Everything you need to know about Shapewear

Discover what shapewear is, the benefits of shapewear and the best shapewear options tailored to your body type and target areas, whether you’re aiming to smooth your midsection, lift your curves, or create a streamlined silhouette. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose the right shapewear for your needs, highlight which styles work best for specific problem areas, and explore the pros and cons of incorporating shapewear into your wardrobe - so you can make a confident, informed decision.

A MUST HAVE

Introduction to Shapewear

What is Shapewear?
Shapewear is a type of tight-fitting undergarment designed to smooth, shape, or compress specific areas of the body to create a more streamlined silhouette under clothing. It is commonly used to enhance body contours, support posture, and help clothing fit more smoothly.

Shapewear Key Features:
Material: Typically made from stretchy fabrics like spandex, nylon, or a blend of both.
Target Areas: They focus on the waist, stomach, hips, thighs, buttocks, or even upper body and arms.
Types of Shapewear:
– Waist cinchers/corsets – shape the midsection
– Shaping shorts – target thighs, hips and stomach
– Tummy control knickers – smooth the lower abdomen
– Shaping bodysuits – offer full-body contouring
– Control camisoles – smooth the torso under tops
Common Uses:
– Worn under clothing for special occasions
– For postpartum support
– To create a smoother appearance in everyday outfits

EXPLORE OUR SHAPEWEAR RANGE

Pros of wearing Shapewear

1. Boosts Confidence
Provides a smoother look under clothes, which can make you feel more confident and comfortable in your appearance.

2. Enhances Posture and Support
Many shapewear designs offer gentle compression that helps improve posture and support the lower back, especially with high-waisted or full-body styles.

3. Helps Clothes Fit Better
Shapewear can create a more even silhouette, making clothing lay flatter and fit more smoothly, especially with tight or body-hugging outfits.

4. Versatile Styling
Works well under a wide range of clothing including formal wear, casual outfits, or office attire.

5. Temporary Body Shaping
While not a replacement for long-term fitness, shapewear can temporarily give the appearance of a slimmer waist, lifted buttocks, or smoother thighs.

6. Postpartum Support
Some new mothers wear shapewear (especially high-waist or bodysuit styles) for extra abdominal support and comfort whilst recovering from childbirth.

7. Discreet and Seamless Options
Modern shapewear is designed to be nearly invisible under clothes, with seamless, breathable fabrics that do not show lines or cause bulk.

8. Improved Blood Circulation (in some styles)
Light compression garments can gently encourage better blood flow during short-term use, especially while standing or walking.

Cons of wearing Shapewear

1. May provide discomfort
Overly tight shapewear can cause pain, chafing, or restrict natural movement. Many styles also are not breathable, which can lead to sweating and discomfort, especially in warm weather.

2. Breathing and Digestion Issues
Compression around the midsection can make it harder to breathe deeply or digest properly, particularly after eating. It may worsen symptoms of acid reflux or bloating for some people.

3. Numbness or Nerve Compression
Prolonged use or very tight shapewear can lead to a condition called meralgia paresthetica, causing tingling, numbness, or burning in the thighs due to nerve compression.

4. Skin Irritation or Infections
Tight fabrics and lack of airflow can cause rashes, chafing, yeast infections, or folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles), especially if worn for long hours or not washed regularly.

5. Bathroom Hassle
Full-body or high-waisted shapewear can make it inconvenient or frustrating to use the bathroom, especially when you are in a rush.

6. Circulation Problems
Excessively tight shapewear may hinder blood circulation, leading to swelling or discomfort in the legs, particularly during long periods of sitting or standing.

7. Unrealistic Body Expectations
Relying on shapewear frequently can contribute to body image issues, leading to unrealistic standards or dissatisfaction without it.

8. Not Suitable for All Body Types
Some styles may roll down, dig in, or shift around on certain body shapes, making them ineffective or annoying.

How To Choose the Right Shapewear:

Choosing the right shapewear depends on your body type, target areas, outfit, and how long you plan to wear it. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you make the best choice:

1. Identify Your Goals
Ask yourself:
– Do you want a smoother silhouette under tight clothes?
– Are you targeting a specific area (e.g., tummy, thighs, waist, bust)?
– Do you need posture support or postpartum compression?

2. Choose the Right Compression Level
– Light Compression: Smooths minor bumps, comfortable for everyday wear.
– Medium Compression: More shaping for special occasions or fitted outfits.
– Firm/High Compression: Strong sculpting effect, better for events but less breathable for long wear.

3. Pick the Right Style Based on Your Outfit
High-waisted briefs: Tummy control under dresses, skirts, jeans
Shaping shorts: Thigh smoothing + tummy control for dresses
Bodysuits: Full-body smoothing under tight dresses/tops
Camisoles/tanks: Smoothing upper body under blouses or knits
Waist cinchers: Targeting the midsection for defined waist
Slip shapewear: Smoothing under dresses, seamless appearance

4. Get the Right Size
– Never size down – it won’t make you look slimmer and can cause discomfort or health issues.
– Check the brand’s size chart carefully (sizes vary by brand).
– Try it on and ensure it doesn’t roll down or dig in, you can breathe, move, and sit comfortably and the fabric lays flat and smooth on your body.

5. Choose the Right Fabric
– Look for breathable, stretchy fabrics like nylon-spandex blends.
– For hot weather, choose lightweight or cotton-lined shapewear.
– If wearing under a sheer outfit, choose nude tones close to your skin colour.

6. Consider Practical Features
– Open gusset or easy-access designs: Make bathroom trips easier.
– Strapless or convertible styles: Ideal for tricky necklines.
– Seamless edges: Avoid visible lines under clothes.

Top Tips
– Always try it on with the outfit you plan to wear.
– Consider multiple pieces for different outfits (e.g., one for dresses, another for pants).
– Choose quality over price—cheap shapewear may roll, tear, or lack support.

Consider the four F’s when choosing shapewear

We all know that selecting body shaping underwear can be a complete nightmare especially when we don’t know what type, fabric or size will best suit us; however, what lots of us don’t know is that the secret to choosing the correct shapewear is down to the four F’s – Figure, Fit, Fabric and Function.

Figure: Everyone one has figure flaws and best assets. You should choose garments that correct your figure flaws and accentuate your assets.

Fit: Always use the size charts and stay true to your size. Sometimes women seeking extra control or added comfort will size up or down and end up sacrificing function and comfort.
Rolling is a sign of poor fit – If your garment is rolling up or down, you have likely gone with the wrong size.
You should pay close attention to directions on how to put on a shaper. Especially for mid-thigh shapers, you should place the shaper where you want it to stay on the thigh, and if you put it on correctly, it should stay in place. Also, like putting on a bra, lifting and placing yourself into a shaper can help keep you lifted where you need to be.

Fabric: Certain fabrics like silk or clingy jerseys require garments without seams for an invisible look under clothes. Be sure to consider the fabric of your clothes when shopping for shapewear. For example, cotton may cling to a hosiery shaper, so you need to opt for a slicker fabric, like a polyester / spandex blend.

Function: What do you want out of your shaper? If you want a lot of control to slim and size down, do with a high-compression shaper. If you are looking to firm and smooth, go with a sleek, lighter compression smoother.

Recommended Shapewear:

Achieve that must-have silhouette with the help of our shapewear collection for both men and women at Slimming Solutions. From no VPL briefs and figure-enhancing bodysuits to bridal shapewear designed for your special day, our range features the latest in shapewear to suit every occasion.

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