Best Type of Shapewear to Fit Your Needs

Let's talk shapewear! 

Be honest, how many of you got a little bit nervous about that statement? I get it... with so many different types available, it can be really overwhelming to figure out what type you really need to address the issues you're hoping to. 

First things first... what exactly IS shapewear? 

Simply put, shapewear is an undergarment layer that is designed to smooth, sculpt and support your body through compression targeting various areas where you need a little extra help. It is not simply about reshaping your body, as the name might imply, but taking the shape you have and making it look its best. It's not always about looking thinner, but about looking put together and helping clothes to lay and fit as they are meant to keep you looking your best. 

When looking into shapewear, it is important to remember that proper fit is absolutely key. Our instinct might say that a smaller size is going to give us more compression/better shaping, but this is incorrect. Too small a garment is going to create bulges and more importantly discomfort and pain. This is not what you want. Too large a garment isn't going to provide the compression that you're hoping for either. You're looking for a fit that is snug, but not painful and not restricting movement. Have your measurements handy when shopping online at stores like Shapellx so you know what size to go with. 

But what kind of shapewear do you actually need? Let's break it down to a few different types, so you can find the style/type that best fits your lifestyle:

Bodysuits

As the name might suggest, a women's shapewear bodysuit is going to give you a fuller body coverage, smoothing your stomach, back and butt all at once. They are great to be worn with form fitting dresses or outfits and serve as an all-in-one solution. You can find options that include built in bras, or those with open bust. Likewise, they're available with shorts, giving you shaping all the way down to your thighs... or in thongs. They come in full sleeve, tank tops or strapless... truly options for whatever your outfit requires. 

Shorts

Shapewear shorts offer support from your waist down to your thighs, so again targeting stomach, back, and butt, as well as thighs. They not only smooth things out, but if you have issues with chafing, they can help with that as well. Personally, this is my preferred type of shapewear because it offers great support for someone like me who carries their weight in their lower half and works with nearly every outfit too. I especially like wearing them under dresses, as I feel they also offer a little bit of protection from a Marilyn Monroe type moment! 

Underwear

Shapewear underwear is probably the most common type of shapewear, because it is simply just that... underwear that provides targeted support for areas like stomach, hips and butt. These come in a variety of styles, so if there's a particular cut you prefer, you're likely able to find a shapewear option that'll work for you. 

Hosiery

One of my very first introductions to shapewear, and still one of my go to options, was a pair of shapewear tights. I do find these tend to have less compression than some of the options already discussed but are not completely without... and can even provide some compression to the legs as well. As someone who deals with blood pooling in my legs leaving them with purple splotches that I'm insecure about, they give me more confidence to be able to wear shorter dresses without fear. 


In addition to these different types of basic shapewear, you can also find shapewear that will meet your lifestyle needs too... whether you are looking for sustainable shapewear to be more eco-friendly, activewear to help support you while working out or swimwear for your next beach trip, there are so many shapewear options available to fit every need! 

Do you use shapewear? What types are your favorite? Any questions about shapewear you still need answered? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.