Shapewear has been around for many years and evolved from those restrictive corsets to magical shaping pieces that help women to squeeze into a form-fitting outfit for a special occasion. In the past, shapewear was the go-to solution for special occasion dressing like weddings, galas, and fancy dinners due to the designs that compress and reshape the body, making it uncomfortable to wear for longer than a few hours. With the modern technologies available today, shapewear has transformed into shaping garments that embrace curves and boost confidence.
Shapewear is designed to accentuate the body’s natural curves. The firm fabrics often used in shapewear are now replaced by innovative refined yarns to create elasticity that supports, balance, and move with the body while allowing you to breathe and move. As a result, they are perfect for everyday wear and are virtually undetectable under clothes. These foundation wear are more about emphasizing the natural shape, smoothing rolls, and lifting with butt lifting shapewear where desired.
Choosing the right shapewear can make a huge difference in how you feel and look in your clothes. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect shapewear:
- Determine what your target areas are. Decide where you want to smooth out or shape. Is it your hips, tummy, or thighs? Shapewear is available in different styles to target different areas. Knowing what you want to achieve can help you choose the right style.
- What do you want to wear with shapewear? Think about what you will be wearing over the body shaper. If it is a dress, you would want a shapewear that will not show through. If you plan on wearing pants, you may want a pair of high-waisted panties or shorts that won’t roll down.
- Choose the right size for shapewear. It is important to choose a shapewear that fits you well. Do not downsize as it is uncomfortable and can cause bulges. Shapewear that is too big will not offer the desired shaping effect.
- Choose the right level of control. Different types of shapewear offer different levels of control such as light to firm.
Want to know what are the shapewear options available? Below are some of the popular and most common shapewear pieces.
- High-waisted panties
These body shapers offer shaping and support for the tummy, waist, and hips. They are wardrobe must-haves that will smooth from under the bra line all the way to the lower belly. Some of these panties have clasps attached to the bra to hold it in place and prevent rolling down.
- Shaping Thongs
Shaping thongs are panties that offer targeted shaping and smoothing to the midsection while leaving the derriere exposed. These thongs are a great option if you want to wear form-fitting clothing without worrying about visible panty lines.
- Bodysuits
Full bodysuits are like one-piece swimsuits and they all-over full-body shaping. It is designed to smooth and sculpt the entire midsection, including the tummy, waist, hips, and thighs. Some tummy control bodysuits come in a mid-thigh style that can slim the thighs too.
- Camisoles
Shaping camisoles offer shaping and support for the tummy and waist, and at the same time smooths and shapes the bust. Camisoles are commonly worn under sheer tops.
- Mid-thigh Shorts
Shaping shorts are designed to offer shaping and smoothing to the whole midsection and the thighs. Some butt lifter shorts also can help give the buttocks a lift. These body shapers are made from firmer and more compressive fabric to help smooth out any bulges and provide a sleek, streamlined silhouette under dresses, skirts, and pants. They are also great to prevent wardrobe malfunction when wearing a dress.
