Good shapewear is about more than a sculpted look. Yes, this is what most of us think about when we buy our shapewear, but really it’s 50% about comfort. Because your shapewear is not working if it’s not comfortable, and actually you’re just less likely to want to wear it. In which case why buy it in the first place? So we think that staying comfortable in your shapewear all day is one of the most important things to get right.
Choosing the right Garment
Make sure you select the right piece of shapewear for both your body and the occasion. Your shapewear should support your body and minimise movement, so choose styles that focus compression in your preferred zones.
Which Style
Control briefs offer a very focussed waist and bum compression, and are the most versatile of all shapewear styles. However, if your focus is on your hips and thigh area, shaping shorts are a comfortable solution. Look for high waists and long legs, since this will prevent the shapewear from budging as you go about your day.
Function
For dress occasions, a bodysuit is great, It smooths your line from your bust right down to your hips, so that you never experience any bulging around the waist. As it’s anchored from your shoulders, it remains secure all day long without any risk of roll down or up.
Fabrics
Since shapewear sits so snug, it’s important to choose suppliers who use good quality fabrics. The flexible, wicking and breathable fabrics that make up these garments mean that the close fit of your shapewear should not adversely affect your skin.
Getting the right Size
Shapewear works best when it is a close fit. However, it is at its worst when it’s too tight. This goes for both comfort and appearance. So always measure yourself carefully and accurately before you buy.
How to measure
Use a proper tape measure if you can and make sure it sits flat on your body while you measure. If you don’t have measuring tape, use a piece of string which you can then measure with a ruler. Round up to the nearest whole inch, and refresh your bra measurements at least every six months.
Dress sizes
Don’t wear shapewear a dress size smaller in the hope that the compression will make you that dress size. This is the way to discomfort! If you tend to hover in between dress sizes, go for the dress size that corresponds to your waist measurement.
Body Shape
If you are naturally different dress sizes at different parts of your body, then 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 shaping shorts that are correctly sized for their hips.
Keep it in Place
The cause of many instances of shapewear discomfort is the garment moving, rolling down or rolling up. This is why correct sizing is so important, since this alone will prevent your shapewear from moving. However, there are a few more tricks that you can employ just to make sure!
Anchoring
Choose your shapewear to benefit from the natural anchors that your body provides.This maximises your shoulders as a base for your shapewear. For ultimate security, go for a control slip or body suit. The wider the anchor of your foundation layer, the less chance there is of it moving.
Tape
You could try the age old dressers trick of sticking with tape. Dressing tape is a reliable piece of kit to have on hand for those occasions that you may want additional stability.
Dry Skin
After a shower make sure your skin is dry and moisturiser is fully absorbed into your skin. Any excess moisture changes where the fabric sits against your skin. As you dry, the fabric moves, making it more likely to roll down. So make sure your skin is fully dried.
Always remember that your shapewear is working at its best when it’s comfortable and supporting your body. When you’re comfortable, you’ll feel great too – and this is what we’re all about here at Elle Courbee!
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.
