Postpartum Waist Cinchers and Waist Trainers: Benefits, Differences, and Why You Should Use Them

During pregnancy, the body undergoes many changes. And after delivery, the recovery process can take a while. For many women, labor and delivery can also result in a C-section or other complications that slow down recovery time. Fortunately, there are some options that provide excellent support and promote faster healing and relief from pain.

The different brands and types of postpartum girdles can be confusing. Let’s examine the benefits of postpartum waist cinchers and trainers, the differences, and which type might work best for you.

The Benefits of Postpartum Waist Supports

There are many types and styles of postpartum waist supports, but many doctors agree that these garments can offer many benefits, including:

• Pain reduction and relief
• Helping you be more active safely and comfortably
• Promoting incision or scar healing
• Support for diastasis recti
• Improved blood flow
• Better posture

While many garments can offer some or all of these benefits, not all are created equal. In addition, there are many terms for similar items, which can add to the confusion. For example, you may have heard of a faja shaper or a faja waist trainer. In Spanish, faja originally referred to a sash worn around the waist. However, for many, the terms ‘faja’ or ‘fajas post parto’ have come to mean girdle, or specifically a postpartum girdle.

Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of a waist cincher.

The Benefits of a Waist Cincher

Waist cinchers can be beneficial for women who are postpartum as well as women who are looking for an immediate cinching silhouette. These garments apply gentle compression to the abdominal area, reducing your waist size. Many cinchers are designed to be worn under clothing to provide a smoother, cinched waist.

The Benefits of a Waist Trainer

Like a waist cincher, waist trainers support the abdomen with compression. These garments are often similar in design to waist cinchers and can make it easier to get active during your postpartum recovery. In addition to this support, waist trainers can have long-term effects on the appearance of your waist if you wear your waist trainer or faja consistently. And finally, many women love faja waist training or even opt for a waist trainer vest for the posture benefits. Whether you’re recovering from pregnancy or want to correct a slouch, a waist trainer can help straighten the spine and support the abdominal muscles as you learn to sit and stand straighter.

The Differences Between a Waist Cincher and Waist Trainer

While many use the terms interchangeably, there are some key differences between waist trainers and cinchers. For example, cinchers provide immediate cinching but generally aren’t worn for long-term changes—once you take a cincher off, the slimming effect is gone.

Another important difference is in the type of material. Waist trainers often use a material called Powernet instead of or in addition to latex. Cinchers are often primarily latex. And waist trainers usually incorporate more boning than cinchers.

Other design differences may influence your decision to go with a cincher or a trainer. Waist cinchers can be easier to put on and take off and may even be a single piece with no closures. However, waist trainers tend to have zippers, Velcro, or multiple rows of hooks that allow you to adjust the tightness of the garment. And if you’re looking for a plus-size waist trainer, having the ability to adjust the trainer as you make progress can make your trainer a more effective tool.

Can Wearing Waist Trainers and Waist Cinchers Help You Lose Postpartum Weight?

For many women, both garments are valuable tools that can help promote weight loss. In addition, trainers and cinchers can help improve self-confidence and self-image. After delivery or even abdominal surgery, your body may look very different from what you’re used to seeing. Many struggle with this difference, and it can affect their self-esteem. A waist cincher can give an immediate slimming effect under clothes and may also feel uncomfortable when you eat past fullness. Similarly, trainers can feel uncomfortable when too tight and help remind you of your goals.

Waist trainers are also great at improving circulation and warming the abdomen, which can help reduce water retention. And by supporting the muscles and organs during your recovery, you can move and eventually exercise with less pain and discomfort.

Anyone Can Benefit from Waist Support

Whether you are searching for a waist trainer for plus-size women or a simple cincher that is invisible under your favorite outfit, there are tons of options, colors, and materials at Bellefit. You can find a waist support garment that fits your body type, lifestyle, and goals. And as your goals and needs change, you’ll find a garment at Bellefit that’ll support you no matter where you are on your journey.