Does Wearing a Corset Shrink your Waist?

If you’ve ever wondered ‘does’ wearing a corset shrink your waist?’ you’re in the right place. Read on to find out all you need to know about corsets and waist reduction...

The primary function of a corset is to create a waist reduction. When browsing corsets, you might notice that the achievable waist reduction for each style is listed, such as 2-3 inches. While corsets do offer support and additional shaping of the torso, hips and bust, depending on which style you choose, the main objective is to reduce the waist. Read on to find out more about how a corset can reduce your waist…

Corsets Explained

Put simply, a corset is a waist-slimming garment that is worn around the torso to pull in the waistline and create a smaller waist and hourglass figure. Corsets come in several different styles and are made from a variety of materials.

If you are choosing a corset to reduce the size of your waist, there are several things to consider. Firstly think about how you will wear your corset - under clothing, over clothing, or alone. Secondly think about the look you want to achieve - would you like your corset to be subtle and hidden under clothing, or are you keen to create a bold and striking look with a corset that’s designed to be seen?

Corsets are not designed to permanently reduce the waist size, only when the corset is being worn should the waist appear smaller. Many people choose to wear this garments for special occasions, while others wear as part of their daily underwear or outerwear, and for a small group, corsets are worn for performance purposes.

Corset Styles

Overbust: An overbust corset sits over the bust and usually ends at your hips. This style is most commonly worn over clothing or alone as a corset top, but can also be worn under clothing to slim the waist and shape the hips and bust.

Underbust: An underbust corset sits under the chest and offers support to the back as well as a waist reduction and slimming of the hips. Underbusts are usually worn with a bra and can be worn under or over clothing to reduce the waist and make a style statement.

Waspie: A waspie is the smallest type of corset as it sits just around your middle and does not extend over the bust or down to the hips. Essentially a wide belt, a waspie focuses on waist reduction alone and is worn under or over clothing.

How Corsets Work

Traditionally, corsets cinch at the waist using laces to tighten the corset and pull the waist in. Good quality and authentic corsets are flexible steel boning to create that all important hourglass figure and ensure the garment holds its shape. This combination of steel boning and tight laces creates a compression around the torso which can result in a waist reduction of several inches.

Steel-boned corsets are made from a variety of materials. This can include cotton, satin and in some designs mesh. Corsets also come in many styles, from modern to traditional, as well as a variety of colours, making it easy to find a design that suits your needs.

If you’re main focus is reducing your waist, an underbust corset that you can pair with your own bra would be the best option, whereas if you’re looking for allover shaping, an overbust is best.

In addition to corsets, there are also waist trainers. Waist trainers are designed to have a more permanent effect and can reduce the waist further, but for everyday purposes and occasional wear, corsets are the prefered option.

When shopping for a corset, consider the waist reduction you want to achieve. All of our designs list the potential waist reduction, such as 3-4 inches, so that you can be clear from the offset just how effective your corset will be. These garments are an investment piece, so it’s worth taking the time to get things right from the start. For more advice and help finding your perfect style, get in touch: sales@corset-story.com, or check out our size guide and blog posts for more advice and information.