Confused about the difference between a corset and a cincher? Not sure how to wear either one? In this article, we'll cut through the confusion and explore the difference between a corset and a cincher, as well as provide tips on how to wear them.
Whether you want to look stylish, fit, or fun, for formal events or daily wear– corsets are the way to go! However, you might be wondering which one to choose.
Don’t worry - we’re here to help! We’ve already talked about corsets quite a few times, only, this time, we will focus on the difference between corsets and cinchers.
So, what is a cincher in the first place?
To answer this question, we have to mention that there are two types of cinchers –modern latex cinchers and corset cinchers. Both compress only the waist and are used for waist training, but with different results.
Waist training is wearing a cincher for an extended period of time to permanently (or semi-permanently) reduce your natural, uncorseted waist. This means it’ll give you a smaller waist even without your cincher on. This can be achieved through weight loss, altering your ribcage, organs, or just fat-pads.
The modern latex cinchers are a type of lingerie that is used to moderately compress the waist, about 1”-2”. They are worn under the clothes, usually while working out. They have plastic boning and hook and eye tape in the back.
Cincher corsets are usually made of cotton since it’s the most comfortable, breathable material and can be worn for long periods of time. However, they can also be made of leather, satin, PVC, or other materials used for regular corsets. Corset cinchers can be worn both under and over the clothes. They can radically and permanently reduce your uncorseted waist (about 6”-8”) just by wearing them, without working out. They have steel boning and lace-up at the back
What’s the difference between an underbust corset and a cincher?
An underbust is a corset that extends down to the hips, while a cincher covers only the waist.
So, in the next section we shall discuss:
- Latex cincher (for the elastic shapewear - it’s not a corset)
- Corset cincher (for a shorter underbust corset)
- Underbust (for a regular underbust corset).
Simply put, a cincher is just a shorter underbust, but there is a gray area. What some may consider a cincher, maybe a full underbust corset for someone with a short torso. This gray area includes corsets that are 8”-10” on the side seam. Regular underbust corsets are usually longer than 9”. An even shorter cincher is called a waspie.
Latex cincher
Now that we’ve covered the basic types of cinchers, let’s begin with the latex cincher. Today, it’s mostly considered a waist trainer, but, as said, it is not a corset. Even since it’s called a waist trainer, you don’t necessarily need to wear it only while training.
You can usually see celebrities such as Kim Kardashian wearing these cinchers at the gym. Many people buy them because they are affordable, but in the long run, it may not be such a great investment. This kind of waist trainer is a type of lingerie that is used to compress the waist under the clothes. It is not very stylish and is not meant as a fashion accessory. Usually, it’s made of latex, nylon, or spandex elastic materials. It can reduce your waist 1-2 inches.
However, the material stretches out quickly, so you might have to replace them more often. It doesn’t let your skin breathe, which can make you sweat more and reduce water retention. The bones in the latex cincher are often plastic and don’t offer enough support. They can lose shape and poke into your skin. These cinchers usually zip-up in the back or have hook and eye closure.
What are the pros of an elastic cincher then?
As its main purpose is to be worn as underwear, it’s easier to hide under the clothes than a bulkier corset. If you’re wearing a tight-fitting top or a dress - go for the latex cincher. If you carry your weight around the waist, it will instantly pull your tummy in. It can even reduce your waist without exercise or diet - the levels of support range from light to extra-tight.
It’s also more comfortable than the steel-boned corset. You can sleep in it, an exercise in it, or even wear it during the long office hours, all the while working on your waist and posture.
Corset Cincher
However, if you’re interested in real waist training, you’re gonna want to invest in a real corset.
We know a genuine corset may feel more uncomfortable, but don’t worry, you’ll quickly get used to wearing it. It’s usually made of 100% breathable cotton. The material isn’t stretchy and won’t lose shape over time.
A corset cincher is designed to give you instantly amazing curves and reduce your waist 6”-8”. It depends on how much “fluff” you have in that area. You can wear it under or over your clothes, as it can be a beautiful accessory piece to your outfit. The corset laces up at the back so that you can achieve the desired tightness and hourglass shape, and fastens with a steel busk. However, it’s not as easy to hide as a latex cincher, especially the part where the laces are.
Which one should you choose for your body type?
As with most clothing items, you won’t get the desired effect if you don’t choose the right type for your build. The majority of us don't have a natural hourglass figure, so you’ll want the right corset to give you the desired shape. You can accentuate the parts you like, and correct the ones you don’t.
If you’re a bustier girl, with a short torso, it’s best to go for a corset cincher, as the full underbust will push the breasts up unnaturally.
If you are flat-chested, an underbust will perk up the cleavage by cup size. An overbust can also push up the breasts nicely. Similar, if you have a boyish figure, an underbust can surely help, but consider an overbust as well. It will flatten your waist and give you curves on both sides.
The crucial question: what’s the right size for you?
Usually, you’re gonna have to measure your bust, waist, hips, and the length of your torso. You need to make sure that the corset is “snug” but not too tight, and that it covers all the right areas. Generally, it’s best to choose a corset 4” smaller than your natural waist. This too depends on how much extra weight you carry around your waist. The more extra weight – the tighter you can go, and get more dramatic results! Here we also have to emphasize that it’s crucial to feel gentle pressure, but not tolerate any pain!
How to Style Corsets and Cinchers
Here comes the fun part! Now that you know how to choose the right corset or cincher, let’s have a look at some examples of how you can combine them with other clothing items. They can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion and the look you’re trying to achieve.
Casual
For a casual daytime look, shorter cinchers can be combined with literally anything, from jeans and an everyday tee in a neutral color to ballet flats. It will give you the perfect figure without being too in-your-face. You can add a jacket or even a hoodie over it.
You can also wear a regular underbust with all sorts of casual things, just remember to wear them with high-neck tops, as underbust tends to push up the breasts. You can match them with different tops, miniskirts, leggings, pants, and add interesting details such as a leopard print sweater and biker boots. You can even add a matching scarf to cover the cleavage.
Work
At the office, you can’t go wrong with a black cotton cincher – the shorter the better, as it will look more like a fashion accessory than a corset. Wear it with a buttoned-up white shirt made of thick material! Sometimes you can get away with jeans and a shirt, other times wear it with your work pants and cover it with a blazer!
For working in a more creative field, this could be a fun, yet appropriate summer look: wear a light mesh underbust corset over a black top and a printed pencil skirt. Add a denim jacket or a blazer and heels. Finish off with some discrete jewelry.
Weddings
For weddings and similar formal events where you can’t go too dark/goth, keep it classy but with a hint of steampunk with a light-colored cincher over a white buttoned-up lace blouse and a black pencil skirt. Add a cute cameo brooch to the collar for extra gothic elegance!
For a classic and glamorous formal look, choose lighter colors such as a beige underbust over a silk blouse and a fun patterned skirt. Add some discrete jewelry, superstar shades and a pair of lace-up ankle booties for an edgy twist.
We hope we made things at least a little bit clearer for you! These were just some ideas, but of course, you can use your imagination and adapt them to your personal taste and style!
Image Credit: Bloglovin
Do you prefer corsets or cinchers? How do you wear them? Are you interested in waist training, or just fashion? Please leave a comment below!