How to choose a waist trainer: goal, length, hold

Three questions pick your waist trainer. What is it for? That decides the line. How long is your torso? That decides the height: 8", 10" or 12". How much hold do you want? That decides how firm. Your waist measurement then gives you the size.

This guide walks through each one. If you'd rather see everything at once, compare our trainers in one table.

Question 1: what's it for?

Shop by goal: workout waist trainers, everyday waist trainers, neoprene, triple compression, latex-free and men's.

Question 2: how long is your torso?

Sit up straight and measure from the bottom of your ribs to the top of your hip bone. The right height sits flat. The wrong one digs into your ribs or hips when you sit, or rolls up.

Active Sculpt, Daily Sculpt, Neoprene and Triple Compression come in all three. Hide The Back Fat is 12" only. Shop short torso waist trainers or long torso waist trainers, and see the torso length guide for the step-by-step method.

“Amazing waist trainer and an amazing customer service! I ordered the wrong size and length originally and they made the exchange process so easy! Would recommend this company and its products to anyone I know!”

Question 3: how much hold?

Our trainers sit on a simple scale. Product cards show each one's number.

More hold isn't automatically better. A trainer you can wear comfortably beats a firmer one you take off after an hour. If you've never worn one, start at Medium or Strong.

Latex or latex-free?

Latex gives the firmest hold and the most lengths. If you have a latex allergy or sensitive skin, choose Luxx Hourglass, Invisible Zip & Clip, or Hide The Back Fat in latex-free. Our Neoprene trainer has a latex outer, so it isn't latex-free. Full breakdown in latex vs latex-free waist trainers.

Best for a first trainer

For most people, Active Sculpt. It's flexible, easy to get used to, and has three rows of hooks so you can start loose and move in over time. If you'll mostly wear it to work or under outfits, Daily Sculpt is the everyday pick. Save Triple Compression for once you've worn a trainer before.

Your size

Measure your natural waist right above your belly button, then find it on the chart for your trainer. Each line has its own chart, and the 12" length has a different chart from the 8" and 10". Between two sizes? First trainer, go up one. Worn one before, go down one. Everything is on the waist trainer size chart.

If the size is wrong, request an exchange within 24 hours of delivery. Your first exchange is free. See exchanges and returns.

Mistakes to avoid

• Ordering your jeans size. Measure your waist instead. Jeans sit lower and sizes vary by brand.
• Going straight to maximum hold. Triple Compression is for people who've worn a trainer before. Start with a hold you can wear comfortably.
• Skipping torso length. A 12" trainer on a short torso digs into your hips when you sit. An 8" on a long torso can leave a gap and roll.
• Buying a workout trainer for all-day wear, or the other way round. Active Sculpt flexes for movement. Daily Sculpt holds its shape for long days. Pick the one that matches most of your wear.
• Wearing it before you're sure of the size. Exchanges only cover unworn trainers, so try it on gently first.

Or let the quiz do it

The Find My Fit quiz asks your goal, torso length, waist and whether you've worn a trainer before. It picks the trainer, length and size in about a minute.