Your Guide on How to Choose Shapewear That Matches up to Your Body Type
1. What Type of Outcome Are You Hoping to Achieve?
The first thing you need to decide is what you would like to achieve. The compression or “level of control” of the shapewear is going to determine the end result, so ensure you choose one that matches up to your goals.
Light Control (Medium)
Do you have a few bulges that you would like to hide in order to wear your clothing more comfortably? Everyday, light control shapewear is ideal for smoothing out those troublesome spots, to help you feel confident about the way you look throughout the day.
Firm Control (Medium-High)
Are you looking for a way to enhance your curves? The firm-control shapewear features stretchy and supple fabrics that shape your body perfectly adding contours that are subtle to your natural shape. You should be able to wear this firm control comfortably for hours at a time.
Extra-Firm Control (High)
If you have an event coming up and you have a figure-hugging outfit, extra-firm control pieces happen to be the perfect choice for structured and formal outfits like cocktail dresses, evening gowns, or wedding dresses. The shapewear should help you to feel firm and toned, but you shouldn’t feel restricted.
Regardless of the level of control your shapewear offers, you should not feel like you cannot move or your breathing is restricted. If the piece is too tight try the next size up.
2. What Area of Your Body Would You Like to Enhance?
Shapewear can be compared to real estate when it comes to location, location, location. Yet not everyone is interested in that beachfront property (or a tiny waist, and a banging booty), in order to feel confident. So are there areas that are a source of discomfort, that you would like to change into something happier?
Full Body
Many of us will have hang-ups in a few areas. If you are looking for an all-over sleeker appearance, the full-body pieces may be the ideal solution for you. Just ensure that the full-body piece offers an opening that is easy to access when you need to go to the bathroom. Check your guide to plus-size bodysuits for inspiration.
Torso
Is one of your hang-ups a muffin top, or bra bulges? If you feel embarrassed about that extra flab around your back, waist, or belly, you can boost your self-confidence with one of the shaping camis.
Bottom
Do you have a bulky behind you would love to shape and slim, or a bum that is flat that would really benefit from a lift? From the bottom-lifting bike shorts to the smoothing panties, there are all types of options to choose from to assist you in feeling more comfortable with your buns, legs, and thighs.
3. What Type of Shapewear Should You Choose for Your Body Type?
The correct shapewear depends on body type, and this means either strawberry, pear, hourglass, rectangle, or apple.
If your midsection is full along with a full bust and you have narrow hips and shoulders, your body shape is an apple shape. This will mean that you carry more weight around your belly. If it is your stomach that has made it difficult to shop for clothing that fits you right, or it makes you feel self-conscious, below are a few shapewear options that will give your waist more definition.
If the width of your shoulders and hips are proportional (the same), and you have a contoured waist, you have the much-coveted hourglass figure which makes you a very lucky lady.
Do you have long legs, slim hips, and a straight torso? You have a rectangular shape.
If you have slim shoulders, a smaller bust, and a waist that is well-defined, with a rounded bottom and full thighs and hips, then you are a pear shape.
If you are a strawberry shape your body shape includes a small bottom, narrow hips, and an ample bust.
Bodies come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Wearing shapewear is not about changing the shape of your body to something it cannot be. It’s more about making you feel more confident in your own skin.
Once you have decided what you personally need in order to feel confident about yourself, you can rock your look for all occasions.
