Thankfully, the only thing bursting at its seams, as far as shapewear goes, is its popularity. Gone are the days of constricting, suffocating corsets – the advancement of fabric technology has made shapewear more pleasurable than painful; and as a result, a desired apparel in every women’s wardrobe. But rocking shapewear to suit your need lies largely in how you wear it. Yes, there are many different cuts serving specific needs. But not wearing them the right way is about as effective as using a croissant as a paperweight – it doesn’t get the job done and you can bet your body that it’ll get real messy.
Let’s break it down shall we?
Size Matters
First thing’s first, only buy your own size. We’re all used to negotiating smaller or bigger clothes for a desired look, but shapewear simply doesn’t work on that principle. Something smaller than your own dimensions will make you look bulgy and anything bigger will simply not do its job. Additionally, the wrong size will make you super uncomfortable, negating the purpose of shapewear all together.
What you need to do is visit a store (a real store), try on various sizes, and walk around in them. Sit down, squat, stretch, – spend a good 10 – 15 minutes in what you try before purchasing your desired fit.
Pro tip: Carry the dress you wish to pair it with, with you.
It’s all about the feel
To shapewear or not shapewear is no longer a black and white arguement. Literally too. We’ve come a long way from plain-jane blacks and browns. There is a plethora of options out there – from coral to lime to cyan – all designed to give you every bit of oomph you need. And no, your spanx doesn’t always have to be hidden and tucked away. Have some fun exploring colors or stay safe and classy with traditional nudes – it’s all upto you here.
One thing to be a little more considerate about, is material. A good indication of what to expect from your shapewear is to read how much nylon content it has listed on the label – more nylon means more support. So get a feel of the fabric to gauge how much toning you need; you’ll find specific shapewear for smoothing, shaping, and even sculpting.
Pro tip: Look for cotton blends in warmer climates for greater breathability compared to traditional nylon-spandex mixes.
Keep ‘em spotless
Body shapers are essentially innerwear. (Don’t even think about wearing underwear underneath – the whole point here is to achieve a seamless look. Extra fabric will only make you bulky) And like all innerwear, it’s paramount that you wash them after every use. But try avoiding throwing them into a washer and subsequently a dryer. Quality shapewear is made from delicate fabrics that need gentle but thorough washing – best accomplished by hand.
Pro tip: Lay your shapewear out flat for drying. Twisting and wringing them out to hang will only cause them to lose shape.
In conclusion, shapewear might not be for everybody but it is certainly for anybody. There is no body type that shapewear can’t help flatter. After all, it’s all about that extra layer of comfort to keep you feeling fabulous whatever you’re doing.
Thankfully, the only thing bursting at its seams, as far as shapewear goes, is its popularity. Gone are the days of constricting, suffocating corsets – the advancement of fabric technology has made shapewear more
