When you are deciding on, and shopping for, a piece of shapewear it’s vital to understand how that garment works. Most specifically how it works for you as an individual. This understanding will help you to select the line, cut and fit of your foundation layer. Indeed, you may ask yourself, does it work? We advise that shapewear works at its most optimal when you understand how it works. Follow the rules of shapewear selection and your shapewear will pay you back in spades!
Panelling
From shaping shorts to control briefs, shapewear garments are able to specifically concentrate on smoothing target areas of your body. This is all achieved through the panelling. Support can be focussed on your hips, bum, tummy or thighs. Indeed in some cases, all of the above! Shaped panels of technical and breathable stretch fabrics direct that compression to give you a smooth and natural silhouette under your clothes.
Function
Should shapewear be worn daily, and does it work alongside your regular underwear? Shapewear is a multifunction garment – it plays the role of standard underwear and figure shaper all at the same time. This means that you don’t end up with visible seams by layering different pieces of underwear. If you are selecting shapewear for daily use, make sure you choose a gentle compression. The soft, breathable fabrics of control briefs, shorts and bodysuits are engineered with anti-bacterial properties, so that your shapewear is designed to sit comfortably next to your skin.
Seams
Shapewear falls into two camps: embellished or sleek. Many designs of compression shorts and skirts boast seamless features to keep your line completely uninterrupted. For some outfits, this is ideal and indeed vital. Other pieces compress your line while still featuring delicate embroidery and embellishments. Your preference between these two avenues of shapewear design is entirely subjective. So it’s great that functional shapewear is available in different aesthetics to suit all your moods!
Sizing
It’s a popular misconception that sizing down your shapewear will make it work better. This is an absolute myth! Wearing a waist-cinching bodysuit in a smaller size does not make you that size. It will simply result in unwanted lumps and bumps in your silhouette which actually highlight your shapewear. A well-fitting corselette or tummy control brief will form your natural shape to create a naturally defined line. To be honest, your shapewear will keep you looking naturally contoured.
Compression
So which level of compression makes shapewear work at its best? This all depends on the frequency of wear, as it’s all intertwined with comfort. Perhaps you’re seeking a subtle and natural line. Something that smooths out your existing shape and sits underneath workwear and jeans alike. Go for medium compression shaping briefs and seamless shaping skirts or shorts. These garments support your shape from the waist through your legs. Maybe you want to go all out curvy! So look for shapewear that offers higher compressions from your bust, through your waist, over your bottom and down to your leg. A shaping bodysuit, cami with a bra or full corset are ideal pieces of shapewear which offer this level of support.
Fit
Sometimes it’s not really about the silhouette at all – it’s about feeling secure in your shapewear and confident in your look. If you have purchased a good quality item that is the correct size, your shapewear should sit securely, whatever the style. But if you prefer that extra bit of anchoring, choose shapewear that hangs from your shoulders. For example a shaping slip or bodysuit. The shoulder straps prevent any roll down, allowing you freedom from any worry of shifting shapewear.
The key to selecting pieces of shapewear that really work is to match the garments with your desired silhouette. Size your foundation layer correctly for the most secure and effective wear. Your shapewear will then give you an enhanced line which doesn’t budge all day long!
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.