The size of your shapewear matters. Of course it does! But how do you make sure you’re getting it right? With different garments playing by different sizing rules, the world of shapewear can feel just as confusing as all other fashion. You may need to take into account standard dress sizes, small, medium and large ranges, old fashioned inches, and even bra size. So how on earth do you choose the right size shapewear?
Using Your Dress Size
You’ll most likely encounter standard dress sizes with shapewear styles that focus on your waist, like a cami, briefs or shaping shorts. If you have a tendency to hover between dress sizes, go for the size that corresponds to your waist measurement. For example, a pair of shaping shorts may be available in 14-16 or 18-20. If you tend to hover between standard sizes 16 and 18, measure your waist and consult the brand size guide. For clarity, you will find brand specific size guides on product pages for garments that Elle Courbee supply.
Measuring Right
When you find that you need to measure yourself from scratch, then, how do you get it right? There are certain factors that you must remember when measuring that will prevent you from taking an incorrect measurement that results in ordering the wrong size.
Body
To find the correct point in your waist, bend slightly to one side and mark the crease or indentation. Straighten up and measure snugly around this point, rounding off to the nearest whole inch. For your hips, wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your torso just below your waist and just above your thighs. Again round up to the nearest whole inch.
Bust
Garments such as corsets and bodysuits fit around the bust. Therefore you will need to be sure of your bra size. We all think we know our bra size, but it is always worth measuring yourself again. Bodies change and a regular check on your measurements will help you to make the right choices when it comes to shapewear size. When working out your bra size, you should again measure to the nearest whole inch.
Complement Your Shape
Good shapewear can both enhance and alter your body shape. So it’s key to choose not only a style but a size that works. Apple and pear shaped women can find this especially tricky, since your shape can take in more than one standard dress size. So what do you choose when it comes to a shaping bodysuit, for example? The trick here is to go by the measurement of the part of your body that is the focus of compression. So as an example, pear shaped women who aim to compress their thighs should choose a garment that is correctly sized at their hips.
Beware of Extremes
It’s a commonly heard misbelief that wearing shapewear a dress size smaller may compress you into that dress size. This is actually far more likely to result in lumps and bumps in places where you don’t want them to be. It’s wiser to buy at your true size and get a lovely smooth silhouette. Conversely, don’t go the other way and buy large to avoid discomfort. Modern shapewear fabrics have just the right amount of stretch for you to stay comfortable in a garment that is designed for your correct size. Too large, and the garment is more likely to move or roll down, which is what will actually cause discomfort.
Taking the time to measure your size correctly will ultimately save you time and effort in returns, or even worse, owning shapewear that you don’t use. Shapewear will both be most comfortable and work at its best when it’s the correct size for you. So no matter the style, the right size shapewear will serve you faithfully in the long term.
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.
