The first time that I wore shapewear was a complete disaster. I needed to squeeze into a dress that was nearly two sizes too small. The stylist assured me that I'd look great if I just threw on a pair of Spanx. I figured that a small bodysuit would slim my medium-sized frame into a small, but I found out the hard way that this is not how shapewear works.
It was tough for me to get in and out of the tiny bodysuit to use the restroom, and even eating lunch was a challenge. I had lost my appetite because the ill-fitting garment had my entire midsection in a bind. After spending nearly 10 hours (without eating) in a pair of shapewear that were way too small, I ended up going home with a massive migraine and feeling woozy.
That's how I learned that sizing is everything when it comes to wearing shapewear. At first, I didn't understand how stars like Mindy Kaling and Anne Hathaway could wear the body-shaping underwear during long evenings at award shows without passing out. But now I know it's because they purchase the proper size. "I look at it like clothing is the art and Spanx shapers and smoothers are the canvas," Spanx founder Sara Blakely tells SELF. "You have to have the right canvas for the painting to turn out!" And perfectly fitting shapewear has helped so many women to smooth out their canvas.
Here’s everything you need to know so you don’t end up feeling squeezed, squished, and lightheaded in your first pair of Spanx.
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Buy the right size.
The slimming lycra in shapewear will hug your body in all of the right places, so there's no need to go down a size. If you're thinking that a smaller option will give you an extra boost, think again. The body shapers are designed to enhance your silhouette according to your true size. "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. You could also experience that annoying rolling effect if you're not wearing the right size.
Customize your shaping needs.
You can customize your look by selecting a body shaper that has more or less stretch. "We have three levels of compression: Level 1 Smooth, Level 2 Shape, and Level 3 Sculpt," says Blakely. Each level offers a more snug fit as it goes higher. You can select the level and type of body shaper you need based off of particular outfits that you have in mind. "I wear the open bust bodysuit silhouette under all dresses that have a sleeve," says Blakely. "The high-waist or regular waist mid-thigh shapers are perfect under sleeveless dresses and skirts. And Skinny Britches is my everyday smoother." That's one of their lightest products. It's tissue paper thin, and so lightweight that it feels like a second skin. "I wear it all summer instead of underwear," says Blakely.
Choose your color wisely.
The perfect color combination will depend on two things: your outfit and your complexion. If you have darker skin and are wearing a look that has light fabric, look for shapewear in black or cocoa. Lighter skin tones should wear a bare-hued bodysuit underneath thin garments. The black option also works well on all complexions with darker outerwear. And if you want to spice things up, you can. "For 15 years women have been flashing me their Spanx," says Blakely. "So I decided to make it more fun and offer a variety of colors and prints from coral crush to limeade."
Clean them properly.
Most body shapers are made to be worn as underwear, so you'll need to wash them after each use. Instead of throwing your shapewear in the washer and dryer, which can be harsh on the delicate fabric, gently use your hands to clean them. Don't forget to lay them flat to dry, and make sure you're not twisting or wringing them out during the process as this will cause them to lose their shape.
Shapewear can easily become your best friend when worn properly. Wearing shapewear is a personal preference, but if you want to give it a try these tips will help you rock them like a pro.
