Here it is, the moment you have all been waiting for! A post specifically dedicated to shapewear and undergarments. This is arguably my most requested post and the question that I am asked the most. What shapewear do I use and how do I achieve such a smooth foundation. Having a great foundation is essential to any outfit. MANY women wear shapewear, not just plus size women, because of its ability to firm and enhance a woman’s body. Over the years, I have gone through various brands and I have finally honed in on some of my favorites. Before I reveal them though, I want to debunk some common myths about shapewear.
- Size down for more “snatch-edness”. Ok so I know that is not a word but you get the point. Everybody these days is trying to be snatched to the gawds right?! In the age of waist trainers and corsets, many think that if you get a smaller size, it will only make your waist look smaller. That could not be further from the truth. Waist trainers and shapewear are two completely different things. Sizing down in your shapewear will only cause bulging, visible lines and most of all discomfort! Y’all do know breathing is essential to life? Ok so give your body a break and purchase the appropriate size for your weight.
- Shapewear is uncomfortable. I used to be one of these people for sure. I would DREAD putting on my spanx. In fact it would leave me out of breath just trying to put those suckers on! But this goes back to the first point and realizing that I wasn’t buying the correct size for me nor was I wearing forgiving fabrics which contributed to the discomfort.
- All shapewear is made equal. No, no and no! Did I say no? The saying “you get what you pay for” couldn’t be more true in this case. Just because various brands of shapewear look the same and claim to do the same things does not mean they all do. If the price tag is cheap, chances are its cheaply made and it will not last. I’m not talking about spending a lot of money here because trust me I am frugal myself. However, with something that you will get a lot of wear out of, a $60-$70 investment is worth it.
Shapewear Favorites
Update: this particular one doesn’t seem to be available anymore. The product that is the closest to this in description and look can be found here.
This Maidenform Firm Control Seamless Long Leg Open Bust Shaper is my all time favorite. I wear this one more than half of the time because it provides the support that I need and it is super comfortable to wear. Often times I tuck the straps in so that it doesn’t stick out of my dresses or tops and it still holds firm. It also helps to smooth my legs and the hem doesn’t show through on most fabrics.
This Spanx ‘Thinstincs’ High Waist Shaper is also a favorite of mine. I have been a long time fan of Spanx and truly feel as though they are still one of the best in the business. I wear this one when I need slightly more firmness and suckage (again not a word but you get the point). It has a firm control center that definitely gets the job done.
Bra Favorites
It’s no secret that I am a busty girl so having a supportive bra is essential to any of my looks. I was on the hunt for a quality everyday bra that gave me the support I needed but that was comfortable as well. I definitely found it in the Smooth Balconette Bra from Lane Bryant. I literally have several of these in different colors and I just keep them in rotation. And it goes all the way up to an H cup!
Strapless Bras
Strapless bras are another item that I get asked about quite frequently. Support in a strapless bra is beyond crucial for me to feel comfortable in off the shoulder tops and dresses. My two favorites are from Lane Bryant and Curvy Couture. Here’s my tip on purchasing a strapless bra: size down in the band width. If you aren’t already aware, bra sizes come in a number and a letter. The number represents the band size, or the part that goes around your torso. The letter represents the cup size. So if you are a 42D normally, you can size down in a strapless to a 40D without your cup size changing and it will fit more snug on your torso preventing the bra from sliding down.
So there’s all of my “secrets”. I hope that you ladies found this informative and that you love these items as much as I do!
What shapewear are you wearing with the blue dress?
I’m wearing the MaidenForm
Wowww post..I totally lived reading each and every word of yours.. whether they were a word or not š
Love you!
Lol thanks!
I so love this, but what do you recommend for tummy control and to smooth out back rolls
Thanks! I would recommend exactly what I listed in this post. These are the products I use for that
Thank you for this! Oh and thanks for posting during Nords Anniversary Sale! Off to buy all the things!
Lol you are so welcome!
So much needed information, so on time for me. Thank you beautiful!
So glad that I could help! Thank you!
I am screaming in my office right now from all the EXCIMENT that your blog is Giving Me!! You look Aahmazing in all of your pics. Thanks so much for sharing and keeping all of Us curvy girls on trend?
Awww thanks so much Tunesia!! Your comment gave me life! lol Appreciate the love
OMG, definitely needed this. I’ve been doing shape-wear all wrong!
So glad that I could help Hannah!
THANK YOU Kristen for sharing your secrets!!! Before following your blog, I was not into shape wear and undergarments as I am now. I wear them everyday. You have helped me gain my confidence back and I embrace my thickness and curves like never before!
You are so welcome and thank you so much for your message. I am so happy to hear that I could help you and I appreciate the love!
any suggestions for a minimizer bra?
You know what to tell you the truth, I haven’t had much luck with minimizer bras. I feel like they do nothing. The difference that I have noticed is when I was actually fitted for a bra and found out my size was completely different than what I had been wearing. People actually asked me if I had lost weight when wearing the right size bra (which I didn’t lol). So I think the best thing with all undergarments is to get the correct size
You are everything for this post, I can’t thank you enough! ?
Aww thank you! So glad I could help!
you are the best. I’ve been wanting to ask you for the longest but didn’t want to be all in your business lmao. PS. Closet sale soon? lol
LOL! Girl I don’t care at all. You could have asked me a long time ago. And I am still recovering from the last sale haha. I will be sure to let you know though
Thank you for this post! I was just looking for videos/posts about shape wear yesterday. What do you use if you are wearing something shorter?! I hate how my tummy hangs in short dresses/Skirts and have been looking for some help.
You’re welcome! I usually don’t wear too many short things. I live for a good knee length so typically that is not a problem for me. If I am wearing something a bit shorter, I just hike it up as much as I can to ensure it doesn’t show
Thank you so much for this post!! It has truly helped me!!! My question the size on the packaging for height and weight are normal correct?
You are so welcome! Yes the sizing is pretty accurate so use that as a guide