7 Ways To Know If Your Shapewear Fits
SEVEN WAYS to know if
Your Shapewear Fits
Have you ever struggled with finding the perfect shapewear that not only supports and smooths but is also something that you actually want to wear all day? You are not alone! The top two questions and points of feedback I always receive about shapewear are that it always rolls down or that it is always so tight and uncomfortable. So today, I thought it might be helpful to dive deeper into how shapewear is supposed to fit. Spoiler: you’re supposed to be able to breathe freely. Did you know that there are different levels of support for shapewear? In case you missed my crash course into Shapewear 101, this blog post breaks down the different levels of support so that you can find a solution piece that is best for you.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again… Please remember that no one needs to wear shapewear, but if you’d like to explore, it’s nice to know you have options, and I’m happy to share what I've learned with you!
7 Signs Your Shapewear Fits
one
Check The Waistband
The waistband should sit comfortably around your waist without causing discomfort or rolling down. It should be snug but not so tight that it creates bulges. Rolling is typically an indicator of a sizing issue. It can also be a style issue. For example, if you tried a high rise and it’s rolling, try a mid-rise and vice-versa.
two
evaluate the leg openings
The leg openings of your shapewear should sit smoothly against your skin without digging into your thighs or pinching. If they cut into your skin, it can be a sign that the shapewear is too small.
three
Assess the length
Ensure that the shapewear covers the areas you want to target, such as the abdomen, hips, and thighs. It should extend to the desired length without riding up or rolling down.
four
check for visible seams
The seams of the shapewear should lie flat against your skin. Seeing visible lines or wrinkles may indicate that the shapewear is too tight/too big, not the right size.
five
pay attention to the bust area
If your shapewear includes a built-in bra or provides support for your bust, make sure it lifts and supports your breasts without causing spillage of the breast tissue or discomfort (digging, pinching, etc).
six
Test Mobility
You should be able to move comfortably while wearing shapewear. Test your range of motion by sitting, standing, and walking to ensure it doesn't restrict your movements.
seven
breathability
Ensure that you can breathe comfortably while wearing shapewear. It may be too tight if you feel overly constricted or have difficulty breathing.
ONE PIECE BODYSUIT (2XL/3XL) | SIMILAR BODYSUIT | SIMILAR MID-THIGH BODYSUIT (2X) | CAKES (DDD+ - USE CARALYN)
Easy enough? You may feel a tad overwhelmed on where to begin now when it comes to shapewear. If you’re having issues with rolling, you may need to experiment with different sizes (size up or size down; you know your body best) and perhaps the rise of the garment (mid-rise vs. high rise). Everybody is unique, and undergarments are based on preference, so what I love and what works for me may be different than what works for you. It may require some trial and error, but remember that it is okay! I like to try things on at home when I’m cool and dry, and this also allows me to try on items I own at home.
I definitely recommend checking out my previous guides here, here, and here for more in-depth reviews on pieces I like. My code CARALYN10 at Spanx works, so it may be helpful to buy/try a few different sizes to see what works best. I wear everything from L-1X, depending on the style and how I prefer things to fit.
You can click on the corresponding number below to shop and see more details!
How to care for your shapewear
What you use to wash your shapewear (and how you wash it) also makes a big difference. Avoid any harsh chemicals that can damage the synthetic fibers (avoid Woolite). Traditional detergents (All, Tide, etc.) are designed for spun fibers, like cotton. They get the gunk off of the fibers but not out of the pores. Look for a surfactant wash – this technology binds to the gunk in the pores and effectively cleans the fibers – think of it like a Biore pore strip for your shapewear!
I wash my undergarments separately from all other clothing items, and I always hang dry them on this drying rack. If you don’t want to do a whole load of undergarments, you can use these laundry bags to throw them and keep them safe. NEVER put shapewear in the dryer, as the heat melts elastic. Pro tip: these washes are best for anything with high Lycra contents (bras, panties, hosiery, swimsuits, and workout gear), but they will clean anything! My personal favorite is Forever New, also available in unscented, and this one is also great for shapewear and anything with a lot of elastic like athleisure wear and swimwear.
Thanks for reading!
I hope this helps you feel confident when wearing shapewear. If you are looking for more undergarment posts, be sure to check out more on undergarments on the blog here! Feel free to leave any questions or suggestions on future posts below.
xx CMK