The simple answer to this question is a resounding ‘no’! Of course you can wear shapewear every day. However, there are some caveats. This is because shapewear is by its very nature restrictive. This compression can lead to health issues such as skin problems and even abdominal discomfort if you wear something that’s too tight or too small for you, for long periods of time. So you can wear shapewear on a daily basis, but make sure you follow these rules:
Opt for light control
Shapewear not only comes in a range of styles, colours and sizes, but it also provides different degrees of control. Depending on the amount of contouring you want to achieve, there are three levels of control:
- Light control – as the name suggests, this shapewear is perfect for subtle body shaping. It provides comfortable contouring and is therefore ideal for daily use.
- Medium control – the increased compression provided by this shapewear means it achieves a higher level of body contouring than light control pieces. This shapewear can still be worn every day, but you might find that it’s uncomfortable by the end of the day.
- Firm control – firm control shapewear achieves amazing slimming results. However, the amount of compression and the structure of the pieces means that firm control shapewear is uncomfortable when worn for long periods of time.
As you can see, the lighter the control of a piece, the more comfortable it is for everyday use. We obviously recommend light control if you’re very active and dashing from home to the office, or on the school run and constantly bending down to look after little ones.
Look for the best fabrics
We can’t all afford clothing made of soft alpaca wool and sumptuous silk, no matter how luxurious they may feel. But when it comes to shapewear, it’s worth thinking about what it’s made of, and spending a little more for the best fabric possible. Especially if you’re wearing it every day.
This is because shapewear sits directly on your skin, and in very close contact. Not only that, but shaping garments tend to be made of nylon and lycra (spandex). While these synthetic materials provide stretch and durability, they don’t let the skin breathe. This means you’ll sweat more, which can lead to skin issues such as rashes and chaffing. So for everyday use, look for shapewear that incorporates a mix of cotton or microfibre. The cotton will wick away sweat, while microfibre minimises odours. Even if the shapewear is slightly more expensive, choosing pieces made of breathable fabrics will be worth it for the health of your skin and to ensure daily comfort.
Think about your daily exercise routine
This links nicely from the above points. You can definitely wear shapewear for your gym workout or yoga class. However, if you’re a hardier soul who toughs out medium (or even firm) control shapewear on a daily basis, you should consider opting for light control when you exercise. The high compression can lead to a range of health issues, including abdominal discomfort, digestive issues, light headedness and skin rashes. Also, again consider the fabric composition of your shapewear. Only wear breathable fabric mixes, as you’ll definitely overheat while you exercise.
Wear the right size
Shapewear might be made of elasticated, stretchy fabrics. But that doesn’t mean you can get away with wearing something that’s a size too small. Many women think that sizing down will improve the slimming effect of their shapewear. However, this simply isn’t the case. Wearing shaping garments that are too small will simply create unsightly bulges, as the weight is displaced around the shapewear. Not only does this not look good, it won’t feel good either. So if you want to wear shapewear daily, then make sure you’re wearing the right size for you.
Give your body and skin time to relax
OK, so we’ve established that you can wear shapewear every day. As long as you opt for light control, it’s the right size and you select pieces that are made of breathable fabrics. However, it’s vital to let your body relax in the evenings. So make sure you take time for you, and slip into those warm PJ’s or some cosy loungewear as early as you can. As we head into the winter months, this really is the most lovely way to unwind at the end of the day. Make sure you have a nice hot chocolate to hand too, so you can settle down in front of an open fire and just …. relax.
We hope these tips help you achieve your everyday body shaping goals. Here at Elle Courbee, we provide great everyday shapewear, so check out our plus size collection today.
