Christmas wrapping can mean something very different when we’re talking about festive attire! Frankly, by this point in the season we’ve all overindulged a little bit and are in need of a shapewear wrap. Add to this nearly two years of lockdowns that felt a bit like we were stuck in that aimless period between Christmas and New Year, and it’s time to call in the shapewear big guns! So if you’re battling with pre-Christmas bulge (and even if you’re not) you can reignite that feeling of sparkle with some well chosen shapewear.
Secret Santa
This type of wrapping is all about creating a silhouette that disguises any bits of your body that you’re not feeling great about at the moment. With well chosen shapewear, you can maximise your confidence to enjoy festive occasions without worrying about your look.
Boobs
For the maximum lift and shaping of your breasts, keep your bra full cup. Look for a garment with wide shoulder straps and high control panelling around the band. This promotes lift and minimises breast movement.
Legs
If you’re worried about your legs, or just need a bit of smoothing for under those skinny jeans, then medium compression shaping shorts are perfect. With control that runs from your bum through your thighs, this garment gently supports your silhouette.
Bum
Preoccupied with your rear underneath a party dress? Choose a shaping skirt. Again, this garment takes the support through your thighs, but with panelling around your bum, the support creates lift as well as control.
Waist
Keep it gentle when it comes to waist support. Light to medium compression high waisted briefs will keep your waist and tummy secure without creating any dramatic lines.
Decorative Wrapping
Don’t forget that even with a bit of pre-Christmas bulge, there are bits of your body that you like (even if you don’t want to admit it!) So this type of wrapping is all about decoration and drawing the eye to your best bits!
Boobs
Maximise cleavage with corset style shapewear. You’ll achieve lift and compression that works wonderfully with low necklines.
Legs
If you want to show off your legs this Christmas, don’t flash the hemlines of your shapewear. So keep the control briefs traditionally cut, to end at the hip.
Bum
You will achieve maximum control over the contouring around your bum with higher compression shaping shorts. Panelling will sculpt and lift your rear, while maintaining the silhouette without interruption.
Waist
The most dramatic hourglass lines are undoubtedly made using a corset. You may prefer a traditional full corset or more of a girdle or corselette, depending on the level of compression you want.
Ultimate Wrap
How about when you need multiple things from a wrap? After the pre-Christmas indulgence, you may simply feel that you want to engage help in more than one area!
Bodysuit
The queen of shapewear, a bodysuit will shape and lift your boobs, sculpt your waist and smooth the line of your bum. It’s anchored from the shoulders so it won’t budge. If you’re planning to wear a bodysuit for a long period of time, make sure that you’ve thought about toilet visits!
Shaping Cami
Enjoy many of the benefits of a bodysuit with this ultimate wrap. The control here ends around your hips, so make sure that you continue your line with control briefs.
Shaping Slip
Again, this is anchored at the shoulders, and you can choose open or closed bust depending on what breast shaping you want. Ideal for under festive party dresses.
Wrapping Hacks
No gift wrap analogy would be complete without a few hacks! So don’t forget these when it comes to keeping your shapewear comfortable and in place!
Taping
Fashion tape is a great piece of kit both for outer and foundation layers. Whether you have a neckline to keep in place or want an extra bit of security for the waistband of your shapewear, this is the trick for you.
Hooking
High waisted control briefs shouldn’t budge if they’re well sized. However, for extra peace of mind, hook the waistband to your bra band.
Drying
When you put your shapewear on, make sure your skin is fully dry. Any dampness to the skin can cause movement in your foundation layer as the skin dries.
Fit
The best way to keep shapewear both comfortable and in situ is to buy it in the right size. If pre-Christmas overindulgence might have changed your shapewear size, it’s worth buying a correctly sized item. You’ll feel the benefit in comfort and confidence.
Becky is an author and copywriter who has been writing about women’s issues and underwear for several years. She also writes blogs which cover a range of topics for local businesses.
