Waist Training

I thought I would share with you a little introduction to proper waist training as I am beginning my journey in this. I have always loved this look and loved the feel of being cinched into a corset so at age 51 I have decided to begin my journey. There is so much to share on this that I can not simply make one post so I will continue to inform you of my journey and information on Corsets as the months go on. But for now... a little introduction;

In the 1920s and 1930s along with 1970's until about now... the feminine silhouette was pretty natural. In earlier times including the Victorian and Edwardian era and even the 1950's and 1960's women strove for that hourglass figure!

As they say, all things come back in style and once again many women are striving to create the exaggerated hourglass figure with the help of binding and training in the form of the corset. This figure emphasizes the bust and hips giving a very seductive silhouette. It offers the women much confidence, like a great set of high heels. Catherine de Medici would agree that this is the only way a women's body should look and I am sure she would be proud of those of us venturing back into the art of wearing the corset!

Let me start by explaining the terms as they are often misused in today's world.

Waist Trainer: Is a corset style garment which contains steel bones and is generally made of silk or cotton with meshing and tape and metal clasps located at the front, metal eyelets and laces at the back. A well made waist trainer contains between 16 and 20 steel bones which help to support and cinch. If worn regularly (waist training) you will actually modify the waistline.

Cincher: The Cincher is usually made of latex and often has hook and eye closer with a possible zipper for more support. This is elastic shape-wear that is worn under the clothing. This style can offer a temporary change in the body's shape but it does not offer actually modify the waist.

There are several styles of corsets:

The Waspie: The shortest/ narrowest of the corset styles. It is less constricting while still offering stomach support and waist cinching. It can be worn for fashion purposes both over and under clothing but if it is properly steel boned it can be used for waist training purposes. This is a good choice for girls with shorter torsos and fuller busts.

The Underbust which is pretty self explanatory : This is a favorite of mine. It offers a lot of support for the back while allowing a bit more breathing space and having a more natural looking bust line.

The Overbust: Begin just under the armpit and end just above the hip. These lift the breast and reduce the waistline. These are not the most comfortable for larger breasted women and are very restrictive.

How to put your corset on:

To begin, it is often suggested that you wear a natural fiber camisole beneath your corset. This will help to wick away moisture and keep your corset clean.

You want your laces to be loosened as much as it takes to easily clasp the front. Once you have your corset done up at the front you will begin to pull on the laces. Your laces should be done from the top to the middle and from the bottom to the middle. Once the laces start to become tight enough to hold your corset in place you will begin working the laces from the top to the middle and bottom to the middle and pulling the strings to pull up the slack you have created!

Your corset should not close all the way at first. If your corset closes all the way it is too big for you to waist train. You should be ordering a corset between 4 and 6 inches smaller than your measured waistline depending on the corset. It will take wearing it every single say for approximately 6 - 8 hours a day over many months before you start to see a great change in the size of your actual waist.