Good shapewear should stay put. It’s as simple as that. But is it? Gravity is a strong old force, and when you move around it’s natural for clothing to move with you. This can mean the rolling down, or indeed rolling up, of your foundation layer. One of the reasons we love shapewear is the empowering knowledge that our silhouette is smooth and streamlined. So what steps can you take to make sure it stays that way?
Sensible Sizes
This is the core consideration for any shapewear purchase. Sizing correctly will prevent garments rolling down. This will also avoid lumps and bumps and make for a comfortable fit. So be honest with yourself. Resist the temptation to size down thinking that this will be more effective. In fact, this tends to have the opposite effect. An undersized item is actually more inclined to roll, create bumps in your silhouette, and just be uncomfortable to wear. A perfect fit will prevent most problems – always better than a cure!
Anchors Away
You can use your body to prevent your shapewear from budging. You may be planning to be active – perhaps dancing, shopping or travelling. Choose your shapewear to benefit from the natural anchors that your body provides. Connect high rise control briefs to your bra, for example. This maximises your shoulders as a base for your shapewear. For ultimate security, go for a control slip or body suit. The wider the anchor of your foundation layer, the less chance there is of it moving.
Wardrobe Witchery
Maybe your outfit requires something more discreet than a full bodysuit or slip. Then it’s time for some good old fashioned sticking, layering and folding!
Layers
Use your bra as a layering tool over high rise control briefs. Simply tuck the top line of your tummy control underneath the band of your bra for extra security against the briefs rolling down. If you are wearing tights, put them on under your shapewear. The sleek fabrics that shapewear is produced in can encourage tights to slip down. So this layering will prevent slippage.
Tape
Alternatively, employ the age old dressers trick of sticking with tape. Dressing tape is a reliable piece of kit to have on hand for those occasions that you may want additional stability. This works especially well for evening gowns that run the risk of flashing your shapewear!
Folds
One final trick which may work for you is to use a fold to secure against the garment rolling down. Folding over a leg, waist or bust line will ward against any rolling of the shapewear. However, it can also create a bump in your silhouette so proceed with caution!
Don’t forget to Dry
You may be in a rush to get ready, but after a shower take the time to make sure your skin is dry. Also allow moisturiser to be fully absorbed into your skin. Any dampness to your skin actually makes your shapewear more likely to roll down. This is because the excess moisture changes where the fabric sits against your skin. As you dry, the fabric moves, making it more likely to roll down. So make sure your skin is fully dried prior to stepping into your shapewear.
No matter how equipped you are with tape, talc and pins, there really is no substitute for a good quality, well sized shapewear garment. All of the tricks of the trade are simply an additional layer of security on what should be a comfortable, stable garment. At Elle Courbee, we source the best lines of shapewear designed for real body shapes. So you can browse safe in the knowledge that you won’t have to rely on tape alone!
