Difference Between Waist Trainer and Open Bust Corset

As consumers, we love variety, but it gets complex when trying to understand how one product differs from others and which is a more suitable fit for our use and preferences.

Imagine standing in front of the yogurt section at the supermarket, trying to decide between traditional yogurt, Greek yogurt, or French yogurt. On the shelves are custards and kefirs, both with some boasting probiotics and others emphasizing their level of fat. After standing there for 20 minutes reading labels, you're grabbing a few at random and deciding to let the taste guide future choices.

You may be similarly misled when it comes to open-bust corsetry. Words like waist trainers, waist cinchers, girdles, shapewear, and fashion corsets abound. There is little information available defining what makes one different than another. You might well be frustrated to start into a waist training program without knowing what to buy. 

Why not waist trainers? 

Honestly, no. If you really want to significantly slim your waist and see semi-permanent results, you are going to need an authentic open bust corset. So, what are the differences between these and waist trainers? Here's everything you need to know.

What is in an Open Bust Corset?

An authentic open bust corset can look a lot like other waist-cinching options, but it does contain some specific parts that shape your torso and help create that hourglass silhouette.
Key things to watch for in a genuine open bust corset are: Steel BoningThis is the defining feature of a true open bust corset. Steel boning gives you the needed compression and support to adequately cinch your waist.

Steel bones are sewn into channels between fabric panels. The number of bones depends on factors like garment size and style, but you can generally expect:

Four bones at the laces (two on each side)One bone separating each panel (with some styles featuring double boning for extra durability)

Robust Textiles, Because of the tension created when an open bust corset is tightened, strong materials are a must. Look for fabrics like cotton coutil, satin, brocade, or sturdy modern mesh that’s breathable and durable.
BusksReal open bust corsets won't use hook-and-eye closures. Under tension, those would warp and pop open. Authentic open bust corsets use busks-steel brackets with pegs and loops-to keep everything securely fastened.
Robust LacesMost frequent wearers prefer to use durable nylon laces because they can withstand the constant pulling and tension. Satin laces are a low-profile option for those who want to reduce bulk under clothing.

Waist Trainers vs. Waist Training

It's very important to understand the difference between waist trainers and waist training, as these words are often confused.

What's a Waist Trainer?

A waist trainer is not a bust corset that one opens. Celebrities such as Jessica Alba and the Kardashians wear elastic mesh girdles for exercising, saying they have better exercise results. They are often referred to as waist trainers.
However, waist trainers are stretchy and flexible. They follow the natural shape of your body and offer no significant support or waist reduction. 

They lack the steel boning and strong materials that give open bust corsets their shaping power. Waist training is the process of semi-permanently reducing your waist by 2-4 inches (or more) through constant use of a steel-boned open bust corset. Open bust corsets are very versatile, allowing for most daily activities, but they are not suitable for exercise because of their rigidity. A waist trainer, however, is much more flexible and better suited for working out. In other words, if you are going to waist train effectively, you need an authentic open bust corset.

Where Do Fashion Open Bust Corsets Fit In?

Fashion open bust corsets, also known as costume corsets, are designed to look rather than to function. They lack the critical elements of a real open bust corset, including:Plastic boning instead of steelFlimsy fabrics instead of durable textilesHook-and-eye closures instead of sturdy busksThese pieces may provide the look of an open bust corset but won't deliver the compression, support, or waist-slimming benefits of an authentic one.