Body Shapers

"Guidelines to Buying the Right Womens Shapewear"

Body shapers can really give you the extra boost of confidence when you want to look trim and slim in fitted clothes. They smooth out the lumps and bumps, which is a huge plus if you have a muffin top or extra weight carrying around the hips and thighs, without cutting off your blood circulation!

Courtesy of Fresh Pair

Got love handles that bulge out when wearing jeans? Panty girdles got you covered. Gave birth just recently and need to look trimmed down in a dress? A full body shaper will give back your post-maternal figure. Want to narrow your waist to fit better in a snug top? Then a waist cincher is your new best friend!

Want to look for the latest shapewear styles and shop instead?

On this page you'll find shopping tips on selecting the right shapewear for your needs as well as advice on what styles to invest in.

Get advice & tips on:

What shapewear to secure
Selecting the right style for your body shape
Getting the right fit

I can't tell you how much body shapers can really be your wardrobe's helping hand. They're just priceless when you want to look 10 pounds lighter in an instant!

Let's check out the guidelines to buying a body shaper:

What Shapewear to Invest In?

It depends on your needs - if you carry some extra weight then it's natural to buy shapewear in various styles for your daily activities and other special occasions.

Keep reading as I've listed the various body shaper styles further down this page!

But I suggest that you secure 1-2 pair of panty girdles and 1 slip. These keep you covered when you need to look flawless in a dress or have a bloated stomach after a heavy lunch.

The shapewear essentials:

1-2x panty girdles in black and nude that go with all of your clothes. For short skirts and shorts, buy a panty girdles in boxer style
1x slip which you can wear with your skirts and dresses

Ensure Comfort

That means make sure the undergarment has a reasonable percentage of Lycra. It's a fabric that makes clothes stretch and comfortable. So look for atleast 10% of Lycra.

Also, if you like having the freedom to move your legs around a lot, then opt for shorts (boxer style) instead of slip.

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Buying the Right Style for Your Needs

You want to make sure to select the right style that will cover your needs. So before hitting the shops ask yourself these questions:

"What do I want it to do for me?"
"What part of my body figure do I want to enhance or camouflage?

For example if you want something to really hold you in, choose compression based shapewear. It's made of Lycra (Spandex) and Latex (and of course the usually nylon and/or cotton fabric). It works as a compressor, providing full firming support.

Or if you need something basic that will smooth out your legs in a skirt then go for hosiery shapewear. Such light body shaper is made of a light hosiery fabric such as nylon/cotton mixed with Lycra

Now let's check out the various body shapers and what parts of your body they target:

Nude half slip shapewear for skirts
Courtesy of Her Room
Shapewear Slip

This is great for wearing underneath your dresses and skirts. It slims your torso, hips and thighs.
You can find slips in tank and skirt styles, so you can decide if you want to slim your upper or lower body only. Learn more about shapewear slip

Strapless shapewear for tube tops and dresses
Courtesy of Her Room
Strapless

A strapless shaper complements your tube tops and dresses.
Select between the bustier top, bodysuit or tank top type. The bustier is great for really lifting up your breasts to reveal a longer torso.

Beige panty girdles shapewear
Courtesy of Her Room
Panty Girdles

These tuck in on the lumps from your waist and down, depending on if you select the shorts or full leg style.
They're super convenient and a practical choice for your legs to move around in, whether you're wearing a dress or a pair of jeans. Learn more about Panty Girdles

Black shapewear hosiery by SPANX
Courtesy of Her Room
Hosiery

You can wear pantyhose and tights shapewear with your skirts and dresses, and also with your shorts if you don't mind creating a layered look. They're made to be worn as hosiery so they aren't obtrusive in design.
Hosiery shapewear is made of a light hosiery fabric such as nylon/cotton mixed with Lycra.

Full body shaper
Courtesy of Her Room
Full Body Shaper

It works as a suit and targets your whole body - reducing, shaping and toning all around. You can find full body shapers in various sleeve styles (eg. sleeveless, 3/4)
If you're smaller on top and big on the bottom (Pear shape) simply purchase a full body shaper that allows you to choose your own bra.

Womens waist cincher shapewear
Courtesy of Her Room
Waist Cincher

Waist cinchers trim your waist only. Good for plum tummys and for targeting muffin tops.
Wear it to create that sexy burlesque look - and because your tummy gets narrower in a waist cincher, it will create and emphasize curves on top and bottom.

Compression shapewear
Courtesy of Her Room
Compression Shapewear

It's a 'heavy-duty' shaper that uplifts the bustline and effectively trims down your waistline and hips.
Depending on your needs, a compression shapewear can also help lift your butt. It really gives you the curves on all the right places!

Black plus size shapewear
Courtesy of Fresh Pair
Plus Size Shapewear

Body shapers made for the full figure woman - wearing size 12 or greater in clothes. Click here to learn more about Plus Size Shapewear

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Getting the Fit Right

Avoid buying body shapers in a smaller size just so you can be tightened enough or to achieve a better result :-) Instead, select your correct size based on your body body measurements using the sizing chart provided for each product at the store. If your measurements are in the limit of two sizes I recommend you to select the biggest one.

If you're bottom-heavy (Pear body shape) and smaller on top, and you're having difficulties choosing a size for a bodysuit, I suggest you take pick a full body shaper that allows you to choose your own bra.

Shapewear - Celebs' Secret Weapon

Kelly Brook is definitely wearing a waist cincher. Kelly Brook via BULLS

Celebs such as Beyoncé, Jessica Alba and Eva Longoria have been caught wearing body shapers, especially the wide-known shapewear brand Spanx which Oprah Winfrey has been raving about. So you really don't have anything to be ashamed of!

Womens shapewear is available in a variety of styles to serve every body part on your body. Whether you need something to define your waist, complement a strapless dress or just give your body an instant "tuck" then you'll find something that will suit your needs. From plus size shapewear, waist cinchers, full body shaper, strapless body shaper to shapewear slip.

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