What Is Shapewear? A Beginner’s Guide to Shapewear

If you’ve ever wondered how celebrities achieve those smooth, sculpted silhouettes under red-carpet gowns, shapewear is often the secret. What is shapewear? It is a foundation undergarment that can contour the body. It fits tightly and temporarily changes the body shape. Whether you’re new to it or just curious about how it works, this beginner’s guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

What is Shapewear?

It’s easy to understand what shapewear is and how it shapes your body.

A Simple Explanation of Shapewear

Shapewear is super close to your skin. It holds your body with a stretchy fabric. It gives a smooth look to your body. Shapewear often constricts the stomach and hips so you find clothes fit better. It is made of nylon and spandex because these materials have good stretchability. 

What Does Shapewear Do to Your Body?

Shapewear modifies the drape of clothes on your body. It flattens the bulges in your skin. It can tuck in your tummy and lift your bottom. This creates a smooth line from your waist to your thighs. This is what lots of people are referring to when they say they want a “smooth” style. 

Shapewear conceals the lines of your panties. The thick fabric supports your upright posture. Don’t worry! It does not alter your body permanently. It merely alters the way you look when you’re wearing it. This makes you a little extra confident for an event. People mostly wear them for weddings or parties.

The Main Types of Shapewear

Every part of the body has a different type of shapewear. You cannot wear them interchangeably. So, let's take a look at some important shapewear items.

1. Shaping Shorts

Shaping shorts are like bike shorts, but better. They cover your stomach and go downwards. They work wonders for your thighs and your backside. Some versions have a high waist that goes up to your ribs. This will help keep your middle section flat. This type is extremely popular for casual wear.

2. Shapewear Underwear

Shapewear underwear is a regular-looking pair of pants, but is quite strong. They target the lower tummy area. It is easy to wear because you put them on like normal underwear. A few rise high enough to cover the entire belly. Do you want to cover your entire torso, starting from the chest all the way down to the hips? You can find a longer one-piece as well.

3. Bodysuits

A bodysuit extends to your full torso. It is similar to a one-piece swimsuit. The straps cross over your shoulders, so it gives an incredible smoothness to the body. It also stays in place because the straps hold it up. It won't roll down the waist. Some bodysuits come with snaps at the bottom, so it becomes easier to use the bathroom.  

4. Shaping Slips

Shaping slips are like a structured dress. You can wear them under skirts and dresses. They flatten your back, waist, hips, and thighs at the same time. They prevent your dress from clinging to your legs. The dress will not flow messily. 

5. Shapewear Bras

Shapewear bras work better than regular bras do. They come with large bands on the sides and back.  This hides any bulges under your arms and offers additional support for your chest. They work to keep your back flat under tight shirts. They are comfortable for long days. Plus, they make your tops look polished.

What is Shapewear Compression?

Compression is the force a fabric applies to your body. There are multiple versions, suitable for varying requirements. 

Light Compression

It feels like a little hug and is super-comfortable. You can wear this style all day long. It smooths out small bumps, but does not change your shape very much. It just makes your clothes look better. This is a good option for beginners. You can consider it as a tight tank top that you have to wear under regular clothes. After a few minutes, you’ll forget you’re wearing it.

Medium Compression

Medium compression is stronger as it uses heavier fabric to shape you. It molds your waist and hips and adds support to your muscles. You can easily wear it for a workday or an evening dinner. It’s solid, but you can breathe through it. This is possibly the most popular shapewear style because it strikes the perfect balance of comfort and results.

Firm Compression

Firm compression is the highest level, so people call this "sculpting" wear. This makes the waist look quite smaller. You cannot wear it for a long time because the fabric is thick and heavy. People choose it for special events like a wedding or prom. It can be a little uncomfortable because it squeezes the body.

How to Choose the Right Shapewear for You

The market is full of options, and that can leave you confused. You might have bought a shapewear item that doesn’t look nice. Here are a few tricks to facilitate your choice;

Start with Your Outfit

Look at the clothes you’d like to wear. Is your dress short? Choose shaping underwear. Is your dress long and tight? A bodysuit or slip is your best bet. Is your shirt low-cut in the back? You need a low-back bra. The outfit dictates the shapewear.

Pick the Right Target Area

Consider which area of your body you would like to smooth. Some people are simply concerned about their belly. Others want to smooth out their thighs. If you’re troubled by your waist, buy a waist nipper. You must buy shaping shorts if you want to lift your butt.

Choose the Compression Level

The most important aspect is how you want to feel. Can you bear wearing tight shapewear throughout the day? You can buy a thick bodysuit. Do you want to prioritize your comfort? Pick light compression. Consider the weather too, because heavy compression can feel hot in summer. Skin can breathe easily in a light compression garment. 

How to Pick the Right Size

We cannot neglect the size when talking about shapewear. You have to select a suitable size to look good. People go wrong by purchasing a smaller size that will make you uncomfortable.

Measure Your Waist, Hip, and Bust First

Do not guess your size. Wrap a measuring tape around your chest. Measure the fullest part to get the maximum length. Measure the smallest part of your waist, which is usually above the belly button. Measure hips at the widest point. The tape must be flat. 

Use the Size Chart and Choose Based on Your Largest Area

Each brand has a size chart, where you can look up your measurements. If you are medium in the waist but large in the hips, buy large. Base the size on the largest part of your body. This keeps fabric from pinching and prevents rolling. A slightly larger size still gives compression but fits better.

Know the Signs You Picked the Wrong Size

You have selected a smaller size if skin bulges over the edges. Is it difficult to breathe deeply? It is too small. Does your body hurt or go numb? It is too small. The shapewear should not roll down. The fabric must be snug but never painful.

Seamless Confidence: Making a Feelingirl Bodysuit Your First Shapewear

Feelingirl is a trusted brand because it makes user-friendly products for beginners. The Feelingirl Tummy Control Seamless Bodysuit is a good first option. It uses soft fabric and has no seams. This is invisible under clothes. It contours the stomach and waist without being too tight. The straps are adjustable for any size. You can wear them under t-shirts or fancy dresses.

The Feelingirl Seamless Long Sleeve Tummy Control Thong Bodysuit provides more coverage. It keeps the middle section tight. Panty lines are not visible. This bodysuit is perfect for everyday wear, casual outings, or layering under your favorite fall and winter outfits.

FAQs

1. How long can you safely wear shapewear?

Most experts agree that you can wear it for eight hours. You should see your body while wearing it. If it is hurting or feeling itchy, you should remove it. Do not sleep in shapewear. 

2. How many times can you wear shapewear before washing?

Wash the shapewear after one or two wears because it absorbs lots of sweat and oils. Use mild soap and cold water. Never put them in hot dryers because it can destroy the fibers.

3. How do I choose the right shapewear size?

Refer to the size chart. Don’t buy smaller to appear thinner. You should check your size and get a bigger size if the measurements are between two sizes.  A larger size works better than a too-small size.

4. Does shapewear train your waist?

No. Shapewear does not permanently change your body. It is not a waist trainer or corset. It smooths your shape while worn. Your body returns to normal after removal. 

5. How do I stop shapewear from rolling?

The shapewear can roll if the size is too small or the waist is too low. Pick high-waist styles that sit at your bra line. Shapewear with silicone grips is a good choice. Pull it up properly and size up if it is still rolling. Proper fit prevents rolling.