Shapewear for Women: A Complete Guide to Choosing the Perfect Fit

Quick Summary

What is shapewear, and what are the various types of shapewear that are available in the market?
Understanding Shapewear and Choosing the Best One for Your Body.
Various benefits of shapewear for women’s bodies
Debunking the common myths associated with wearing shapewear.
Underneat: On the rise to become the best shapewear brand in India
Shapewear as a Confidence Booster for Women.

Okay, let's be honest, shapewear for women is literally like that one misunderstood and morally grey person in everyone’s life. It can be a game-changer when you slip into a bodycon dress and want some support, or want the saree to sit right without adding bulk. But not all shapewear for women does that, especially with the stigma attached to it. Most make you think you need to “hide” or “fix” something. But that’s not what shapewear is meant for - It's about feeling good. Think of shapewear like your fashion BFF, one that smooths, lifts, supports, and lets your outfit shine (without suffocating your soul).

And women have been dealing with shapewear for centuries. No, we are not kidding. There are records going all the way back to 1600 BCE where Mycenaean Greek women used corsets to accentuate their breasts and waists. Honestly, they slayed before we even coined the term. And shapewear evolved with times, from the tightly laced corsets of the Middle Ages to the ‘90s obsession with the “model-off-duty” look.

But that was then, and this is now. Shapewear for women has evolved from being a medieval torture device to something that makes you confident and comfortable. Let’s get into what shapewear actually is, how to pick the right one, and how it can boost your confidence without making you feel like you’re in a straitjacket. Along the way, we’ll also bust common shapewear myths while we’re at it.

Different Types of Shapewear for Women in the Market

There are so many different shapewear options in sizes and forms, just like women’s bodies and that could lead to: DECISION PARALYSIS ALERT! Honestly, at this point, there should be a matching app made for it so we can find the best fit by just swiping! But we got you covered. Here’s a quick and handy guide with a list of different shapewear options for you to choose from that won't break your back or bank!

Bodysuits

You know what bodysuits and those viral weighted blankets have in common? They’ll hug you better than your ex ever did, never ask for anything in return, and always make you feel good and comfy. A bodysuit will not only enhance your curves, from the bust to the hips, but also make you feel comfortable all day, every day. They will be your partner in crime under dresses and jumpsuits, and if you’re feeling bold, just style it as a top with your jeans!

High-Waist Shaper Briefs

With these, you can say goodbye to panty lines and hello to seamless coverage. High-waist shaper briefs will smooth things out and keep you comfy. Gift them to your arch-nemesis, and even they’ll become your best friend. They mainly target your midsection and help your butt look lifted, so you can be confident and vogue-ready!

Shaping Shorts

Shaping shorts are just like your regular shorts, but consider them an upgrade as they softly hug your tummy, shape your thighs, and smooth them, helping you feel confident and comfortable. Think of them as your bff under skirts and flowy dresses.

Shapewear for Sarees

Wearing a saree and worried about the whole ‘pallu placement’? Not with saree shapewear. Saree Shapewear is the perfect sidekick that has now essentially replaced petticoats, so you don’t have to raid your mom’s closet for one whenever you want to wear a saree. It gives that effortless mermaid cut without feeling tight and lets your saree drape like a dream, Miss Chandni, who?

How to Choose the Right Shapewear?

Shapewear for women has the power to transform your outfit and can make you feel confident, but there are so many choices. And to pick one shapewear? Training for the Olympics would be easier!

And we hear you when you say, "How do I choose what's right for me?" We have broken down the process into a few easy steps that will make choosing your perfect shapewear seamless (see what we did there?). Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

Plan your outfit:

All outfits need different shapewear, and no one choice fits all. Bodycon dress? Bodysuit is your go-to. Jeans or skirts? High-waist briefs or shaping shorts will be your chaddi buddy! (We cannot stop the puns, but we can stop your OOTD from being a minus!) Trust me, even Poo would be proud.

Fabric and functionality:

Never forget Rule #1, the cardinal rule of fashion: Comfort comes first. Your shapewear should feel like a second skin, breathable, buttery soft, and move-with-you comfy. After all, you’re probably going to be moving all day, and adjusting your shapewear and clothes should be the least of your worries.

Selecting the Shapewear correct size:

Shapewear should flaunt your curves, not shrink them. So, please don’t size down, because it'll make you feel uncomfortable, and you’ll probably want to throw the shapewear where the sun doesn’t shine. So, size right because your body deserves comfort, not a wrestling match with fabric.

Benefits of Wearing Shapewear

Let’s be real, we’ve all stood in front of a mirror and nitpicked how we look, the little bumps and lines under our outfits, probably more than the aunties out there. But, that’s where Shapewear for women comes to the rescue, and here’s why we love a good shapewear:

Enhances Silhouette-

Shapewear for women helps you achieve a sleek shape in every look, softly hugs your curves without trying to shrink you, and yes, you will look much better than Michelangelo’s sculptures.

Improves Posture

Shapewear helps you to stand tall and also reduces back strain, talk about a multitasker.

Postpartum Benefits

New moms need to take note because body shapers can boost your confidence while offering gentle support after childbirth, making you feel like yourself again.

Boosts Confidence

You know that magical feeling that you get when your outfit sits just right? The right shapewear has the power to give you that Every. Single. Time, and it won’t ask you if you’re satisfied without making any efforts, iykyk.

Common Myths About Shapewear

There are many negative opinions surrounding shapewear for women, but here’s the tea: Most of these are just myths and nothing more than that. Here are some of the myths that you need to ignore, just like the despos in your DMs:

"Body Shapers are only for plus-size women."

We’re gonna stop you right there. Shapewear for women isn’t about size, it’s about comfort. Whether you’re a size XS or XXXL, shapewear is for everyone who wants to feel confident and sleek under their clothes, so keep that outdated thought where it belongs, in the trash.

"Shapewear is always uncomfortable."

That’s old news. If shapewear feels like a punishment, then you’re probably wearing the wrong one. Pick a well-fitting and breathable shapewear, and you’ll forget you’re even wearing it.

"It is only for special occasions."

Your shapewear doesn't deserve to be stashed away in a dark corner of your closet only to be worn for a special occasion. You can rock it for daily use, especially when they are comfortable and make you feel confident. Whether you're going to the office, having a casual hangout with friends, or on a date, shapewear for women is meant to be worn all day, every day.

Why Underneat's Shapewear for Women Stands Out?

Underneat’s shapewear for women is made with breathable, buttery-soft fabrics that move with your body and not against it. Every product is designed keeping in mind Indian bodies and our weather because we deserve shapewear that fits right and doesn’t make us sweat buckets.

And here’s what makes Underneat different: we aren’t here to sell you some “perfect body” fantasy. We’re here to celebrate your body exactly as it is, offering support, comfort, and that boost of confidence we all deserve.

It’s shapewear that gets you.

So now, all you have to do is plan the perfect outfit, look gorgeous, and be ready to answer the question that everyone is going to ask - "What are you wearing under?"

Conclusion: Shapewear as a confidence-boosting choice

Shapewear for women has been a powerful styling tool for a long time, but it has not always been comfortable. It was previously used to ‘fix your body’ or as a tool to shrink down a size. The result? Women all around the world thought they needed to shrink themselves, hide their bodies, and their flaws to appease and conform to the beauty standards set by society.

Thankfully, that’s not the case today. Slowly but steadily, women of all ages, shapes, and sizes are embracing their natural bodies, and shapewear for women is helping them enhance their bodies rather than acting as a suffocating binder.

The best kind of shapewear for women is an expression of self-love that boosts confidence, celebrates women's bodies, and elevates comfort. Body shapers can transform the way you feel about yourself. It enhances your silhouette and curves, improves posture, and encourages self-acceptance. Because every woman deserves to feel like a pookie, who’s comfortable in their body, and all ready to slay!

FAQs

What is the best type of shapewear for women to wear under a saree?

Saree shapewear petticoats with a mermaid or fishtail cut are perfect for getting a flattering silhouette. They hug your waist, hips, and thighs, and the cherry on top? They do that while looking sleek.

Can shapewear be worn daily, or is it only for special occasions?

Yes, shapewear can be worn daily. It’s fake news when people say that you can only wear shapewear on special occasions. Choose a good-quality shapewear with fabric that you feel comfortable in to give you that instant confidence boost.

How do I choose the right size for women's shapewear?

Measure your waist and hips (bust and thighs if needed), and don’t forget to check the brand's specific size chart, as sizes may vary. It's generally best to size up for comfort.

Is shapewear only suitable for plus-size women?

Women of all body types, shapes, and sizes can wear shapewear. Just like your friends love you unconditionally, shapewear for women is also meant to help you feel comfortable and confident about your body unconditionally.

If I'm size “M”, should I take the shapewear in size “S” to get more compression?

No, you should stick to your true size. Wearing a smaller size can cause discomfort, bulging, and poor fit. Shapewear is designed to compress effectively in your actual size.