Different Types of Shapewear

Women resort to the best shapewear when they want something extra to help them feel their best. In fact, the shapewear industry has become a lucrative market, dominating lingerie and fashion sales alike.

Despite the bad reputation, shapewear is made with high-tech fabrics and has an intelligent design to give you a sleek and svelte silhouette without harming your body. With several celebrities like Kim Kardashian West and Tyra Banks also unabashedly claiming their love for items like perfumes, makeup, and spanks, the demand for shapewear has only risen.

Women are quickly recognizing the importance of owning at least one item of this underwear, which brings us to our next question — what are the different types of shapewear?

Here’s a quick overview of the different styles:

Bodysuits

A shaping bodysuit focuses on your bottom, back, and your stomach. This style provides maximum coverage, eliminating any bumpiness between the bottom of your bra and the top of your briefs.

Additionally, you have three options for bust coverage: built-in cups, open busted, and compression. We would recommend wearing a shaping bodysuit when you wear dresses or cocktail gowns. Otherwise, these are very versatile and can be teamed with shorts, skirts, and even tank tops.

Corsets

Probably the most renowned style, detachable corsets are just like your traditional underwear – the only difference is they add a layer of control for your waist, giving it a firmer fit.

Corsets are available in flip-open or pull-on versions that can help you get that coveted hourglass figure, and are more or less invisible under clothing. However, we would like to warn you to reserve these for special occasions since the fitting is definitely a little tighter.

Briefs

Shaping briefs have a higher belt to remove any stomach bulge temporarily. The length of the belt varies, ranging from below the belly button to just above the bra line.

You also have the option to opt for shaping thongs or shorts, which provide the same level of control, but with the briefs being replaced by thong-style underwear or shorts, respectively. Shaping tights are available as well, in case you want shapely legs.

Slips or Half-Slips

Shaping slips are similar to shortie bodysuits or delicate slip dresses. These usually have a sexy design teamed with lace inserts, providing adequate coverage all the way down to your thigh.

If your trouble areas are limited to your hips and tummy, you can opt for shaping skirts or half-slips that can be teamed with a separate bra of your choosing.

Camis

Shaping cami tops or camisoles are a more practical option for women who want to slimline their waists and give their bust that subtle lift, without giving up on comfort. These can be worn with casual as well as formal ensembles.

Butt Shaper

Designed to lift and mold the buttocks, butt shapers are usually high-waisted, and can either end at your thighs or continue down like shorts. Some of them are also padded to add shape to enhance your rear, coming complete with control panels to flatten your tummy and smoothen your hips.

There is no occasion-wise restriction when we talk about butt shapers, as these are very versatile. Whether you‘re wearing a cocktail dress or tight-fitting jeans — this style goes with everything and makes you look fabulous.

Shaping Belt

A shaping belt is a piece of fabric fitted with tight control panels to make your waist appear smaller. These belts act as waist cinchers by flattening and controlling your stomach muscles.

The best thing about shaping belts is the immediate result they deliver. Plus, you can wear them with formalwear, as well as semi-casual wear, consisting of streamlined blouses and skirts.

Girdles or Panty Girdles

Girdles are elasticated garments that have a waist-cinching effect, covering your hip bones and tummy areas. This usually ends around the upper thigh, making them a sexier and more fun piece to wear.

Open-bottomed girdles use suspender grips to anchor the hemline, preventing it from rolling up, while a panty girdle flattens the tummy area, having a similar look to that of a shaping brief.

Arm Shaper

As the name suggests, this piece of shapewear concentrates on slimming down your arms. Offering light control, you can arm shapers under a long-sleeved top, or a strappy slip dress — whichever way you like.

Resources— Cosmopolitan, Khol's

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