Most women by now have heard of shapewear.  And probably the first thing that comes to mind when they think “shapewear” is that it’s uncomfortable.  I know I did!  But that doesn’t have to be the case.  Gone are the days of your grandmother’s girdle or corset. 

Did you know that nearly half of all women have purchased shapewear?   For many, it’s to wear under that special dress or for an “occasion” – not under their everyday clothes.  Why?  Well, women’s most common objections* to wearing a shaper are:

1. It’s too expensive (according to 52% of women)
2. It’s hard to put on (42% of women)
3. It’s too uncomfortable – too hot & too tight (40% of women)

Not anymore!  Today, there are a plentitude of options for women who want to look better in their clothes and who want to wear the latest fashions.  Remember though, the goal of shapewear is to make you look slimmer and smoother so if it isn’t snug, it won’t be doing its job.  

Probably the most important thing in discovering comfortable shapewear is finding the style that best suits your body type.  For example, a regular waist shaper cuts me in all the wrong places, but put me in a high waist version (which you may think sounds restricting), and I can easily wear it 18 hours straight.   You must also choose the right size!  Check the packaging before you purchase – many companies recommend going a size up if you are close to the next size range. 

You’ll also have a much more comfortable fit if you put your shapewear on correctly.  You’d be amazed how many times I’ve heard people joke that when they took their ShaToBu out of the package, they wondered if the workout part of the garment was getting into it!  Then they were amazed once they had it on that (a) they fit into it and (b) it was actually very comfortable. 

Here’s how to put on a shaper correctly…

• Gather the garment from the sides like you would a pair of tights
• Step into the shaper one foot at a time and then gently roll it up
• Secure the crotch against your body and then pull the legs down to mid-thigh/knee (depending on the style)
• Adjust the waistband so it rests comfortably at you natural waist or under your bust for high waist styles
• Adjust seams/panels so that they are sitting straight 

Remember, always step into shapewear, even if it’s a camisole or tank!

As shapewear evolves to overcome women’s key objections, more and more women are choosing to incorporate shaping garments into their daily wardrobes.  And why not?  If it makes us feel better about ourselves and more confident in our clothes, there’s no reason it shouldn’t replace our regular undies!

So to help you discover the latest and greatest in shapewear, here are the top shapewear trends for 2012:

• Shapewear focused on comfort as well as functionality, such as:

Moisture-wicking fabrics to keep you cool and dry all day long – this technology is either knitted right into the fabric, or the fabric itself is treated to wick moisture away from the skin

• Shapewear designed with natural fibers such as cotton  to add comfort and a soft touch
• Wellness features such as muscle toning or posture support so that your shapewear offers added-value benefits to improve your well-being long term (in addition to the instant slimming benefit)
• Pretty fabrics to add a feminine touch (forget those Bridget Jones knickers – shapewear can be feminine as well as shaping!)

Seamless shapewear that offers ultimate smoothing as well as shaping, while also providing a more flexible fit that adjusts to more body types (which also means it’s more comfortable)

“Meant to be seen”  shapewear – from leggings to tank tops to dresses – these pieces are worn as everyday clothing with the shaping built right in

Do you have a favorite style?  Let us know by commenting here or on our Facebook page! 

*Women’s Attitudes Towards Hosiery and Shapewear US, October 2011 – Mintel Group

Have a good body shaper story? Let us know how ShaToBu body shapewear and body slimmers have changed your life for the better!