The best types of shapewear in 2023 [complete guide]
Are you wondering what are the best types of shapewear? I get it! There are so many different types of shapewear out there it can be confusing to figure out which kind is best for you!
To make sure you get the perfect look and fit, I’ll be discussing all the different types of shapewear available, how to take care of shapewear, and of course, how to get your perfect fit (because there’s nothing worst than uncomfortable shapewear that you’re ready to snatch off and fling across the room!).
So grab your beverage of choice, and let’s find the perfect shapewear for you!
Wait, what’s shapewear?
Shapewear is undergarments you can wear to make your stomach look flatter. Shapewear usually consists of tight-fitting garments made from smooth fabrics such as spandex, nylon, or polyester. These items are designed to compress your body and give you a slimmer silhouette. You can wear shapewear under almost any type of clothing, including dresses, skirts, and even jeans.
To get the most out of your shapewear, make sure to buy the right size for your body. If it’s too tight, it won’t be comfortable or provide you with the desired effect.
The Different Types of shapewear (and best uses!)
Girdle
A girdle is an undergarment made of tightly woven elastic fabric that covers your midsection, stomach, and back. It provides targeted compression in those areas to help shape your figure and can make you look slimmer.
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Bodysuit
A bodysuit is a one-piece undergarment that covers your entire torso and helps to slim and shape your body. It also helps with posture support, as it keeps everything in place while providing a smoother look.
Bodysuit with shorts
Bodysuit with shorts are the perfect solution for any woman who needs a little extra help in the tummy, thigh, and butt department. These shapewear pieces offer full coverage of the stomach, hips, and thighs, creating a slimmer silhouette.
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Waist Cincher
A waist cincher is an undergarment that wraps around your waist and provides compression to create a slimmer waistline. It instantly creates an hourglass shape and can be worn under clothing for an extra slimming effect.
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High-waisted Shorts
High-waisted shorts provide compression to your midsection, helping to create a slimmer silhouette. They can be worn under a dress or skirt for extra coverage and to smooth out any lumps or bumps.
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Tummy Trimmer
A tummy trimmer is a wrap-around style of shapewear that can be pulled up to the ribs or just under the bustline. It provides compression to the stomach area and helps smooth out any bulges.
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Control Briefs
Control briefs are a type of shapewear that provides support to the lower tummy and hips, as well as slimming down the waistline. They also provide a bit of lift to the buttocks for a more rounded look.
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Faja
A faja is a type of shapewear that provides targeted compression to the abdomen and back. It also helps with posture support and can be worn under clothing to provide a slimmer silhouette.
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Camisole
A camisole is a type of shapewear that covers the torso and helps provide a smoother look. It typically has built-in cups for added coverage and can be worn under dresses or blouses to provide a slimmer look.
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Shapewear Skirt
A shapewear skirt is designed to fit snugly around the hips and thighs to provide extra coverage and slimming support. It can be worn under skirts or dresses for a sleeker look.
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Shapewear Dress
Just like a shapewear skirt, a shapewear dress is designed to provide you a slimming effect as well as lift the boobs. Some shapewear dresses are designed to be under your dress, and others are a dress with shapewear built in so you can wear the shapewear dress on its own.
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Corset
A corset is a type of shapewear that provides a snug fit around the torso to flatten the stomach and create an hourglass shape. It can be worn under clothing and is an ideal choice for a special occasion.
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Bustier
Bustier shapewear is a type of clothing designed to give you the perfect shape and silhouette. It is usually made from a combination of stretch lace and spandex for a comfortable fit. The bustier provides support for the bust area and helps to smooth out any bulges. It also helps to reduce back fat and gives the appearance of a more toned torso.
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Shaping Tank
A shaping tank is designed to provide targeted compression around the midsection and back. It can be worn under other clothing for a slimming effect and provides support to the lower back.
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Waist trainer:
A waist trainer is a piece of shapewear specifically designed to support and shape the core. It works by providing compression in the midsection, which helps create an hourglass figure. It can also help provide back support and posture correction.
With regular use, a waist trainer can help slim the waistline over time. It’s important to choose a size that fits snugly but not too tight, as it can be uncomfortable, cause skin irritation or even restrict breathing.
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These types of shapewear will help you look and feel your best. You can find the perfect one to fit your body type, provide you with the support you need, and look great under any outfit. With the right shapewear, you’ll be ready to take on the world in style!
How to choose shapewear
With so many different styles and sizes on the market today, finding the best shapewear for you can be overwhelming.
The key to finding the right shapewear for you is to find a style that suits your body shape and flatters your unique figure.
Whether you’re looking for a solution to tone your tummy, minimize love handles, or create the perfect hourglass silhouette, there are plenty of shapewear options available.
Choose a style for your body type:
Shapewear comes in all shapes and sizes, so it’s important to choose a style that will work best for your body type. For example, if you have a pear-shaped figure, look for high-waisted shaping shorts or leggings that offer extra support and coverage around the hips and thighs. If you want to define your waist and create an hourglass shape, opt for a body shaper with reinforcements in the midsection.
Select the right material:
Shapewear is available in a variety of materials, from spandex to nylon and even cotton blends. Depending on your needs, select a fabric that will keep you comfortable and offer enough compression for your desired level of control. If you’re looking for an option to wear on hot days, opt for a lightweight fabric with moisture-wicking properties.
Check the size chart:
Before making your purchase, make sure you check the size chart of the shapewear you’re considering. The wrong fit can be uncomfortable and leave you feeling frustrated. Measure yourself in inches using a measuring tape and compare it to the size chart provided. This will ensure you get the correct fit for your body type.
Look for adjustable features:
Many shapewear pieces come with adjustable straps, closures, or bands to create a custom level of control. Look for options that provide more flexibility and allow you to adjust the tightness and length according to your needs.
With so many choices available, finding the best shapewear for women is easier than ever before. Remember to always measure yourself first and choose a style that suits your body type and a fabric preference.
How to take care of shapewear
It’s important to care for shapewear properly, and it is common to wonder how to wash shapewear or take care of your investment! Here are some tips on how to wash and take care of your shapewear:
Always read the label
Before washing, make sure to read the care label. Shapewear garments can have different washing instructions, so it’s important to follow them carefully.
Avoid putting your shapewear in the dryer.
Avoid putting your shapewear in the dryer, and instead, gently wring out the water and lay flat to dry. Do not twist or wring excessively, as this can damage the fabric.
Handwash your shapewear.
Hand wash your shapewear in cold water and mild detergent. Do not use chlorine bleach or fabric softeners, as these can damage the fibers and decrease elasticity. Avoid putting your shapewear in the dryer or washing machine. Doing this can damage the fibers and elasticity of your shapewear.
Don’t iron your shapewear.
Do not iron your shapewear. Ironing could cause burns, fabric distortion, or discoloration.
Inspect your shapewear regularly.
Regularly inspect your shapewear for signs of wear and tear, such as stretching, fraying, or discoloration. Replace worn-out garments promptly to ensure maximum comfort and effectiveness.
Frequently asked questions: Types of shapewear
What are the levels of shapewear?
Shapewear is available in various levels of compression, depending on the desired effect. The levels range from light to firm control and include shapers for the full body, abdomen, bum, and thighs.
Light control:
Light control shapewear includes options such as slips and camisoles that help slim your silhouette without being too snug or uncomfortable.
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Medium control:
Medium control shapewear is designed to provide more support and coverage than light control but still allow for some freedom of movement. It can be used to smooth the waist and hip area, as well as reduce any bumps or bulges.
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Firm control:
Firm control garments offer maximum support and can provide a slimmer figure while smoothing out lumps and bumps beneath clothing. The highest level of compression is usually found in waist cinchers or bodysuits that can instantly shape an area like the tummy or give you a perfect hourglass shape overall.
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Shapewear VS girdles: What’s the difference?
A girdle is a type of shapewear, much like a truck is a type of vehicle. While Shapewear can be made from any material, including stretchable fabrics such as spandex or nylon, Girdles are typically made of heavier materials like cotton and elastic.
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What is the difference between shapewear and compression?
Shapewear is typically designed to shape specific areas of the body, such as the hips, waist, and legs. Compression garments are generally meant to provide extra support for medical conditions or physical activities (i.e., Compression socks).
Shapewear and compression garments are similar in that they both can help shape the body, provide extra support, and enhance comfort. However, they differ in terms of the fabric used, level of compression, degree of shaping, and reason for using.
Shapewear can be made from stretchy materials that provide a snug fit, while compression garments are generally constructed from very tight, supportive fabrics that provide even more constriction.
Which type of shapewear is best?
This depends on your needs. If you’re looking for something that is low-control, the best shapewear may be a girdle or a light compression tank. This type of garment is designed to provide a slimming effect without constricting your body too much.
If you want more control, then look for full-body shapewear or a waist cincher that is made with more tightly woven fabric. These garments are designed to provide maximum control and support for your entire body. Finally, for those who want a little extra hold in specific areas of their body, like the thighs or abdomen, then you may want to look into shapewear with built-in panels and boning. These garments provide extra control in targeted areas for a smoother figure.
The best type of shapewear is based on your specific needs.
What is the best shapewear to hide a tummy?
The best shapewear to hide a tummy is one that offers targeted compression and support to the midsection. Look for cinchers, corsets, bodysuits, fajas, or girdles made from firm yet stretchy fabrics like spandex or Lycra. These types of shapewear will give you a slimmed-down silhouette while also providing excellent coverage around your waist and abdomen area.
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Should you buy shapewear a size smaller?
No, I suggest going with your regular size. Usually, you do not need to go up or go down with shapewear. The regular size should fit you perfectly and compress the body parts that need more control.
You want to make sure the garment fits comfortably around your midsection and abdomen and doesn’t feel too tight or too loose. You should also check that the fabric does not roll up or down, as this can be uncomfortable.
Finally, make sure you are comfortable with the level of compression provided by the shapewear.
Conclusion:
As you can see, there are a lot of different types of shapewear that are available on the market for you to choose from. Whether you’re looking for more control or support, a tight fit or comfort, there is something that can help make you look and feel your best. Shapewear not only provides confidence but also helps bring out the pieces of your wardrobe you don’t wear as often or originally didn’t feel confident in!
No matter what type of shapewear you choose, the most important part is that it makes you feel beautiful and confident in your own skin!
So now that you know each type of shapewear available in the market, which one do you like the best? Let me know in the comments below!
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