How To Shop For Shapewear
We recently started carrying shapewear for the first time. And although many of you asked for it, we know that the shopping process can still be a little daunting. So here are our tips on how to shop for shapewear! But first:
Sam pairs Miraclesuit’s Shaping Hi Waist briefs with an Ewa Michalak bra for some all-over shaping.
What is shapewear? Doesn’t it conflict with body positivity?
Shapewear can be defined as undergarments that alter your body’s shape. (Technically, that makes bras shapewear, too.) You can be body positive and love your body and still prefer to present it a certain way — in the same way that make-up isn’t anti-feminist and doesn’t mean you hate your face. And just like make-up, no one needs shapewear. If you like the way it makes you look and feel, and you want to wear it, go for it! We believe in body positivity and body autonomy. You’re the boss of your bod. Do what works for you. Now, about those tips…
Think about what you want, but be realistic about what you can get.
Is there a specific part of your body you’d like to shape? Are you trying to create a certain silhouette? Depending on the look you’re going for, you may need different shapewear pieces. Knowing what you want will help you choose, and help us guide you. That said, just as a bra can’t give you new boobs, even the best shapewear can’t give you a completely different body. It’s about shaping, not re-designing!
If it’s for a particular outfit, bring the outfit.
The Back Magic Hi Waist Thigh Slimmer is sleek and smoothing.
This lets you make sure your shapewear works with the fabric and cut of your clothes. The last thing you want is for any undergarments to peek out from a low back or neckline! It’s also smart to consider colour. We generally recommend wearing dark colours under dark clothing, and a shade close to your skin tone under light-coloured clothing. (Fun fact: even if you have very fair skin, white undergarments are likely to show through light-coloured clothes. Lingerie or shapewear in a shade that’s your “nude” will blend with your skin and be invisible.)
Leave your ego at the door.
Shapewear is necessarily snug. This means it can take some…maneuvering…to get it on your body. Be prepared to do a little wiggling, a few awkward dance moves, and maybe even some jumping around. There is not one single person in the world who looks glamorous while trying on shapewear. So get into the goofiness!
How snug is too snug?
Don’t abandon comfort! You should be able to breathe normally and sit comfortably, although probably not in a slouch. It’s normal to feel your shapewear — if it felt like wearing nothing, it wouldn’t be doing much. You should be able to feel the structure, but without any pain or serious discomfort. It’s also normal for elastic to press into you a bit (as Sam likes to say, we’re made of flesh, not marble!) but if it’s really digging in, try a size up.
Just like bra shopping, a lot of people dread shopping for shapewear. It helps to go into it knowing what you want (or at least what you don’t) and feeling emotionally ready. Yep, you’re going to feel a little silly. And you’re not going to like every piece you try on. But with the right attitude and a little bit of preparation, you can still get what you want!
