How to Choose the Right Shapewear for Your Body

Run a quick search for shapewear online and you’ll find there are dozens of brands to choose from. But with so many options, you risk suffering from paralysis by analysis. Which shapewear is right for you? And once you purchase shapewear, how do you get the most out of it? We’ve got the answers.

How Shapewear Works

Though it seems like it’s magic, shapewear is actually a pretty simple concept. It’s not going to change your body or make you lose weight, but it can make it appear like you’re slimmer or curvier. It allows you to look more flattering by accentuating certain areas and deemphasizing others.

You can incorporate them into almost any wardrobe. For instance, you can use it under a pencil-cut dress or a flowy skirt. Shapewear pieces can also highlight your curves when wearing gowns to complete an elegant wardrobe during weddings and other special occasions.

Shapewear is manufactured using stretchy latex that’s specially designed to create a firm hold. It has just enough compression and weight to flatten out fleshy areas without making you feel constricted. When it fits properly, shapewear does exactly what the name suggests – it reshapes the softer parts of the body and compresses fat against firmer muscles (like in the abdomen or legs). It can even be used to strategically enhance areas of emphasis.

But not all shapewear brands are the same. Choosing one that’s crafted with precision and provides the perfect compression and flexibility balance is important. You can read customer reviews before shopping to ensure you get the most out of your money’s worth. You can also check out high-quality shapewear online, such as at Colombiana Boutique or in physical garment stores near you.

Selecting Shapewear for Your Body

Shapewear certainly isn’t a new idea. Corsets and other similar products have been used for centuries. However, there’s never been this many brands and types of shapewear available to women. This can make choosing the right type difficult.

As you search for the right shapewear, it’s important to remember that everyone has a different body type. Tall, short, skinny, pudgy, curvy, bony, muscular, thin…there are infinite combinations and we’re all beautiful in our own way.

Having said that, you need to know your body type and choose shapewear that’s specifically designed with you in mind.

Having said all of that, here are some pointers to help you select the right type of shapewear:

• Buy the Right Size

Some people mistakenly believe that they should purchase a smaller size of shapewear in order to increase its ability to hide fat, when the opposite is true. If you purchase shapewear that’s too small, you’ll actually end up with bulges. Shapewear should fit snug, but shouldn’t make you feel constricted when walking or moving around.

Shapewear brands usually have dedicated sizing charts or instructions on their website or marketplace listings. Ensure you follow the steps carefully to receive the right size. If you have any questions or need further guidance, consider reaching out to the brand’s customer service via their toll-free line. Or, when shopping in a brick-and-mortar store, try to check if there’s a sample available for fitting.

• Avoid Shapewear With Seams

You can tell cheap, knock-off shapewear apart from high-quality shapewear by inspecting the construction. Avoid shapewear with seams and instead opt for ones that are woven in one piece for a smooth appearance. The Wacoal shapewear collection – which includes camisoles, briefs, bodysuits, thigh shapers, and leg shapers – offers this seamless look.

• Medium vs. Strong Constriction

If you’re trying to smooth out lines, choose a medium constriction shapewear product. If the goal is to transform your total figure, a strong constriction product is better.

“If there’s no performance level listed on the tag, check out the clothing label. The higher the nylon content, the more a garment will alter your shape,” Rika Nurrohmah writes for Bustle. “You can also get a sense of the level of shaping by feeling the fabric. If it’s lightweight and slips through your hands, it’s likely designed simply to smooth out targeted spots on your figure. Heavier pieces are usually armed with compression zones that will suck and tuck your body into shape.”

• Cotton-Blend for Cooler Wear

In the winter, typical nylon shapewear is fine. But when the weather warms up, these synthetic fabrics are more prone to cause sweating. If you live in a hot climate and need something a little cooler, a cotton-blend material will enhance moisture absorption and breathability.

Caring for Your Shapewear

One of the keys to maintaining your shapewear is to wash and care for it appropriately. As a good start, follow the instructions on the label or listing when it comes to shapewear maintenance. While every manufacturer will have different suggestions, it’s generally best to wash shapewear by hand or using a gentle cycle in a washing machine. As much as possible, use mild laundry detergent and avoid washing it with harsh chemicals like bleach.

Under absolutely no circumstances should you place shapewear in the dryer. To preserve the fabric’s elasticity, it’s necessary to line dry. (Don’t twist shapewear to wring out water by hand. This could lead to unwanted stretching).

Shapewear won’t last forever, but by following these tips, you can expect to get years out of your pieces. It only takes a few extra minutes!