Can I Waist Train in That Corset?

Last updated on October 12th, 2023 at 03:06 pm

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/styleWaist Training Friendly?Guarantee/ Policies/ Customer ServiceConstruction concerns?Curviness?
Axfords C242 CorsetNo (train at own risk)60-day exchange/return on non-custom itemsSingle bones/ no waist tape reported.Moderate
Burleska Athena underbustNo21-day return/exchangePlastic bones/ partial waist tape reported. ** Check back later as changes are currently being made to their construction**Mild
Corset Story/ Corsets-UK (etc)No30-day exchange/returnWeak/ popped grommets reported, single bones/partial waist tape in some styles.
Questionable materials reported.
Very mild
Isabella Corsetry (Immediate Line)Yes10-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
LeatheroticsNo7-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
MeschantesNo (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 ShoppeNo (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)Yes14 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-201Yes for cotton, no for mesh30-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-301No (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-345Perhaps30-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-411Yes for cotton, no for mesh30-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-426Yes30-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” underbustYes but Train at own risk10-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 CorsetsNo7-day exchange/return on non-custom items.
Unreliable customer service.
Single bones/ partial waist tape/ single-piece eyelets reported.Moderate
Timeless Trends cincherNo30-day exchange/return; lifetime manufacturing guarantee.
Responsive customer service.
 Very mild. Length may promote tummy pooch/muffin top.
Timeless Trends HOURGLASS cincherYes30-day exchange/return; lifetime manufacturing guarantee.
Responsive customer service.
 Curvy. However, length may promote tummy pooch/muffin top.
Timeless Trends standard underbustPerhaps30-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 underbustYes30-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 underbustPerhaps30-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 underbustYes30-day exchange/return; lifetime manufacturing guarantee.
Responsive customer service.
 Curvy. Contains adjustable hip ties for curvy/very curvy hips.
True Corset steel boned cinchersNo30-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 cincherPerhaps30-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 CorsetsNo21-day exchange/return on non-custom itemsSingle bones/ partial waist tape reported. Single-piece eyelets.Mild to very mild
What Katie Did Corsets (all underbusts)Yes30-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)

86 thoughts on “Can I Waist Train in That Corset?

  1. Hi Lucy!

    I told my husband I wanted a bespoke corset for my birthday. He told me he found some on CorsetDeal. What is your opinion on those for waist training? Or should I pass and spend some more in a higher quality one? Which bespoke brands would you recommend that are not soooo crazy expensive? (Less than $500 perhaps).
    Thank you soo much!

    1. Hi Mary, the bespoke corsets from CorsetDeal are really just “made to measure” and some of my followers have already reported that the corsets don’t fit very well – while the measurements technically match, they ribs and hips of the corset were not expanded in a way that makes sense, anatomically speaking. I would recommend checking the corsetiere map for someone who works close to you, so you can get a personal fitting and maybe even get to see / try on their samples.

      1. Thank you so much. Will do!

  2. Hi Lucy! Thank you for the article. What is your opinion on True Corset, specifically the Playgirl Mimi Waspie, for waist training? I’ve been looking for a piece that’s short enough (9.5 inch torso length) but also curvy enough for my body (underbust 34, waist 26, hips 40) for a while but won’t break the bank

    1. Hi Isa, I have a version of the Mimi waspie (without a busk) and it has a 6-inch rib spring and 8-inch hip spring. For a waspie to fit your measurements, say you want to wear a size 24″ corset, you would need a 10-inch rib spring and 16-inch hip spring, so my fear is that the Mimi would not be curvy enough to give you a waist reduction without pressing on your ribs / hips comfortably.

      1. Thanks for the reply, looking at different corsets it’s usually the rib and hip springs that have been keeping me back. Do you have any recommendations of pieces that might fit?

  3. Hi Lucy! You don’t have Rebel Madness listed on your ‘Can I waist train in that corset?’ directory. I was wondering if you would recommend their underbust corsets (https://lucycorsetry.com/product/rm-black-satin-underbust-corset/) for waist training as you did say in your review video they are a bit flexible.

    Also, I know brocade is a strong material but is jacquard similar to that? How does it compare to satin and cotton?

    Thank you!

    1. Hi Orla, all of the corsets in my shop can be tightlaced or waist trained in – the seams are strong and the pattern is curvaceous enough to reduce the waist without pinching or digging in at the ribs and hips (of course this depends on how curvy one is to begin with!). The RM corsets are the softest and most lightweight corsets in my shop, and some people are more accustomed to the heaviness and rigidity of India / Pakistan-made OTR corsets, so this lightness can sometimes put someone off – but it is surprising how well the RM corsets can still shape the body.

  4. Can I tight lace/waist train in a Timeless Trends Beige Cashmere Corset, Libra Silhouette, Regular?

    1. Hi David, yes it’s strong enough for waist training. Have you compared the measurements of the Libra to ensure that it will fit you properly? I have a measuring guide and contact form here (my personalized recommendations are free), and Libra corsets are also available in my shop here.

  5. Hello, I’m hoping to clarify whether fashion corset (26 steel boned, but probably just flat thin steels) could reduce the waist? Could it reduce it a little (not as drastic as real corset that’s meant for waist training), but it’s just not durable?

    I asked this bc I’m planning to try the 26 boned satin corset. I’m from a third world country, so authentic steel boned corset is unlikely to be found here. also, the ones labelled as ‘authentic/real’ are still fashion corset. I’m planning to invest on a real corset for waist training once our economy become good, and once I’ve saved up. I’m just hoping to slim down so I could just order one authentic corset (24″) to save some money

    1. Hi Kiz, do you have a link to the type of corset you’re looking to buy? Steel bones are a good start but you also need a corset that will hold up to a lot of wear, and one that is compatible with your measurements so you can reduce your waistline without pinching or cutting into your ribs and hips if you intend to waist train.

  6. hello Lucy, is a gemini corset suitable for waist training?
    and do the results differ from a normal (hourglass?) corset?
    thx for all the valuable information

    1. Hi Crystal, yes the Gemini corset is suitable for tightlacing and waist training, and comes with the same lifetime warranty as TT’s other corsets. :) The Gemini corset is recommended for advanced / experienced waist trainers, or people with very curvy bodies who are already able to close an hourglass corset (or equivalent from another brand) and they’re looking to “graduate” to something curvier. If you have never waist trained before and you can achieve a 4-6 inch waist reduction in the hourglass corset, I would not recommend starting with the Gemini as it would be too curvy for your body.

  7. Hi Lucy ! I just recently started waist training and I purchased the Luna Waspie 22 inches from What Katie Did from there US store. I am only 4 feet and 11 inches in height and I have a very short torso. I was just curious as to what is the best corset that I should do waist training in , for refrence my ribs are at 28 inches , waist at the smallest is 26 inches , and my hips are at 31 inches. The corset I purchased from What Katie Did makes a V shape in the back so I’m not sure if I purchased the right size or even the right corset to waist train. Please help ! Thank you !

    1. Hi Viviane, WKD released a statement that their corsets are strong enough for waist training, but if you’re on the lookout for a corset that suits your body measurements more closely, you can check out the Corset Database. I’ve already plugged your measurements into the filter to narrow down your options (chose a maximum torso length of 9 inches because I didn’t know your true torso length), and you can continue narrowing down your options by playing with the other filters. :)

  8. Hi Lucy,

    I bought a corset from Mystic City Corsets. Are your familiar with them? Would you recommend it?

    1. Hi Michelle, it’s a popular brand, although I’ve only tried a couple of their (many MANY) styles. The all-cotton pieces would probably be more appropriate for training compared to their mesh pieces; mesh tends to break down much faster with daily wear and this is true of any brand because it’s a property of the fabric itself. The quality of their corsets have improved dramatically over the years, though their customer service has a history of being spotty, so getting exchanges/ returns has been difficult for some people. From those I’ve talked to, the vast majority of people are happy with their orders; I would just be extremely careful before ordering, to avoid dealing with an exchange later.

  9. Hey lucy
    I have been looking at a overbust corset from timeless trends.
    Can I waist train with over bust corsets too?

    1. Hi Brittany, some people do waist train in overbust corsets, but it’s more tricky because it’s not as “stealthy” as an underbust corset, it covers more of your chest so it may affect your breathing more, and it allows less mobility compared to an underbust. I wrote an article on when to choose an overbust or underbust if you want more details.

  10. I really appreciate all work you do and share with us.
    I try to read before asking. I did not find or missed on your above list timeless trends ” lite Hourglass Silhouette ” collection. They say they are suitable for waist training. Do you have opinion on this?
    Val

    1. Hi Val, while I haven’t road-tested the TT ‘Lite’ corsets, if Timeless Trends are willing to back these corsets with their same lifetime warranty, then I can’t think of any reason not to use them. If they do happen to break, TT will replace them so the financial risk is off your shoulders and on theirs. :)

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