Finding the right shapewear for your outfit and your body type can be stressful and daunting.
With so many different types available, it can be tricky to navigate the shapewear market. Shapewear can not only change how an outfit looks, but it can give you the confidence to wear what you want.
We're going to break down the different styles and types of shapewear to take the stress out of shopping for you.
Your outfit starts with what's on underneath, and that truly can change how something looks and feels on you, so making sure you have the perfect base is important.
If you're new to shapewear, here are a few top tips we think you should know before buying anything.
1. Buy the right size - avoid shapewear that is too tight. Buying a smaller size won't provide more control; rather, it will feel restrictive and uncomfortable, and you may not see the proper benefits from using the product.
2. Choose the right colour - you want your shapewear to be invisible, so keep this in mind when choosing your colour and make sure the colour works under the colour of your outfit.
3. Focus on key areas - rather than trying to fix every area of your body, focus on your main concern points to create a more balanced look.
1. Tummy Control Briefs
If your main concern is your tummy area, your best choice is a pair of tummy control briefs.
These provide a smoother silhouette and work great under tight-fitting dresses for a more polished and confident look.
They work by gently compressing the tummy and midsection without feeling overly restrictive.
A pair our customers love is the Bye Bra High Waist Brief. They offer powerful tummy control in a soft, breathable fabric for all-day comfort.
2. Sculpting Shorts
A pair of sculpting shorts is not only great for special occasions but also under everyday clothing.
Sculpting shorts help by slimming your thighs and smoothing out your hips and tummy.
They help reduce a VPL (visible panty line) when you're wearing tight-fitting clothing and can help perk up your bottom, which is always a bonus.
A good choice is the Bye Bra Sculpting Shorts. These are available in black and nude to suit your needs.
3. High-Waisted Shapewear Shorts
High-waisted shorts are similar to sculpting shorts but have a few key differences. High-waisted shapewear shorts offer full support, often extending up to the bust, with a lot of the support being focused on the midsection.
They still offer you support on your thighs while also adding enhanced midsection support.
These work great under jumpsuits and are often classed as an 'all-in-one' support.
We love the Miraclesuit Hi-Waist Thigh Slimmer Shorts because they offer targeted and extra-firm support.
4. Shapewear Dress
A shapewear dress is great for smoothing the tummy and hips, and some people find this option more comfortable than shorts.
Many of them provide an open bust so you can wear your own bra for ultimate comfort and support.
It's a versatile piece that works well under many clothes, including dresses and jumpsuits, for a more contoured look.
The Sculpting Open Bust Dress from Bye Bra is a great choice, providing full control and a seamless look.
5. Smoothing Cami's
If your main concern is your bust and tummy area, a smoothing cami is a great choice. These target the breasts, back, tummy and hips for an all-round seamless appearance.
They can even help lift and support the bust area.
These are great for tight-fitting tops, dresses and skirts and can even be worn daily if needed.
The Smooth Essentials Cami from Bye Bra is designed with a sleek and lightweight fabric for a flawless look every time.
We hope this helped you to better understand the types of shapewear and what they can do for the body. There's no shame in wearing shapewear, because it's simply a tool for enhancing confidence so you can feel your best in your body.
If you live near our store, you can pop into our lingerie department, where our team of expert fitters would love to help you find the perfect shapewear for your body.
We also offer a free walk-in bra fitting service so you could get measured while you're in-store too.
Until next time,
Amy x
