What to look for when shopping for the best shapewear
These days, shapewear comes in all shapes, sizes, colours, and cuts, so whether you’re shopping for a special occasion or an everyday staple, there’s bound to be something out there for you.
Some shapewear can even replace your favourite bra and/or underwear. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of what we look for in the best quality shapewear for women. We also consulted personal stylist Lauren Messiah, fashion stylist Meaghan O’Connor and Kleinfeld Bridal director of alterations Tina Zimmerman on what to look out for.
Comfort
Shapewear comes in a variety of compression levels. Some are higher-compression, which provides the best shaping, while others offer lower compression for a smooth look and a comfortable feel.
Be sure to select the material and thickness based on your need, says stylist and podcast host O’Connor. Her advice: “Keep a lookout for pieces that are designed to stay in place.” Ideally, shapewear shouldn’t roll down or limit your circulation – you should be able to breathe, sit, and eat comfortably.
Type
If you want extreme tummy control and contouring, opt for shapewear with mid- to high-level compression, O’Connor says. If you’re looking for some control but mostly want to smooth your silhouette and enhance your outfit, select pieces that focus less on compression and more on smoothing, so that you maintain comfort and keep your shape.
Or, if you’re looking for shapewear as a modesty piece, opt for lightweight fabrics with minimal compression and features that suit your personal style.
Sizing
Never size down. Buying too small can squish your skin, be uncomfortable and minimise the smoothing effect, advises Zimmerman.
How do you keep shapewear from rolling down?
If your shapewear tends to roll down, you may be wearing the wrong size. Shapewear that’s too tight or too big will roll down more than styles that fit properly.
You can also look for styles with silicone grips that help them stay in place, typically lining the waist or the leg openings. Bodysuits are another great option for shapewear that won’t roll down, as the straps keep it secure.
Which shapewear is best for slimming, especially the lower belly?
For lower belly slimming, look for shapewear that has targeted compression around the tummy. Shapewear shorts and underwear tend to be the best at smoothing the waistline and tummy area.
While you won’t want to wear it for too long, high-compression styles will create a more noticeable difference in appearance.
Is it better to size up or down in shapewear?
You should go with your regular dress size when buying shapewear. If you usually wear a size medium in underwear and a large in bodysuits, you should choose the same sizes for underwear and bodysuit shapewear pieces.
As clothing sizing varies from brand to brand, make sure to look at the size chart closely.
