When Buying Shapewear, Should You Size Down? (2024)

The best way to find the correct size of shapewear is to read the sizing guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Depending on how snugly you want your shapewear to fit, you may wish to size down from what is recommended. It’s important to note that some shapewear styles are designed with a tighter fit in mind so be sure to look for any specialized instructions in regards to specific pieces before deciding whether or not you should size down. Ultimately, it is always a good idea to try on multiple sizes if possible until you have found the one that fits comfortably and offers the desired level of support.

Contents:

  • Benefits of Sizing Down
  • Drawbacks of Sizing Down
  • Tips for Finding the Perfect Fit
  • Instances When Sizing Up is Warranted
  • Limitations of Shapewear
  • Suggestions for Wearing Shapewear Comfortably

Benefits of Sizing Down

When it comes to shapewear, sizing down can make all the difference. Tight-fitting clothes that hug your body more closely and stay in place can provide better slimming and figure enhancement effects compared to if you were wearing looser garments. When buying shapewear that is too big for you, you will not be able to enjoy its full potential in terms of support and control. When it comes to squeezing into a smaller size than usual, many people may think it sounds painful or uncomfortable – however, the truth is that many brands now carry plus-size shapewear as well as extended sizes so there should be an option for everyone with minimal effort or hassle.

One of the key advantages of sizing down when buying shapewear is that it ensures your clothes fit snugly without bunching up or slipping out of place. This makes them far more effective at smoothing lumps and bumps while providing comfortable support throughout the day. Moreover, buying a slimmer size can also help enhance any existing curves by creating a contoured silhouette that accentuates your natural shape from head to toe. Many women have reported feeling confident and beautiful after switching from larger sizes to smaller ones.

With slimming undergarments made specifically for plus size individuals on the market nowadays, finding perfectly fitting pieces is easier than ever before – just remember to check their measurements against those provided by your chosen retailer before making your final purchase decision. With a bit of trial and error (or taking advantage of free returns) there’s no reason why every woman shouldn’t find her perfect fit.

Drawbacks of Sizing Down

One of the drawbacks to sizing down when buying shapewear is that it can become uncomfortable quickly. Shapewear is meant to be snug in order to provide support, however if you size down too much it may be overly restrictive and cause discomfort. This isn't just an issue during wear as a piece of clothing that's too tight can cause chafing or skin irritation but also after wearing it for hours at a time. Squeezing yourself into clothes that don't fit right will likely leave behind marks on your body and these could take days to go away.

Another drawback of sizing down is that while it might give you short-term body sculpting effects, over time it becomes increasingly difficult for the fabric to stay firmly around the area desired since it has stretched out due to its undersizing in comparison to your true size. Over several wears, the pieces will eventually start sliding off your body which defeat their purpose entirely. An ill-fitting garment also won’t adequately compress targeted areas like they are supposed to and instead make them more lumpy than before.

If you buy shapewear that fits well initially but choose something smaller anyway, over time you’ll find yourself replacing them frequently because of wear and tear from being stretched too thin or else needing new ones sooner due to tightness fading earlier than expected. With proper fitting pieces this wouldn’t happen as often as selecting too small sizes means having less longevity with them which would result in spending more money over time than just investing once in good-quality larger ones would cost now.

Tips for Finding the Perfect Fit

Finding the perfect fit for shapewear can seem like a daunting task, but with a few simple steps and some trial-and-error, you can rest assured that your garment will be comfortable and flattering. Start by measuring yourself to ensure the correct size; when doing this it's important to take into consideration the measurements of other parts of your body such as arms, legs and hips in addition to just your waist.

Try on different styles before buying one, even if it means making a trip to the store. Try each style on with similar types of clothing that you plan on wearing them with - for example shorts or pants - and also consider how much movement or flexibility is desired. Shapewear can be very restrictive when it comes to movements, so depending on activities planned while wearing it being able to move freely should be taken into account when making a decision.

Most importantly try not to feel limited when shopping for shapewear; while most garments are sized small/medium/large sizes vary greatly from brand-to-brand so don't hesitate explore options available in plus sizes as well since they often come in longer lengths than those tailored for average sizes. Ultimately finding an item that fits properly takes some effort but having shapewear that flatters and hugs curves without squeezing too tightly leads to greater confidence, which makes all the difference.

Instances When Sizing Up is Warranted

Depending on the individual body shape and preferences, occasionally sizing up may be more suitable when selecting shapewear. In the situation where larger areas need to be addressed, such as tummy control, an upgrade in size will provide ample coverage. It is also beneficial for those who require extra support around specific regions such as hips or thighs; making sure that there's room to comfortably move around without any restriction of movement.

When it comes to fabric choice, a denser material like spandex should always be taken into account as this offers higher levels of support over thinner fabrics. Similarly, having adjustable straps can further help secure the garment in place and customize it to personal fit requirements - making it easier to adjust the fit with ease if needed. These features are especially handy when deciding between two sizes; allowing flexibility so you can get a bespoke feel even with pre-made garments.

Make sure to go through all the product specifications beforehand so that your purchase fulfills its intended purpose while offering maximum comfort and versatility. Reviews from previous customers may also serve as a helpful guide; providing realistic advice about what works well based on their own experiences.

Limitations of Shapewear

Shapewear can be a great tool for accentuating curves and flattening problem areas, but it's important to understand its limitations. While some pieces offer tummy tucking and waist slimming benefits, there are certain elements that shapewear cannot do. For example, if you're looking to dramatically reduce the circumference of your waist, shapewear is likely not going to help you meet that goal without diet and exercise.

Despite popular belief, even when wearing the most powerful garment on the market will not lead to permanent results when it comes to reshaping or slimming your body shape. Shapewear has no lasting ability on fat removal; it simply helps redistribute an individual's fat in different places while offering support around loose skin. This effect is temporary and disappears as soon as you take off the garment.

Ultimately, while shapewear can provide temporary relief from bulges and sagging skin, they should never be viewed as miracle workers – any changes that occur with them need to come through with proper lifestyle changes such as eating right and engaging in regular physical activity for long term effects.

Suggestions for Wearing Shapewear Comfortably

Shapewear is popular among many because of its reputation for helping create a desired figure under clothing. However, to ensure the most comfortable experience when wearing shapewear, it's important that you choose the right size. Deciding whether or not you should size down can be tricky and largely depends on the type of shapewear and how tight of fit you want.

When selecting your size, start by choosing a larger option than your regular clothing size, as shapewear tends to run smaller due to its compressing nature. If purchasing online, make sure to check measurements against what will typically fit best for your body type in order to receive the correct garment size. Take into account that some fabric materials tend to stretch over time making them even more suitable for comfortability purposes if chosen carefully from the beginning.

To avoid any potential discomfort when wearing shapewear, opt for styles with wide straps and breathable fabrics such as cotton or nylon-spandex blend which are designed for all day wear. Wide straps will prevent rolling up at waist level while allowing more air circulation throughout areas where constriction is necessary while providing essential flexibility and support at the same time. With proper care and maintenance in regard to laundering instructions attached on each garment as well as understanding key considerations regarding sizing down when buying shapewear makes it possible for anyone to find their ideal fit and achieve their desired hourglass silhouette without compromising comfort during daily activities.

Consider reading: Can you try on shapewear?

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When Buying Shapewear, Should You Size Down? (2024)

FAQs

When Buying Shapewear, Should You Size Down? ›

If you're looking for maximum support and shaping, sizing down may be the way to go. Pros of Sizing Down: Increased Compression: Smaller sizes deliver higher compression, accentuating your natural curves and providing a more sculpted look.

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.

How tight should shapewear fit? ›

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.

Should you size up or down in Spanx shapewear? ›

If in between sizes, size up for the best fit and the Spanx magic you love.

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 ...

Should you size down with Shapermint? ›

Choosing a size larger than your regular clothing may offer a more comfortable experience. If you prioritize ease of movement and want to avoid a feeling of constriction, sizing up can be a wise choice.

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.

How do I know if shapewear fits? ›

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.

Why do I look bigger in shapewear? ›

The Wrong Size

Even if something fits well in one area, such as around the waist, it may be too tight or loose in other areas which will cause a bulging effect. For example, if a piece of shapewear is too long for your torso then this could push fabric up and outwards which makes you look larger than normal.

Does shapewear make your stomach look flatter? ›

Shapewear may temporarily reduce the appearance ofbelly fat, but it will not lead to any long-term change. The only way to reduce belly fat is through diet and exercise. However, if you are looking for a way to give your stomach a little extra support, shapewear can be a good option.

Is shapewear supposed to roll down? ›

Buy shapewear in your actual size

You may be inclined to size down in your shapewear, for a smoother, sleeker look. However, wearing the wrong size only makes the situation worse. Your shapewear may roll up or down because it's too small and therefore too tight on your body.

How many pounds does Spanx take off? ›

We round-up the benefits and things left to be desired about Spanx! 1. It certainly does work. Spanx can really make you look five to ten, even fifteen pounds lighter.

Should I size down for shapewear? ›

"For the shapewear and smoothing base layers, just buy the same size you wear in clothes," say Blakely. "If you're a small buy a small. If you're a medium buy a medium, and so on." Anything too snug will end up causing bulges (picture a busted can of biscuits) and discomfort.

Does any shapewear actually work? ›

In short, yes, shapewear does work! Overall, shapewear temporarily helps to smooth lines and unwanted lumps and bumps through innovative technology that combines compression, design, and figure-forming materials.

How to use shapewear correctly? ›

Put on your shapewear correctly

Make sure that your skin is completely dry or if your skin is wet, give your skin time to cool down completely. Shapewear on damp skin is a big no-no. As shapewear is designed to be quite tight, you often need to roll it onto your body as you would a pair of tights or long socks.

Where does the fat go when you wear shapewear? ›

Wondering how a body shaper functions? Well the science behind a body shaper is that when worn correctly. 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.

Does shapewear flatten stomach? ›

Wearing shapewear won't help you lose weight or burn belly fat. However, if you have a lot of extra belly fat, wearing shapewear can help you to feel more comfortable and confident in your skin.

Can shapewear help you drop a size? ›

Good shapewear shifts and holds. It repositions the fat so that it has a smooth look, rather than bulges. However, if you use too small of a size, the shapewear creates those bulges elsewhere, because it doesn't remove the fat, it simply repositions it. Shapewear is used to create a smoother look, not a smaller look.

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