what is waist training?
Waist training is the gradual process of shaping your waist, with the aim of achieving a smaller waist or a more defined hourglass figure, by using corsets specifically designed for the purpose.
Female silhouettes have changed dramatically over the last few generations - from defined hourglass figures, to very straight (almost androgynous) waistlines. It is common today for women to wear clothing with "waistbands" that sit on their hips (eg. hipster jeans) rather than at their waist - usually resulting in a hip dent or the dreaded "muffin top" over time. Ultimately, waist training brings the emphasis back to the waist, whilst promoting the appearance of a fuller hip and bust. It is considered to be a semi-permanent body modification, which sounds terrifying to most people - in reality, it's no more terrifying than wearing hipster jeans and getting a semi-permanent "muffin top". It is very much the same principle, just conducted and controlled more specifically.
There is still a rather old fashioned mentality associated with corsetry (and thus, waist training) that accepts myths such as severe discomfort or pain, restricted breathing and internal organ damage. Although historically this may have been the case, modern custom corsetry is different. Correctly made modern corsetry should apply pressure predominantly to the sides of the waist line only, whilst remaining comparatively loose around the ribcage and hips to allow for ease of movement and breathing. Ill-fitting "off-the-rack" corsets or poorly made corsets (which apply pressure to areas other than the sides of the waist) may cause discomfort, pain and injury, particularly if worn for extended periods of time as a false waist training corset.
N.B. Extended wear of ill-fitting “off-the-rack” corsets can be painful and may lead to health issues. Do not attempt to waist train without a custom corset specifically made for the purpose by a professional who can your monitor your individual progress.
the process
The process of waist training usually involves multiple corsets, each with an individually determined decrease in waist diameter, till the desired waist size is achieved. At first, a standard reduction corset is used to begin shaping and to get the wearer used to being in a corset for extended lengths without excessive pressure on the waist. Then a second corset with an increased reduction (ie. smaller waist diameter) is used to further shape the waist. Any number of increased reduction corsets could be required, depending on individual progress and end goal waist size. With each increased reduction corset, the previous corset can be worn at times when a more relaxed fit is required (eg. when sleeping). Waist training results differ amongst individuals and can also be affected by external conditions, such as diet and exercise.
training with asphyxia couture
For waist training, most people want a sturdy and breathable corset that they can wear during the day and/or night, usually under their normal clothing. Underbust corsets are used rather than overbust corsets as they allow for comparatively greater movement and ease of wear. Waist training corsets can often be vastly different from standard Asphyxia Couture corsets, depending on individual requirements. Customisations such as softer boning (particularly lacing bones), breathable cotton fabrics or buskless corsets are sometimes preferred by regular waist trainers.
Because the waist training process can differ greatly between individuals, Ivy offers initial advice and guidance for waist training clients and remains available to help throughout the process.