Beauty | Discovering the Beauty of Shapewear
I can remember lining up along the wall of mirrors in my fourth grade ballet class, trying to concentrate on my pli?s, while worrying about the fact that my thighs were curvier than the girls down the bar from me. In sixth grade, I was the only girl in my class who would rather wear a tight sportsbra than an underwire, though I was also the only girl who actually had enough goodies to put into an underwire bra. I’ve never been unusually large, and nobody has ever intimated that I should lose a little weight, but nevertheless I’ve spent the majority of my life accutely aware of my curves, and trying to fight them.
I’ve learned a lot about selecting properly styled and structured clothing for my body-type, but it wasn’t until about two years ago, when reading about shapewear in an issue of Glamour magazine, that I actually thought about the merits of donning what I had considered to be antiquated undies. I mean, who wears girdles these days, right?
Well, here I am today actually preparing to preach to you the values of investing in some high quality shapewear. While I only wear full-torso shapewear about once or twice a week, I now can’t imagine not having them available in case of a fashion emergency. I’ve discovered I don’t need to worry so much about buttons on a dress gapping in the front, awkward lines signifying back chub around my bra-line, pesky muffin-top around the tops of my trousers, or even what to wear under that sheer blouse.
In the interest of helping sistas out, I’d like to share with you my top three shapewear items and how they’ve helped me come to peace with my curves as well as how they act as negotiator between my body and my clothing.
#1: Bali’s No Lines No Slip Panties
I suppose panties might not be considered shapewear, but I spent far too long holding onto my low-rise briefs and thin thongs trying to make them work with my increasingly high-waisted wardrobe. They just don’t. Proper panties help make your slacks, shorts, or fitted skirts look much nicer over your body. This particular pair is virtually invisible underneath my clothing, and doesn’t cling to my clothing’s fabric. I don’t have to worry about any extra chub creeping over the top elastic band, and I’ve never had them ride up, causing awkward lines to appear on my clothes.
#2: Flexee’s Sew Free Body Briefer
This was the first piece of shapewear I bought. Initially this item was meant to wear underneath my vintage dresses that were a little constricting in the front. I was uncomfortable with the creases that happened around my midsection, particularly under my bra. This smoothed out my torso, and even appeared to elongate my waist underneath the dresses. Now I even wear this underneath some shorts and trousers to soften the transition area between a fitted top and my bottoms.
#3 Flexee’s Wear Your Own Bra Firm Control Singlet
This one is the most recent shapewear addition to my arsenal. It works well with trousers that need shapewear, without causing a panty-line appearance. If I can’t wear #2 for that reason, this one is great for smoothing out my torso, hips, and also my bum. Even though I’m wearing extra clothing, I am often more comfortable wearing something like this underneath dresses in warmer months, because it prevents chaffing. You know what I’m talkin’ about.
You can find these items at most department stores, but I purchased mine at Kohl’s for a combined discount. (#1, #2, #3) Having curves is a wonderul, feminine thing, and shouldn’t be cause for shame. But if you also struggle with mediating the fight between your clothing and your body, shapewear can be a life changer.
Great post! I have been fighting the feeling of unease over my body and over how it looks in different angles since the developing stages of my life. Soon to be thirty (OMG) I have promised myself to stop worrying so much. Next salary I?m investing in some good shape wear for sure!
This curvy girl says thanks for the pep talk! It’s only now in my early 30’s that I’m FINALLY figuring out how to dress for my body and keep my personal style. Any extra tips and tricks help!
XO
Lenore
This is a great post, I struggle with curves and being a solid 14. Its frustrating feeling like a lumpy sausage when you just wanna wear something cute. I wish I could totally have you as a style consultant and help find amazing things to wear always so envious of your outfits!
I have yet to really give shapewear a try, but I think I just might have to give it a shot after reading your post! I have also found that panties (both brief and thong) that have all lace sides are a great way to deal with that pesky elastic top-of-the-undies line that likes to dig into hips and create a bulge. Victoria’s Secret usually carries panties of this style and I have also found some at Target. :)
I love this post! I have a few shapewear pieces but not enough to utilize them to their full potential, I tend to wear them on special occasions only and I think this post was enough to make me feel ok with buying more and wearing them more often, you are amazing-thanks for this post! XOXO Lori
I have to say that I am new to your blog and love it. You are the only lady on the interwebs it seems who has a real body! And one that looks like mine. I love that you have posted this about shapeware and I am off to get some this next pay check. While I have been a convert for many years to the high-waisted, granny panties (as my fella calls them), I have yet to wear a full-piece shapewear! off I go to Kohls! Again thank you!!!
First off, I’m new to your blog and LOVE your style.
Thank you so much for this post! I’ve been slender most of my life and only now that I’m in my mid-late 20s, I find myself getting curves for the first time ever, and it’s so exciting haha. I have in the last few years, invested in shapewear. Such a difference!!
I find, as a seamstress and designer, that no matter what a woman’s size may be, she should still wear shapewear.
Have a great day, and looking forward to reading more from you!
Awesome post. I too, was slightly embarrassed to buy a *girdle* to wear under my bridesmaid’s dress for my mother’s wedding but after sucking it up and buying the shape-wear, I was the most comfortable one all night.
My only complaint is that I wish the made the ones that look like shorts, shorter. The bottom tends to peek out from under my dresses {and the dress isn’t even that short}. I guess I should invest in one that looks more like #2.
Thank you for this from one curvy girl to another. I am in between regular sizes and plus size so I often have problems with fit. Thanks for this Miss! :)
Totally loved this post. I am a huge fan of Spanx…do you like them? I can’t wait to look into your suggestion. Curvy girl shout out!
Great post! Thank you for putting that info out there. You always look so beautiful and I admire the fact that you really know how to dress your body. I have never been comfortable with my body and sadly still am not, but I strive to be better and this post and comments are very encouraging. It’s time to wear my special undergarments more often!
This is such an amazing post! I bought some shapewear last year because I really couldn’t wear these high-waisted shorts I have without it. Since then I’ve been wanting to invest in another good piece or two for all the reasons you mentioned above! Thanks for the recommendations. :)
I think this is really great. It’s time us curvy ladies appreciate our curves and also treat them with respect. I’ve used a midsection/thigh shape piece several times and it is a blessing. I sometimes where it under clothes in hot weather just to be comfortable. Great post!
Thank you so much for sharing this! It’s so true, just a little bit can help smooth things out. I finally invested in some shapewear last year when I found Spanx at Nordstrom Rack, but I’d really like to add to my arsenal without breaking the bank! So thanks for sharing the links. :)
Thanks for the links for reasonable priced shapewear. I purchased a spanx set last year and would have liked to have purchased more but they are crazy expensive.
Thanks so much for this post. I’m a curvy girl, too, and I love to wear clothes that accentuate my figure. I was just talking to my friend about how I don’t wear shape wear to look smaller, I wear it just to smooth things out in certain outfits. She totally agreed. I’ve been looking to invest in some high quality pieces.
This post is wonderful. I know what you mean about the undergarments not fitting well with highwaisted skirts. I love being curvy and shape wear helps oh so much
Thank you so much for this post!! After having two kids in two years, my body isn’t quite what it used to be, and I’ve been having fashion set backs! While I was never very “fashionable” I didn’t have to ever put all that much though into as well. I don’t have that luxury anymore, and am quite tired of looking like a shapeless blob! LOL I think it’s time to pony up and buy some shapewear! LOL Thanks for the info!
Oh the chaffing!!!!!!!! It’s been plaguing me all summer, and this is just the push I needed to head up the mall and get some new under-goodies!!
You are stunning! lol extra “chub”, me and my friends say that all the time!
amazing post… i also am a firm believer in shapewear (no pun intended.. hee hee) and i have a lot of the same issues that you mentioned in this post. i feel way more confient about all of those little “areas of concern” when i am rockin’the spanx. thanks for keepin’ it real :)
Hi Mandi! Great post and thanks for sharing. I too am a curvy girl and love shape wear! I live in shape wear that resembles number 2 on your list. I love it because I don’t have to wear a bra, and the gap on button downs are gone! I wear flexees ( I believe that’s the name) from Macys. But I will def. give this one a try. It doesn’t cinch, but just smoothes everything out!
And chub rub! What’s a girl to do? I love leggings, but I can’t live in them, so number 3 is a great alternative, but does it cut off at the leg?
Take care,
Kim
Hi Kim! These ones are Flexees too, probably the same ones you got at Macy’s. I really love the ones that are shorts, but it makes using the restroom a hassle. Though, I haven’t had trouble with them cutting me off at the legs. The edge is very smooth and provides the perfect transition to skin. Hope that helps!
Love this! I’m a curvy girl too who will probably never be smaller than a 10, buying those ugly girdle things from wally world is pretty embarrassing! Thank you for these perfect alternatives!
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Krystle
http://dearwinsome.blogspot.com/
what a great post! Thanks for sharing! It’s always nice to have a little pick me up when you are a curvy girl, such as myself!
-m
I always love to see someone remind the world that we are all shaped differently; but we may love all sorts of fashion and sometimes a little help in the smoothing department goes a long way. Great post, thanks!!
I have always been a big believer that curves=sexy, but I’m not a big believer in bulges and panty lines. I, as well, have always been curvy. One day my mother introduced me to shape wear and I totally rejected it… all I could think was that girdles are for old ladies. Now, however, I love it! It smooths out lines and makes you just feel tighter and more confident in what you’re wearing. Thanks for sharing and showing that shape wear isn’t just for your grandma!
Shapewear rocks! Thanks for the recommendations. I’ve been blessed with curves and big, bodacious tatas and shapewear is the only way I can wear many tops. That and a good tailor! ;)
Great post – and just to say that I use your blog for style inspiration as I’m a very similar shape, and you always look fab. Seeing you as a similar sized woman also makes me feel more confident about myself, so thanks!
Thank you for this post. Shapewear is something I have never considered (It’s the back chub that really gets to me) but have since ordered some for myself. Like all the commenters above me, I must agree – you are wonderful!
Shapewear should be a vital part of anyone’s wardrobe. It can help accelerate weight loss, help balance your body from your uneven parts and can help heal your body after post-surgery or post-birth. Those 3 are great examples of quality shapewear and here’s another site that sells high quality and affordable shapewear.
http://www.perfectimagebodyshapers.com/
This is a genius post, miss Mandi! I’ve been contemplating a full-body shaper (a la number 3), and when I saw your post in that polka dot dress, I was like – ‘what’s your secret?!’. It looks so smooth! I’m similarly curvy, so I’m super thankful you shared this! :)