Waist cinching refers to the practice of wearing a constricting garment such as a corset or shapewear to reduce the waistline. Long-term use of a waist cinching garment can produce permanent alterations as the four floating ribs become compressed, changing the shape of the waistline. There are benefits to waist cincher training as well as health risks to consider.
History
Waist cinching became popular in the 1920s, first in Europe and then in America, with the invention of the corset, which was replaced later by the girdle. In the early years of waistline modification, the corset was worn on the outside of the clothing and seen as a fashion statement. As the practice of waist cinching grew in popularity, women began to wear girdles and cinchers as undergarments.
Types
There are several types of waist cinchers available on the market. The ribbon corset is an option that is customizable. It has lacing up the back that can be tightened to the preferred firmness. Lightweight waist cinchers such as slim wear are also sold. They are ideal for wear under summer clothing or for light control when sleeping.
Benefits
Not only do wearing waist cinching garments provide physical benefits such as a smaller waistline and thinner, appearance but they may also offer health benefits as well. Wearing a corset or other compression garment for a long time could give the wearer the advantage of back support and posture control because of the binding and cinching effect. The boning, elastic or rubber material of the waist cincher also gives those who wear them added abdominal support.
Risks
With benefits often come risks, and waist cinchers are no exception. Some of the most common are decreased abdominal muscle tone, visceral displacement and atrophy of the abdominal walls. Other health risks include deformation of the stomach, liver and lungs and decreased breathing capacity. Because of these risks, extended use of waist cinchers is not recommended.
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