Shapewear 101: Your guide to shapewear

One of the most essential wardrobe pieces defining how outfits look on your body is shapewear.

This solution, with its almost magical effect, has gained tremendous popularity around the world. Although predominantly used by females, it can also work wonders for males looking to enhance their silhouette and achieve the perfect image.

In this article, we offer an in-depth guide on shapewear.

We cover all the basics, from what shapewear truly is to what it’s made of and how it works.

Let’s dive right in!

What is shapewear

By definition, shapewear is a type of undergarment designed to temporarily alter the shape of your body to achieve a smoother, more streamlined silhouette.

It can help you fit into your favourite outfits without having to worry about any lines or bulges appearing.

Shapewear provides compression and support to different areas of the body, helping to slim and contour. It is often worn under clothing to enhance appearance and boost confidence.

When selected properly, it can guarantee outstanding levels of comfort while visually thinning you down in an instant.

What fabric is used for shapewear?

Shapewear solutions differ from one another and can be made of different fabrics.

However, in most cases, shapewear is created using nylon, cotton, and spandex.

Here’s what each of these materials has to offer:

Nylon – nylon offers stretchability and durability to provide the smooth texture of shapewear. This makes shapewear ideal for under clothing as it remains invisible.
Spandex – known for its outstanding elasticity, spandex (also known as elastane or lycra) enables shapewear to stretch and conform to the body’s shape while providing compression. Spandex is also resistant to sweat and oils from the skin, making it the perfect fabric for shapewear.
Cotton – cotton is mostly used in shapewear zones where breathability and softness are key. Thai fabric also makes shapewear comfortable by enabling air circulation and minimising the risk of skin irritation.

Some shapewear solutions also feature additional fabrics, like polyester, powernet, microfiber, and latex.

What is shapewear used for

Achieve a slimmer look

At its core, shapewear is a transformative instrument. One of its essential roles is to help you enjoy a sleeker and more defined silhouette without having to put in any effort for it.

No matter whether you’re getting ready for a special event, a night out with friends, or a romantic getaway, shapewear can have a positive influence on your confidence by delivering targeted compression on key zones.

It smoothes out bumps and bulges, creating the illusion of a slimmer physique.

Reduce the appearance of cellulite

Cellulite is a common problem that a lot of ladies face, no matter the age or the body type.

The good news is that shapewear can also tackle this popular challenge. Created with high-quality, reliable fabrics and innovative weaving techniques, it can smooth out the skin’s surface, eliminating the dimpled appearance that cellulite causes.

In addition, the compression provided by shapewear can boost circulation and help redistribute fat cells. This can make a huge difference for those wearing tight-fitting dresses or skirts that often demand a flawless finish.

Enhance your clothes’ fit

Among the most attractive reasons to invest in shapewear is its ability to improve the fit of your clothes.

If you feel like some of your favourite outfits simply don’t fit as well as they used to – shapewear is the answer.

By offering a smooth, firm foundation, it enables your outfits to drape more naturally and fit better than ever. This solution also removes any visible lines and creases that can potentially ruin an outfit’s appearance.

Types of shapewear

Bodysuits

Shapewear bodysuits are all-in-one garments that provide comprehensive coverage and shaping from the bust down to the hips.

They are designed to smooth and contour multiple areas of the body, including the:

Тummy
Waist
Back
Hips

Bodysuits often come with built-in bras for added support and can be worn under a variety of outfits, from casual tops and jeans to formal dresses.

They are ideal for creating a streamlined silhouette and ensuring a sleek, polished look.

Dresses

Shapewear dresses, on the other hand, are designed to be worn under your clothing to smooth and shape your entire torso and lower body.

These pieces typically extend from the bust down to the thighs, providing firm control and smoothing out any lumps or bumps.

Shapewear dresses are perfect for wearing under tight-fitting dresses or skirts, ensuring that your outfit looks flawless and your figure is enhanced. In most cases, they come with adjustable straps and may include built-in bras for additional support.

Shorts

Shapewear shorts are designed to target the midsection, hips, buttocks, and thighs.

They provide firm compression to smooth and shape these areas, reducing the appearance of cellulite and creating a more streamlined silhouette.

The good news about shapewear shorts is that they are versatile and can be worn under a variety of clothing, including skirts, dresses, and pants.

These products are especially useful for preventing thigh chafing and enhancing the appearance of your legs and lower body.

Skirts

Shapewear skirts offer shaping and smoothing for the waist, hips, and thighs while maintaining the appearance of a regular skirt.

These garments can be worn under dresses or skirts to provide additional support and enhance your silhouette.

Shapewear skirts typically have a high waist to smooth the tummy area and are designed to stay in place without rolling down. They are a great option for achieving a seamless look under fitted clothing.

Tops

Shapewear tops are designed to provide smoothing and shaping for the upper body, including:

The bust
The back
The waist

They come in various styles, such as camisoles, tank tops, and can be worn under your regular clothing or as standalone pieces.

Shapewear tops offer compression and support to create a streamlined look, making them ideal for wearing under fitted blouses, dresses, and other tops. Some shapewear tops also include built-in bras for added convenience and support.

Underwear

Shaping underwear is designed to offer targeted shaping and smoothing in a more minimal form factor.

These pieces typically focus on the tummy, hips, and buttocks.

Naturally, high-waist briefs have become popular for providing tummy control and enhancing the waistline, while thong or bikini styles can offer a seamless look under tighter clothing without visible panty lines.

Shapewear underwear can be your go-to solution for everyday use, providing subtle yet effective shaping under any outfit.

Waist Trainers

Waist trainers are specialized shapewear garments designed to cinch the waist and create an hourglass figure.

Made from firm, structured materials like latex or thick spandex, waist trainers provide intense compression around the midsection.

They are often used during workouts to increase thermal activity and promote sweating, potentially aiding in temporary waist slimming.

Waist trainers can also be worn under clothing for a more dramatic shaping effect, but they should be used with caution and not for extended periods to avoid discomfort or potential health issues.

Important shapewear features

When choosing shapewear, several features can significantly enhance comfort, effectiveness, and overall satisfaction.

Here are some key characteristics to look for.

Breathable fabrics

Breathability is fundamental for shapewear, especially if you plan to wear it for extended periods.

Fabrics like cotton, microfiber, and certain blends of nylon and spandex allow air to circulate, preventing overheating and moisture buildup.

This helps to keep the skin cool and dry, reducing the risk of irritation and discomfort.

Breathable shapewear is particularly beneficial in warmer climates or during physical activities, ensuring you stay comfortable while achieving your desired look.

Elasticity

Elasticity is another crucial feature in shapewear, providing the necessary stretch to conform to your body’s shape while offering firm compression.

High-quality shapewear is made with materials like spandex or elastane, which allow the garment to stretch and return to its original shape without losing its effectiveness.

This ensures that the product provides consistent support and control, enhancing your silhouette without restricting movement. Good elasticity also contributes to the longevity of the shapewear, maintaining its shape and function over time.

Seamless design

A seamless design is an unmissable key feature that makes shapewear invisible under clothing.

Shapewear with smooth edges and flat seams eliminates the risk of visible lines and bulges, ensuring a sleek and smooth appearance under even the tightest outfits.

Seamless shapewear blends effortlessly with your skin and undergarments, providing a polished look. This design feature is particularly important for special occasions and form-fitting clothing, where a flawless silhouette is desired.

How to choose the right shapewear for you

If you’re a newbie in the world of shapewear, getting started and buying the right piece might be a challenge.

To help make the process easier, we offer a few valuable tips and tricks for shopping for shapewear.

Select the best shapewear style

As noted above, there are plenty of different shapewear options you can choose from and making the right decision is crucial.

Once you’ve understood the unique aspects of the different types of shapewear, think about your end goals.

What is it that you’re trying to achieve? What part of the body do you wish to compress or smooth out?

Answering these questions will help you make the right decision and choose the best shapewear solution based on your needs and personal preferences.

Get the right size

When it comes to shapewear shopping, size is key!

Make sure that the shapewear piece you’re selecting is the right size for your body. Avoid investing in shapewear that’s too small or too large for you as this may create discomfort or lead to no visible results whatsoever.

Ideally, your shapewear should offer a level of compression, but shouldn’t feel too tight or impact your ability to breathe.

Find the perfect support level

Shapewear pieces come with different levels of support.

For example, with Bye Bra, you can choose from extra light to extra supportive.

This level of support will determine how compressed the specific body area is. It can also influence how comfortable you feel while wearing the shapewear.

Before making an investment, make sure you’ve fully understood the level of support offered by the product you’ve set your eyes on.

Enhance your confidence with Bye Bra’s shapewear solutions

Are you ready to take your outfits to the next level?

Explore our shapewear catalogue and dive into the world of durable, seamless, yet affordable must-haves.