Shapewear has become a staple in women’s wardrobes for its ability to smooth out curves and create a more streamlined silhouette. This body-sculpting miracle worker does, however, have some downsides. While shapewear can work compression wonders in an instant, it can come with a price. Here are 15 ways shapewear can ruin your style and potentially damage your body.
1. It Can Create a Robotic Look
Shapewear is designed to smooth out lumps and bumps, but it can go too far. Overly tight or ill-fitting shapewear can create unnatural lines under your clothes, giving your outfit a stiff, almost robotic appearance. Instead of looking sleek and polished, you can end up looking like you’re wearing a body cast. Always find the right fit for your shape and needs, and avoid excessive sculpting pieces that drastically alter your natural shape.
2. It Can Cause Digestive Issues
Wearing tight shapewear around your midsection can compress your stomach and intestines, causing digestive problems. Acid reflux, bloating, and even more severe conditions like gastritis can be aggravated by constant pressure on your gut. If you find it uncomfortable and hard to breathe, or you’re experiencing stomach pain during or after wearing shapewear, it’s a sign you need to go for looser pieces.
3. It Restricts Your Breathing
Shapewear that’s too tight can restrict your breathing. Compressing your diaphragm and lungs can leave you short of breath, especially during physical activities. While shapewear is a master of giving you a defined waist, it’s not worth it if you’re gasping for air. Your body needs room to expand as you breathe, so if your shapewear is squeezing your ribs, reconsider your choices.
4. It Can Irritate Skin
The tight, synthetic materials used in shapewear can cause chafing, rashes, and skin irritation, especially if you wear it for long periods. Sweat and friction trapped under the fabric are also breeding grounds for bacteria, which can lead to breakouts and infections. Make sure your shapewear is made from natural breathable fabrics, and give your skin a break between wear.
5. It Can Shift During the Day
One of the most frustrating things about shapewear is that it can shift or roll down as you move. Besides being uncomfortable and embarrassing, it can ruin the line of your outfit. Having to adjust your shapewear during the day constantly can make you self-conscious, so if your shapewear doesn’t stay put, go without it or find a better-fitting option.
6. It Can Create Embarrassing Bulges
Shapewear that’s too tight or poorly designed can create embarrassing bulges you are trying to smooth out. When the fabric cuts into your skin, it can cause unsightly lines and lumps that are visible through your clothing. The goal of shapewear is to enhance your figure, not warp it, so it’s important to find pieces that fit well and distribute compression evenly.
7. It Can Weaken Your Core Muscles
Relying on shapewear to hold everything in place can actually weaken your core muscles over time. When your abdominal muscles aren’t doing the work of supporting your posture and movements, they can become weak, leading to a less toned midsection. For a strong, defined core and better posture, focus on exercise rather than turning to shapewear for support.
8. It Can Cause Nerve Damage
Worryingly, wearing overly tight shapewear compresses the nerves in your skin and body, leading to numbness and tingling and putting you at risk of nerve damage. This is more likely if you’re wearing shapewear that compresses your thighs or waist. If you notice any unusual sensations or pain while wearing shapewear, it’s a sign that your body is being squeezed too tightly, so take it off immediately.
9. It Can Lead to Poor Circulation
Tight shapewear can restrict blood flow to areas like your thighs, abdomen, and lower back. This causes poor circulation, which can lead to swelling, varicose veins, and even blood clots in severe cases. If you notice that your legs are feeling heavy or swollen after wearing shapewear, take it off, give your body a break and consider another style..
10. It Can Cause Back Pain
Shapewear that compresses and puts pressure on your midsection can throw off your body’s natural alignment. This leads to discomfort, poor posture, and back pain. If you’re experiencing back pain, reconsider how often you wear shapewear and whether it’s contributing to the problem. Strengthen your core with yoga and pilates, and maintain good posture to avoid exacerbating back pain.
11. It Can Cause Constipation
As we said, shapewear can mess with your gut health, and long-term wear can have more serious consequences for your digestive system. Constant compression can slow down digestion, leading to issues like constipation and bloating. It is important to give your body a break from shapewear and let your digestive system work naturally.
12. It Can Impact Your Self-Esteem
Shapewear might be marketed as a confidence booster, but it can have the opposite effect if you become reliant on it. If you feel like you can’t look good without shapewear, it can impact your self-esteem and make you feel less confident in your own skin. Real confidence comes from embracing and celebrating your natural body shape, not from squeezing into a garment that makes you feel uncomfortable.
13. It Can Lead to Fungal Infections
The warm, moist environment created by tight shapewear can be a breeding ground for bacteria and fungal infections, particularly in areas like your groin and thighs. Fungal infections can be uncomfortable and challenging to treat, so it’s important to wear shapewear sparingly and ensure that it’s made from natural, breathable materials like organic cotton.
14. It Can Cause You to Overheat
Wearing shapewear in hot weather or when exercising can lead to overheating, as the tight, non-breathable fabric traps heat against your body. Overheating can lead to dehydration, dizziness, and heat exhaustion. If you’re planning to be active or spend time in the sun, skip the shapewear in favor of light, breathable active wear.
15. It Can Ruin Your Style
One of the most significant downsides of shapewear is how it can compromise your personal style. When you’re constantly worrying about whether your shapewear is visible, rolling down, or making you feel discomfort, it can ruin your mood and your outfit. Fashion should make you feel confident, so choose pieces that flatter your body shape rather than a style that requires you to force yourself into shapewear constantly.