Let's talk about shapewear. Though I am a firm believer in the idea that women should never feel like they need to compromise their natural bodies, sometimes shapewear gives us that little nudge we might need to allow our inner confidence to shine through. There's something very comforting about a garment that hugs us in all the right places — especially when there's another positive outcome of this comfort. What is that, you might ask? A sleek figure that shows off our beautiful silhouettes without compromising the overall shape of our bodies.
Researching and trying to figure out what brand or style of shapewear works for you might seem a bit daunting at first because there are so many quality options to choose from. You might scroll through TikTok, notice that every influencer is stunting in Kim Kardashian's shapewear brand, and think that Skims must be the only option for you. I'm here to reassure you: don't fall down that rabbit hole! There are plenty of affordable brands that offer the same expensive quality women look for in shapewear brands. It's important to invest a bit of money in quality brands because our bodies deserve to feel comfortable throughout the day. After all, we'll be feeling that fabric against our curves more than the clothes we're wearing over them. If you're unsure of where to start, stick with us to figure out which styles might work for all of your comfort and fashion needs.
The most popular form of shapewear right now is definitely the bodysuit style. I'd argue that Kim Kardashian repopularized shapewear (and specifically the bodysuit) when many content creators online decided to try out her famous Skims bodysuit themselves. It's no surprise that her shapewear is a big hit, but other brands exist, too! Not to mention that some of these brands offer the same high quality feel for a fraction of the price.
Body suits are for when you want holistic coverage in your abdominal areas without worrying about leggings rolling down or tank tops rolling up. They offer the most firm coverage as well, shaping the body beautifully and can double as a top for a night out. Below, you'll find bodysuits from Honeylove, ShapellX, and more. We decided to add different strap widths and neckline cuts that'll cater to your every outfit. These brands boast inclusivity and comfort!
When you're looking for a little bit of tuck in your tummy area but would rather keep the top of your body free flowing, shorts or briefs might be the option for you. I often struggle with my midsection, where my jeans are a bit too tight on my love handles but fit perfectly on my thighs. If you're in a similar situation but would prefer not to sacrifice your favorite pair of denim, definitely try out some shapewear briefs. They'll tuck in the areas you want tucked in, but allow your thighs the freedom they deserve!
If you're struggling with chafing, I'd say that you might find comfort in shapewear shorts. They usually hit at the mid-thigh area, which is where most women find they get rashes and chafing when they're walking around the town. Shapewear shorts are perfect for the days when you'd like to wear a mid or maxi length skirt but are worried about your thighs rubbing up against one another. We can love our thunder thighs and be comfortable, too! Many of these options also offer tummy support, some adding a zip-up mechanism that'll ensure everything we want to tuck in stays tucked. Check some of our favorites out below.
Some of us just want extra support around our upper abdomen and chest areas. Before I started dabbling in shapewear, I would constantly wear sports bras over my regular bras to ensure I'd have enough coverage and achieve the ultimate tucked-in effect. That is, until I found out that I can just switch out both bras for a shapewear camisole and find comfort I didn't know existed. If you're wondering what to compare this idea to, think the Lululemon align tank but better.
One of my favorites on the list was made by ShapellX. This product is a 2-in-1 mesh tank with a cozy shapewear lining, meaning you can sport this top with one of your cutest mini skirts and it will be an outfit to remember. Both the lining and the mesh overtop have a scoop-neck, which lets you feel beautiful, seductive, and cozy all at once. A lot of women have this preconceived notion that shapewear can't be sexy, but that's a thing of the past. More shapewear brands are popping up every day with new and iconic inventions, and we plan to help you get in-the-know.
We can't forget about bottoms, especially because winter is coming and we have to keep ourselves as warm and cozy as possible. I didn't know that shapewear leggings were a hit until I was browsing Honeylove and Nordstrom for some beloved favorites from customers online. When you think about it, it makes sense.
My midsection is a bit wider than the rest of my body, so wearing regular sheer tights and leggings causes some issues for me (as in, they roll down when I move ever-so-slightly). When you're out and about, the last thing you want to worry about is pulling up your multiple layers of clothing so they stay above your hips. Luckily, SPANXshape came out with a beautiful pair or sheer tights with an opaque brief addition on top. This way, you have all of the coverage you need and you don't have to wear a pair of shorts under your mini skirt. Like I said, wearing shapewear doesn't mean you sacrifice your sense of style. You're actually elevating it. When it comes to leggings, shapewear seems like the obvious choice. If you're going to wear a pair, you might as well run and grab the coziest and firmest option.
