Everything You Need To Know About Wearing Shapewear

If I am being honest, I have had a bit of a love/hate relationship with shapewear. I didn’t feel it was for me so soooo long as I’ve always been quite slim and slender. But when I got pregnant, and since having a baby, I’ve discovered a new found love for it. I like the way it smooths and shapes my body underneath clothing, but then saying that, sometimes I find I don’t want to rely on it too much.

After debating what my thoughts are on shapewear now I’m 34, I can honestly say my love/hate relationship has turned into lust. I long to put on a figure hugging bodysuit with pulls in my waist and firms up my bust (well, it certainly gives a little lift!). So today, I’m sharing a few of my favorite tips from my journey so far with shapewear.

Let’s talk about the pros first: As you can imagine with today’s retail market, there’s literally something for everybody. Want to shape your bum? Yep, there’s a style for that. What about smoothing your thighs? Don’t worry, indeed there is an item that can help! Waist, bums, tums… they’ve thought of everything.

How to Buy the Right Shapewear

The below includes some tips to bear in mind if you’re new to wearing shapewear and need some help with what to look for…

Know your size

This is important, as when it comes to buying shapewear, it is not the time to go down a size in an attempt to make your shapewear ‘work’ with you. Shapewear is called shapewear because it has shapeshifting properties to start with, so you needn’t try a smaller size and then risk being too sucked in and struggling to breathe! It’s about being comfortable day and night. It’s best to find a brand where you can wear the items true to size.

Look for high waist options

I’m a huge fan of high waist anything, especially jeans! But when it comes to shapewear, I find this super important. Whether it’s shorts, briefs or the more comfortable bodyshorts, a high waist can do two tricks in one: smoothing and lifting your bum, and bringing in your waist and tummy! It’s a win-win!

Work with combinations

Speaking of shapewear that kills two birds with one stone, look for ways to combine your shapewear into one perfect piece. For example, shop for full body suits that work as both a bra and shaper, or tights with built-in thigh and tummy control. These tend to come in the form of ‘all-in-ones’ and I’m a huge fan of these one-stop shapewear options. The below are options of two different types of full body shaper bodysuits. As you can see, they fit perfectly to the body and shape in a subtle way. They lift the bust, full in the waist, control the thigs and give a perky bottom!

Try out cotton blends

Let’s be honest – with shapewear being the under garment, it can make things a little sweaty! It can get real warm under there. Imagine wearing a too tight size and going out in hot weather. Not a nice thought! With this in mind, look for a breathable cotton blend when shopping for any shapewear. It can help keep things cooler while you look the part!

Stick to basics

These days, the retail market is oversaturated with shapewear items. It can be a little confusing to know which brand to buy, and also, you’ll find there are a ton of “control” options which can seem quite fancy. To keep it super basic, look for items that are labelled as medium control, which helps for smoothing bumps and lines. Maximum control helps to transform your body a little more, like really giving the illusion of a perky bottom and pulled in waist. Of course, it’s all down to personal preference but stick to nude colours and simple lines. You don’t want to go fancy at all with shapewear! The more basic, the better.

Consider Waist Clinchers

There are so many advantages of waist clinchers, but aren’t usually the first thought when it comes to shapewear. You want to find the best waist trainer to help not only sculpt the body, but to help you with loosing a few inches along the way too! Here’s some other benefits: they support your posture during workouts or lifting heavy items, assist with loosing water weight, create curves, provide abdominal compression and back support, and keep your body warm too!