According to the Met Office long-range forecast, we can expect three months of sizzling temperatures this summer. So at some point (hopefully!) temperatures will soar and your summer wardrobe will hit the streets. In these warm months, it can seem counter-intuitive to add an extra layer of clothing. After all, you don’t want to end up a sweaty heap at the end of the day! Set against this is the fact that in the summer, your outfits are more likely to showcase your shape. From strappy sundresses to hip hugging shorts, you want to get out there and rock your summer outfits with confidence while the sun shines!
So how do you balance the desire for a great summer shape and the need to avoid extra layers of clothing?
1. Fabrics
Pay attention to the fabrics that you choose to wear. Cotton and moisture-wicking fabrics are ideal in the heat as they are breathable. From a microfibre shaping skirt to micro-modal shaping shorts, plus size shapewear is constructed in engineered fabrics that not only offer great control but are also highly moisture wicking and breathable. This is great in the heat!
2. Keeping it under wraps
Of course, with summer trends come spaghetti straps and flirty skirts. The last thing you want while showing off your great sunshiny outfits is to expose your shapewear. So choose wisely and conscientiously! Go for a strapless corset or shorter cut control briefs when your outfit demands and keep your control slip to skirts and dresses with longer hemlines. There’s a piece of ideal shapewear for every outfit so make sure your arsenal is fully equipped!
3. Nude shades
The summer invariably sees lighter fabrics and lighter shades in abundance. This is where nude tones of shapewear really come into their own. The last thing you want is for the colour of your control shorts to be visible under your lilac florals. Investing in nude shades will see you well through a huge variety of situations. A great strategy for the season!
4. Focusing your control
For all-day shape control on a super hot summer’s day, you could try to focus on just one area. When your priority is in balancing comfort with enviable lines, go for a good pair of control briefs. By focusing your control on your core, you’ll keep extra cool at your extremities without compromising your confidence!
5. Hydration
This is a rule for life, not just shapewear: keep drinking water! It can be tempting while wearing a bodysuit to avoid hydration, perhaps because you want to avoid toilet trips. This is an unnecessary worry since a well fitting and high quality bodysuit should not be a faff when going to the bathroom! Unless you want to end up with heat stroke, you need to stay hydrated in the summer heat. So please choose your shapewear wisely and don’t restrict your water intake!
6. Skincare
One peril of tight fitting garments (including shapewear) over the summer months is an increased risk of skin irritation. This could be prickly heat, pollen spores becoming trapped against the skin, or chemical reactions on sensitive skin. So what’s the solution? Regular laundering is one – so if you regularly wear your control slip, it’s worth getting multiple garments so you’re not tempted to wear the item too often without laundering!
7. Compression
The great thing about shapewear when compared to old fashioned corsets and suchlike is that the stretch fabrics do not constrict organs. However, don’t forget that prolonged spells of hot weather changes the way our blood moves around our bodies. More blood is pumped around the body in the heat so it’s important to measure yourself correctly for shapewear and not be tempted to wear items that are too small. If it leaves a mark, it’s too tight. Luckily, since you’re focussed on creating a sleek and uninterrupted silhouette through well fitted shapewear, this won’t be a problem!
As temperatures rise, there’s no reason to give up your smooth lines and cinched waist. With the great selection of quality garments here at Elle Courbee, you can showcase your summer wardrobe with a cool 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.
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