To cinch or not to cinch on date night? It’s a tricky conundrum, and one which we’ve all been faced with! You have your killer outfit all planned out, it’s your absolute fave and you know you always feel super confident in it. There’s only one stumbling block, you usually wear your trusty high waisted shaping shorts underneath. Which can be less than sexy! But they give you support and structure whilst refining your silhouette to turn your look from cute to stunning. Whether or not you intend your underwear to be on show (which, yes, we’ll delve into!) it’s important for your shapewear to be a source of allure rather than scaffolding. Here’s how to do it.
All the right questions
Pre-date, have a pragmatic chat with yourself. How far along is this relationship? Is your shapewear likely to be seen? Be honest! This will help you to decide if you really want to go down the shapewear route that evening. If you’re certain that clothes are staying on, then your shapewear can be as structured as you like. If you’re not sure,it’s best to choose something with a little lighter compression. Also, what are you doing on your date? Will it benefit from or be hindered by wearing shapewear? For example, there’s a difference between a trip ice skating and a dinner date!
Sexy shapewear
Here’s a thing – shapewear doesn’t have to be ugly! Why not freshen up your store of shapewear with something a bit more glam? A corset is the obvious way to go here, but there are other options too. Although they only offer light support, gartered briefs with a high waist are a good balance of comfort, support, and sexy. Go for black and not white unless it’s sparkling white. There’s nothing less sexy than thousand wash grey! Avoid nude shades unless you’re absolutely sure you can carry it off.
Prioritise you
We’re all sexier when we feel attractive. So wear your shapewear for how it makes you feel, not how you think that your date will perceive you in it. Don’t forget, sexiness is all about how you wear it. If you’re unashamed and confident, that’s all you need. Who’s to say that open busted shaping shorts with a push up bra isn’t sexy? If you’ve spent the evening feeling more confident for having worn them, then own it! Keep garments matching, even if it’s just a base colour. If wearing patterns and pretty underwear makes you feel cute, then go for a set. But whatever you choose, make sure that you feel confident in it.
Simplicity is a game changer
Sexy underwear can be about sleek lines and simplicity rather than lacy embellishments. Seamless garments are fantastic here as they give a sporty, zero fuss appeal. A black shaping slip isn’t too far away from a Little Black Dress in itself, so it naturally retains that sexy vibe. Similarly, a shaping cami is a sleek alternative to high waisted briefs with the added advantage that you can pair it with knickers that are a little more enticing!
Master getting out of it
OK, so you’ve decided that if all goes well, your top layer might be coming off on this date night. So take a bit of time to practice getting out of your shapewear! It might sound a bit eccentric and presumptuous, but the last thing you want to do is be clawing at your bodysuit unable to get it to budge. For this reason, lighter compression can be a wise move if you’re wearing shapewear on a date. It’s just more straightforward to get out of! Or why not try a separate waist girdle which is easy to slip off leaving your choice of underwear when the moment is right!
Lastly, remember that there is no reason that you shouldn’t wear shapewear on a date. In fact, the more obvious it is, such as a corset, the more honest it is so why not stay open to all the options. When you feel confident and comfortable, supported and sexy, you’re at your most attractive. With some practical considerations balanced, your shapewear can actually add to the spice of a date.
Becky is a content manager who writes informed industry based articles for businesses and consumers. She’s written for Elle Courbee on women’s issues and fashion for a number of years.
Do you wear shapewear on Christmas Day?
