Waist Cinchers
Waist Cinchers & Waspies: A Timeless Shaping Essential
A defining silhouette never goes out of style. At What Katie Did, our collection of waist cinchers and waspies takes inspiration from the shapewear that helped define the iconic hourglass figure of the 1950s. Comfortable, effective, and beautifully made, these pieces offer gentle shaping that enhances your natural curves—perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions.
The history of the waist cincher is rooted in couture. When Christian Dior unveiled his “New Look” in 1947, the fashion world was instantly captivated. His signature silhouette—rounded shoulders, full bust, and a dramatically cinched waist—was revolutionary after the boxy wartime styles. Achieving the tiny, “hand-span” waists so beloved by Dior required more than a well-cut dress: it required foundation garments. And an elastic cincher, also called the waspie or guepière, became essential to creating this sculpted mid-century look.
Today, a powermesh cincher is still a go-to for creating definition and structure, but with modern fabrics and improved construction. At What Katie Did, we design our cinchers to combine vintage shaping power with everyday comfort. Made from strong, stretch powermesh, each piece hugs your body while allowing you to move freely. Whether you're looking to smooth your waist under a dress or define your shape with a retro-inspired outfit, our waspies and cinchers are designed to help you feel supported and confident.
All of our cinchers are crafted with the same attention to detail and authenticity that defines our brand. Each piece features spiral steel boning—never plastic—providing both flexibility and support. A secure hook-and-eye front fastening makes them easy to put on and take off, while an internal elastic waist tape ensures targeted shaping where it matters most. These garments aren’t just vintage in style—they’re built to perform like the originals, while incorporating modern comfort features for long-term wear.
If you’re seeking a more wearable alternative to a full corset, the waist cincher is your answer. It offers shaping from underbust to high hip, giving you a defined waist without restricting your torso. Our cinchers are a favourite among customers who love the hourglass look but want something a little more flexible and less structured for everyday wear. They're also ideal for layering under 1950s-inspired dresses, where the wasp-waisted effect brings out the best in vintage tailoring.
Our waist cinchers include beautiful satin panels, and matching lingerie coordinates. Whether you’re assembling a full retro lingerie set or just want a smoothing layer under your outfit, you’ll find options in classic black, vintage peach, and seasonal shades.
Our waspies and waist cinchers are designed in the UK and made with care in our main factory in India with whom we’ve worked with for decades. Each style is tested by our team and worn regularly by vintage enthusiasts who expect real results—both in terms of silhouette and comfort.
No matter your size or experience with shapewear, we’re here to help you find the perfect fit. If you're unsure where to start, our sizing guide and customer support team can walk you through your options. And if you already love corsetry, you’ll appreciate the smart engineering and classic style that sets our waist cinchers apart.