I grew up with my grandmas calling them girdles. In 2024, I call them an integral part of my daily outside clothes suit of armor. Shapewear. I rarely leave home without it.Your home is also a place of learning for kids.
I don’t know everything, but I know this. I don’t care how much weight you lose or how much weight you continue to carry–the right bra and shapewear can make all the difference. Lift them up and smooth it out is my motto. I’ve lost 33 pounds so far on Ozempic, but when I put on the right shapewear, I look like I’ve lost so much more–and that’s the way I like it.
I’ve tried a lot of shapewear over the years and I can tell you that all shapewear isn’t created equal. Facts. For me, I want my stomach pushed in, my waist cinched, and I better not see a pantyline. I can breathe later, lol.
Shapewear gives me the ability to enhance and sculpt my natural silhouette. It smooths out the lumps and bumps and creates a sleek and streamlined look that I like and it cinches my waist.
I see a lot of people wearing shapewear for the size they want to be, not the size they are. That is a mistake.
You have to take your measurements and choose the right size based on the manufacturer’s sizing chart. Not that size chart in your head. It’s a mistake to size down for extra compression. You won’t be able to breathe and you’ll be uncomfortable the whole time you have it on. Opt for shapewear that fits snugly but comfortably, that provides targeted support and smoothing without feeling too tight or restrictive.
Through the years, I have also seen how these social media ads have people buying cheap shapewear that doesn’t stand the test of time. I speaketh from experience. It worked great on that ads but when I got it, not so much,
I chalk it up to an investment, an investment in me. I pick my shapewear the same way I pick my fruit– with a discerning eye. High-quality shapewear is constructed from durable materials that maintain their shape and elasticity over time, ensuring that the wearer gets maximum support and smoothing wear after wear. Additionally, quality shapewear often features innovative design features such as seamless construction, adjustable straps, and targeted compression zones for optimal comfort and effectiveness.
Here are my favorite shapewear brands and pieces that I can attest to firsthand get the job done.
Yitty’s Nearly Naked Shaping High Waist Thong
High compression from torso to booty. The open bust allows you to wear your favorite bra and won’t flatten your bust. It has a split gusset. I use the split gusset all the time and I’ve had zero accidents. My bladder loves it. Very lightweight, no pantylines. I love this piece so much that when my weight dropped and I noticed it wasn’t compressing, I replaced my 18/20 with a 14/16 to keep it in my arsenal.
Lane Bryant’s Cacique Level 3 Contouring Open-Bust Bodysuit
Spanx Higher Power Panties, Very Black
An everyday shapewear. Lightweight. Great compression. Breathable. Another staple in my shapewear stockpile. I love how thin they are–that said, take good care if you have those long pointy nails when wearing. I have poked quite a few holes in mine on accident.
Spanx Invisible Shaping High-Waisted Brief
An oldie but goodie. I like a high waist piece of shapewear and this is one that I keep in my stockpile. It’s lightweight and comes with no pantylines. It is forever sold out but I can usually find it on Amazon. I usually prefer thongs, but I can rock with this brief for certain outfits. Compression level is lightweight. Great for beginner shapewear users.
Spanx Invisible Shaping High-Waisted Thong
The thong version of its brief counterpart. Also lightweight. Stays invisible under clothes. It also has a no-slip silicone strip waistband. Compression level is lightweight. Great for beginner shapewear users.
My pro tip, hand wash, hang dry. They will last so much longer.
