What Is the Difference Between a Waist Cincher and a Waist Trainer?

Megan Smith
 min read

What is the difference between a waist cincher and a waist trainer?

What is the difference between a waist cincher and a waist trainer?A waist trainer is meant for long-term body shaping to train your waist into an hourglass figure.

A waist cincher helps you look slimmer, like for that special occasion or a night out, without having to actually lose weight.

Waist cinchers do not have the long-term goal of changing your body’s shape.

Tip: Read our other article if you’re looking to lose weight around the waist.

What is the difference between a waist cincher and a waist trainer? Introduction

As implied, a waist trainer is underwear that works to gently train your waist if an hourglass waist is what you’re after.

It’s made from a thick mix of material and sets of flexible fabric for structure.

A waist trainer can be closed at the front by a set of hooks, a zipper, or velcro.

A waist cincher is shapewear usually made of latex and helps reduce the size of one’s waist.

It can be made with little to no supportive structure and may be closed with a set of hooks.

It can also be just one piece that doesn’t need closing.

For specific examples of waist cinchers, we recommend checking out these plus-size waist cinchers that are top rated.

What is the difference between a waist cincher and a waist trainer? Differences

The differences between both kinds of shapewear are listed below.

Size of the garment

  • Waist cinchers can be smaller in size
  • Larger versions exist too that also cover the bust, thighs and underarms.
  • Waist trainers are larger in size than basic waist cinchers and cover the torso from hips to under the breast.

Reinforced lining

  • Waist cinchers have little or no boning support.
  • Waist trainers contain boning structure for more support.
  • Waist trainers have high compression levels on the waist.

Intended duration of use

  • Waist cinchers are designed for short-term use.
  • Waist trainers are meant for long-term use.

Fasteners used

  • Waist cinchers provide less compression so the fasteners are less robust.
  • Waist trainers need reinforced hooks, so the garment doesn’t rip under high pressure.

Materials used

  • Waist cinchers are often latex and neoprene, or even cotton and other fabrics.
  • Waist trainers are specially made with comfortable materials as worn daily for longer periods.

What is the difference between a waist cincher and a waist trainer? Similarities

Several similarities exist as well between the two types of shapewear.

Function of the shapewear

These two types of underwear can both be used to provide the wearer with a quick, slimmer look comparable to an hourglass shape.

They can be worn on occasions, on a night out, or for photo shoots with a visually minimized waist.

Cost of the products

This obviously depends on quality and product, but both cinchers and trainers are often in a similar rate range.

General design of the garments

Waist cinchers and waist trainers are often confused as they can look very similar.

Both are thick waist belts that twist around one’s torso and might have various colors or patterns.

What is the difference between a waist cincher and a waist trainer? Conclusion

Waist cinchers and waist trainers look similar and both minimize your waist immediately.

Yet there are critical distinctions between them.

  • Waist cinchers are less restrictive as they do not restrict movement.
  • The support structure to provide high compression. Waist cinchers can give little or no support. Some use flex boning, which is a pliable column made from plastic.
  • Waist cinchers flatten your stomach and are meant for short-term use. Waist trainers are for long-term usage with the objective of altering your body shape
About Megan Smith

Megan has been fighting overweight and her plus size since her teenage years. After trying all types of remedies without success, she started doing her own research. Megan founded Plus Size Zeal to share her findings. She also developed various detailed buying guides for plus-size people in order to make their lives easier and more comfortable. Read More