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Best Waist Trainers

Updated June 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Sports Research Sweet Sweat Pro-Series Waist Trimmer Belt
Sports Research
Sweet Sweat Pro-Series Waist Trimmer Belt
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Expert Recommended
Bottom Line

This waist trainer offers a tight fit and lets you get the most out of your workouts.

Pros

It's made of premium neoprene and has a double-strap Velcro belt for a secure fit and improved back support. It promotes circulation to slow-to-respond areas and the inner grid lining prevents moisture absorption and bunching.

Cons

There are some sizing discrepancies depending on the wearer's torso length.

Best Bang for the Buck
FeelinGirl Waist Trainer for Women
FeelinGirl
Waist Trainer for Women
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Bargain Pick
Bottom Line

An affordable waist trainer for those who want to sweat as much as possible when working out.

Pros

This waist trainer is made from spandex and polyester and has an adjustable tummy wrap. It snatches your waist, flattens the abdomen, and smooths out back rolls. Plus, there's no bulging, letting you get through your workouts with maximum comfort.

Cons

It's slightly noticeable under loose clothing.

Dumoyi Smart Weighted Fit Hoop
Dumoyi
Smart Weighted Fit Hoop
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Unique Design
Bottom Line

This unique waist trainer is designed with weight loss in mind.

Pros

A weighted, shock-absorbing workout hoop suitable for waistlines up to 43 inches. Mimic the movements of hula hooping to get maximum, targeted abdominal exercise. Overall a fun, new exercise option for women looking to lose weight around their waist.

Cons

This device can be very loud and some complained that it became painful to wear.

Sports Research Sweet Sweat Waist Trimmer
Sports Research
Sweet Sweat Waist Trimmer
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Simple yet Solid
Bottom Line

A comfortable heat-trapping waist trainer that's sure to help you cut water weight.

Pros

Wraps around your body and adjusts to its unique shape and is made with extra-thick neoprene to promote more sweating during exercises. It has a textured grid interior for a secure feel and reinforced trim and lining for additional support.

Cons

Some users report that it rolls up too much during workouts.

Mermaid's Mystery Waist Trimmer Trainer Belt
Mermaid's Mystery
Waist Trimmer Trainer Belt
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Easiest to Use
Bottom Line

An easy-to-use waist trainer that's super comfortable and flexible.

Pros

This adjustable waist trainer is durable and made with soft neoprene. It has a grid interior to prevent slipping and moving during workouts, and the snug fit provides an hourglass shape. The 4 flexible acrylic bones on the back improve back support and posture.

Cons

Some reports of the Velcro wearing out within a year of regular use.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Buying guide for best waist trainers

There's no disputing that regular exercise combined with a healthy diet is the best way to trim your waistline …  but it certainly isn't the fastest. When it comes to speedy results, waist trainers win the race every time. By cinching the midsection and correcting posture, a waist trainer makes it possible for anyone to attain an hourglass figure in a matter of seconds.

Whether you simply need a bit of subtle streamlining or desire dramatic curves, there's no shortage of waist trainers to choose from. Faced with the multitude of options available on the market today, it's easy to feel a little overwhelmed. Luckily, we're here to help.

If you're in the market for a waist trainer but don't know where to start, don't fret. We've put in the hours and done the research so you don't have to. Browse our in-depth waist trainer guide to find out everything you need to know. When you're ready, check out our favorite waist trainers and buy with confidence.

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Wearing a waist trainer not only produces a slimmer appearance, it can also help improve posture.

How waist trainers work

Waist trainers come in a variety of styles, but they're all designed to do more or less the same thing: compress the waist and create a slimmer appearance.

Many waist trainers have a thermal effect on the midsection to actively stimulate sweating. This aids in the removal of toxins and also leads to temporary weight loss due to a reduction of water held in the abdominal region.

Most waist trainers are adjustable to varying degrees. Some offer flexibility for gentler support and allow for a wider range of motion, while others are more constrictive for serious cinching.

The type of waist trainer you choose will be determined by your personal goals as well as your day-to-day needs.

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Did you know?
An everyday waist trainer, or waist cincher, can instantly reduce your waistline by as much as one to three inches.
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Choosing the right waist trainer for you

Corsets, waist cinchers, workout waist trainers, and waist trainer vests all fall under the broad umbrella of waist trainers. If you're new to the concept of waist training, figuring out where to start can be downright bewildering. Being able to identify the basic waist trainer categories – and having a firm understanding of their capabilities, advantages, and disadvantages – is essential to attaining the results you desire. Let's take a look.

Waist trainers come in all shapes and sizes. It's important to note that even if a waist trainer falls within a certain category, its particular set of wearer specifications can vary depending on the make. This is especially true in the case of workout waist trainers, as some are only intended to be worn for a few hours at a time.

Everyday waist trainers

Also known as waist cinchers, these typically consist largely of latex, nylon, or spandex and are sometimes lined with cotton for comfort. Many have flexible plastic boning, or rods, sewn into the fabric to help them hold their shape, but sturdier steel boning may occasionally be found in high-end varieties. Two or three rows of hook-and-eye fasteners run down the front, allowing users to quickly and easily adjust compression as needed. This style offers enough flexibility for everyday wear while still providing effective slimming, shaping, and support.

Pros:

  • Easy to fasten and wear, even for beginners

  • Discreet enough to wear under most outfits

  • Decent flexibility for everyday use

  • Available in a variety of styles to suit just about every need

Cons:

  • The results aren’t as dramatic as those offered by corsets

"If you're shorter than average or have a petite figure, a full-length waist trainer may be too long. Check the length measurements before purchasing."
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Corsets

If you thought corsets were a thing of the past, or only a part of stage wardrobe, think again. The use of these heavy-duty waist trainers is still alive and well amongst those who are serious about waist modification or desire a more dramatic effect for special occasions. Here, steel busks fasten the front, while laces in the back allow wearers to garner maximum control over how tight the fit is.

Corsets tend to be made of cotton, satin, brocade, or leather, with durable steel boning to help maintain their structural integrity.

Pros:

  • Allows for extreme customization

  • Provides the most dramatic slimming effect

  • May be worn as part of a costume or as a fashion statement

  • Effects can be somewhat more permanent (with correct use over an extended period)

  • Superior durability

Cons:

  • Very little flexibility

  • Harder to conceal beneath clothing

  • Can be difficult to fasten correctly

  • Not as comfortable as everyday waist trainers

  • Pricey

"If wearing a waist trainer causes pain, breathing difficulty, or lightheadedness, take it off at once."
STAFF
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Vest-style waist trainers

Most vest-style waist trainers fall under the “everyday” category, although some may be designed specifically for working out or to raise your temperature and stimulate perspiration.

With an over-the-shoulder construction, vest waist trainers can also provide extra back and bust support.

Pros:

  • Can be worn every day

  • Suitable for beginners

  • Extra back/bust support

  • Won't slide down

Cons:

  • Too restrictive for some

  • Finding correct bust size can be tricky

"A vest-style waist trainer can offer much-needed support if you have a larger bust that places strain on your back."
STAFF
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Workout waist trainers

Specifically designed to enhance mild to moderate workouts, this style frequently provides maximum support while encouraging perspiration and the elimination of toxins.

Workout waist trainers often come in the form of a band that's shorter than other waist trainers, but there are a number of models that extend from the waist to the upper abdominal region.

Pros:

  • Provides workout support

  • Encourages perspiration

  • Some may be worn all day

  • Available in a variety of styles

  • Most flex to accommodate physical activity

Cons:

  • Wear during exercise may take some getting used to

  • May restrict certain movements

  • Certain varieties may not be suitable for all-day use

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Expert Tip
To start, wear your waist trainer on its widest setting, only tightening it once it's fully broken in and you've become accustomed to it.
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Important considerations for choosing a waist trainer

Size

Take the time to ensure that your measurements are correct before purchasing a waist trainer. Measure your upper hips, the narrowest part of your waist, and just below your bust. If you're purchasing an over-the-bust waist trainer, measure the fullest part of your bust as well. To measure the length, it's best to take a seat first. Start just below your bust and measure the distance to the bend at the top of your thigh. Measuring twice to double-check accuracy is always a good idea. Carefully compare your measurements to the sizing guide. Many manufacturers recommend selecting a size up if you fall between sizes.

Materials

As mentioned previously, nylon, latex, and spandex – or a combination of these materials – will deliver the highest level of flexibility and everyday comfort. However, should you have a latex sensitivity, opt for a waist trainer made from natural materials. Many waist cinchers and everyday waist trainers are made from latex, so if you have sensitive skin, be sure to check the materials.

"If you have a latex allergy and the idea of wearing a corset doesn't appeal to you, opt for a cotton-lined waist trainer, or wear a tank top underneath your waist trainer as a protective barrier."
STAFF
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Boning

The rods that help a waist trainer retain its shape can be made of either plastic or steel. Most waist cinchers have plastic boning, and first-time users or those seeking a more practical option for everyday use may prefer the flexibility that these offer.

However, waist trainers with steel boning are better able to hold their shape and tend to be more durable as a result. Steel bones are most commonly found in corsets and may be either spiral-shaped to contour to your curves or straight and rigid.

As a rule of thumb, the more bones a waist trainer has, the better its overall compression strength is.

While some waist-training enthusiasts recommend 20 bones as a bare minimum, this number is highly unlikely to be necessary if you're just starting out.

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Did you know?
Steel-boned corsets can shave off as much as three to six inches from the waist circumference.
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Waist trainer prices

Everyday waist trainer prices typically range from $15 to $70.

More elaborate corsets crafted from premium materials start out at around $50 and can reach well over $100.

If you're a first-time buyer, we recommend starting out with a mid-range waist trainer to get a feel for the product before investing in a pricier option.

Although purchasing a budget waist trainer to “test drive” can be tempting, we advise against this, as cheaper waist trainers often deliver inferior comfort and waist-slimming efficacy.

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Expert Tip
Even if weight loss isn't an immediate goal, using a waist trainer can help boost confidence and naturally spur motivation to improve fitness levels.
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Handy waist trainer tips

While it's true that wearing a waist trainer will give you instant results, it can take a little getting used to. Follow these tips to safely get the most out of your waist trainer.

  • Start slowly. If you've never worn a waist trainer before, it may feel uncomfortable at first. Wearing it for an hour a day is a good starting point. Gradually increase the time as you break in your waist trainer and become more accustomed to the feel.

  • Listen to your body. If a waist trainer causes pain or interferes with your breathing, remove it immediately.

  • Look for signs of an incorrect fit. Your waist trainer shouldn't roll over your waist and should be able to close properly without excessive bulging. If it rolls or causes bulging, chances are it's too small.

  • Remain conscious of your core muscles. Engaging your core while wearing a waist trainer will strengthen your muscles, resulting in long-lasting, visible effects.

  • Eat smaller portions. With your stomach compressed, consuming large amounts of food will quickly lead to discomfort and possibly even reflux. Eat slowly, and remain mindful of portion size.

  • Drink plenty of water. Many waist trainers will make you perspire to help expel toxins, and it's important to stay hydrated throughout this process.

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While waist trainers work wonders, they unfortunately don't work miracles. For effective, long-term results, adopting a healthier lifestyle is essential.

FAQ

Q. Will wearing a waist trainer permanently reduce my waist size?

A. Wearing a waist trainer can help reduce the amount of food you eat and also remind you to tighten your core muscles, which very well may lead to more permanent results. However, for the most part, size reduction is temporary – although results may be semi-permanent in cases of extended waist training. This is most commonly observed with the prolonged use of heavy-duty corsets.

While a heavy-duty corset may eventually reposition floating ribs and even shift internal organs, resulting in a smaller waist, your body will most likely return to its normal shape a few months or years after you stop wearing it.

Q. Can I sleep in a waist trainer?

A. Many manufacturers advise sleeping in a waist trainer once you've become fully accustomed to wearing it. However, it's not likely to be very comfortable, and we strongly recommend removing it if it interferes with your regular sleeping patterns.

Q. Can I use a waist trainer after giving birth?

A. The practice of wrapping the waist after giving birth has been around for thousands of years and can give new moms some much-needed support during this vulnerable healing phase. However, while postpartum wraps are designed to gently support the midsection, some waist trainers cinch very tightly and may not be suitable for this purpose. Nevertheless, many women use everyday latex waist trainers for postpartum support and report great success.

Before you consider using a belly wrap or waist trainer, it's best to get a clean bill of health and the “thumbs up” from your doctor.