Shapewear is a godsend that has become a staple of every woman’s wardrobe. Whether you want to enhance your curves or smooth out certain areas, shapewear is so high-tech yet low-key at sculpting, contouring, and compressing that you barely even know you are wearing it. Here are 15 key styles and how they work their magic.
1. Leggings
If you want continuous support all the way down the legs, shapewear leggings are a great investment. They provide full-leg shaping, smoothing out the tummy, thighs, and calves. They can also be worn as outerwear or under longer tops or dresses for a streamlined look from waist to ankle.
2. High-Waisted Briefs
Do you hate how your midsection looks in certain outfits? This can be easily fixed with shapewear. High-waisted briefs are perfect for smoothing out the tummy area. They provide firm control from just below the bust down to the hips, creating a streamlined silhouette under dresses, skirts, or pants while still remaining subtle and comfy.
2. Waist Cinchers
You don’t need to train at the gym for months on end to achieve that enviable hourglass figure; all you need is the right shapewear. Waist cinchers are designed to define your waist by compressing the midsection. They’re ideal for creating an hourglass figure and can be worn under most outfits for a cinched waist look.
3. Bodysuits
Bodysuits are the unsung hero of shapewear. They provide full-body shaping from the bust to the hips in one comfortable piece of shapewear. They smooth out the tummy, back, and waist, while some styles also lift the bust and buttocks, making them versatile for all-over shaping. Some bodysuits are so stylish they can be worn with skirts or pants or as a camisole under a blouse.
4. Thigh Shapers
Nothing is worse than having painful thigh chafing when wearing a mini-skirt. Thigh shapers target the thighs and hips, offering compression that smooths out any lumps or bumps in this area. They’re great for wearing under tight skirts or dresses to avoid chafing and achieve a sleek look.
5. Tummy Control
Don’t want to wear high-waisted briefs but want to slim down your midsection? Tummy control camisoles smooth out the tummy and back while offering light support for the bust. They can be worn as a layering piece under tops or dresses for a smooth, seamless appearance.
6. Open-Bust Shapewear
Some shapewear bras aren’t sexy or comfy. That’s why some people love open-bust shapewear, which allows you to wear your own bra while providing control to the tummy, waist, and back. This type is perfect for those who want to shape without compromising on their preferred bust support.
7. Shapewear Shorts
Shapewear shorts are a great alternative that are similar to thigh shapers but extend down to mid-thigh. This controls the tummy, waist, hips, and thighs while remaining sleek and comfortable. They’re great for wearing under dresses or pants to smooth out the entire lower body.
8. Arm Shapers
Whether it’s droopy skin or bulging upper arms, sometimes we might want to tighten and smooth our arms without spending hours in the gym. Arm shapers compress the upper arms, helping smooth out any sagging skin. They’re perfect for wearing under long-sleeve tops or dresses to create a toned appearance.
9. Bum Lifters
Want an enviable bum in just seconds? Shapewear has you covered. Butt lifters enhance and lift the buttocks, giving them a more rounded and lifted appearance. They often come in the form of padded briefs or shorts and can be worn under skirts, dresses, or pants. These briefs usually have a concentrated mesh panel that stops the skin around the bum from sagging and drooping, giving you a sleek, lifted look.
10. Corsets
Corsets aren’t a thing of the past, though they are far comfier and far less dangerous these days. A shapewear corset offers firm control of the waist and torso, creating an exaggerated hourglass figure. Even if you’re not after a dramatic figure, a corset is a great way to smooth out any lumps, bumps, and bulges in the midsection for a sleeker silhouette.
11. Slip Shapewear
Slip shapewear smooths out the entire body under dresses, providing control from the bust down to the thighs. It’s ideal for wearing under form-fitting dresses to create a seamless silhouette without being restrictive or uncomfortable. Not only this, but it also is a great way to add an extra layer of warmth when you get into the cooler months.
12. Maternity Shapewear
Shapewear doesn’t just make us look good, it makes us feel better too. Maternity shapewear is designed for expectant mothers, offering gentle support to the belly, back, and hips – all of which come under immense stress during pregnancy. It helps to alleviate discomfort while smoothing out the body under maternity clothing.
13. Minimizer Bras
Those of us with larger busts often wish there was a way to reduce the look of our bust in a natural way. That’s where minimizer bras come in. These bras work to redistribute the bust in a way that makes it appear smaller. It’s also good for our backs as the redistributed bust doesn’t put immense pressure on the shoulders and upper back.
14. Backless Shapewear
Just because you’re wearing a backless top or dress doesn’t mean you can’t wear shapewear. Backless shapewear is perfect for wearing under backless or low-back dresses, providing control to the tummy and waist while remaining invisible at the back. It often includes a built-in bra for added support, too.