When a woman feels good, she looks good. Game over. End of story. That’s just how it goes. Whether it’s getting dressed to the nines for a holiday office party or getting ready for a night out on the town with the ladies for the first time since you gave birth, there’s a way for you to feel your sexiest even if you’re not confident you look your best. And that, my friends, is where shapewear comes in. In this article, we’re going to answer all your burning questions about shapewear and show you the best sites to buy from, so that you don’t just look amazing, you also feel incredible.

The Ultimate Guide to Women’s Shapewear: Answers to the 10 Most Common Questions

How does shapewear work?

Shapewear is made from compression fabric that holds in, well, anything you want held in, usually around your abdominal area. It’s designed in a way to shape and curve your figure to help give you your desired look. So when you think about it, it’s like Photoshop in real life. 

How effective is shapewear?

Shapewear mimics the effect of sucking in your stomach, without having to keep it sucked in. And if you’ve ever sucked in your stomach for long periods of time, you know how hard it can become to breathe or laugh or enjoy life in general. Shapewear gives you the sucked-in stomach shape without the worry. But there’s also shapewear for places you can’t suck in, like your arms, thighs, or butt). The compression fabric gives you a tighter look with cleaner lines.

How do you measure shapewear size?

Finding the right shapewear to fit your body can feel a little tricky, especially with the different types of shapewear out there. A quick hip and waist measurement can help you make sure you're purchasing the right size. But if your waist and hip measurements fall within different sizes, choose the size that aligns with the largest measurement [1].

If your shapewear is leaving a mark on your body, it’s too tight, and you should size up, because there are negative repercussions that could happen if you wear shapewear that doesn’t fit. If you wear shapewear that’s extremely tight for a long time, it could squeeze your digestive tract enough to create acid reflux [2]. If the shapewear is too tight around the hip area, it could constrict the blood circulation to the lower legs.

Of course, if it’s too loose, that also isn’t good — not for health reasons, but because then it won’t really be doing its desired job. That’s why actually taking measurements is a good idea rather than guessing on size.

Can I wear shapewear while I exercise?

You can wear shapewear while exercising, and in a way, you probably already are. Shapewear and sportswear are often made of the same compression material that holds your more jiggly parts in place (think sports bras and compression shorts for runners). Synthetic fabrics like nylon and spandex are common to shapewear and many types of workout wear, and both are designed to fit with compression.

Shapewear aims to refine your silhouette, and sportswear works  to keep everything in place. It’s all in the breathability of the fabrics [3]. The ultimate goal, both while exercising and going about your daily life, is feeling good about yourself. If you want to wear the added layer of breathable shapewear to your sportswear, go for it. 

Is shapewear safe to wear all day?

Shapewear, when worn correctly, is safe to wear all day (think a day in the office or a night on the town). Good shapewear won’t hurt you or interfere with your daily lifestyle, and if it is, take it off immediately. Think of shapewear as a part of your outfit, not as an extension of your body. Extremely tight shapewear can even damage muscles and organs. Avoid wearing shapewear that is uncomfortably tight, and limit your use to eight or so hours a day [4].

Is shapewear comfortable?

The right shapewear that fits your body correctly should be comfortable. If you feel any discomfort, it’s not the right size or silhouette for you. If you find yourself having difficulty breathing, or notice swelling just beyond the seams of your shapewear, discard it. 

Is there shapewear that lifts my butt instead of flattens it?

Shapewear can do more than just flatten your abdomen and cinch your legs. There are shapewear brands that accentuate your curves (e.g., your butt). Brands like Shapellx sell compression body suits that tighten where you need it and lift where you need it (ya know, again, your butt). Specific butt-lifting shapewear is out there, and we’re here to show you where to get it. 

Is it OK to wear shapewear while pregnant?

You should talk to your doctor before investing in maternity shapewear, and if your OB/GYN tells you it’s safe, then you have the green light to wear it. In fact, shapewear can help alleviate pregnancy pain brought on by varicose veins [5]. Doctors have found that these veins can be uncomfortable when standing, and the shapewear should provide support to lift the uterus off the cervix and ease pain, especially if the pelvis becomes misaligned. Brands like SKIMS and others offer maternity shapewear.

How do I wash shapewear?

Most shapewear can be thrown in the washing machine with the rest of your clothing, unless otherwise stated on your shapewear-of-choice’s website. The trick to keeping the shapewear like new is by putting it in the same lingerie garment bag you use when washing your underwear. To get rid of the sweat and any odor that might be present, you’ll want to use a gentle cleaner. Pour a little into the machine, and start a gentle cycle with cold water. But don’t use hot water, because that will shrink the nylon over time. In the same vein, don’t put your shapewear in the dryer; hang dry your shapewear.

Can I wear shapewear under jeans?

Shapewear and jeans go together like peanut butter and jelly. Shapewear brands sell more than stomach slimming products. You can buy butt lifting shapewear and thigh tightening shapewear if you want to give your lower body a smoother look. Don’t forget, though, if you feel discomfort or lose feeling in your legs because of the shapewear, remove it immediately and consider sizing up. Shapewear is just as much about feeling good as it is looking good.

The 5 Best Brands for Women’s Shapewear

Honeylove - best for lasting comfort

Honeylove, $84

Honeylove doesn’t call it shapewear. At Honeylove, it’s sculptwear, and it’s made for every woman. Their sculptwear is 75% nylon and 25% spandex, made for targeted compression that shapes and releases where you need it. Honeylove offers products from sculptwear to tops to bras to pants to bodysuits. Not sure what sculptwear is right for you? Take their quiz.

Click here for an in-depth review of the products Honeylove has to offer.

SKIMS - best for maternity shapewear

SKIMS, $34

Kim Kardashian is famous for wearing multiple layers of shapewear to red carpet events. So much so that she decided to take matters into her own hands. And that’s when SKIMS was born. And speaking of things being born… her maternity wear line aims to provide comfort and support for your changing body both during and after pregnancy. The shapewear, coming in sizes from XXS to 5XL, stretches to twice its size and comes in nine different nudes.

Shapellx - best for butt lifting

Shapellx, $88

As you age, things begin to… fall… things you may not want to fall. There are bras that can lift and even push up your breasts, so why not find something similar for your backside? That’s where Shapellx comes in. This brand is known for their butt lifting shapewear that smooths your stomach and lifts your bottom. With removable butt pads, it’s up to you to decide if you want to lift or enhance your peach.

Spanx - the best OG shapewear

Spanx, $118

Spanx got its start in 2000, and much like all other business startups, it started small. Within months, it blew up and started selling in name brand department stores. Over the last 20 years, this shapewear line has expanded. This shapewear brand started as a brand by women, for women. Spanx started the modern shapewear craze, helping millions of women find comfort and confidence beneath their clothes.

Pretty Girl Curves - best for waist training

Pretty Girl Curves, $65

Waist trainers are like the cool older sister of shapewear. They’re designed to gradually mold your waist and hips to form an hourglass figure. The Pretty Girl Curves waist trainers are no different. These waist trainers are made with latex material that are guaranteed to help you lose two-to-three inches in your mid section within 30 days of use. The trainers work to support your spine as well.

MeMoi - best for arm shapewear 

MeMoi, $30

Everyone’s got their problem areas. It could be your butt or your tummy or your thighs. But what if it’s your arms? Don’t worry — MeMoi’s got a shaper for that. Their arm shaper has changed the game for women. This bolero-style compression shapewear holds sagging skin, reduces jiggle, and has the ability to shrink inches from your upper and lower arms. MeMoi also offers shapewear for men and clothing for children.