The ultimate shapewear guide: how to feel great in any outfit
What is shapewear? An overview of shapewear
If you want to feel even more confident in your favourite outfit, then shapewear might be the secret weapon you’ve been looking for.
These little miracles will highlight your natural beauty and accentuate your curves without feeling uncomfortable. To help you find the perfect shapewear, we've put together all the essential information you’ll need. We answer important questions about shapewear and figure-sculpting clothing, introduce you to different styles and show you which shapewear styles are most suited to different body types.
Shapewear guide: what is shapewear?
Shapewear is specialised underwear that shapes your figure without being too restrictive. It is made from stretchy fabrics and has specially developed compression inserts that can firm up specific areas of your body such as your tummy, waist, buttocks and/or thighs and make them look more defined.
This means that your figure gets gently sculpted and your natural curves are accentuated. Shapewear can highlight your natural assets not only in everyday life but also on special occasions. To achieve this effect, you can choose from one of the available shapewear styles such as bodysuits, briefs and thongs, shorts or even slip dresses.
Shapewear guide: does shapewear work?
Shapewear does more than simply sculpt your figure. It can boost your self-confidence and make you feel good all round:
Shapewear sculpts your figure: especially under tight-fitting clothing, shapewear can subtly sculpt your body and create a shapely, well-proportioned figure. You can also use shapewear to firm up unwanted problem areas and make you feel confident in any outfit.
Shapewear gives you an extra dose of self-confidence: shapewear accentuates your natural beauty and makes minor imperfections disappear. This will ensure that you look and feel your best.
Shapewear gives you support: not only does shapewear slim down your figure but it also offers you support where you may need it. Some shapewear has a support or compression function which can improve your posture.
Shapewear is versatile: you can cater to your individual needs with shapewear. Would you like subtle shaping or prefer maximum sculpting? Would you like a full-body shaper or target only selected parts of your body? The different shapewear styles allow you the freedom to choose exactly how and where you would like to form your figure.
Let our shapewear boost your self-confidence
How long does shapewear last? How to wash and take care of your shapewear
To ensure that your shapewear lasts for a long time and shapes your figure effectively, it is important to look after it properly. Proper care will help your shapewear keep its elasticity and ensure that it retains its sculpting effect. Make sure to follow these tips when you wash your shapewear:
Take a look at the label on your shapewear before washing it. It will tell you the best way to properly wash and dry your particular style of shapewear
Wash shapewear at low temperatures only (30 to 40 °C).
Use a gentle wash programmes such as "Hand wash" or "Wool"
Do not use fabric softener on shapewear. Instead, we recommend using a mild detergent
Protect your shapewear by putting it in a laundry bag and make sure that your washing machine is not overfilled
Air dry your shapewear to keep it looking fresh
Shapewear guide: more shapewear FAQ’s
In addition to essential questions about how to define shapewear, its benefits and proper care, there are a few more FAQs that we have answered below:
How do I put my shapewear on?
Shapewear should have a snug fit so that it can sculpt and support your body effectively. To make it easier, when putting it on always get in from the top and pull your shapewear up.
What is the best shapewear to wear under dresses?
A figure-hugging dress looks best when there are no visible underwear lines and your silhouette looks seamless.
For low-cut dresses, a shapewear slip dress with a cut-out for your bust and back areas is ideal. It will make your figure look seamless from your bust down to your thighs.
If you only want to accentuate certain areas of your body, we recommend opting for a bodysuit for your upper body, shaping briefs for your tummy and bottom, or shaping shorts for your tummy, thighs and bottom.
My shapewear keeps rolling down. What should I do?
If your shapewear rolls down, it’s a sign that it is too small. In this case, you can try a larger size or a different model.
In our article "Shapewear size guide" we show you how to find the right size shapewear.
Should I wear underwear under my shapewear?
To achieve a seamless look, it is better not to wear underwear under your shapewear. This will ensure that there are no visible outlines of your underwear and your shapewear will feel much more comfortable.
What is the best summer shapewear?
You can also wear shapewear in the summer. However, make sure you choose breathable shapewear that allows air to reach your skin and wicks away moisture. Also opt for short versions such as briefs and bodysuits to leave as much skin uncovered as possible. It is also a good idea to wear as few layers of fabric as possible.
Shaping shorts are also an ideal choice in summer if you are wearing a dress or skirt and want to prevent your thighs from rubbing against each.
Maternity shapewear: what should I look out for?
During your pregnancy, it's best to wear special maternity underwear. It is comfortable and will support your baby bump.
However, if you do want to wear shapewear during your pregnancy (e.g. to a special event), you should choose special maternity shapewear. These styles have been specially adapted to your changing body and your specific needs during pregnancy.
You can also find more information about shapewear in the following articles. Here we will show you what types of shapewear are available and help you to find the right shapewear for your body type.
What is the best type of shapewear?
Which shapewear style is right for me? To answer this question, we will look at different types of shapewear and show you how they can shape your body. We also explain what you should look out for in shapewear so that you can achieve your desired look.
Shapewear for every body type
Which shapewear can I use to flatten my tummy or shape up my thighs? Which styles will help sculpt my bottom and which will give me an hourglass figure? We'll show you which shapewear styles you can use to accentuate or minimise specific areas of your body.
Shapewear size guide: finding the perfect size
Shapewear should hug your figure to shape your body effectively but should also feel comfortable. This means that it is important to find the right size to ensure that you stay comfortable. This article explains how to find your perfect shapewear size and how shapewear should fit.
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The image sources in this text are in chronological order:
Cover photo: Velista production – stock.adobe.com
1. Image in text: DragonImages – stock.adobe.com
2. & 3. Image in text:C&A
4. Image in text: David L/peopleimages.com – stock.adobe.com