The Myths and Misconceptions About Shapewear

For an area of fashion that is so concerned with creating clarity of silhouette, there’s a lot of blurred impressions kicking around. What’s shapewear for? Who is it for? How do you best wear them? And WHY wear it in the first place? All these questions have given rise to a whole heap of myths and misconceptions about shapewear. And at Elle Courbee, we reckon it’s time to clear a few things up. We believe that shapewear is so much more versatile and accessible than you may think:

Myths of Sizing

Shapewear that’s a size too small will be more effective.

Never fall into the trap of aspirational sizing. Buying shapewear of a certain size will not magically make you that dress size. Remember that the purpose of shapewear is to refine your shape and smooth your line. Garments that are too tight will simply create lumps and bumps which will interrupt your silhouette. Not only this, but you’ll be pretty uncomfortable. Shapewear should be about reinforcing your confidence, not causing you pain.

Shapewear that’s a size too big will be more comfortable.

Conversely, don’t be timid in your sizing choice. To perform at its optimum, shapewear should be an accurate fit. Well, sized control shorts or a perfectly fitted bodysuit should not cause discomfort. So there is really no need to size up. In fact, sizing up will cause your garment to roll and shift as you move around. The result of this is, again, an interruption to your silhouette and lumps where they shouldn’t be!

Myths of Clientele

Shapewear is only for plus size women.

Loads of plus size women indeed own shapewear. But so do loads of non-plus size women! Shapewear is not about BMI, it’s about positive body image. It’s about smoothing the lines of your figure to enhance your confidence. But it doesn’t end there. It’s also about support and comfort. As our bodies are more supported by our underwear, our daily comfort increases.

Shapewear is only for special occasions.

There is such a huge variety of shapewear out there, how can it only be for special occasions? You may well have a control slip which works wonderfully under your go-to Summer party frock. But so, too, may you swear by your control briefs which keep you confident in your jeans. Our wardrobes contain a multitude of “you’s”. So, it follows that your shapewear drawer should provide the versatility to support all of those looks.

Myths of Use

Shapewear is uncomfortable and makes you sweaty

This is a hangover from the bad old days. Fabric innovation has moved on leaps and bounds in recent years. So your shapewear garments now are breathable and more malleable. You can get high rise control shorts on without a shoehorn, and your skin remains healthy underneath.  It’s not just about the technical properties of the fabric, either. Garment design and panelling ensure that your shapewear can focus support on specific areas. This means that compression need not cause discomfort.

Shapewear can replace diet and exercise.

Sorry, nothing can replace diet and exercise! Not shapewear and not cabbage soup! A balanced diet and regular exercise are more important to your wellbeing than just your physical image. The mental health and confidence benefits of eating real food and getting your heart rate up are so vital. One thing should not replace the other. In a life of balance, shapewear can co-exist with a good diet and active lifestyle to make you your most confident, content self.

At its core, shapewear is nothing more or less than an element of your wardrobe. Yes, it has the power to give you the smooth and shapely silhouette that enhances your confidence. But this is no big secret, and it’s nothing to be scared about. Simply size correctly, purchase a variety of styles and enjoy!