How to Choose Your Shapewear. A Beginner Guide for Real Body Types. (2024)

Shapewear is having a serious moment. From celebrities flaunting it on the red carpet to openly talking about wearing it to achieve the perfect look - it does it all. It smooths, shapes and lifts, and is not a taboo topic anymore. There’s an air of super power around it. When you effortlessly can slipp on a dress or pair of jeans over a bodysuit and instantly get a flattering look, you can’t turn back.

Shapewear can be the miracle in your closet because it does what you need it to do. But, it’s not a one size fits all situation.So, how do you find your perfect shapewear? Worry not, we’ve got your back.

1.Choose the right size of Shapewear - it’s tempting to go down a size. But, a size smaller will show trough with cutting visible lines as well as leave you gasping for air. Instead, go for your actual size, and you’ll be moving with the grace of a gazelle with your dress fitting you perfectly, without giving away any shaping secrets.

2.Start with your shaping goal in mind. Do you want to smooth out and flatten an area or do you need to lift it? Are you looking to sinch your waist? Or, do you want to control the stomach area? Does your back need support and smoothing? Or maybe you’re after something that’ll stop your thighs from rubbing together. Having this answer will not only help you choose the right shapewear, but will make your search a breeze.

3.Choose Quality - it will keep its elasticity through washes, sweating and stand multiple wear & tear tests, especially when you need it to stretch and do its job every single time you put it on.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, there is one more step in line, to nail your best shapewear choice. Choose the shapewear that works well for your body type.

So, how do you choose the right shapewear for your body type?

There's a lot more than four categories when it comes down to figuring out if you're curvy or athletic. We’ve mapped out the (real) body types that go beyond the apple, pear and triangle shape. So, you can easily find what type is closer to yours. Let’s dive into it.

Pear or Triangle:

Characteristics: This figure has a smaller bust and shoulders, with fuller hips.
It’s generally slim from shoulder to waist, with an hourglass shape below that area. This body type is so slender in certain areas that it's important when looking for shapewear to balance the hips & thighs with the rest of the body.
Pear-shaped women generally carry weight on their hips rather than stomachs. So, we recommend going for shapewear that sculpts and tightens the extra weight carried in the hips.

Shapewear Recommendation: go for shapewear that will also help you level out your hip dips and hide your muffin top:
CoreSculpt™ High Waist Shaper Shorts With Front Hooks

How to Choose Your Shapewear. A Beginner Guide for Real Body Types. (1)

Round or Oval, also Apple:

Characteristics: This figure has a fuller middle with great legs.
It generally features a round or oval body type with a fuller bust, abdomen and hips.
This body type curves outward at both ends. We recommend going for shapewear that will help you sinch your waist and sculpt your abdomen to create an hourglass and give more definition to your figure.

Shapewear Recommendation: go for shapewear with the kind of compression that will cover all the jiggly insecurities:
CoreSculpt™ Extra Pop Ultra Body Shaper
Or
CoreSculpt™ Firm Tummy Compression Shaper Shorts

How to Choose Your Shapewear. A Beginner Guide for Real Body Types. (2)

Hourglass:

Characteristics: This figure has a defined waist and a balanced bust to hip ratio.
It’s naturally a perfect balance between a slim waist and larger hips. This figure has two main features: defined waist with thicker upper legs, and rounded buttocks. We recommend going for shapewear that will highlight your curves, and add structure to the well-defined waist, while also giving some love to the narrow hips compared to the bust.
The prominent curves, slightly rounded shoulders and the ample buttocks will gain extrashaping from bodysuits and enhancing shapewear.


Shapewear Recommendation: go for the shapewear designed with the hourglass figure in mind:
AirSlim® Lace Smooth Bodysuit

Rectangle:

Characteristics:This figure has a flat bottom with little waist definition.
If we keep the summer vibes going and the fruit analogy, this is a “banana” body type. Worry not, there is also the perfect shapewear for your body that’ll help create fluid lines to highlight your beautiful shape.
We recommend waist sculpting shapewear that will help balance your shape for an hourglass look.

Shapewear Recommendation - go for shapewear that’ll help you achieve an overall polished look:
CoreSculpt™ Butt Lifter Hip Enhancer Pads Shapewear

How to Choose Your Shapewear. A Beginner Guide for Real Body Types. (3)

Top hourglass:

Characteristics: As a top hourglass, you have the general shape described earlier under the hourglass figure. However your bust is slightly larger than your hips and this may affect how clothes fit on you. We recommend shapewear that compliments your curves in the front while hiding those at the back.

Shapewear Recommendation: go for shapewear that will snatch and balance out your figure, so you can reclaim your confidence.
CoreSculpt™ Hourglass Full Body Shaper

How to Choose Your Shapewear. A Beginner Guide for Real Body Types. (4)

Bottom Hourglass:

Characteristics: As a bottom hourglass, you have the general hourglass shape but your hip measurements are slightly larger than your bust. It might be difficult to find clothes that fit well as
it can be tricky finding bottoms to hug around the hips without being too tight in front.
Shapewear will help you balance out your hips, and offer compression and shaping exactly where you need it.

Shapewear Recommendation: go for shapewear that’ll help conceal the love handles and highlight your full, feminine hourglass shape.
AirSlim® Open Bust Seamless Smoothing Body ShaperHow to Choose Your Shapewear. A Beginner Guide for Real Body Types. (5)

Inverted apple/pear:

Characteristics: The inverted triangle body shape is also quite popular. This figure needs liftingin the bust area to accentuate it and help draw the attention away from the hips to balance it out. If you have this figure you may want to hide your legs, but with the right shapewear, you may change your mind.

Shapewear Recommendation: go for for a shapewear that will tuck your tummy to hit your very own jackpot:
AirSlim® Full Body Tummy Control Shapewear
Or
PowerConceal™ Lycra Cami Seamless Bodysuit

Diamond:

Characteristics: This figure is one of the most popular body types. Women with this figure have a broad back, hips wider than their shoulders and waistline that curves in towards the middle. It also has some extra weight on the upper legs. This figure can be found in both taller or shorter
women. Show off your shoulders and arms and shape and contour the other parts of your body, for that ultimate confidence shot.
We recommend shapewear that will accentuate your midsection and keep you looking sleek without constricting your bust.

Shapewear Recommendation: go for shapewear that’ll fit your proportions and enhance your diamond figure comfortably, without it leaving bulges above nor below it.
CoreSculpt™ Advanced Body Sculptor
Or
PowerConceal™ Seamless Power Mesh Full Bodysuit

Athletic:

Characteristics: This figure is muscular but not curvy. The waist is narrow, and has the same size as shoulders and hips, with all of them having similar proportions to each other. We recommend looking for shapewear that will help you contour the areas where you’d like to see more contrast.
Open back or strapless outfits will show off your sculpted back, while the shapewear will do its magic to sinch and shape an hourglass looking figure, to allow for fluid, sexy lines.

Shapewear Recommendation: go for shapewear that won’t be too loose on your waist or too tight on your hips either:
PowerConceal™ Low-Back Hourglass

How to Choose Your Shapewear. A Beginner Guide for Real Body Types. (2024)

FAQs

How do I know what kind of shapewear I need? ›

How do I choose shapewear? Confidence and comfort are key! When trying on body shapers, it's best to choose what you feel most comfortable in. We suggest going for your regular size to avoid your shapewear rolling down or digging in.

How do I find the perfect shapewear? ›

How to choose the perfect shapewear for you?
  1. Stick to your size. It's tempting to size down when choosing bodywear if you're trying to achieve an extra firm fit, but we don't recommend it. ...
  2. Choose the level of support you want. Everyday Light Hold. ...
  3. Choose your coverage. ...
  4. Find the best style for your outfits.

Does shapewear actually shape you? ›

Body shapers do exactly what we have always wanted; it moves the fat into the places we want them! In addition, if worn correctly, it will help with posture correction. Which will also naturally help achieve that hour glass look.

Should you buy shapewear in your size or smaller? ›

There's a common misconception that when purchasing shapewear, you should size down to get the right fit. This is not true. Sizing down will only make it more likely to get the appearance of lumps and bumps in places where you don't want them to be.

Should shapewear be tight or loose? ›

Shapewear or Faja compression garments should be tight but not too tight that you feel discomfort or restriction in your breathing. Shapewear should feel snug and secure against your skin without causing any rolling or bulges.

Where does the fat go when you wear shapewear? ›

"The excess flab is condensed, the same way as when you push your hands on your belly to push in the fat." If the shapewear is well-designed, the fat comes out in a more sexy and appropriate place like your breasts/cleavage and butt, Anvaripour says.

What should I keep in mind when buying shapewear? ›

Choose the right fabric

First, the fabric material should feel comfortable to wear. Second, the fabric material should match the material of the outfit. For example, a hosiery shapewear may cling to a cotton outfit. So, it would be better to go for a clingy fabric like polyester, spandex, or a blend of both.

Do you wear undergarments under shapewear? ›

Wearing both garments at the same time might feel uncomfortably tight. Wearing underwear under shapewear can also cause the fabric of both garments to crease or bunch, leaving you with a visible panty line and unsightly bumps beneath your clothing. For the best results, avoid wearing underwear underneath shapewear.

Does shapewear make your stomach look flatter? ›

Shapewear provides firm compression, smoothing out any lumps or bumps and giving you a flat stomach. It can also help to reduce the appearance of thigh fat, giving you a more slimmed-down look.

Who should not wear shapewear? ›

Some people find that a tight belly shaper or waist trainer causes acid reflux. If your stomach can't empty normally, the stomach acids can be pushed up into your esophagus. The short-term result of that is heartburn and indigestion. If you have chronic reflux, you may damage your esophagus.

What is the best shapewear that really works? ›

  • Spanx OnCore Mid-Thigh Short.
  • Skims Sculpting Bodysuit.
  • Spanx Bra-Llelujah! Full-Coverage Bra.
  • Lane Bryant Level 3 Contouring Shaper.
  • Yitty Nearly Naked Shaping Mid-Thigh Bodysuit.
  • Honeylove SuperPower Brief.
  • Zappos Classic Half Slip with Control Short.
  • Honeylove InnerPower Sleeveless Dress.
Mar 25, 2024

How many inches do you lose with shapewear? ›

Wearing shapewear does not burn calories or remove fat from the body, nor does it magically “shrink” your waistline or thighs. The bottom line is that shapewear will not help you lose belly fat or any other type of fat. However, shapewear will make you look fabulous while you're wearing it.

How do I know if shapewear fits? ›

The waistband should sit comfortably around your waist without causing discomfort or rolling down. It should be snug but not so tight that it creates bulges. Rolling is typically an indicator of a sizing issue.

How long is too long to wear shapewear? ›

Weinstein says you can still wear your shapewear as long as you limit it to short periods of time. That means about eight hours max, which should get you through a night out. Take time off in between wears—that is, don't wear it every day—and, please, don't sleep in your shapewear either.

Does body shapewear reduce belly fat? ›

The bottom line is that shapewear will not help you lose belly fat or any other type of fat. However, shapewear will make you look fabulous while you're wearing it. You'll appear slimmer, more poised and more confident.

What shapewear actually works? ›

  • Best Overall. Skims Seamless Sculpt Brief Bodysuit. ...
  • Best Splurge. Wolford Forming Bodysuit. ...
  • Best Budget. Bali Women's Lace 'N Smooth Shapewear. ...
  • Best Seamless. Commando Classic Control Short. ...
  • Best Thong. Fleur du Mal Le Body Control Bodysuit. ...
  • Best for Lower Belly. Honeylove Cami Bodysuit. ...
  • Best Tummy Control. ...
  • Best Plus-Size.
May 24, 2024

Does shapewear flatten the stomach? ›

Unfortunately, the answer is no. Shapewear may temporarily reduce the appearance ofbelly fat, but it will not lead to any long-term change. The only way to reduce belly fat is through diet and exercise. However, if you are looking for a way to give your stomach a little extra support, shapewear can be a good option.

What is the difference between tummy tucker and shapewear? ›

Understanding Tummy Tuckers: Tummy tuckers, also known as tummy control shapewear or just Tummy Shapers, are designed to target and shape the midsection. These garments offer a seamless and streamlined look by providing compression and support to the tummy area.

How to choose shapewear color? ›

Ultimately there isn't one specific shade that's necessarily 'best' when it comes to choosing the right color for shapewear since everyone's personal preferences differ greatly; however by taking into account both skin tone compatibility along with other considerations such as garment fabric transparency & heat ...

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