How To Measure For a Waist Trainer?
To make sure you are selecting the right size, there are four measurements which you should take before choosing a corset. For the most accurate results, we recommend using a flexible cloth or plastic measuring tape which is capable of molding to your body. You may also wish to measure in front of a mirror to ensure that you are standing up straight, as poor posture can result in inaccurate totals. Using the tape, measure and record the size of your
Wrap the measuring tape around the base of your chest, slightly below the breasts, in order to find the circumference of your underbust area. If you are not sure exactly where to measure, put on a standard bra (not a sports bra) and place the tape just below its lower edge. This measurement will correspond to the top edge of your corset.
Wrap the tape around your waist at its narrowest point – typically located between the base of the ribcage and the belly button, about one inch above the latter. (For men, the belly button typically sits higher and so the natural waist may actually be located beneath it). If you’re having trouble finding your natural waist, slowly bend to the left or right side – a “fold” or “crease” in your skin will indicate its location. This measurement will correspond to the narrowest, most highly compressed part of the corset.
Wrap the tape around your hips, keeping it aligned with the top of the hipbone. If you’re having trouble finding the exact location, try sitting down slowly with the tape still wrapped around you – your upper hip can be found at the point where your body “bends” when you sit. This measurement will correspond to the lower edge of the corset.
Sit down, making sure to keep your back straight, chest out and shoulders back. Place the measuring tape just below your left breast, ensuring that it is centered. Measure the distance from this point to the top of your left thigh, taking extra care not to bend or slouch as you do so. This measurement will be used to ensure that your corset is neither too long nor too short.
*Waist Training Corsets are intended to cinch down 4-6 inches. We recommend that you order 4-5 inches below your natural waist measurements to allow for cinching.
So if you have a 29 inch waist, we would recommend that you purchase a size 24. A size 24 will have a 24" waist when fully laced shut.
The hips will measure about 10-12 inches larger than the waist, and the underbust is about 6-7 inches larger when laced shut.
Still not sure?
If you are still not sure if the size the chart is giving you is correct, please read the following articles for differing body types.
Apple body type
If you carry most of your weight in your tummy, we suggest sizing up. More commonly known as an apple body shape, these body types tend to hold more weight in the abdomen and generally have slimmer legs and arms. In most cases, if your tummy is larger than your hips, it is recommended that you size up one or two sizes depending on the measurement (in inches) at the largest part of your tummy. Use the chart above to find the best size based on your waist measurement. It is important that you measure your waist accurately.
Pear body type
If your waist is smaller than average, you may need to go down one size. If your body type has a slimmer midsection than your thighs and hips, you could be a pear body shape. Pear body types generally have a smaller midsection and larger hips and thighs. If this sounds like you, and you feel that you carry the majority of your weight in your lower body, we would suggest sizing down one size. Use the chart above to find the best size based on your waist measurement. It is important that you measure your waist accurately.
How do I know what size waist trainer to get?
Round up to the larger size if you discover your waist size falls between two brand sizes. Adjusting a cincher to be a little tighter is easy, but if it's too thin, there won't be a lot you can do to fix it. Also, avoid the temptation to start as little as you can. Too little too quickly can result in damage to nerves and organs, irritated skin, and trouble breathing.
If you can try a cincher before you purchase it, do it! At first, it's common for a cincher to feel a little awkward, but watch for signs that it's too small. Scale up to a larger cincher if you feel discomfort, pinching, or trouble breathing. You'll probably need to get a smaller size if you find it simple to switch immediately or feel the waist trainer corset unfit.