Shapewear is one of Hollywood’s best kept secrets as just about every actress and model has worn some form of it on the red carpet. A pair of tummy control pants or a cleavage boosting corset can change your entire shape and give you the confidence to wear designs that you may have avoided in the past. Like outer clothing, shapewear needs to fit your body perfectly in order to create a smooth silhouette. This is even more important for plus sized women as shapewear that is too tight will create lumps and bulges in the wrong places, whereas shapewear that is too large will not fulfill its purpose and might even add extra inches onto your figure. Many women make the mistake of buying shapewear in a smaller size to shave inches off their waist, but this often leads to the item rolling up or even cutting into the skin. Selecting the perfect shapewear for your figure can be a challenge, but the following guidelines will help you choose the best option for your shape.
Which Style of Shapewear Is Right For You?
The type of shapewear you need will depend on what parts of your body you would like to accentuate and which areas you would like to slim down. If you are proud of your chest and bottom and simply want to create a flat stomach, a tummy control belt or girdle is the perfect choice. Tummy control pants are a great option for those who want to slim the hips, thighs and stomach and lift the buttocks at the same time. Different items of clothing will require different forms of shapewear. An all-in-one body shaper is perfect for a sexy bodycon dress as it will smooth and elongate your figure. To prevent an overspill of cleavage, a t-shirt bra will keep your assets under control.
Control Pants
Control pants come in many different lengths depending on the amount of support you require. Some look similar to high-waisted briefs and feature a hidden panel that flattens your lower stomach as well as elastic at the back that lifts and shapes your bottom. This style is perfect to wear under jeans or loose-fitting trousers. Other types of control pants start just below the bust and pull in your entire stomach, smooth the hips and bottom and even slim the tops of your thighs. This version provides extra support for long, elegant dresses such as those found at navabi.co.uk. Just make sure the hem of your dress or skirt fully covers the bottom of your control pants whenever you sit or cross your legs.
Girdles
Girdles are perhaps the cheapest and easiest way to slim the waist and can easily be removed if they start to feel uncomfortable. When choosing the correct size, make sure you practice sitting down and bending over to ensure the girdle does not cut into your skin or cause large bulges at the top and bottom. If so, try a bigger size or opt for a body shaper to give a higher level of support.
Body Shapers
Body shapers resemble leotards and offer the best support for plus size figures. Like control pants, body shapers are available in many different lengths and shapes. The classic style features thin straps that go over the shoulders and smooth your back, stomach, waist, hips and bottom. You can also choose a style that goes all the way down to just above the knee. If you are proud of your hips and rear, choose a thong style with high legs that only supports the top half of your body. Strapless body shapers are also available to wear under strapless dresses and tube tops.
Anti-Cellulite Shorts
If you have unsightly cellulite on your hips and thighs and creams don’t seem to be helping that cottage cheese look, consider trying Bio Ceramic Anti-Cellulite Shorts that will help diminish the appearance of cellulite and can literally help you lose inches. They also help reduce water retention by making you sweat. They are the perfect “secret weapon” that every woman should have in their wardrobe!
Regardless of which style of shapewear products you decide is best for you, always purchase the best shapewear that your budget allows as cheaper versions will not last more than a few wears without losing their elasticity. Spandex or lycra are the most common types of materials used as they provide the highest level of support whilst still allowing you freedom to move. Most brands of shapewear, like Spanx, are manufactured with varying degrees of control and support. Low to medium support is suitable for everyday wear, whereas extra and high levels of support should be reserved for special occasions as they can feel uncomfortable after prolonged wear.
GUEST BLOGGER: Nicole Humphries is a curvy fashionista with a passion for helping women of all sizes look and feel beautiful. When not scouring shops and magazines for the latest chic looks, she greatly enjoys blogging about navigating the fashion world with curves.
