Apart from Contour Corsets (which is close to $800!), mesh corsets will not last as long as cotton twill or coutil corsets – but they will be more comfortable heat-wise and offer slightly more mobility in the waist.
Hi Lucy,
Thanks so so much for the amazing amount of info on your website. I am just starting out and I am trying to decide between three orchard corsets. I have a 10-11 inch torso (as I have scoliosis so don’t have a beautiful long waist!). I have checked and corsets are safe for my condition.I am trying to decide between the orchard corsets cs426, the cs201 and the cs411 (all in cotton)- I just can’t decide! Do you have any advice? Do you know which would produce the biggest reduction the quickest? I am very straight up and down :( and would love to one day have even a couple of inches reduced in my waist! I have chosen Orchards because I am in the UK and they are reasonably priced. I cant find any other good uk brands in my price range :/
All the best :)
Hello! Orchard Corset is actually based in the US (Washington to be exact) rather than the UK. If you want to order from the UK, send me a direct email and I can let you know which OTR brands might work for you, or you can check the Corsetiere Map if you want something custom. If you still want to go for Orchard, in order to properly choose the most suitable corset for you, I’ll need your measurements. Alternatively Orchard Corset has their own sizing agents ready to help you choose a size based on your measurements as well. :)
Hi Lucy,
You’ve done many video reviews on Vollers. With their new line of Waist Training Corsets, would you say that they are suitable for Waist Training?
Thank You <3
Hi Emma, unfortunately I haven’t tried Vollers newer waist training corsets, so I’m not sure what they’re like! Sorry!
this is a really good flo chart. This is what people want. Please bring it up todate please.
This is fabulious.
It is my own fault for assuming, I’m sure a lot of other watchers assume the same, which specific definition of the word review you use when you title your YouTube videos. Your channel is very focused on serious long term waist training. I would believe you are the most watched and trusted personality on YouTube for waist training advice, obviously the reason I’m here. My question is why would you not inform your viewers whether you recommended a corset for waist training or not during a review? You cannot honestly believe that you should hold no responsibility when it comes to informing your viewers. I haven’t watched every single review, but I have watched some of the ones here, I have not yet heard you give a flat no like here only a stress to get custom made. You can delete this, people think I’m overreacting, whatever, disgusting as the rest.
Christina, my channel and website are not solely focused around waist training. I also cover corset making, repair and alteration, tightlacing (which is different from waist training), corset related fashion, therapeutic use of corsets and health effects. The waist training craze has taken off in the last two years, but this doesn’t change the fact that many people consult my videos for many different reasons, even if it is centered around one common interest in a garment. But my corset reviews are designed to be objective and observational, and to also be as long-standing as possible in the event that company policies or even my own opinions change over time.
For instance, from 2010 to 2014, What Katie Did said that their corsets were only for occasional tightlacing, but not appropriate for waist training. They’ve since changed their policies. Conversely, Orchard Corset used to offer a 1-year warranty on their corsets for waist training, and this has since been changed to more around 3-6 months. Some independent corsetieres make beautiful, comfortable corsets that would be more than suitable for training, but they have told me personally that they don’t want to cater to the waist training community and would rather focus on more ornate pieces for special events. 6-7 years ago, I might have thought that Corset Story sold corsets suitable for training just because they had a section on their site called “Waist Training corsets”. However as my own knowledge has improved, I know that one brand’s idea of a suitable waist training corset does not necessarily meet my personal requirements for waist training. I cannot legally stop a company from advertising it as such, though.
So there are many factors that go into what makes a corset suitable for training, not only construction but also the policies of the company or brand, whether or not I agree with them (many of these factors are covered on this page, and will be expanded on in my upcoming book). Most people who have seen more than 3 corset reviews are able to recognize what’s involved in a quality piece, and judge for themselves whether they’re suitable for their own purposes. But I stress custom made for a reason – because it’s not only more comfortable than even the “closest fitting” OTR corset, but also the corsets tend to have better construction methods, contain higher quality materials and last longer over time, making it more economical even as a larger initial investment. Informing my viewers of this IS being responsible.
Thank you for your comment, but I will not be changing the structure of my reviews to focus solely on waist training – this would not only make my reviews 20 minutes long to explain the reasons behind my verdict, but it would also only result in exclusion of a very large part of the corset community to cater to only one specific subgroup.
Hello Lucy. In the past year or so I recently got involved with waist training and I’ve found your blogs and videos incredibly helpful and I thank you. I’m curious if maybe I overlooked something however. What waist training corset is best for people with short torsos. I have a 10.5 torso in length and and very busty so I find that longlines and sometimes standard underbust corsets are difficult to wear. Is there a reliable seller for quality corsets for a short torso woman?
Hi Samantha, a torso length of 10.5 inches is actually quite normal. But if you’re looking for a corset that won’t lift up your bust, then maybe try these curvy cinchers.
Hello lucy i was wondering if this corset is waist train friendly? I hope you can help me! :)
http://www.hotcorsets.co.uk/pinstripe-steel-boned-cinher.html
Hi Jessica, I haven’t tried that corset specifically, but it looks to be a similar construction as Orchard’s CS-301 waspie (except less expensive), which I generally wouldn’t recommend for training for the reasons I outlined above.
Hey Lucy! I’ve been lurking your blog and youtube channel for some time now, and finally started waist training. I bought a corset from alt noir and was wondering what your opinion on them is? I don’t think I’ve seen you review it yet (or maybe I’m blind).
I know that to waist train, you want a sturdy/strong material. I’m planning on investing in the CS-426 short once I’m done with school as a pat on the back, but I saw they have a really pretty lilac in satin. I’m assuming in the spreadsheet when you’re saying the 426 is waist training friendly, you’re talking about in cotton, right? I’m also thinking that satin is going to be somewhat easier to break-in, therefore won’t stand up to the wear-and-tear of waist training.
Thanks so much!
Hi Naomi, unfortunately I haven’t tried Alt Noir corsets, so I don’t know what the construction is like! At first glance they look to be a distributor for Corset Deal, but I could be wrong. If they are Corset Deal, I have reviewed those in the past and they’re not the best for waist training.
I would personally go for the cotton for waist training, mostly because the cotton pieces don’t have the same tendency for the back steels to wear a hole through the fabric the way that the satin ones are prone to.
In the guided galleries under modern slim it mentions Corset Connection, but I don’t see it here. Can they be used to waist train? Also, are there any extreme hourglass OTR corsets that can be used to waist train with?
Hi Anon, the corsets in this table are only those that I have personally tried and tested. Since I haven’t reviewed the Corset Connection budget corsets, they’re not yet included. But coincidentally, I have a corset from them currently lost in the mail. Once it finally reaches me, I’ll be able to test the construction and update the page on whether they’re suitable for training.