How to Choose the Best Shapewear for You

Your Guide to buying the best Shapewear

Overview

Shapewear is an essential item for anyone looking to contour and shape their body for a slim and sleek look. Whether you are looking for an everyday solution to minimize problem areas, or a special event piece to highlight certain areas, this guide will help you select the best shapewear to suit your needs. It covers everything from how to choose the right size and fabric, to benefits and tips for wearing and caring for your shapewear. With the information below, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect shapewear for you!

Key features

  1. Type - Consider whether you want high-waisted shapewear, a bodysuit, shorts, or a slip. Each type of Shapewear will provide a different level of control and support.
  2. Comfort- Look for breathable fabrics and soft seams to ensure maximum comfort when wearing Shapewear.
  3. Size - Make sure to measure yourself and compare to the size chart of the Shapewear you are considering to get the best fit.
  4. Shapewear Area - Consider the area of the body you need to target with your Shapewear. Many products target different areas, such as tummy, thighs or arms.
  5. Price - Consider your budget for Shapewear and look for products within your price range.

See the most popular Shapewear on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Compression - Shapewear helps to provide a slimming and toning effect through compression, giving the appearance of a flatter stomach and smoother silhouette.
  • Smoothing - Shapewear helps to provide a smooth, flattering line under clothing, allowing the wearer to look slimmer and more toned.
  • Support - Shapewear helps to support the body, providing more stability and comfort when exercising or doing other activities.
  • Concealment - Shapewear can help to conceal imperfections and bulges, giving the wearer a more polished look.
  • Breathability - Shapewear is made from breathable fabrics that allow the wearer to stay cool and comfortable all day.
  • Durability - Shapewear is designed to withstand wear and tear, ensuring the wearer can have a long-lasting garment.

Cons

  • Cost: Shapewear can be quite expensive, and high-quality pieces may cost a lot more.
  • Uncomfortable: Shapewear can be quite uncomfortable to wear, and some people may find it difficult to move around and perform basic activities while wearing it.
  • Risks: Shapewear can pose various risks to the wearer, including but not limited to: increased risk of developing abdominal hernia, a decrease in circulation, and an increased risk of heat exhaustion.
  • Breathability: Many types of shapewear are made with materials that do not allow the wearer’s skin to breathe, which can lead to skin irritation and discomfort.
  • Size: Finding the right size shapewear can be difficult and time consuming, as many brands may have different sizing charts.

Best alternatives

  1. Waist Trainers - Undergarments designed to compress the abdominal area, waist trainers provide an hourglass shape and give the wearer the appearance of a slimmer waist.
  2. Bodysuits - A one-piece garment that smooths out and accentuates curves, creating a slim appearance.
  3. Hosiery - Tights or stockings designed to shape and support the lower body, creating a more flattering silhouette.
  4. Control Panties - Panties that provide extra support and compression to help shape the waist, hips and thighs.
  5. Control Slips - Slips featuring a built-in control panel that helps to shape the waist, hips, and thighs.
  6. Control Shapers - Shaping garments that provide support to the lower torso to create a slim and smooth silhouette.
  7. Briefs - Shorts or briefs designed to provide extra support and control to the waist and hips.
  8. Corsets - Tight-fitting garments that compress the abdominal area, creating a slim and defined silhouette.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

    Body Shaper - a garment that helps to support and shape the body, typically worn to provide a slim and smooth silhouette. Compression Garment - a garment designed to provide pressure to areas of the body, typically used to reduce swelling and aid in healing. Waist Trainer - a garment designed to shape and contour the waist, often with additional support and compression. High-Waisted Panty - a panty style that covers the entire abdomen, typically designed to provide shaping and slimming. Girdle - a garment designed to provide additional support and compression to the abdomen and legs, typically with additional straps and boning. Bodysuit - a one-piece garment with built-in support and compression, often used to cover the torso and slim the waist. Control Top Pantyhose - a type of hosiery designed to provide shaping and slimming to the abdomen and hips. Control Shorts - a type of underwear designed to provide support and slimming to the abdomen and hips. Thigh Slimmer - a type of shapewear that provides support and shaping to the thighs.

Common questions

  1. What are the different types of Shapewear? Shapewear comes in a variety of styles, such as full body shapers, waist trainers, shorts, panties, tank tops, and leggings.
  2. What is the best Shapewear for my body type? The best Shapewear for each body type will depend on the individual’s goals, measurements, and preferences. It’s important to take into account your body shape, size, and how you plan to wear the shapewear.
  3. What materials are used in Shapewear? Shapewear is typically made from nylon, spandex, and polyester. Some shapewear may also include Lycra and/or cotton.
  4. What are the benefits of wearing Shapewear? Shapewear can help create a slimming effect, reduce bulges, and create a smoother silhouette. It can also help with posture and support, and reduce fatigue from carrying excess weight.
  5. How do I choose the right size? When selecting the right size of Shapewear it is important to measure your body accurately and use the Shapewear size chart. In general, Shapewear should fit snugly, but not so tight that it is uncomfortable.
  6. How do I take care of my Shapewear? To ensure your Shapewear lasts, it is important to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. In general, Shapewear should be hand washed in cold water with mild detergent, then hung to dry.

Trivia

In 2019, a group of students from the University of Chicago decided to challenge the university's rules against wearing undergarments on the outside of clothing by wearing Shapewear over their clothing. The group showed up at the school’s quad, demonstrating that Shapewear could be worn in a stylish and comfortable way. Their small protest quickly gained attention and became an internet meme. The group’s leader, who referred to themselves as the “Shapewear Squad”, was even interviewed for a popular podcast. This story shows that Shapewear can be used in both practical and creative ways. Source: https://www.chicagomaroon.com/article/2019/3/27/shapewear-squad-challenges-university-rules-style/

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.