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Diet? Check. Exercise? Check. Still, need help with those abs? Check! Everyone struggles with those stubborn belly layers that are so hard to eliminate despite your best efforts. In recognizing this common summer dilemma, the waist trainer made its way into the market. They come in various types of which the most popular types are corset-style undergarments and wrap-around fabric worn during training. The corset-style waist trainers will immediately (and temporarily) give you more of an hourglass figure by acting like shapewear, except it will be somewhat tighter. Wrap-around waist trainers work for exercise, increasing sweating around the midsection and providing postural support. This will result in extra water loss which can lead to temporary weight reduction. Whether you’re dressing up for a special occasion or just need to give your weight-loss plan a boost, we’re here to help you choose the top waist trainers in 2024. These are our top picks.
Our Favorite Waist Trainers of 2024 in Detail
Lady Slim by NuvoFit Waist Trainer — Best Overall
These corset waist trainers from NuvoFit come in a large range of sizes allowing you to get the perfect fit for your body type. A sizing chart is provided so you can order the most suitable size from 2XS to 3XL. The stylish latex corset is available in 5 color designs with anti-roll, spiral steel boning. Each meticulously designed piece has three rows of adjustable hook and eye closure mechanisms for easy size adjustment.
Pros
- Versatile for work and gym
- Five color options
- Anti-roll, spiral steel boning
- Available in 6 adjustable sizes
Cons
- Not suitable for individuals with latex sensitivity
Sweat Shaper Waist Trainer — Most Convenient
On the real hunt for the most convenient option on the internet? Then why don’t you actually take a look at the mighty Sweat Shaper Waist Trainer. It uses first-class polymer fabric to increase your body heat and boost sweating — creating a steamed sauna-like experience. Plus, apart from that, it will also streamline your waist and give you a nice, athletic look. Available in 8 different size options, you will be able to find the right fit for you in absolutely no time. And, if you’re not completely thrilled, you can return the product to the manufacturer (30-day money return offer).
Pros
- Comfortable to wear
- Stimulates excessive sweating
- Multiple color options
Cons
- It doesn’t have great elasticity
Mermaids Mystery Waist Trainer — Best Sauna Belt
Mermaids Mystery sauna waist trainers have received raving reviews from customers. The unisex belts come in a range of adjustable sizes allowing you to measure your waist and consult the size chart before ordering to get the perfect fit. The belt fits securely with a Velcro fastener, shaping your figure instantly, smoothing bulges, and providing a mid-section sauna effect with its hot thermo neoprene design. The wide belt has 4 structural bones which also support your back and promotes better posture.
Pros
- Made from latex-free, 4mm thick neoprene
- Sweat more with less effort
- Offers back support
- Instantly smooths bulges and shapes waist
Cons
- Not machine-washable
Sports Research Waist Trainer — Honorable Mention
This waist trainer is your new gym buddy. The sauna belt has a hook and loop closure allowing you to adjust it to your waist size. The extra thick premium neoprene construction offers flexibility for a full range of motion, yet optimizes sweating for an abdominal sauna effect. The inner lining is designed to repel moisture, limit slipping, and prevent bunching during workouts. Available in sizes small to XXL the bands can be used by men and women. Keep your waist sauna belt clean and hygienic with the included mesh bag for washing and storage.
Pros
- Suitable for men and women
- Available in 5 sizes with adjustable straps
- Reinforced stitched design offers good durability
- Easy to wash
Cons
- Designed for a sauna effect – be prepared to sweat a lot.
Perfotek Waist Trainer — Best for Workouts
This exercise belt not only increases sweating around the mid-section during exercise but also supports your lower back to maintain good posture while training. The design is black with a choice of pink or black trimming. Reinforced stitching makes the belt extra durable while the neoprene fabric design is skin-friendly and flexible for a full range of motion while wearing the belt. The Velcro adjustment makes it easy to ensure a good fit as you down-size over time.
Pros
- Reinforced stitched design enhances durability
- One-size fits all
- Lower back and postural support during exercise
- Moisture-wicking fabric design
Cons
- Designed for exercising only. Not suitable to wear as a corset-style undergarment with everyday wear.
EcoWalson Waist Trainer — Greatest Size Range
Available in 10 sizes from 3XS to 4XL, these stylishly designed waist trainers come in a range of designs with either 9 or 25 steel bones and a choice of two lengths. The corset has 3 rows of hooks with an extender panel of another 3 rows (for a total of 6) allowing you to use the corset long-term even as your size changes. With more scope for adjustment, you also avoid stretching the material. The corset is made with three fabric layers including inner cotton and 4% spandex layer and a middle latex layer. The outer layer is durable nylon, spandex, and lycra with double row stitching.
Pros
- 6 adjustable size panels including an extender
- Available in 11.6 or 9.45-inch design
- Available in a choice of 9 or 25 steel bones
- Corrects spinal posture
- Immediately smooths bulges and creates an hourglass figure
Cons
- Not suitable for individuals with latex sensitivity
What To Look For in a Waist Trainer: A Buyer’s Guide
Waist trainers may not give you a natural 6-pack, but they sure will slim your midsection for that special event. Corset-style bands will immediately offer a shapely and smooth midsection to wear as part of, or under your outfit. For a different approach, get a sweat waist trainer to increase sweating around your midsection during training. Waistbands should not be worn for more than a few hours daily. Although they can teach you correct posture, which also translates into a taller and leaner-looking figure, you don’t want your muscles to start relying on the corset to stay upright. This will cause your muscles to weaken and become lazy in maintaining a healthy posture. In this guide, we’ll help you choose the best waist trainer according to your goals, size, and personal preferences. Here’s what you need to know.
Safety
The most important thing to keep in mind with any type of waist trainer is that you need to be able to breathe. The moment the wrap becomes so tight that it causes abdominal discomfort, difficulty breathing, lightheadedness, or any pain whatsoever, take it off immediately. It is never supposed to cause pain or breathing difficulties, ever. Plus, you aren’t going to look or feel very sexy if you’re in agony.
Range of Motion
Just like breathing, your range of motion should not be restricted. Make sure you can still move, exercise, sit and stand comfortably and without limitations.
Quality and Comfort
While waist trainers will usually feel uncomfortable to wear at first use, you will become accustomed to the feeling of having something around your midsection after wearing it for a few days. Initially, it should feel tight, but it should not feel like it’s pinching your body or skin. Comfort and quality can be determined by looking at the fabric type, boning design, and hooks.
The Type of Fabric
Depending on the type of waist trainer, they can be made from various materials including cotton, satin, latex, neoprene, and leather. When choosing something to wear as an undergarment, opt for breathable material. If you’re going for something to wear during exercise, opt for a moisture-wicking and durable fabric.
The Boning Materials
Boning refers to the support system used in a corset-style waist trainer construction. The panels can be plastic or steel. When you’re just getting used to wearing the corset, a plastic boning may be a good option, however, if you plan on using it long-term, opt for a design with steel bones.
The more boning the corset has, the more support, structure, and shape it will provide. Boning can also be spiral, flat, or double-boning, which may differ between manufacturer designs and material types used.
Exercise and sauna waist trainers made from neoprene don't always feature boning.
Hooks
Depending on the type of waist trainer, there will be different fastening systems. Some sweat waistbands may wrap around and fasten with Velcro, while corsets generally have hooks and pins. If you’re getting dressed on your own, it may not be that easy to fasten a string of hooks in the middle of your back, along your spine. If you are worried about reaching the hooks, you can always look for a type that fastens along the sides of the body.
Check for durable hooks since a few broken hooks will make your piece useless. Another very important thing to look for is that the settings are adjustable to various sizes so you can keep adjusting as you progress in shaping your waist.
Size
Most manufacturers selling online will provide you with a sizing chart. This allows you to take your measurement and order the perfect fit accordingly. Corset waist trainers are not a ‘one size fits all product. As with any other piece of clothing, it is important that you order sizing correctly. If it is too small it won’t fit, and if it’s too big you won’t be able to use it as a waist trainer
Ideally, the waist trainer you purchase should fit you on the largest size setting when you receive it. There should be plenty of hooks allowing you to down-size and adjust as you wear it. If it fits you on the smallest size, you may need to get another size as there will be no hooks allowing you to downsize when needed. Velcro fasteners with training bands should also have enough space to allow downsizing. These are generally easier to adjust, but also thicker to wear.
How To Measure Your Size
When taking your measurement, use a flexible measuring tape and measure around your natural waist. This is the smallest part of your midsection, around two or three inches above your belly button. Do not tighten the tape or keep it too loose. You need to get your actual size, not the size you prefer.
Some manufacturers will ask you to measure the largest part of your waist, so make sure to check the sizing and measurement instructions before ordering.
Rolls and Bulges
If your corset bulges or forms rolls it’s a sign that you got the wrong size. Bulging can either be a sign that the trainer is too big or too small, whereas fabric that rolls outwards or inwards around your hip is a sign that it is a size too small. To get the best result you want a snug fit, but not too tight.
Wear Duration
Some manufacturers recommend up to 8-hours of corset wearing, while sweat waistbands are not meant to be worn more than two or three hours while exercising. The length of time you wear it will depend on the reason you are using it, however, wearing it for as long as 8 hours daily can also cause your muscles to become lazy which is counter-productive.
Wearing it for a function or special event immediately trims your waistline by 2 or 3 inches. This is suitable to wear just for the duration of your event but can be taken off at home. Keep in mind that wearing a sweat or exercise type keeps the skin on your midsection moist all the time from sweat. If kept on too long you will develop a rash and perhaps even blisters or chafing.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions and slowly build yourself into the habit of wearing it. You don’t have to keep it on for two hours on the first day. The moment you experience pain or major discomfort, take it off.
Washing and Care
Corset styles made from delicate satin or leather will have very specific washing instructions. Make sure to follow them. A sweatband is made to make you sweat more, which means you will need to wash it after every use. When choosing the best design for you, check that it is easy to wash, dry, and maintain. Quick-drying fabric is also a good option for exercise bands. Not cleaning your band regularly, especially when sweating a lot, will cause bacteria to build up and your band will start smelling.
