The renaissance of shapewear is proof of its popularity. This 1970s fashion trend has undergone multiple makeovers, and has returned in a comfortable, sans-iron corset avatar. Gone are the restrictive and painful kinds of shapewear; today it is all about comfort and definition, while sporting the fashion trends you love.
If you haven’t already joined the Shapewear bandwagon, you must. Everyone from your next door neighbour to Kim Kardashian is on board. And because of its sheer popularity, a wide range of shapewear options are now available to cater to different regions of your body.
Here are a popular few that we’ve picked out for you!
Types of shapewear
- Full Body
All you curvy fashionistas out there, this one is for you!
The full body shapewear, as the name suggests, provides incredible definition to the whole body, focusing on the waist, hips, and thighs. It comes with bra straps for definition in the area below the underarm, and covers everything till the knee. If you’ve been waiting to wear that gorgeous bodycon dress, but are worried about areas of your body that seem to have a mind of their own, the full-body shapewear is just what you need.
- Contouring bras
Girls, this one is just for your girls!
With sides built with comfortable extra spandex to give underarm definition, this under garment ensures that your breasts always stay in place.
Erasing the dreaded bra line, the camisole shapewear tightens your waistline, and gives your tummy the definition it needs. It targets the areas beginning right beneath your breasts, giving you enough room to experiment with lingerie and low-neck tops.
This Miss Congeniality of shapewear brings definition to the areas that you most often, complain about — stomach, hips, and a voluptuous backside. Shapewear briefs are friend to most dresses – especially popular with skirts. High-waist briefs are more common than low-waist ones, as they tackle more than just the hips and back, keeping your tummy in check.
This type of shapewear is quite like the panties you are used to, except more useful – they provide a ‘well-rounded’ look to your behind, while simultaneously cupping the cheeks and eliminating panty lines. They provide just the lift you need on a skirt day, and also have waistbands to tone the area above.
- Waist cincher
Designed for that unpredictable area under your bra, the waist cincher extends upto the lower tummy – providing complete coverage of the midriff and toning your waist like no other. Although it may not be as comfortable as the briefs or the camisole, this type of shapewear is perfect for those special evenings!
Beginning below the bra, shaper slips extend upto the thigh, toning your midriff, hips, and thighs. It’s perfect for that fitted skirt or party dress, and keeps most ‘problem areas’ in check.
- Control leggings
The control leggings, like regular leggings, extend from the midriff and work its magic all the way down your legs. They keep your bottom, thighs, and legs in shape. They are made of soft spandex, and give you that extra comfort with all the oomph you already own! You can sport them under leggings, your favourite jeans, or slacks for ‘tight’ comfort.
The dos and don’ts of shapewear
Like most fashion statements, your shapewear too, comes with a rulebook! Let’s begin with the do’s and then move on to the don’ts.
Do’s
If you’ve decided to take the plunge into the world of shapewear, give it all your attention.
- Firstly, ensure how much coverage and control you’re looking for, and settle for nothing more and nothing less.
- Learn how to wear shapewear effectively. The easiest way is to wear it legs-in, and then move it up the length of your body.
- Do your research and find out which types of shapewear fit which parts of the body (or read this blog a second time).
- Finally, follow instructions on how to wash them, to the tee.
Don’ts
Do not, by any means, pick up a size smaller (it doesn’t help) or a size larger (it won’t be more comfortable) than your actual size. Know your size, and follow it religiously.
Shapewear’s objective is to give you comfort, and trimming is only an added feature. It is here to support you when you need it. It is not a means to divide or bracket women, and is definitely not for one single body type! It celebrates different bodies, and can be adjusted to achieve its true purpose. So, the next time you’re looking for cozy, all-day undergarments, know that Jockey shapewear has all the comfort you need.
The renaissance of shapewear is proof of its popularity. This 1970s fashion trend has undergone multiple makeovers, and has returned in a comfortable, sans-iron corset avatar. Gone are
