Congratulations on your incredible weight loss journey! Whether you've shed pounds through surgery, diet, weight loss injections, or exercise, achieving your weight loss goals is a remarkable accomplishment. Now, as you embrace your new body, you might be looking for ways to enhance your silhouette and boost your confidence. That's where shapewear comes in. This article provides a detailed guide to the best shapewear options available, focusing on tummy control and overall body shaping after weight loss.
Understanding Shapewear
Shapewear is designed to temporarily alter your body shape, providing a smoother silhouette under clothing. It comes in various forms, including bodysuits, waist cinchers, control underwear, and shaping shorts. The level of compression varies, allowing you to choose the right garment for your needs and comfort level.
Best Shapewear Bodysuits
Bodysuits are a popular choice for full-body slimming and smoothing. They often provide targeted compression to flatten the tummy, shape the waist, and lift the bust and buttocks.
Ann Chery 1044 Faja Bodysuit
The Ann Chery 1044 Bodysuit offers high compression, reducing visible inches in the waist, abdomen, back, and thighs. It is designed to reduce you down by one dress size, delivering dramatic shaping results. This bodysuit provides a firm, flat tummy and enhances your overall silhouette.
Pros:
- High compression for maximum slimming
- Targets multiple areas: waist, abdomen, back, and thighs
- Dramatic shaping results
Cons:
- The front zip may be visible under tight dresses
Miraclesuit M2412 Tummy-Tuck Bodysuit
The Miraclesuit Instant Tummy Tuck Bodysuit provides a flat tummy, shaping, and sculpting of the abdomen, back, and thighs without the need for surgery or exercise. The material has more stretch compared to Ann Chery Powernet, making it easier to get on and off. This bodysuit offers a balance of comfort and shaping.
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Pros:
- Provides a flat tummy without surgery or exercise
- Shapes and sculpts the abdomen, back, and thighs
- Material is easier to get on and off
High-Compression Waist Cinchers
Waist cinchers focus on the midsection, providing maximum slimming and a dramatic hourglass shape. They are ideal for those who want to target their waist and flatten their stomach.
Ann Chery 2021 Classic Latex Waist Trainer
The Ann Chery 2021 Classic Latex Waist Trainer features three hooks for adjustable compression. It's suitable for everyday wear and gym workouts, providing continuous slimming and support.
Ann Chery Faja Extreme Control Waist Cincher AC1024B
The Ann Chery Faja Extreme Control waist cincher has a zipper for easy wear and removal. It's designed for special occasions when you want maximum slimming and a sculpted look.
Miraclesuit Inches Off Waist Cincher M2615
The Miraclesuit Inches Off waist cincher with adjustable hooks is perfect for everyday use. It offers firm control to flatten the tummy and sculpt the waist.
Benefits of High-Compression Waist Cinchers:
- Maximum slimming and a dramatic hourglass shape
- Firm boning and adjustable closures for powerful cinching
- Improves posture
- Suitable for daily use and special occasions
Shaping Shorts
Shaping shorts are designed to smooth the tummy, waist, and thighs, providing a streamlined silhouette under clothing. They come in various lengths and compression levels to suit different needs.
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Spanxsculpt OnCore Mid-Thigh Short
The Spanxsculpt OnCore Mid-Thigh Short offers firm-yet-flexible tummy and waist control, with gentle thigh smoothing. Testers unanimously chose this as their favorite for its comfortable fit that doesn’t pinch, squeeze, or leave you breathless. These shorts deliver the best balance of compression and comfort.
Pros:
- Firm-yet-flexible tummy and waist control
- Gentle thigh smoothing
- Comfortable fit that doesn’t pinch or squeeze
- Seamless design that disappears beneath clothing
- Lightweight and substantial material
Cons:
- Some testers found them hard to pull on
Shapermint Essentials All Day Every Day Shaper Shorts
The Shapermint Essentials All Day Every Day Shaper Shorts gently smooth the midsection, without noticeably altering your silhouette. They are so comfy that you can wear them every day. These shorts offer gentle smoothing versus true shaping.
Pros:
- Velvety-soft and easy to move in
- Gentle smoothing for the midsection
- Comfortable for everyday wear
- Affordable
Cons:
- Compression is too light for some
- Silicone strips and flexible boning at the waist could be uncomfortable
- May not have a long lifespan
Honeylove SuperPower Short
The Honeylove SuperPower Short nips the waist, sucks in the tummy and inner thighs, and boosts the derrière. These structured shorts are engineered to create an hourglass shape. They are ideal for special occasions when you want serious sculpting.
Pros:
- Creates an hourglass shape
- Structured shorts for maximum sculpting
- Firms the waist, tummy, and inner thighs
- Boosts the derrière
Cons:
- Not the most breathable option
- Boning and prominent side seams may be visible under certain clothing
Other Shapewear Options
Besides bodysuits, waist cinchers, and shaping shorts, other shapewear options include:
- Control Underwear: These provide tummy control and smooth the hips and thighs.
- Bum Lifter Shorts: These enhance the buttocks while providing tummy control.
- Shaping Camisoles: These smooth the upper body and can be worn on their own or under clothing.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Shapewear
Compression Level
Shapewear comes in light, moderate, and firm compression levels. Light compression is suitable for everyday wear, providing gentle support. Moderate compression offers more shaping while remaining comfortable. Firm compression is ideal for special occasions when you want maximum slimming and sculpting.
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Size
It's crucial to choose the right size when buying shapewear. Never size down, as this can cause discomfort and unwanted bulges. Use the size chart provided by the brand and choose your regular apparel size. If you're between sizes, it's generally best to size up for a more comfortable fit.
Type
Consider the type of shapewear that best suits your needs and the outfit you plan to wear. Bodysuits are great for full-body shaping, while waist cinchers target the midsection. Shaping shorts are ideal for smoothing the tummy, waist, and thighs under dresses and skirts.
Comfort
Comfort is essential when choosing shapewear. Look for breathable fabrics that allow you to move freely. Shapewear shouldn't roll down or limit your circulation. You should be able to breathe, sit, and eat comfortably.
Material
Shapewear is made from various materials, including nylon, spandex, and cotton. Nylon and spandex provide compression and shaping, while cotton adds comfort and breathability. Look for high-quality fabrics that are soft, stretchy, and durable.
Occasion
Consider the occasion when choosing shapewear. For everyday wear, opt for light to moderate compression. For special occasions, you may want to choose firm compression for maximum slimming and sculpting.
Tips for Wearing Shapewear
- Start with the right size: Always choose your true size to avoid discomfort and bulges.
- Put it on correctly: Be firm but gentle when putting on and taking off shapewear.
- Wear it for a limited time: Avoid wearing shapewear for over 8 hours at a time.
- Listen to your body: If you feel uncomfortable, take off the shapewear.
- Choose the right style: Select shapewear that suits your needs and the outfit you plan to wear.
- Care for your shapewear: Follow the care instructions to maintain its shape and elasticity.
Brands to Consider
Several brands offer high-quality shapewear that performs well in tests and receives positive reviews from consumers. Some popular brands include:
- Spanx: Known for revolutionizing modern shapewear with top-performing pieces.
- Skims: A popular brand that performs well in tests.
- Maidenform: Offers affordable shapewear with firm control and a comfortable fit.
- Shapermint: Known for comfortable and versatile shapewear at an affordable price.
- Honeylove: Offers structured shapewear for maximum sculpting and an hourglass shape.
- Leonisa: Known for premium, breathable fabrics and expert design for comfort and confidence.
- Miraclesuit: Provides shaping and sculpting without surgery or exercise.