For most people, a corset is a fashion accessory reserved for special occasions, historical costumes, or themed events. For 50-year-old Sarah Bell from Portland, Oregon, however, it has become a way of life.
Sarah is on a mission to achieve one of the most extraordinary body transformations ever documented. Her goal is to reduce her waist to just 15 inches and potentially become the owner of the smallest waist on the planet. To make that dream a reality, she wears a corset virtually every hour of every day, including while sleeping and even during exercise.
What began as a practical solution for improving posture eventually evolved into a decade-long passion that has transformed both her appearance and her career.
From Posture Support to a Life-Changing Passion
Sarah first discovered corsets in 2012 while searching for a way to correct her posture. Years of spending long hours bent over creative projects had taken a toll on her body, and she needed something that would help her sit and stand more comfortably.
At the time, she had no intention of pursuing dramatic waist reduction.
“I was slouching a lot and looking for something to support better posture,” Sarah explained. “I came across a steel-boned corset, ordered one, and immediately fell in love with it.”
The corset successfully helped improve her posture, but it also introduced her to something she had never expected: the dramatic silhouette it could create.
What started as curiosity quickly became fascination.
The more Sarah learned about corsetry and waist training, the more intrigued she became by the artistic possibilities. Over time, she began wearing corsets more frequently, eventually making them a permanent part of her daily life.
More Than a Decade of Waist Training
Today, Sarah has spent over ten years practicing waist training.
Her dedication is remarkable. She wears corsets nearly around the clock, removing them only when absolutely necessary. She sleeps in them, works in them, and even exercises while wearing specially designed versions.
The commitment has produced noticeable results.
Her natural waist measurement has shrunk from approximately 26.5 inches (68 centimeters) to about 23.5 inches (58 centimeters) without a corset.
Yet Sarah believes she can go much further.
Her ultimate goal is to reach a waist measurement of just 15 inches (38 centimeters), a figure that sounds almost unbelievable to many people.
Chasing a Historic Record
Sarah’s ambition places her among a very small group of people known for extreme waist reduction.
For many years, the record for the smallest waist on a living person belonged to Cathie Jung, whose waist famously measured around 15 inches. Cathie held international recognition for her achievement until her passing in 2025.
Another legendary figure in corset history was Ethel Granger, who reduced her waist from 22.5 inches to an astonishing 13 inches between 1929 and 1939, creating one of the most extreme body modifications ever recorded.
Sarah hopes to officially document her own measurements and join the history books.
According to her, she has already reached her target measurement briefly in the past. Unfortunately, she was unable to complete the necessary documentation process because inflammation caused by physical activity affected the measurements.
“I just need everything to line up perfectly,” she explained. “It has to be a calm week without intense exercise so that I can accurately document the result.”
Art, Not Beauty Standards
Critics of waist training often argue that it promotes unrealistic beauty standards and unhealthy body expectations.
Sarah understands those concerns but insists that her motivation is entirely different.
She says her journey has never been driven by dissatisfaction with her appearance.
“I was completely happy with my body before I started,” she said. “What fascinated me was how unusual it was.”
Rather than viewing waist training as a beauty practice, Sarah sees it as a form of artistic expression.
“I think of the human body as a canvas,” she explained. “Corsets are a type of sculptural fashion. They exist somewhere between clothing, sculpture, and art.”
For her, the appeal lies in creativity and transformation rather than achieving conventional attractiveness.
Building Corsets That Actually Fit
Sarah admits that her earliest experiences with corsets were not especially comfortable.
Like many beginners, she initially relied on mass-produced designs that were not tailored to her specific body shape. Those corsets often felt restrictive and irritating.
Over time, she learned that proper fit makes a tremendous difference.
Eventually, she began designing and sewing her own corsets, allowing her to create pieces customized precisely to her measurements.
“A corset should never be painful,” Sarah said. “The early ones I wore were uncomfortable because they didn’t fit me properly. Once I learned how to make them myself, everything changed.”
Today she believes that craftsmanship and customization are essential for both comfort and safety.
Running Toward New Goals
Perhaps one of the most surprising aspects of Sarah’s lifestyle is her commitment to physical fitness.
Many people assume that wearing a corset would make exercise impossible, but Sarah has adapted her training accordingly.
She owns an extensive collection of corsets designed for different activities. Some are intended for maximum waist reduction, while others are looser and specifically created for movement and exercise.
In fact, she is currently preparing for a marathon.
To train, she completes short runs while wearing a lighter corset designed for athletic activity.
Despite years of waist training, Sarah says her overall weight has remained relatively stable. Instead, the changes have primarily affected her body measurements and silhouette.
Turning Passion Into a Business
What began as a personal interest eventually grew into a successful profession.
Sarah now runs her own corset-making workshop, creating custom pieces for clients who share her appreciation for the craft.
Her work ranges from traditional designs to highly imaginative creations inspired by fantasy themes and artistic concepts.
One of her recent projects involved designing an elaborate fairy-themed corset for a customer.
“It’s going to be absolutely magical,” she said.
For Sarah, projects like these represent the true heart of her passion.
A Creative Journey Above All Else
Although much public attention focuses on Sarah’s tiny waist and record-breaking ambitions, she insists that those achievements are only part of the story.
For her, corsetry is ultimately about creativity, craftsmanship, and artistic exploration.
“Having a small waist isn’t the most important thing to me,” she said. “What I really love is the creativity, the craftsmanship, and the endless artistic possibilities.”
Whether or not she ultimately secures a world record, Sarah’s extraordinary journey has already captured the attention of thousands of people around the world. Her story serves as a reminder that passion can take many forms, and sometimes the most unusual pursuits begin with something as simple as trying to improve your posture.
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