We all have that one dress or outfit we adore but would loveeven more if it complimented our figure. One solution many have found is thatof body shapewear. While shopping, many have asked themselves: should you sizeup or down in shapewear?
Myths About Shapewear Sizing
There are many myths about shapewear sizing. Some say thatbecause it compresses fat into muscle tissue, you want to go a size up, whileothers claim that to achieve the best slimming effect, you want to go a sizedown.
Depending on how you look at these, they both can makesense. However, both of these myths are just that – myths.
Problems with Sizing Down
Many believe that sizing down in shapewear is a must tooptimize the compression, thus slimming the silhouette. This, however, isuntrue and can yield the opposite effect.
If you size down in shapewear, you risk causing unsightlybumps and pinching that disrupt rather than enhance the silhouette. This is, ofcourse, before potential problems involving breathing and motion restrictionalong with acid reflux.
Buying a size down is truly a faux pas for both your lookand your health.
Problems with Sizing Up
While sizing up in shapewear doesn’t cause the discomfortand health issues associated with going a size down, it still has its issues.
Wearing shapewear that is too big will do nothing. Theslimming lycra is supposed to hug (but not squeeze!) your body. This simplydoesn’t happen if you buy shapewear that’s too big. It’ll simply be addinganother layer to your wardrobe and wasting money.
Wear the Right Size Instead of Going a Size Up or Down in Shapewear
Avoid these shapewear pitfalls by buying the correct size.Usually, going with your dress size or clothing size is good enough. If you’rea medium in a tank, you’d be a medium in a shaper cami.
To get more accurate sizing, you can always measure the areayou’re shaping. Measurements will correspond with different sizes. This isespecially a good method if your top and bottom are different sizes.
Luckily Rago, a manufacturer of vintage shapewear we partner with, has an in-depth sizing chart to help you with your shapewear needs.
https://ragoshapewear.com/pages/size-chart
Best Shapewear to Wear?
Now that you know what size you need to wear, you may wonder what shapewear is best for you. It all depends on the situation. Check out our Comprehensive Guide to Body Shapewear for a complete guide on how to wear different garments.
If you’re specifically looking for formal shapewear, we invite you to read Body Shapewear for Backless Dresses or Which Body Shapewear is Best for Wedding Dresses? Our top brands for such occasions are Dominique, Va Bien, or Carnival, for affordable options.
Looking for an everyday look? Try the vast catalogs of DNKY Intimates, Leonisa, or Natori, which have the benefits of being versatile and affordable.
Don’t Wear a Size Up or Down in Shapewear
Now that you know the golden rule of wearingbody shapewear, wear the correct size – you can go forth with confidence inyour curves! Mind your health and comfort without compromising style, and checkout our vast inventory for shapewear as unique as you!
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FAQs
If you prioritize ease of movement and want to avoid a feeling of constriction, sizing up can be a wise choice. This option is particularly beneficial for beginners or for those who are in their adjusting period of wearing shapewear.
Is it better to size up or down with shapewear? ›
There's a common misconception that when purchasing shapewear, you should size down to get the right fit. This is not true. Sizing down will only make it more likely to get the appearance of lumps and bumps in places where you don't want them to be.
Should you size up or down with Shapermint? ›
We recommend going one-size up for the much-needed breathing room for your chest. My Shapewear too loose on the crotch area - what should I do?
Should shapewear be tight or loose? ›
Shapewear or Faja compression garments should be tight but not too tight that you feel discomfort or restriction in your breathing. Shapewear should feel snug and secure against your skin without causing any rolling or bulges.
How to know if shapewear is too big? ›
Check The Waistband
The waistband should sit comfortably around your waist without causing discomfort or rolling down. It should be snug but not so tight that it creates bulges. Rolling is typically an indicator of a sizing issue.
Should you size up or down with Spanx? ›
Those in the know advise purchasing them in a size smaller than you are. Spanx material stretches and for maximum longevity and hold it makes sense to do so.
What happens if shapewear is too small? ›
Wearing shapewear that's too tight can make it hard to breathe and even cause digestive problems like acid reflux. Anyone who has ever worn shapewear for more than an hour knows it can be hard to take a deep breath, let alone eat even a normal-size meal.
Is it better to size up or down? ›
Comfort Matters: When to Size Up Comfort should always be a priority when choosing clothing, especially as we age. If a garment feels too tight or restrictive, consider sizing up for a more relaxed fit. This is particularly important for women over 40, as comfort becomes increasingly essential.
What is better, Spanx or Shapermint? ›
I submit the photo above to show that these two products have the same leg circumference, but the Spanx is definitely smaller and more supportive/slimming above the leg crease. The Shapermint fabric had more give to it as well. Neither product rolled down above the waist for me as I moved around.
What is the top rated shapewear? ›
Which shapewear brand is best? In our tests, we have found Spanx and Skims to be the most popular brands that performed well in our tests. For more affordable options, we were impressed by the offerings from Maidenform and Shapermint.
Overall, these Shapermint pieces have exceeded my expectations and taken up permanent residence in my weekly wardrobe. Not only are they comfortable, versatile and affordable, but they also help me feel more confident in my clothes.
Why does my stomach look bigger in shapewear? ›
Understanding Shapewear
If the material is too tight, it can give the illusion of a rounded tummy which could potentially result in people assuming that you are expecting. That's why when purchasing shapewear, always size up one or two sizes to ensure a more comfortable fit, while still achieving that sleek silhouette.
Where does the fat go when you wear shapewear? ›
Body shapers simply move the fat into spaces where muscle is compressed. On the other hand, the fat is levelled into more desired areas for fat instead of simply sitting on your midsection.
Should you size up or down when buying shapewear? ›
We suggest going for your regular size to avoid your shapewear rolling down or digging in. One-size-fits-all Fantasie Smoothease briefs are a great option if you're not sure which size to go for, or if you're between sizes.
What does it mean if shapewear rolls down? ›
Your shapewear may roll up or down because it's too small and therefore too tight on your body. It can also create a lumpy look from overflow where the shapewear meets the skin. If you've chosen a piece that's too long, it may not grip as well, which also causes roll-down.
Is tight shapewear bad for you? ›
Circulatory and nerve issues. Tight shapewear, especially when it compresses the legs or waist, can theoretically affect blood circulation. This can lead to swelling, numbness or tingling sensations, particularly in the lower extremities.
Can shapewear help you fit into a smaller size? ›
While wearing shapewear can definitely help create an instantly slimmer profile temporarily, it cannot actually shrink someone down one dress size permanently – regardless if it's worn daily as part of an outfit routine or just reserved for special occasions like parties or weddings where perfect fitting attire is ...
Can shapewear help you drop a size? ›
Yes, shapewear can reduce dress size. It works by compressing the abdomen, hips, and thighs to create a smooth silhouette. This effect gives the appearance of wearing clothes one or two sizes smaller. The specific size reduction will depend on what kind of shapewear is worn and how it fits the body.
Should you size up or down in Skims shapewear? ›
As most SKIMS products are stretchy yet sculpting, we'd recommend sticking to your true size in most SKIMS styles. But because SKIMS products aren't labeled in traditional sizing terms, it's probably worth checking out the accompanying size guide on skims.com.
