Shapewear + Undergarment Solutions
STRAPLESS BODYSUIT (WEARING XL)
For today’s #FitTipTuesday, I wanted to revisit shapewear and other tricky undergarment solutions. I previously shared a lot about this a couple years ago on this post, answered a lot of frequently asked bra + shapewear questions on this post, talked about my wedding dress shapewear on this post and have scattered other tips throughout my platforms since. If you’re newer around here, the most up to date information on properly fitting bras can be found here! My hope is to create an updated resource with all of my current creative suggestions in one place here. Whether you’re looking for a piece for everyday wear or a special occasion, I’ve got you covered! If you’re a shapewear newbie, let’s take a quick crash course:
SHAPEWEAR 101:
Shapewear innovation has come a long way. There are hundreds of fabrics and styles out there that will work for a range of shapes and sizes. I’ve experienced that many people try one brand/style and give up or write it off completely. Like most things, it can take a little bit or trial and error. What works / doesn’t roll on me won’t necessarily do that for you. Anyone that tells you otherwise is fooling ya! While I can narrow down the selection for you, you may need to try a few different styles to find the right one for your body. I’m cheering you on and here to ‘support’ every step of the way!
Don’t roll with it. A common question I receive is “why does my shapewear roll?” It’s usually an indicator that your garment is too big, too small or not the right style/fabric for you. I know this doesn’t narrow it down that much but if it rolls to the point where you’re constantly adjusting or it’s annoying you… it’s time to move onto the next! With that said, if you’re newer to ordering shapewear I would recommend following the size chart and going from there (do not size down).
I personally believe in forever investing in your undergarments. From properly fitting bras to underwear and shapewear, it creates a good foundation to any outfit. It can make a $10 dress look like a million dollar look (and vice versa). When my undergarments are on point, my outfit comes together so much easier. When I look good, I feel good and ultimately this leads to a more confident me. On that note…
Wearing shapewear is a personal choice. Never have I ever (nor will I ever) say someone NEEDS to wear shapewear. I wear shapewear because it makes me feel more comfortable and supported underneath certain garments. Like most things, our preferences may differ and that’s okay! I just want you to be well informed and know that there are lots of creative options out there, if you’re interested.
shapewear brands i love:
I really like Spanx. Their stuff is quality, lasts a long time (when taken care of) and fits me well. Most people don’t know about their three levels of support: Level 1 Smooth (a light hug), Level 2 Shape (a firm hug) and Level 3 Sculpt (a super firm hug). You can check them all out and filter/sort by category here. Level 1 is great for more everyday wear for me whereas I prefer level 2 or 3 for more special occasions! They also carry sizes XS-3X in most pieces, which I sincerely appreciate! CARALYN10 *should* still work for a discount.
I also like a few pieces from Skims. I did a try-on last year about a week before the world shut down and while I thought everything ran a size too small, they did have some unique pieces that I think are pretty genius (I’ll feature below). They offer a wide range of colors / skin tones and up to a 4X/5X.
Maidenform is another brand I’ve tried, liked and would recommend — especially for more budget friendly options. Many pieces come up to 2X (size 20-22 according to their size chart). I have also tried a few pieces of Wacoal that I thought were great everyday, well priced pieces and good sizing options.
onto my favorite shapewear solutions:
SHAPEWEAR SHORT (SIZE LARGE)
SIMILAR DRESS HERE AND HERE, SIMILAR HEELS HERE AND HERE
underneath an everyday dress:
I talked a little bit about this on my recent spring dress post. I like to wear some sort of light shaping short (also available here) to prevent chafing and provide some moderate, comfortable support. Sometimes I’ll just wear that as my underwear, sometimes I’ll wear undies underneath. Depends on the day but either way, you do what feels good for you! I’ll link some of my lightweight favorites below, these provide a smoothing effect but are lightweight and breathable enough to wear in warmer climates. I like a mid-thigh short, level 1 or 2 Spanx for these. Depending on the dress, I’ll do a mid or high rise. I will usually do a higher rise for more fitted styles.
If you have no interest in wearing a shape wear short underneath dresses every day, I totally understand. When I don’t need as much support, I’ll just wear a no-show, seamless brief with a little tummy support like these, these, these or these and some Megababe Thigh Rescue Anti-Chafe Stick. This stuff is magical, you can use it all over but I like to use it in between my thighs to prevent chafing. It truly changed my life a few summers ago. I know many of you have purchased and love as well! I also highly recommend their Bust Dust, for boob sweat! I first wore it on my wedding day and have never looked back!
underneath a special occasion dress:
The right shapewear piece really depends on the style of the dress but here are a few options that I wouldn’t necessarily wear on an everyday basis. This one, this one or this one is great for strapless dresses. This one or this one is great when you want to conceal any back buldge and wear your own properly fitting bra. This one or this one is great for a plungey (low cut) or low back style. ICYMI: be sure to check out my favorite brands to shop wedding guest / special occasion dresses.
You’re probably wondering about the bathroom situation in a bodysuit. In every style I’ve showed, there’s a discreet little panel that you can pull to the side and use the restroom with ease. I promise, it’s not weird or difficult! I did it on my wedding day- worked like a charm! Another option for strapless dresses: your own strapless bra and a high or mid waisted shapewear short. You can check out my strapless bra tips and tricks out on a previous post here! Shown below:
EXACT SHAPEWEAR SHORT CAN BE FOUND HERE
BRA + EARRINGS ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE
UNDERNEATH A DRESS/skirt WITH A HIGH SLIT:
If you ever own a garment with a high legged slit up one side, these styles shown below are a great option.
UNDERNEATH A JUMPSUIT or long thin dress:
I wore a white jumpsuit for my bridal shower and felt like I needed some seamless support. If I were to wear a short, you could visibly see the lines on my thigh when I walked. So I got a little creative with my solutions and opted for a pair these lightweight shaping capris. For more formal occasions, you can check out this open bust catsuit, I wore it for my wedding.
underneath a backless dress:
Depending on how low the back is, you could probably get away with a mid-rise mid-thigh short short. For bust support, I highly recommend Brassy Bra for special occasions. I have used them a bunch of times. Their IG highlights do a great job of explaining how to use it. I usually get the Caramel in the largest size! If you have smaller busts (like a properly fitted C or smaller), you could probably try something like this. I can’t speak to it though so just beware.
MATERNITY OPTIONS:
I obviously have zero experience with anything related to pregnancy / maternity but recognize there is a need! I had a friend + bra fit expert help me with this maternity and nursing bra guide, be sure to check it out if you haven’t already. If you’re looking for a little bit of smoothing/shaping for a special occasion, there are a few options for you! You can check out more options here.
other tips and tricks:
FOR HEADLIGHTS:
(NIPPLES SHOWING THROUGH SHIRTS OR SWIMSUITS)
You can wear reusable nipple covers! If you are newer to wearing unlined bras (not padded), some people prefer some additional modesty with nipple covers. Sometimes I will wear these after I have taken out removable padding out of swimsuits or when I feel I need some modesty. The real key to purchasing nipple covers is making sure they are seamless, so you can’t see the outline of them through thin fabrics. These ones come highly recommended from my friends who are bra fitters and are good for everyday use. If you’re not looking to spend as much, you can try a pair like these!
FOR KEEPING STRAPS IN PLACE:
OR FOR KEEPING BUTTON-DOWN SHIRTS CLOSED
You can use fashion tape! This stuff is always on every photo shoot set that I’ve ever worked on. It is incredibly versatile and can be used in more every day scenarios. I prefer this one because it comes in little strips and the container is really handy to throw in your purse for emergency scenarios. You can also use this for a quick hem job on your pant legs. For a more permanent iron-on solution, you can check this stuff out!
FOR AVOIDING A MARILYN MOMENT:
(AKA DRESSES / SKIRTS BLOWING UP IN THE WIND)
Use a garment weight! I discovered these a few years ago and they really work to help keep your dress / skirt down on windy days. Be sure to adhere them to the sides of your dress and not the front to avoid the weight bumping and bruising into your leg (learned that one the hard way). Fun fact, they are a women owned and run business. Shop them here!
FOR THAT BELLY BUTTON INDENT:
My OG readers, you already know this hot tip that I came up with out of desperation. My wedding dress was a super thin, unforgiving fabric. Even with amazing shapewear, you could still see the indent of my belly button (which personally drove me insane). So I got crafty… I stuffed my belly button with a tiny bit of cotton ball and used an XL fabric band aid (must be fabric). With my shapewear worn over it, you couldn’t see the indent any more! Since then, I’ve had dozens of women try it and say it works.
FOR AVOIDING CAMELTOE:
an effect created by a pair of clothing that fit very tightly around a woman's groin
I discovered these inserts while modeling shapewear. We weren’t allowed to wear underwear because it’d show in the photos but also needed something for modesty and hygiene reasons. They are actually a brilliant invention for people who get a little self conscious about clothes / swimsuits riding up there.
I’m certain I’m missing a few tips and tricks so I will be sure to update this post as I discover more! I truly hope this post was helpful and feel free to leave any questions or solutions that you have discovered below. As always, thanks for reading!
xx CMK