Not to be confused with waist trainers, waist trimmers are fitness accessories. Like trainers, waist trimmers are worn around the stomach to give the appearance of a smaller waist.
However, these belts are normally worn while the user works out. They trap heat around the abdomen, causing the individual to sweat more. They lose water weight, taking inches off of one’s midsection as a result.
These results aren’t permanent, but they can boost one’s confidence and self-image. Waist trimmers also have advantages like lumbar support and improved posture. If you’re thinking about trying a waist trainer, but aren’t sure where to look, you’re in the right place!
We’ve scoured the net to find the best waist trimmers on the market. You’ll also find a guide on what to look for when shopping for one. Keep reading to find our pick of the bunch below!
Sweet Sweat Waist Trimmer – Black/Pink
Sweet Sweat’s waist trimmer is made with high quality, latex-free, neoprene. It helps to trap heat in the abdominal area, which then makes you sweat – a lot. The inside of the belt is made with a textured grid lining.
This helps to repel any annoying moisture, so your belt stays in good condition for longer, but it also prevents the belt from slipping off you while you train.
The waist trimmer uses a double Velcro system to keep it secure on your body. It’s contoured to fit around the smallest part of your waist, which is ideal for sculpting an hourglass figure.
However, the belt is only wide enough to cover a section of the abdomen, which may not be ideal for those looking for lumbar support.
Some waist trimmer belts are only available in one size, but this one is available in five sizes from Small to XX-Large. Sweet Sweat’s measurements are generous, so plus-size people can also use this product.
Pros:
- Made from high-quality neoprene
- Textured lining to repel sweat
- Double Velcro system to secure belt in place
- Good range of sizes
Cons:
- Width may not help those with back issues
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Perfotek Waist Trimmer Belt For Women
Perfotek’s waist trimmer manages to deliver decent results without breaking the bank. The fastening system uses Velcro straps that keep you held in. The Velcro also makes the waist trimmer easy to wear and take off, as there aren’t any hooks or extra layers to deal with.
The belt is made out of breathable neoprene, which traps in heat without sacrificing comfort. Neoprene raises your body temperature so that you sweat more, shrinking your waist size in the process. It also absorbs extra sweat, so you can keep comfortable as you train.
The waist trimmer is only available in one size, so it may be too tight or loose for some people. If you’re looking for a waist trimmer to improve your posture, you may prefer one with boning.
This is simply a fabric belt that reduces water loss. That being said, keeping this belt on around your waist may remind you to keep your core in, taking the stress off of your back muscles.
Pros:
- Effective neoprene material
- Velcro straps make it easy to wear and remove
- Good value
Cons:
- One size only
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Sweet Sweat Waist Trimmer Xtra Coverage Belt
Here’s another option from Sweet Sweat. The brand has also created a waist trimmer with extra coverage. This is perfect for those that want to target their whole midsection, as well as those who want to activate their full core.
Like the original waist trimmer, the belt is made out of neoprene, but this one uses extra-thick neoprene to increase the amount of sweat produced. The material traps heat in, but it’s still flexible enough for you to move easily.
Users have even said that the material is thin enough to wear under regular clothing, so this is a good option if you want to wear it during the day.
The extra coverage is also a good idea for taller individuals with longer torsos. However, despite the extra material, this isn’t the best option for those with posture issues. It may remind you to activate your core, but if you need better lumbar support, you may need a waist trimmer with boning. Nevertheless, this is a great option for those who want to target their entire abdominal area during a workout.
Pros:
- Very thick neoprene material
- Extra coverage to target entire stomach
- Grid lining repels sweat to keep belt in good condition
- Good range of sizes
Cons:
- No boning or stiff lining for those with back issues
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SHAPERX Women Waist Trainer Eraser Belt
Waist trimmers can be difficult to keep on during intense exercise. This option from SHAPERX uses double adjustment Velcro to keep it from falling off. You first fasten the belt around your waist, then fasten the second belt on top to secure it further.
The fabric itself is made out of neoprene, a flexible material that keeps you comfortable as you work out. The belt is also covered with ventilation holes that keep the belt breathable.
The trimmer is lined with Flex-boning that’s rigid enough to keep your core supported, but flexible enough so that you can move easily.
Size-wise, the waist trimmer covers the upper and middle part of your stomach, which may benefit by targeting the smallest part of your waist. It’s available in five sizes from Small to XX-Large. This is a decent range, but it may not cater to plus sizes.
You can opt for a fun color, like pink or orange, or go for the black option. Overall, this is a great option for those who specifically want to work out in their waist trimmer.
Pros:
- Double velcro fastening to keep secure
- Comfortable and breathable Flex-boning
- Ventilation holes for breathability
Cons:
- Size range may not cater to plus sizes
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HOPLYNN Neoprene Sweat Waist Trainer Corset
This offering from HOPLYNN combines the width of a waist trainer with the benefits of a waist trimmer. Waist trainers are often stiff and uncomfortable to wear.
This belt is made from neoprene, so it’s breathable enough to wear at the gym, through a fitness class, or just around the house. It’s also lined with flexible steel bones that are strong enough to cinch you in, but flexible enough so that you can move through your workout.
Unlike some other waist trimmers, the belt is wide enough to cover the entire stomach. It traps heat so that you sweat, losing water from the entire abdominal area. The greater width is also good for those that are trying to improve their posture. It keeps you upright and focused on keeping your core in.
The belt is available in seven sizes, from Small to 4 Xtra Large, so it can fit a good range of shapes and sizes. However, the belt is fastened with rows of hooks, strong Velcro straps, and a zipper. This keeps it secure around the waist, but it may be difficult to put on and remove when time is scarce.
Pros:
- Breathable neoprene material
- Range of sizes
- Greater width covers more of the stomach
- Combines benefits of waist trainer and trimmer
Cons:
- Hooks, straps, & zipper make it tricky to wear and remove
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Buying Guide
Are Waist Trimmers The Same As Waist Trainers?
Waist trainers work like a corset to give you the appearance of a smaller waist. People use these devices to ‘train’ their waist. They wear a waist trainer for a certain amount of time regularly. Over time, waist trainers can shape the waist so that it resembles an hourglass figure.
Waist trimmers are different, as they are fitness belts that are worn around the waist. They make you sweat more around your stomach area, causing water loss. This loss helps take off inches from your midsection.
When you combine wearing a waist trimmer with diet and exercise, you may see a difference in the appearance of your abdomen.
Waist trimmers are normally made from neoprene or nylon. These are stretchier fabrics that allow more room to move and breathe compared to waist trainers. As they are more elastic, they are more comfortable to wear during workouts or intense activity.
Waist trainers have hooks and a stronger bone structure, similar to a corset. Waist trimmers are much lighter, thanks to the neoprene material. Instead of hooks, waist trimmers use velcro clasps that are easy to put on and remove, so they are ideal for a range of scenarios.
Things To Look For In A Waist Trimmer
It’s important to consider several factors when choosing a waist trimmer.
Material
Most people wear a waist trimmer while they work out, so make sure your one is made from a breathable material. Nylon and neoprene are normally used to make waist trimmers. These fabrics are elastic, but strong enough to shape your core and keep you standing upright.
Velcro straps are also necessary, as they make removing your belt easier. Most waist trimmers should be latex-free, but lookout for this if you have latex allergies.
Size
You must make sure that your waist trimmer can fit your waist before you buy it. It can be tempting to go for a smaller size, but this can make your belt uncomfortable to wear. If it can’t fit around your midsection properly, the belt will dig into your skin and may cause rashes from friction during exercise.
Belts from better brands will be available in a range of sizes. You may also find belts that will be able to be tightened or loosened as necessary. However, beware of ‘one size fits all’ waist trimmers, as these may not be suitable for plus-size individuals. To find your size, measure your waist in inches and choose a size that matches.
Design & Functionality
A waist trimmer should be flexible enough so that you can breathe comfortably and move around easily. However, it should also be firm enough to keep your stomach in and your core tight.
Some waist trimmers may have flexible boning that improves your posture, but lets you move about. These work more like waist trainers that use stiffer boning to shape the waist. Nevertheless, your waist trimmer should prioritize elasticity, so it shouldn’t be as rigid as a waist trainer.
Easy To Wear & Remove
Waist trimmers aren’t meant to be tricky to remove like waist trainers are. Waist trimmers are often used in the gym or during an exercise class. Time is an issue during these settings, so waist trimmers need to be easy to remove and simple to put on.
Clasps and Velcro straps allow you to take the belt off easily but watch out for rows of hooks that are seen on waist trainers. These take a lot of time to unhook and remove.
Waist Trimmer Advantages
Wearing a waist trimmer belt has a few advantages, particularly when you use one alongside diet and exercise.
Improved Posture
Waist trimmers can improve your posture which encourages good lumbar support. As the belt sits around your waist, it pulls in your core, placing light pressure around the midsection.
As your core is tight and active, this stops you from using your lower back for support. The belt also physically stops you from rounding your back or sticking your stomach out.
This is useful during weighted squats and deadlifts, as these movements need good core activation to avoid back injuries. Similarly, the belt is ideal for those with back pain, as it encourages you to focus using your core for support.
Smaller Waist
The only thing that can burn fat is an energy deficit, but a waist trimmer can help you cinch in your waist temporarily. The belt is made out of a rigid material that keeps your stomach pulled in.
When it’s worn during exercise, the trimmer traps heat around your waist, making you sweat more around your midsection. This causes water loss throughout the area, which shrinks down your waist to a smaller size.
Keep in mind that this effect is only temporary. Your waist will return to its former size when you resume eating and drinking. Nevertheless, you can enjoy these effects before an event or setting where you want to look slimmer.
The water loss may be temporary, but waist trainers can be helpful in those with weak core muscles. As they help you activate your core, this promotes better posture, making you look taller and slimmer overall. Weaker abdominals can protrude more than a tighter core, so a waist trimmer may promote a smaller waist in this sense.
Waist Trainer Alternative
Waist trimmers can be an alternative to waist trainers. If you regularly train your waist using a corset, there may be days when you don’t want to wear one. In this case, a waist trimmer can provide some of the ‘cinching’ of a waist trainer, but they are more comfortable to wear.
Similarly, if you’re thinking about starting waist training, a trimmer can be a way to ease into the process. Waist trainers can be uncomfortable to wear, but trimmers can help you get used to the sensation of wearing a belt around your waist.
How Long Until You Start To See Results With A Waist Trimmer?
Please keep in mind that you can’t expect results from solely wearing a waist trimmer. These belts are meant to be used in conjunction with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and in some cases, waist training.
The amount of time it takes to see results varies from person to person. An individual who just uses a waist trimmer may see an improvement in posture, but not in their waist size or shape.
People who use waist trimmers in the gym, eat at a slight calorie deficit, and take up waist training will see their waist shrink, posture improve, and confidence skyrocket.
Safety Information
You need to know some important safety tips before you start using a waist trimmer.
Keep Hydrated
Waist trimmers are designed to trap heat, which causes water loss. After your workout, you will have lost a lot of water and electrolytes. This can make you dehydrated, so you must replenish the fluids that you’ve lost to avoid complications.
Drinking water is important while you work out, but you need to be careful when you’re wearing a waist trimmer. Drinking too much liquid can make your waist trimmer tighter and uncomfortable. Stick to small amounts of water every so often so you don’t go overboard.
Don’t Wear Them 24/7
Both waist trimmers and trainers aren’t meant to be worn all of the time. The maximum amount of time you should be wearing one is a few hours each day.
The same goes for sleeping in one too. While you may want to wear one for longer so that you speed up the results, sleeping in a waist trimmer can cause breathing problems in the future. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when you wear one.
Portion Size
The only way to lose fat off of your waist is to be in a calorie deficit. This requires eating less food or becoming more active. Implementing both of these things will speed up your results.
However, wearing a waist trimmer or trainer means that you need to look at your portion sizes. These belts add pressure around the stomach, so eating larger portions can cause discomfort. Similarly, you should avoid foods that cause bloating, as this bloating can make your waist trimmer feel uncomfortable too.
Stick to smaller portions of lighter foods that are easily digested by the body. Opt against eating salty snacks, greasy fast food, or sugary treats. These can make you bloat and may cause fat gain later, making your efforts pointless.
Don’t Tighten It Too Much
You may be thinking about tightening your waist trainer or wearing a smaller waist trimmer to get quick results. This can inflict damage to your organs and may cause breathing problems.
Waist training needs time and patience for you to see results. It’s important to select a size that fits correctly, then gradually tighten as the body adjusts to a new shape.
Similarly, a smaller waist trimmer isn’t going to give you faster results at the gym. Wearing a belt that’s too tight is just going to feel uncomfortable. As you sweat more through your workout, added friction from the tight belt can cause rashes and skin irritation.
You may also feel pain and discomfort while you exercise. It’s important to choose the right size trimmer so that you can breathe and move freely.
If you notice any issues while wearing your waist trimmer (or trainer), take it off immediately. Look out for intestinal pain, shortness of breath, or feeling faint. You may not be wearing the right size or your body may need more time to adjust to the belt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Waist Trimmers Really Work?
Waist trimmer belts compress the stomach so that it looks smaller. When you use it to train, you produce more sweat around the waist area. This reduction in water weight gives the appearance of a smaller midsection, but this is only temporary. Some users like wearing one for posture support, as it helps to remind them to activate their core muscles.
How Long Do You Have To Wear A Waist Trimmer To See Results?
Results vary with each user. While waist trimmers cannot reduce fat, people who wear them alongside a calorie deficit and regular exercise will see quicker results than those who don’t. When it comes to posture, the results may be instant, but these cease once you take the trimmer off.