Looking for a smoother silhouette under your favorite outfit? Shapewear can help create a more streamlined appearance and provide additional support when worn correctly.

Modern shapewear is available in many styles, compression levels, and sizes, making it easier to find an option that works with different outfits and personal preferences.

In this guide, we cover what shapewear is, the most common types, how to wear it, and what to consider when choosing the right style.

What Is Shapewear?

Shapewear is a type of foundation garment designed to create a smoother appearance underneath clothing and provide varying levels of support and compression.

Explore our shapewear and underwear collection to find styles designed for different outfits and areas of the body.

Depending on the design, shapewear may provide light, medium, or firm compression around areas such as the waist, abdomen, hips, thighs, or torso.

Modern stretch fabrics can also provide more flexibility and freedom of movement than many traditional shaping garments.

Types of Shapewear

• Body Briefs

Body briefs resemble regular underwear but typically include additional shaping panels around the front, sides, or back.

They are often designed to create a smoother appearance around the lower abdomen, waist, and hips while remaining practical under everyday clothing.

• Corset

Corsets have a long history in fashion and are still used today both as fashion garments and as structured shaping pieces.

Traditional corsets usually provide firm support around the waist and torso and may use lacing, hooks, or other structured closures.

Because corsets can provide firmer compression than many modern shapewear garments, choosing the correct size and paying attention to comfort are especially important.

• Seamless Shapewear

Seamless shapewear is designed to minimize visible lines underneath clothing.

It can be particularly useful underneath fitted dresses, skirts, trousers, and other close-fitting garments.

• Bodysuit

Shaping bodysuits resemble swimsuits but are designed to provide smoothing and support across several areas of the body.

Depending on the design, a bodysuit may provide shaping around the waist, abdomen, hips, thighs, or upper torso. Browse our shapewear and underwear for currently available styles.

Options may include full bodysuits, open-bust designs, high-waist styles, and other variations created for different outfits and preferences.

How to Wear Shapewear

Shapewear can feel unfamiliar the first few times you wear it, particularly when it provides medium or firm compression.

Many shaping garments are easiest to put on from the bottom rather than pulling them over the head.

Gather the garment gently, step into it, and gradually pull it upward while smoothing the fabric into place. Avoid excessive pulling on seams or delicate areas.

Make sure the garment sits evenly and does not roll, bunch, or dig excessively into the skin.

Shapewear should feel supportive without causing pain, numbness, tingling, difficulty breathing, or significant restriction of movement.

How Long Should You Wear Shapewear?

There is no universal number of hours that is appropriate for every person or every type of shapewear.

Comfort depends on the garment's fit, compression level, material, and intended use.

Follow the manufacturer's wearing and care instructions and choose the correct size rather than sizing down simply to create additional compression.

If you experience pain, numbness, tingling, difficulty breathing, or significant discomfort, remove the garment.

Can Shapewear Be Worn Every Day?

Some people choose to wear light or moderate shapewear regularly, while others prefer to use it only with certain outfits or for special occasions.

Whether a particular garment is comfortable for regular use depends on its fit, level of compression, fabric, design, and the individual wearing it.

Wearing a garment that is too small or excessively tight may cause unnecessary pressure and discomfort. Choose the correct size and avoid selecting a smaller size solely to increase compression.

If you have a medical condition, have been advised to avoid compression garments, or have concerns about whether shapewear is appropriate for you, consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Explore our shapewear and underwear collection to compare different styles and levels of support.

Who Can Wear Shapewear?

Shapewear can be worn by people who want a smoother appearance underneath clothing or additional support from a foundation garment.

Shapewear temporarily changes the way clothing sits on the body while the garment is being worn.

It does not permanently reshape the body, cause weight loss, or replace exercise.

The right shapewear should fit comfortably, allow normal movement and breathing, and be appropriate for the outfit and occasion.

If a garment causes pain, numbness, tingling, breathing difficulty, or persistent discomfort, stop wearing it and consider a different size, compression level, or style.

Choosing the Right Shapewear

Start by considering the outfit you plan to wear and the areas where you would like additional smoothing or support.

Light-compression garments may work well for everyday smoothing, while firmer styles may be preferred for particular outfits or occasions.

Always refer to the product's size guide and your current body measurements when selecting a size.

Choosing a smaller size does not necessarily provide better results and may make the garment uncomfortable.

Conclusion

Shapewear can be a useful wardrobe option for creating a smoother appearance underneath clothing and providing additional support.

The most important considerations are choosing the correct size, selecting a suitable level of compression, and paying attention to comfort while wearing the garment.

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