My grandmother called this a girdle, but the modern-day moniker is “waist trainer.” Whatever you want to call it, the 16th century technology is making a comeback and it’s gaining ground, quickly. With celebrities such as the Kardashians using them and other noteworthy Hollywood types, the waist trainer has grown in popularity. We decided to give the Amia Classic Cincher Waist Trainer ($54) a try and see if the hype and the history is really it’s all cracked up to be. 

The findings: a waist trainer is NOT shape wear. Although it can be worn discreetly under clothes, it is used, in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle and exercise, to reduce the size of your waist. It is meant to work over time and not be something that’s worn for a week with lasting results. While your waist trainer is worn, you can see a reduced mid-section as well as improved posture, but the moment it is removed, life goes back to normal. It will also force your breasts into a higher position, so you really do begin looking a bit like Marie Antoinette while it’s on. Not a bad thing at all. 

The first time I put it on, I realized it was easiest to start on one end of the trainer and work my way up. There are dozens of hook & eye enclosures to fasten, so it takes a little maneuvering the first few times you wear it. The suggestion was only wear it for an hour or two at a time to build up your tolerance. I was able to wear it for four hours my first session and only removed it based on the company’s recommendation. 

After a couple weeks, I did notice a difference in the appearance of my waist. I didn’t see a measurable decrease in size, but I noticed the “shape” of my waist was beginning to look more like it did before baby. I will most definitely be employing this gadget after baby #2 and am excited to see how fast my body returns to normal this time around with this helpful product. Definitely recommended!

Destination I Do was given the Amia Classic Cincher Waist Trainer from HourglassAngel.com to try! In addition to our EIC’s review, here are some additional tips from the pros:

Do’s

• Wear the garment for a few hours at a time to build tolerance.
• Wear the corset for longer periods after you become comfortable.
• Select a proper fitting item.
• Discontinue use if you feel any discomfort.

Don’ts

Do not continue usage if you experience any of the following: 

• Numbness in the legs
• Shortness of breath
• Sharp stomach pains
• Pinching

For accelerated results, we recommend the following:

• Prepare smaller meals for your diet while corseting as you will become fuller faster and with less food.
• Practice core muscle training.

For more information on waist training or to explore the site’s other waist trainers, visit hourglassangel.com.