Find the Perfect Shapewear in 3 Easy Steps

Find the Perfect Shapewear in 3 Easy Steps

- in Blogs, Fashion, Style Stop

Style Stop
By Linda Peavy

Throughout history, women have relied on undergarments to give them a more desirable silhouette and make their clothes fit better. While the days of restricting corsets made of whalebone and steel traps are gone, shapewear (defined as undergarments that create a smooth silhouette and highlight your natural curves) is as popular as ever.

Once referred to as “girdles,” today’s shapewear is not as restrictive and also comes in styles that flatter from neck to knees. Shapewear can complement all bodies and shapes. Our favorite brands listed below are offered in regular and plus sizes.

But how do I know what kind of shapewear is right for me? By asking yourself three simple questions:

  1. What will I wear with this shapewear? Ask yourself if you plan to wear it every day or only with a specific dress on a special occasion and if the garment you wear it under will require support in any particular area.
  2. Where do I need the most support? Different types of shapewear are targeted to smooth your stomach, thighs, butt, breasts, etc., so it’s essential to think about how you will be using it.
  3. How much compression/support do I need? While all shapewear is made from stretchy, flexible fabrics like nylon and Spandex, some give light, medium, or firm or extra-firm compression/support. Most categories of shapewear are available in various levels of compression/support.
  • Light compression is usually best for everyday wear and if you always want to smooth out the same areas on your body.
  • Medium compression should be your choice if you want to highlight your curves because it’s made to hug your body snugly.
  • Firm and extra-firm compression is for when you want to change the shape of your body, not just smooth out your existing shape. As this level is not the most comfortable to move in, it’s best saved for special occasions.

NOTE: Simply choosing a smaller size will not make you look smaller and can actually make you look bigger by bulging out over excess skin and not being able to provide a smooth silhouette. Ideally, of course, you should try it on in-store whenever possible. If you must shop online, always measure yourself carefully, compare your measurements to that specific brand’s sizing charts, and check their FAQ pages for advice on selecting the correct size.

Types of Shapewear
Remember, the best shapewear should highlight your natural curves and shape while moving with your body, not working against it!

Bodysuits: With a built-in bra, this type of shapewear gives the most complete coverage, especially if you choose a style that extends to the knee.

  • Wear them with almost any outfit
  • Target areas include bust, waist, buttocks and thighs

Style Shop Favorite: Shapermint Essentials All Day Every Day ScoopNeck Bodysuit

 

Open Bust Body Shaper: This garment is precisely like the bodysuit but has no bust coverage, which is good for women with larger breasts.

  •  Wear them with all outfits except those that need extra support at the bust
  • Target areas include waist, buttocks, and thighs

Style Stop Favorite: SPANX OnCore Open-Bust Mid-Thigh Bodysuit 

 

Panties: 

  • Wear them with skirts and dresses
  • Target areas include stomach and buttocks

Style Stop Favorite: SKIMS Fits Everybody Full Brief

 

Shorts: The main difference between shorts and panties is that shorts continue to the mid-thigh.

  • Wear them with pencil skirts and leggings
  • Target areas include stomach, buttocks and thighs

Style Stop Favorite: SPANX Thinstincts® 2.0 Mid-Thigh Short
 

 

Slips:

  • Wear them with figure-hugging dresses, especially those in fabrics that would normally bunch up
  •  Target areas include waist and buttocks and some styles also give bust and thigh support

Style Stop Favorite: SKIMS Fits Everybody Slip Dress

 

Tank Tops: 

  • Wear them with tops made of knits or other clingy materials
  • Target areas include bust and stomach

Style Stop Favorite Favorite: Honey Love LiftWear Tank

 

Waist Cincher: While this is reminiscent of a corset, it is thankfully made of much more comfortable and breathable materials, focusing all its effort on making your waist as small as possible.

  • Wear them with bodycon and wrap dresses
  • Target areas include the waist

Style Stop Favorite: Honey Love WaistHero Cincher

Hashtags: #shapewear #waisttrainer #bodyshaper #corset #waistshaper #waistcincher #girdle #flattummy #bodyshapers #slimmingbelt

About the author

Linda Peavy is a Cleveland-based fashion influencer with a global reach, providing body positivity presentations internationally as founder of Cultured Curves (culturedcurves.com). Linda is a Thrive columnist and blogger with Style Stop, your one-stop source of fashion tips that will keep you looking sensational at any age.

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