Your Shapewear Questions Answered
Maybe you have a special occasion coming up or want to feel comfortable and supported in your favourite trousers. Either way, shapewear can help. Designed to create a smooth and contoured silhouette whilst boosting your confidence, shapewear can be worn for all occasions, from something special to everyday. With so many different styles it can be difficult to know what to wear and when. That’s why we’ve taken the time to answer all your shapewear questions. From what is shapewear? To, should you wear underwear under shapewear? We’ve got you covered.
Although it may feel like Kim Kardashian invented the concept, both men and women have used body shaping underwear for centuries. Bustles, corsets, girdles, and codpieces helped the wearer achieve the most fashionable silhouettes of the time, and materials such as whalebones and wood were commonly used in their construction.
Luckily, shapewear technology has moved on since then and today we just can’t get enough of the stuff. Sales of shapewear increased by a massive 75% in the period between 2009 and 2013, thanks to huge improvements in design, comfort, and control.
Is shapewear just for knickers?
No! A common misconception is that shapewear is only for our lower half. Believe it or not, there are shapewear style bras that offer a smooth silhouette giving you the perfect base to flatter any outfit. Our Definitions Balcony T shirt Bra and Definitions Plunge T-Shirt Bra accentuates your natural shape as well as smoothing from the under arm to create a flawless look.
How do you use shapewear?
One of the most common questions around shapewear, is how exactly it should be worn. With so many kinds of shapewear available, it can be hard to figure out exactly what you need. Of course, if you’re buying for a special occasion, your outfit will dictate your shapewear - a strapless dress needs strapless shapewear, for example. But if you’re buying shapewear to tame your tummy, whittle your waist or slim your hips you have a variety of different options at your disposal. Our ultimate guide to shapewear will help you decide what shapewear you need, how to wear it and what to wear it with. From the Hourglass Firm Control Waist Cincher to the Hourglass Firm Control Thong we have a range of shapewear for any occasion.
Should you wear underwear with shapewear?
The only time you don’t need to worry about underwear is when the shapewear piece is specifically designed to act as underwear. Such as the Superfit Full Cup Bodyshaper or Definitions Shapewear Strapless Body that includes built in bras. Otherwise, we recommend wearing underwear with shapewear if it isn’t already built in.
Is it okay to wear shapewear every day?
You don’t have to wait for a special occasion or event to wear shapewear. The confidence that you experience from shapewear can be felt every day. Whilst ultra-firm shapewear might be something that you want to wear every day, lighter and seamless styles might be more comfortable. For everyday use the Definitions Shaping Control Thong or Definitions Shaping Control Brief are both lightweight, giving you the best support throughout the day. If your day requires you to be a bit dressier, the Definitions Wear Your Own Bra Control Slip which is lightweight will smooth out and contour the body whilst staying comfortable and confident.
How tight should shapewear be?
When it comes to shapewear, comfort is key. Therefore, it's important to buy shapewear in the size you are right now, not what you would like to be. Contrary to popular belief, choosing a smaller size does not look more slimming. In fact, ordering a size too small could create bulges where you never had them before! It could also make your shapewear ride, up which none of us want! For shapewear that you need to fasten such as the Hourglass Firm Control Waist Cincher or Hourglass Firm Control Back Smoothing Waist Cincher you never want to force the fit. Whilst you want it to be tight, having to yank it around to put it on means you’ll risk damaging the garment. No one wants to be in discomfort by wearing shapewear that is too tight. Focus on your body and shapewear that fits perfectly and allows you to look fabulous and most importantly breathe!
Overall, we love what shapewear can do for your natural figure! If you’re not sure what style shapewear will suit your figure or needs best? Check out our ultimate guide to shapewear blog to help you find exactly what shapewear you need.