How to Choose the Right Shapewear for Your Body Type & Outfits

That's why every time there are weddings around the corner, shapewear becomes one of the most popular items. It really makes wearing a fitted outfit easy instead of being a burden. You enter any store or online clothing outlet, but there are dozens of models – full bodysuit shapewear, waist cincher, thigh shapers, high waisted briefs. And it's not always easy to pick the one that suits your needs.
It's a guide on how to pick the right shapewear for your body and outfit. This way, all your concerns about wedding, party, or other special occasion will be reduced by one!

Why Shapewear Isn't One-Size-Fits-All

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The biggest mistake made by women when buying shapewear for women is buying something on the price basis, and not taking into account two important factors – the problematic areas of the body and the outfit you are going to wear this shapewear underneath.
Good shapewear does three things:

• Smooths and contours specific areas without restricting your movement or breathing
• Disappears completely under your outfit, with no visible lines or bulges
• Feels comfortable enough to wear for hours, not just minutes

If a piece of shapewear fails any of these, it's the wrong piece for you, regardless of how well-reviewed it is.

Choosing Shapewear for Your Body Type

If you carry weight around your midsection

The high waisted shaping brief or shaper short that starts higher than the waist line will smoothen the stomach and lower back perfectly and won't tighten the areas which are already fine. You can try the shaping camisole which will smooth out the areas under the fitted top or dress.

If your main concern is your hips and thighs

Shaping shorts, also known as thigh shapers or "bike short-style" shapewear, smooths the hip to thigh area and avoids thigh chafing under fitted dresses and skirts and is very handy in the summer months in Pakistan when such issues become more prominent due to the heat.

If you want all-over smoothing

A full bodysuit shaper will shape the stomach, waist, and hips and even the back at times depending on the type, and is the best solution for highly structured or fitted clothing such as bodycon dresses or formalwear.

If your focus is your back and bra area

A shaping camisole or back-shaping bra shaper will work on reducing any bulging of the back area and shaping the area where the bra will be worn, especially when wearing backless or low-back garments.

If you're petite or have a smaller frame

Make sure to choose the shapewear that has graduated or light to medium compression as opposed to firm control because the very firm can look bulky on you.

If you're plus-size or fuller-figured

A well-constructed bodysuit with a tight, but not excessive, level of compression is ideal.
The support of a high-waisted pair of briefs will also offer similar benefits.
When choosing shapewear, make sure that the items have been designed for extended sizes.
Shapewear that has been stretched out beyond its limit to accommodate an extended size may have the panels placed differently.

Matching Shapewear to Your Outfit

Even with the right body-type match, the outfit itself changes what you need:

Remember that the smaller and tighter the clothing item is, the less bulky and seam-free shapewear must be.
The bulkiness becomes more visible when paired with thin fabrics.

Getting the Fit Right

Shapewear that's too small doesn't shape, it just digs in, rolls down, and becomes uncomfortable within an hour. A few quick fitting checks:

• Take your actual body measurements and do not go strictly by your regular clothing size.
• A well-fitting piece of shapewear feels snug, but it is not painful.
• Check to see if the waistband or leg band rolls up when you move around.
• The garment must be worn with the actual outfit to ensure proper fit.

Planning for an Event or Wedding?

If you are looking for an item for a wedding, mehndi or any other formal event, there are a few additional items to consider:

• Purchase at least a week in advance rather than last minute to allow yourself some trial with your outfit and to have the ability to change sizes.
• Think about purchasing two pieces for events spanning over multiple days: One piece of a more rigid style for formal dresses like reception gowns and another one which is lighter and more breathable.
• Make sure your piece is more breathable if you plan on attending the event outdoors or during the daytime.

The right piece of shapewear does not depend on how much compression it has or how expensive it is but depends on finding the right piece to fit your style and body type, allowing you to look flawless at the event. Once you achieve this task, shapewear will become the easiest aspect of getting ready for your special occasion.
At Blush & Lace, you can choose from various shapewear designs for any body type and any occasion.