Let’s be honest, shapewear isn’t always the most comfortable thing to wear. It’s a bit of a hustle to get on and off, and sometimes you can be aware of it for quite a while as you go about your day. For most of us this small inconvenience is enough to justify the amazing effect it has, with one exception. Summer.
In the UK the summer months can get incredibly hot and sticky, and the last thing you want to do is add more layers to trap in the heat and get you all hot and bothered. But summer is also the season for sundresses, skirts and shorts, for spending longer out and about and for being much more social than the colder months. So we want to look our best, even when we’re wilting slightly in the heat. Which be the question, what are the best options for shapewear in summer?
Choose Your Fabric Carefully
Shapewear comes in all sorts of different fabrics, and summer is when you should be picky about which you wear. Opt for sculpting fabrics that are made of lightweight, breathable material that isn’t going to retain your body heat. Materials like cotton will help you to feel comfortable and breezy rather than uncomfortable and sweaty, which is the ultimate goal at this time of year. It’s also a good idea to stay away from shapewear options that are too much fabric, like bodysuits. Even if all of that fabric is cotton, it’s too much insulation for your body and is a recipe for instant sweating.
Under Skirts And Shorts
If you like to wear dresses and shorts in summer, you’re going to want to avoid the bodysuits. Instead, a great option is to target your stomach, hips and thighs with high-waisted control briefs or control shorts. These cover all the main areas also covered by bodysuits but allow you to chop and change outfits and move around comfortably without all the excess heat.
For The Summer Dresses
If you like to wear dresses every day of the week while the sun is out, then you need something to keep your figure smooth as silk and looking your best. Our favourite option for summer dresses, both day and evening, is an open bust, mid-thigh shaper dress. These shapewear dresses start under your bra line, so they don’t get in the way of any neckline you want to wear, and stop at your mid-thigh, creating a slinky dress that goes under your summer dresses. They allow freedom of movement and a breeze, without interfering with your clothing.
For Thin Clothes
Another staple of summer clothes is that they tend to be quite thin, which can be problematic if you want to wear shapewear underneath. The last thing you want is big thick lines shining through your clothing! For this occasion, shaping briefs and tanks are a fantastic option. They are designed to provide support through light, evenly distributed compression, enhancing your natural shape with light structures without being obvious you’re wearing it. And they come in loads of cute patterns too!
Ultimately, finding the right shapewear for you is light dating. Different clothes might need different shapewear, and that’s ok! What’s important is that you keep trying new things until you find ‘The One’. Or the two, or the three. At Elle Courbee we love the idea of having a shapewear summer and shapewear winter wardrobe – so that you have something for every occasion. If you’re still searching for your perfect shapewear fit, why not take a look at our collection today?