Corset Training 101 – Don’t “Waist” Your Time…

Fashion corsets are a great way to spice up your look for special occasions, whether you pair them with jeans, a formal dress or even when worn under a fitted jacket (and heels!). But corsets can also help any girl “shape” their everyday look; I am of course talking about Waist Training!…

We all have to work with what we have to work with. I am an athletic, tall girl, 5’10” with narrow hips (but thankfully, legs up to my elbows!). In any case, I decided some time ago to accentuate my figure by shaping my waist to give myself a more natural “hourglass” shape. After considerable research and testing I set out on a formal waist training regimen just under one year ago. The results have been miraculous and made my natural shape even better. For those of you considering waist training, here are a few lessons learned, tips,  tricks, do’s, don’ts, shoulds, shouldn’ts, how’s, whys, where’s, whens and well, you get the drift…

Safety First – Inform yourself please! We have this new thing called the internet so google, bing, yahoo or whatever floats your boat to ensure you understand the ins and outs of it all. There’s a lot of great information available on sites specializing in corsetry (the good ones have guides, FAQs, etc.). Stay away from the fetish type sites 4 pervs though…

Commitment – Proper training requires commitment, discipline and time to ensure safety and desired results (consistency is key). Once undertaken, you have to create a good plan and stick to it. This is not a casual fling, you have to be patient and really work at it to get what you want. This means every day

Work Your Way Up – Start small! A good corset will shape to your natural body type with wear and then your body will shape to the corset. Start off with short sessions. As a general rule, I would begin with one hour daily, tightening to a comfortable level then increase by fifteen minutes per day (gradually increase the duration). You have to gradually tighten over time ensuring you are never uncomfortable. As you continue to wear your corset this will take care of itself. Just follow this simple rule “never pull so tight that it hurts“. You should always be able to move freely without any pain…

Track Your Results – Write down how long you train each day until you are able to wear the corset all day long (keep a journal!) Tracking your tightening is a bit less scientific. I visually inspect the laces, that is I look at how much of the lacing I am able to pull out over time when fully tightened. A good trick is to keep an eye on where you tie off. At first tie in the back, after a while you will be able to wrap the laces around and tie in front, then with more time you will be able to go all the way around yourself and tie off in the back. In between these points just tighten, wrap the laces around and you will gradually see where the ends of the laces lie as they “move” around your waist…

Quality Matters – A good quality corset is “heavily” constructed with steel boning, multiple layers and panels for strength and durability, metal grommets in the front and heavy duty laces. Stay away from “lingerie” designs (those sold in stores like Frederick’s, Victoria’s, etc). Go with a shop that specializes in corsetry, otherwise you will waste your money and not get the results you want…

Style Is Important – Style (meaning the type of garment not how it looks) is very important. Under-bust corsets are best for training (in my humble opinion) for three reasons; one they are easier to work with, two they are easier to conceal under your clothing and three a full-body corset (or one covering the bust) doesn’t work nearly as well as a bras does. It’s hard enough to find a proper bra as it is and full corsets are designed to fit the body not your boobs so pair an under-bust corset with a good fitting bra. Also, depending on your shape pay attention to how the corset is made at the bottom. If it goes straight across at the bottom, you’re golden. If it goes down at the bottom like a “V” it may have a tendency to “flip” out and show under your clothes. I have a flat tummy (thankfully!) but this was my experience early on so if you are a fuller-fitting girl go for a style that is “flat” across the bottom in front…

When To Wear All the time would be great but with work and life in general this may not always be possible. Wear it whenever you can but as a rule you need to follow your natural movements (meaning during the day when you do whatever you do). You can sleep in your corset but this is not as effective because you need to move around in it for it to do its work. Instead, just dream about it while you sleep

Where To Buy – As I said, most shops that specialize in corsetry will have something that fits your bill. A good corset can run into the hundreds of dollars (and is well worth every penny) but you don’t need to spend a fortune when starting off. I would recommend Orchard Corset  for the beginner. My first training corset was style CS-M184 (see below…) which runs just under $100.00. I was very satisfied with this corset and it worked very well until I moved on to other styles as my training progressed. BTW, go with a satin corset to start with rather than leather (lower maintenance and higher durability!) If that’s your thing though, pair your corset with a pair of leather pants… (and heels!!!)…

Fitting – I did not have a formal fitting to start with and as I said the Orchard CS-M184 worked very well for me from the beginning. That being said, for those of you who have had a proper bra fitting, you will agree that this is never a bad thing so if you want to go to a (good) local shop for a fitting then by all means do so. A good mail order shop will (and should) help you with fit and sizing if you just call or e-mail them. Of course, as with men, trial and error is always one way to learn

Care & Maintenance – A sheer cami under your corset will help your skin breath and allow the garment to move more naturally around your body as you go through the day. You’ll want to hand wash (gently) and dry flat. I wash mine about every four weeks (or as needed). Unless it’s 110 degrees out or you spill a glass of Chardonnay all over yourself it’s basically very easy going and you only have to clean it if it starts to get stinky-inky (like hosiery)…

What To Expect – Depending on your natural shape (and level of commitment) you can trim one to two inches over the first six months. You can achieve permanent results but as you all know, everything changes (and sags) with time so noting is really ever “permanent,” is it? With longer use, corsets can slim your waist even more and give you lasting results so stay with it. I’m at a point where I don’t have to wear a training corset every day and my shape has definitely changed (for the better). I still try to get 20-30 hours of snug lacing each week to maintain my shape and wear fashion corsets whenever I want… With Heels!… (I’m just hopeless!)…

Final Tips & Tricks – EAT A HEALTHY DIET AND EXERCISE REGULARLY!!!!!!!!! Weight gain can erase years of effort and training so stay in shape. Moisturize regularly, this will help keep the skin on your torso smooth, tight and sexy. (BTW, you should be doing all these things anyway!) Eat small, regular meals while training which will keep you from feeling bloated while laced up. Oh, and where lacing is concerned, learn how to do this properly! The absolute best tip I can give here is to use a door knob. Put on the corset and loop the laces around a door knob in front of you then as you tighten in the back gradually “pull away” from the door to take out the slack. When you get the fit where you want it, just un-loop and tie off. This is also a good way to track your tightening progress! Of course, four hands are better than two so having someone else lace from the back is always best…

It will take a while to find your way and figure out what works best for you but stay with it. That’s it for my manifesto for now. Wrap it around, lace it up and tie it off girls, you won’t regret it!

37 thoughts on “Corset Training 101 – Don’t “Waist” Your Time…

  1. Cheri Dudek

    Love your entire blog! We get many referrals from this one post…and sadly this is a corset we no longer carry. If you are interested, we would love to send you another one! Drop me an email and let me know. Thank you 🙂

    Reply
    1. aubadegirl Post author

      Hey, thanks! I am a loyal girl and love your shop. If you’d like, recommend some of the good starter corsets you’d like to get out there and I’ll do a new post on my blog. We’ve got to make an effort to keep the girls properly informed (and formed!!!) 🙂 Cheers! – aubadegirl

      Reply
    1. aubadegirl Post author

      That depends on your definition of “work”… In my case, being a tall, slim, athletic girl (5”10”) I wasn’t born with your typical “hourglass” figure. The corsetry regimen helped to reduce my natural waist several inches. This evened out my wide shoulders and narrow hips to give me a more natural rounded figure. But, as I state in my post, you must always be safe and follow a careful, disciplined approach paired with a proper diet and lots of exercise…

      Reply
    1. aubadegirl Post author

      Just over three inches. This took almost a year of consistent, careful, safe & disciplined effort. Results depend on body type, diet, exercise & effort. Remember, safety first…

      Reply
  2. Jess

    Hi just wondering did you work out with this on? Once you consistently do it for a year or so can you go without using it and keep the results or you do always need to contine wearing the corset?

    Reply
    1. aubadegirl Post author

      Good question! Like exercise, if you stop, your results will diminish. Also, your body will change as you age. That being said, after a year of diligent training I usually “average” about twice a week and I try to wear one of mine for a good part of the day. I don’t wear corsets to the office so usually on the weekends or in the evenings if I’m home or going out. After you get where you want to be you’ll figure out what works for you maintenance wise. Everyone’s different.

      Reply
  3. miriya

    Hi love this! I just started my waist training journey 3 months ago. I’ve lost 3 inches already I also lost like 10lbs plus I already had an hourglass/pear shape. I just wanted to define my curves. I started with a steal bone cincher which is completely closed now so now that I know I like it Im going to buy the actually waist training corset….. should I get it 5-6 inches smaller or 6-7 which would you suggest

    Reply
    1. aubadegirl Post author

      All things equal, I would go slowly for two reasons. First, safety – you need to train slowly so you don’t injure yourself. I know it’s great to see the results but keep safety foremost in your mind. Secondly, the slower you go, the longer your results will last because it’s more natural for your body. That being said I would suggest the larger of the two. You can always go down a size later and you never know when you might pick up a few pounds (everyone does!) so the larger size might be more versatile…

      Reply
    1. aubadegirl Post author

      Not a darn thing; I’m just as twisted as the next girl in my own way! My point was simply that improperly training with a corset can be very harmful so one should seek guidance from safe and reputable sources (like this one!)… As for the rest, to each her own. Life is to be enjoyed!

      Reply
  4. Mary

    Hey, I have a 26 inch waist and I want to get to a 23 inch waist. I’m thinly built. Would I still have to get on a diet for this? I’m 108 pounds and I’m 5’6″. I’m also a vegetarian omw to being completely vegan (no dairy, no eggs, and no honey).

    Reply
      1. aubadegirl Post author

        First, go slowly and always be safe. You need not diet as long as you eat healthy (which it sounds like you do) and exercise regularly. Waist training is not about weight loss, rather it involves reshaping the rib cage. So, maintain your already healthy weight, be diligent and let the corset slowly do the work. I’m tall and athletic so I’d kill for your curves! Plus, we vegetarians need to stick together!

        Reply
  5. maryuri

    Hey,
    I want to start training my waist, but in the last months I have gained weight.. its best if i lose weight first and than start training? I was 115.. now im at 135lbs.

    Reply
    1. aubadegirl Post author

      Yes, you should lose whatever weight you wish first through careful diet and exercise. Waist training reshapes the ribcage and will be more long lasting if you are fit and maintain your ideal weight. Not to mention, your corset will be better sized for your body if you keep in good shape…

      Reply
  6. BJay

    Hey
    I started using a waist training corset last year and i used it all day everyday for about 2 months. My waist went from a 25 to a 24 and I wasn’t exercising. I also don’t eat a lot naturally. I just started again with the corset. I am 5’3 & 98lbs…my measurement is 30-24-32. My aim is to have a 22 waist, I’m more bothered about my waistline. I don’t have a defined, curved up waist line and I want that. Do you recommend a waist cincher instead as I’m not really going for a belly reduction but more a waistline reduction.
    P.S Totally jealous of your height BTW.

    Reply
    1. aubadegirl Post author

      Wow, you’re little! I recommend a corset (I prefer under-bust for training). Like you, I wasn’t born with great curves so the corset can help reduce your midsection giving a more curvy silhouette to your figure. I would also recommend a healthy diet and regular exercise. These will make a huge difference in your results and their longevity. Cheers!…

      Reply
  7. Elyssa

    Hello! I have been interested in waist training for a very long time now. I’m still a student and I play club volleyball. What would you suggest I do? Meaning, should I play volleyball with a corset on, wear it before and after practice, etc. I want to slim down a few inches because I’m rather short, only about 5’2″, and I feel my waist/rib cage is a little too big for the rest of my body. By the way, thank you for all the information! It has helped a lot! 🙂

    Reply
    1. aubadegirl Post author

      Nope, no volleyball. You should wear your corset anytime you are doing “normal” things meaning anything not too strenuous. A few ideas include: cooking, reading, watching videos, cleaning, going out and about, shopping… Exercise isn’t practical in a properly laced corset (not to mention the sweat!) Some women sleep in their corsets but I don’t recommend this. Also, when you first set off, you need to train regularly for shorter periods then as you reach your desired results you can move to “maintenance” mode meaning a few times per week as needed. Good luck!…

      Reply
  8. NadiaLee

    Hey! Thanks for the info..
    I need help. I’m trying to eat better to lose weight – I’m 5″4’/135 lbs. I use too be bigger 160lbs at my biggest at age 14. I was bulimic at 16 and was so bad I dropped from 160 to 114. I looked sick, so at age 20 I decided to make a change eat better so of course because of my bulimia struggle I gained weight rapidly so now I’m 135 but uhg I never exercise my tummy as much as my legs! I don’t exercise a lot but when I do it’s targeted towards lifting my butt. Crunches, I hate them, I try to substitute with torso twist kick exercises to affect the lower abdomen MY PROBLEM AREA. I am 21 now. I kinda got a lil jiggly tummy, I’m trying to tighten up now and I was wondering if the corset training would be a good idea for me since my abdomen is not firm. I have small curves but a loose tummy nonetheless. Is this right for me?? I don’t think it’s fat, it’s loose skin but I do not sag, in fact my tummy looks semi-flat sometimes but even so, any sudden movement and I jiggle like jello LOL. I’m also thinking of ordering a 15 day skin tightening mineral soak just in case.. help?? -Nadia Lee

    Reply
    1. aubadegirl Post author

      Glad you’re taking care now. Regular exercise, proper diet and a good moisturizer will really help tighten loose skin. You might look online or YouTube for tummy exercise routines. Do this first. The corset will reshape your ribcage and reduce your waistline but only if you stay healthy. As for the mineral soak, I’d invest the money in a good book on nutrition instead! Take good care of yourself and keep your head up & your smile on…

      Reply
  9. Titi

    I need your help… I’m 20 years old 5’4” 160 pounds. Ever since I was young I have always had curves and now more so as I am older. I have been hearing about waist training for the longest time. To help me tighten my problem areas, I just started doing yoga and exercising to help me tone up. So, my question is, should I start corset training to help me with this process? Will it help my curves be defined even more so than with just working out alone?

    Reply
    1. aubadegirl Post author

      You’re off to a good start with the yoga & exercise (don’t forget to eat healthy as well). If your objective is to lose weight, then no, corset training won’t be as effective as what you’re already doing. However, after you get your weight to the desired goal, the corset training can help to define your waistline if you are diligent, consistent and safe. Safety First! The corset will reshape the lower ribs, over time, with use. If you start before losing the weight, you’ll just end up buying a smaller size corset later. I wasn’t born with your curves so for me (5’10” 135 pounds) the corset has helped a great deal to slim my waist and thus widen my hips (proportionately) … Hope this helps you… – aubadegirl

      Reply
  10. Elaine Day

    An informative post definitely. I have been waist training myself and am pretty much satisfied with the result that’s coming. However, I would want to suggest to keep the quality of your corset in priority, do not go for cheap ones and yes size does matter so please make sure to check the fit of the corset you buy.

    Reply
  11. Aysia

    I’m concerned about girls age 15 and up. Can girls age 15 wear a corset for waist training? I had a friend who ordered an inexpensive waist training corset. She didn’t know her waist size, had no idea how to get her measurements so she just brought a size small. She is pretty skinny, pant size is between 3-5, and her shirt size is medium (she weights between 127-130 pounds). She plays soccer and dances daily, so will there be any effect?

    Reply
    1. aubadegirl Post author

      A good question. Generally I would say no and would not recommend a girl as young as 15 undertake waist training. Why? Because her body is most likely still developing. Not only would any results be temporary but the training itself might be unsafe if done improperly. What I would recommend is a good diet, a healthy lifestyle and lots of exercise. If she is concerned about her shape, I would suggest yoga or swimming (plus daily stretching!) Tell her to wait a few years and to enjoy being a girl first. When she’s a bit older, say in her early 20’s, she can then consider waist training. Good luck! – aubadegirl

      Reply
  12. Emma

    Hi I wasn’t going to write a comment as I wasn’t sure how people would react, but I’m a male to female transsexual and have been waist training for 3 months, following the advice given on this page, I’ve gone from having no shape or curves 33 inch waist to now a 31″ waist, I’m wearing my corset for 8 hours a day, my goal is 28″ which I hope to achieve in the next 12 months, I do want reiterate though that diet and exercise is just as important as wearing the corset ☺️

    Reply
    1. aubadegirl Post author

      Emma, thanks for the feedback! First let me say that our lives are difficult enough as it is and what you’re going through takes a great deal of courage. I know your transition is not by choice and if people don’t understand or agree with it, that’s their problem, not yours. Always keep your head high. I’m glad the post was helpful. You might also look into your wardrobe to address your shape. I am very tall and lean so in addition to my corsets I use a variety of tricks with my outfits to attain a more voluptuous look. Depending on your shape these might work for you as well. If you wish to contact me offline to get some ideas that would be fine. I wish you all the best in your journey. Cheers! – aubadegirl…

      Reply
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    Reply
    1. aubadegirl Post author

      Thank you, thank you! I like witty… Witty is good! I’ve been away, but I’m home now, so check back another day! Witty! -aubadegirl

      Reply

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