Welcome to our comprehensive beginner's guide to shapewear. Whether you're looking for a slim silhouette for a special occasion or want everyday comfort, shapewear can be a great solution. In this article we cover everything you need to know before you start wearing shapewear.
What is shapewear?
Shapewear, also known as shaping underwear, is specially designed to shape and support your figure. It comes in different styles, sizes and levels of compression. From tummy wraps to bodysuits, the options are almost endless.
The benefits of shapewear
Shapewear has lots of benefits. Here are the main benefits of wearing it:
- Better posture: it supports your back and tummy muscles, which can help improve your posture. It also boosts your confidence.
- A firmer silhouette: shapewear helps your body look smoother and firmer by minimising unwanted lumps and bumps. The result is a slim silhouette under tight clothes.
- More confidence: thanks to the support and shaping shapewear gives, you feel more comfortable in your clothes. That boosts your confidence, especially on special occasions or when wearing tight outfits.
Different types of shapewear
Depending on exactly what you want to achieve, shapewear can offer different benefits. Here are the benefits of the different types of shapewear:
- Bodysuits: they cover most of your body and are ideal for shaping your whole torso. Perfect under tight dresses, they give a seamless look. There are also waist trainers, which are specially designed to cinch in your waist.
- Shorts & briefs: shapewear shorts and briefs are popular options for women who want to shape and support their lower body. They offer targeted benefits that can enhance your silhouette and boost your confidence.
- Underwear: shaping underwear is a versatile, comfortable option for women who want to enhance their figure without sacrificing comfort. In most cases it's designed for everyday wear under clothing and gives subtle but effective support and shaping.
- Waist trainers: waist trainers are a popular type of shapewear specially designed to cinch in your waist, so you can easily create an hourglass silhouette. They're made from firm but flexible materials such as latex or neoprene and usually fasten with hooks, zips or Velcro.
How do you wear shapewear?
Wearing shapewear correctly is crucial for comfort and effectiveness. It's important to put it on slowly. A bodysuit, for example, can be tight, so take your time putting it on carefully. That prevents damage to the material and makes sure it fits comfortably.
Smooth the shapewear evenly over your body. That prevents pressure points and gives a seamless look under your clothes. Choose clothes that work well with your shapewear. Tight clothes work best with seamless bodysuits, while looser clothes can be paired with almost any type of shapewear.
Caring for shapewear
To make your shapewear last longer, it's important to care for it properly. It's best to hand wash shapewear in cold water to keep its stretch and shape. Leave it to air-dry rather than putting it in the tumble dryer. Heat can damage the fibres and shorten its life.
Waist trainer
A waist trainer is a well-known type of shapewear that helps shape your waist. This close-fitting garment is usually worn around your waist and applies compression, giving you a slimmer silhouette. Waist trainers are often worn during exercise to make you sweat more and give a more defined waist.
Getting started with shapewear
Shapewear can be a valuable addition to your wardrobe if you make the right choice and wear and care for it properly. Want to buy shapewear? Take a look at the extensive range from Shapetape.
