Most, if not all, women wish to have the perfect body, those that are worthy of centerfolds. Not only will a shapely body boost a woman’s confidence, but the fact that you’re able to look good in any type of outfit will give you the strength and drive to face any day’s challenges. Unfortunately, not all women are blessed with the perfect shape. Thankfully, this is where shapewear comes into the picture.
With the help of shapewear, any woman can now enjoy wearing the clothes they adore regardless of their figure. Shapewear is especially useful for women who just gave birth, as there’s a huge tendency that they’ll may not have the figure they once had to enjoy their pre-birth clothes.
So if you just gave birth or simply want to achieve the figure needed to fit into any clothes, continue reading this article to get some shapewear shopping tips that you may find helpful.
Benefits of shapewear
So far, it may sound as if shapewear is only a type of accessory that can only benefit women who just gave birth. The truth is, however, there are plenty of benefits that this clothing can provide. Hence, before knowing how to buy shapewear, it’s important first to know what benefits you can gain when wearing one.
- Boost confidence and self-esteem
As mentioned, a shaping lingerie like shapewear won’t only have an impact on your physical appearance, but it can also contribute to your weight-loss journey. This is because women who constantly wear shapewear may get encouraged to retain an active and healthy lifestyle.
For one, shapewear allows you to have a glimpse of a so-called sculpted body. Thus, it’ll motivate you to finish any healthy goals you may have set, boosting the success of your weight-loss journey. Additionally, the fact that you can slip into a slinky dress will also increase your self-esteem, especially if you choose shapewear covering your weak spots, like a flabby belly.
- Support those who have big chests
If you love working out and have a big breast, you know how much struggle you face whenever you’re in the gym. You know for a fact how difficult it is when your chest keeps coming in the way as you jog, making you feel uncomfortable. Since the typical sports bra usually doesn’t offer much-needed support, you can opt for high-quality shapewear.
Moreover, to really make any workout activities comfortable for you, try to assess if the shapewear can work without a sports bra. If not, you can always wear a sports bra underneath.
Shopping tips
If you’re on the fence about the fact that there’s a piece of accessory that transforms your body into something that only comes out from Photoshop, then do note that the founder of a well-known shapewear brand became the world’s youngest female billionaire because of the said product. This goes to show that many people can already attest how shapewear brings the benefits it promises to deliver.
The downside, however, lies in the idea that there are already plenty of styles and fabrics to choose from, especially since it’s considered as one of the many indispensable undergarments for women. This means choosing the right shapewear for you is easier said than done.
To help you out, here are some tips when shopping for shapewear that you can consider:
1. Select the right size
Choosing the right size for you will always be the hardest part of choosing shapewear for the first time. Despite the fact that you can now purchase one online, it’s advisable that you first visit a brick-and-mortar store. If you shop at a physical store, you’ll have the opportunity to test various brands, sizes, and styles, ensuring that you can physically test what fits and feels right for you.
Moreover, if you’re planning to buy shapewear since you want to pair it with an outfit, then don’t forget to bring the latter as you go shopping. Still, don’t neglect the importance of having your bust, waist, hip, and thigh measured when selecting the correct size. With the measurements in mind, the attendant can give you a product that’s capable of smoothing out any problem areas you may have, giving you a sleeker shape.
Take note that choosing shapewear that’s one size smaller won’t help. Although this technique works well when shopping for clothes, if you’re buying shapewear, it may cause bulges, which can only make you look bigger––the opposite of what you’re trying to achieve. Also, tight shapewear may restrict your breathing, which, in turn, makes the entire ensemble uncomfortable.
2. Consider your body shape
One’s body shape comes in many forms––rectangle, apple, triangle, hourglass, or pear. So you must know your body shape. This way, you can select shapewear that complements it.
For instance, if your bust and hips are approximately the same in size but you have a slender waist, which is the hourglass body type, then consider opting for a waist cincher or high-rise briefs. Additionally, you can also choose a full bodysuit as it can help tone the entire body. You can always ask for help from the customer representative in any online or physical shop to assist you.
3. Asses the control
In addition to considering your body shape, you should also consider the shapewear’s degree of control, which ranges from light, medium, and firm. Essentially, if you’re going to use the accessory on a daily basis, use light and medium. Light control will help smooth out any bulges. On the other hand, medium control can prevent any jiggling, which is perfect when you’re going to the gym.
When it comes to firm shapewear, reserve it for special occasions. Even if it works wonders when taking you down a size, you may find it too restricting and not as comfortable compared to its lower counterparts.
4. Choose the right color
Usually, shapewear comes in white, nude, black, and beige. Still, there are manufacturers that offer a variation among the common colors. Nevertheless, choosing the right color is important as it’ll tie your whole outfit together. Also, the shapewear’s color will also determine how concealed it is under your clothes, allowing you to further emphasize your figure.
Essentially, when you’re picking the color, always consider your complexion and your outfit. First, it’s best to opt for colors that blend with most of your outfits and your skin tone. Most of the time, beige, black, and white work well with most outfits.
5. Keep the material in mind
Some users may consider shapewear as uncomfortable. And the reason for this is because of the inappropriate material. Shapewear made with spandex combined with either nylon or polyamide works well during winter. With these materials, you can retain as much body heat, helping you stay warm. Unfortunately, it can make you sweat during the warm seasons.
If you’re in a place where summers are prominent, then consider shapewear that’s mostly made out of cotton. You can also look for brands that offer a lighter version of shapewear.
Considerations before shopping
Now that you know some tips when shopping for shapewear, the next thing you should have in mind are some considerations before shopping. This refers to when you’re already at the store buying your first shapewear. And keep in mind that it’s always advisable to choose the right size before buying one online. In this way, you can rest assured that you won’t regret your purchase.
So here are steps you can take to ensure you’re buying the perfect shapewear for you:
- Sit down: If you’re using shapewear to pair it with a dress, it’s crucial that you also bring the clothing with you to the store. Then once you can find the right pair, don’t forget to conduct the sit test. This means that in addition to standing up and looking how great you look also sitting down. If the whole ensemble feels stiff and uncomfortable, then that’s not the right size of shapewear for you.
- Don’t eat too much food: Consider not eating before you shop for shapewear. This is because your tummy may be full once you go to the store, which may cause you to buy one that’s larger than your usual size.
Caring for your shapewear
Since you already know how to choose shapewear, the next important thing that you should be aware of is how to take care of it. Proper care and maintenance will ensure that the piece of accessory becomes a worthwhile investment. This means that, for the years to come, you can still rest assured that it can help you retain the shape you desire. As a start, always follow the cleaning instructions indicated by the manufacturer.
Final words
Once everything is already settled, all that’s left for you to do is to enjoy the magic that shapewear provides. With that boost in self-esteem and confidence, you’ll surely feel pretty good about yourself, allowing you to take on any challenges the day or night brings.
Keep being AllDayChic!
