No! Waist training should never be painful and if it is then you are more than likely wearing the wrong size. There may, however, be some discomfort as you adjust to a waist trainer and a feeling of compression. Over time your waist trainer will become more comfortable as your body shape adapts.

Waist trainers come in variety of shapes, sizes and designs. Finding your perfect fit and style depends on your body shape and your waist training goals. You may also need a variety of waist trainers to fit your lifestyle. For example, the waist trainer you wear to the gym is unlikely to be the one you want to wear under your favourite dress. We have brought together the most popular types of waist trainers below.

Faja is Spanish and translates to belt or girdle. It is a hugely popular style of waist trainer in Latin America and is more commonly known as a waist trainer. A good Faja will have steel boning, is often made with a high Latex content and fits around the waist under the bust. It has a little more flexibility than a corset based waist trainer and is a great entry point for beginners. Fajas are often a good waist trainer to wear to the gym or on days when you are running around town.

Steel boned waist training corsets are the ultimate waist training option. As the name suggests, this style of corset is built around a steel structure which offers incredibly effective compression. Like other traditional corset styles, silk and taffeta are popular textile choices. The steel boned corset, worn over time, is perhaps the most effective at altering the shape of the lower rib cage and providing a well-defined hour glass shape. These corsets vary in design to sit both over and under the bust.

Steel boned corsets look a little more like traditional corsets (with lacing or hooks) and can sit under or over the bust depending on the design. Satin, taffeta and other none stretch textiles mean waist training corsets offer less give than modern shapewear and can provide more defined results. Compression is achieved by using double the number of steel bones that a standard steel boned corset has. Waist Training Corsets also look amazing and are often be worn as both underwear and outerwear.

Waist cinchers sit under the bust, compressing and shaping the area around the waist and stomach. Waist Cinchers are often a little more budget friendly then true waist trainers and are largely made from spandex or other compression materials. The smooth body shaping design can make the Waist Cincher a good choice for providing extra control under your favourite outfit.

Fashion corsets are designed in the same traditional way as other corsets but generally provide lighter compression and are not intended waist training. Fashion Corsets are designed to be worn as outerwear or as lingerie, often made from luxe materials with beautiful embellishments. They usually have acrylic bones and are a great way to take a little waist reduction into your evening wardrobe.

Waist trimmers are often made of neoprene and look more like a traditional belt than other waist trainers. They fit snugly around the waist as you exercise, causing compression and increased sweating. Worn by both men and women, Waist Trimmers encourage increased weight loss through exercise while providing back and core support as you work out.

There is a waist trainer for almost every occasion and wearing your trainer for at least 8 hours per day is recommended to get the best results. It’s important not to jump in at the deep end, though. Begin by wearing your waist trainer for just an hour or two each day to allow your body to adjust to the fit and feeling of the compression. It’s also useful to invest in a waist trainer for working out vs a waist trainer for every day.

• Waist training should go hand in hand with a healthy lifestyle. Eat well and work out regularly to see the best results. A strong core is also key to your waist training success, so although not a necessity, don’t neglect those crunches.
• Getting the right fit is vital for comfortable and effective waist training. Always follow measuring guidelines carefully and remember you may need to change your waist trainer as your shape develops.
• Always purchase a high-quality waist trainer made from high-quality materials. This will give you the best results and is less likely to provoke skin sensitivity.