Women often hear the terms “shapewear” and “foundation garments,” but what do they actually mean, and what types of clothing are available?

A) Why wear shapewear?

Women choose to wear shapewear underwear for a variety of personal, practical, and stylish reasons. Foundation garments like this are not in every woman’s lingerie drawer and individual requirements vary from person to person but here’s some of the main reasons that women choose these products.

• Offers a smooth silhouette and enhances the classic hourglass figure. This is the most common reason. Shapewear creates a more even base layer, reducing visible lines from bras, underwear, seams, or fabric bunching. It helps clothes — especially fitted dresses, trousers, skirts, or formal wear — drape more smoothly and look more polished.
• Provides women with both comfort and self confidence.  
• Most women feel more self-assured when their body shape is more controlled. Shapewear can provide gentle body support plus prevent clothing from shifting or riding up throughout the day. For most ladies this sense of stability and security increases their self-esteem.
• Provides gentle support.
• As well as body shaping, many styles of shapewear offer light compression that may well:
• Support your back and core, hence helping your posture.
• Lifts and shape the bust, hips, and bottom (Just like they used to say in the classic Playtex advertisements back in the day!)
• Particularly helpful post-pregnancy or after certain medical procedures (but ALWAYS check with your healthcare provider first)
• For special occasions. Shapewear is often worn for weddings, parties, work events, or photoshoots, where people want to feel their best in a specific outfit. It is viewed as a temporary styling tool, similar to choosing the right bra or socks.
• Increased awareness of positive mental health in a changing society.
• In today’s world there is a greatly increased focus on clothing designs where comfort is a priority and hence and many women (and men too!)  choose shapewear when it actually makes them feel good and not just for aesthetic reasons.
• Additional considerations a) Choosing clothing and especially underwear should be about personal choice and not pressure from society. Wearing lingerie is completely  voluntary and some women prefer not to wear any at all and actually feel comfortable without it. b) Health considerations. For all lingerie, but with shapewear in particular, if worn too tight or for too long, this can restrict circulation, cause discomfort, and even affect your digestion. So it  is best to choose well-fitting, high quality fabrics from a reputable brand such as Rago shapwear.
  
  B) Tips on buying plus size shapewear
• Buy the correct size! You should never ‘size down’ – Many women make this mistake. A smaller sizes will dig into your body, roll down after a short period, restrict your breathing and blood circulation plus it will create unsightly bulges instead of the smooth silhouette you are seeking. Always check the brand’s size chart and measure your bust, waist and hips accurately. If your shapewear leaves deep impressions on your skin or feels tight after a few minutes, it’s definitely too small.
• Choose premium quality fabrics. Ideally look for breathable fabrics such as cotton, microfiber, spandex/elastane and moisture-wicking fabrics are ideal. These will allow air to circulate between your body and your underwear and this in turn will reduce sweating or irritation. For the same reason, if you plan to wear your underwear for several hours, you should avoid synthetic, non-breathable fabrics such as nylon for example.
• Ensure the compression level you choose suits your needs.

Light compression – Offers gentle smoothing and is very comfortable. Perfect for all day wear and under light / thin clothing.

Medium compression – Provides more shaping and support, which is ideal for work or social events.

Firm compression – Gives much firmer support and is ideal for special occasions. Not be worn all day or every day.

• Choose the appropriate style for your outfit. For example:

High-waisted Briefs – These will smooth both your stomachyou’re your hips. Probably best avoided if you have a short body or find a band around your waist uncomfortable.

Shaping Camisoles – Intended to smooth both your torso and back and is ideal to wear underneath a tops or plus size dress.

Smoothing Slip - Ideal to be worn underneath a dress or skirt and will prevent static and clinging fabric.

Thigh slimmers – These will prevent thigh chafing and smooth your  upper legs. Ideally choose silicone-free edges and this will avoid rolling.

• Safety first!

Limit the time - For firmer styles, try to wear for no more than 4 to 6 hours at a time. Light and medium styles can be worn slightly longer provided they feel comfortable.

Have a break! – If possible remove your shapewear when sitting at home in order to let your skin breathe.

Don’t accept discomfort - If you feel numbness, tingling, shortness of breath, or even pain, take off your underwear as soon as convenient.

Health aware – If you have undergone surgery and also post your pregnancy, you should always seek medical advice before wearing compression underwear.

C) Different styles of shapewear

There are a variety of styles to choose from so here’s some information about the features and benefits of different styles.

1. Full Body Shapers

• One piece lingerie, Bodysuit styling.
• Target – Bust / Tummy / Waist / Hips / Thighs.
• Benefits - No rolling down and seamless transition.

• All-In-One / Full Body.

• Ideal for: Fitted gowns, jumpsuits, weddings, photos.
• Styles – Either go for bra inclusive or open-bust and wear your own bra.
• Choose from short or long leg, also can be open or closed crotch.
• Popular example – Body Briefer.

2. Panty Girdles / Long Leg Shapers

• Similar to Body Shapers but with no bust section.
• Ideal when you want keep your own bra.
• Target – Tummy / Waist / Hips.
• Choose from Open Crotch or Full panty Girdle.
• Can be worn with or without briefs.
• Can be Brief style or come with long leg.
• Popular example – Classic Open Bottom Girdle.

3. Tummy Control Briefs / High-Waisted Briefs

• Classic Briefs style
• Target - Tummy, waist, lower back
• Coverage - Waist to hips/thighs
• Worn in place of ordinary panties.
• Suitable for - Everyday wear, under trousers, jeans, skirts
• Compression options - Light / Medium / Firm.
• Popular example – Extra Control Panty Girdle.

 4. Shaping Shorts

• Target – Tummy / Hips / Thighs.
• Easy on the skin , avoids chafing.
• Ideal for Thigh slimming.
• Length - Mid-thigh or upper thigh.
• Best for - Dresses, skirts, fitted trousers.
• Popular example – Backside Shaping Briefs

5. Control Slips / Full Slips

• Worn beneath a skirt or dress.
• Target – Tummy / Hips / Backside / Thighs
• Coverage – From waist down to mid-calf or knee.
• Ideal for plus size dresses and skirts.
• Benefits - Stops static and clinging plus gives a smooth silhouette.
• Popular example – Shaping Half Slip.

6. Shaping Camisoles

• Worn over a bra with adjustable shoulder straps.
• Target - Bust / Back / Tummy / Bra lines
• Coverage – From underneath bust down to hips
• Ideal for - T-shirts, light blouses and summer jumpers.

7. Waist Cinchers

• Also known as Waist Trainers.
• Can be worn just around the waist or can be incorporated within Briefs.
• Target - Waist only. (Hook and eye closure)
• Can also include suspenders.
• Structure - Often with boning or reinforced panels to accentuate body shape.
• Ideal for: Classic hourglass shape for formal wear and weddings.
• Popular example – Waist Cincher with suspenders.

8. Bustiers / Longline Bras

• Worn as a replacement to your usual bra.
• Order your bra size.
• Target – Lifts the bust, shapes the waist and smooths the back.
• Longer than a standard bra but shorter than a bodysuit.
• Supports the bust without shoulder straps.
• Ideal to be worn with a low back or backless top or dress.
• Strapless option very popular for weddings and evening wear.
• Best selling Low Back Bustier.

Also Check out our Girls Guide To Girdles.