For more than two centuries, traditional shapewear has been synonymous with rigidity and pressure marks on women's bodies, while the pursuit of beauty has often come at the expense of comfort. Fortunately, brands like Shapellx are designing products like a bodysuit with tummy control that are not only functional, but also comfortable and fashionable! 

Today, women prioritize dressing for their own satisfaction, making comfort more important than ever. Therefore, shapewear has evolved to meet the needs of women of all ages and life stages. In this guide, we cover how to find the right size and fabric to maximize comfort without sacrificing style, as well as all the secrets to choosing the ideal shapewear size for your specific needs, ensuring comfort and effectiveness in shaping your figure.

Taking measurements incorrectly is the main cause of discomfort and disappointing results when wearing shapewear.

• Maintain an upright but natural posture while measuring.

• Breathe normally, without holding your breath, as this can affect your lower back measurements.

• Avoid measuring yourself after eating, as your abdomen may be more distended.

• Avoid taking your measurements during your period, as fluid retention is common.

• Make sure the measuring tape is level around your body, without twisting at any point.

• Write down all measurements accurately to refer to when purchasing.

• Compare your measurements to each brand's specific sizing chart, as there may be significant variations between manufacturers.

• If you are in between sizes, it is recommended to choose the larger size.

• Use a flexible measuring tape, preferably made of fabric or soft plastic that can adapt to the curves of your body without adding additional tension. Avoid using rulers or rigid tape measures.

• Stand in front of a full-length mirror to better visualize your body shape and ensure the tape measure is positioned correctly.

• Take measurements wearing only lightweight underwear or very tight-fitting clothing. Bulky clothing will add extra inches and skew the results.

• If possible, ask someone to help you take measurements, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

Body shapers are typically measured by pant size, although this can vary between manufacturers or garment types. For example, if you wear a size 10 pant, it could correspond to a size M in shapewear according to some brands, but this is not universal.

• The color of the shapewear (nude, black, cocoa)

• The type of fabric (latex or other materials)

• The specific model (sports, post-surgical, shaping)

Therefore, always consult the size chart for the specific product you're considering purchasing, as ranges can vary significantly between collections.

⚠️ Disclaimer: Don't be tempted to choose a smaller size in search of greater compression. This decision, while appealing for more noticeable immediate results, often results in uncomfortable and ineffective experiences.

This is the most important measurement for determining your body shaper size. Locate the narrowest part of your waist, usually just above your belly button and below your ribs. Wrap the tape measure completely around it, like a belt. The measurement should be snug but not dig into your skin or too tight.

Measure the circumference at the fullest part of your hips, approximately 8 inches below your natural waistline—usually the fullest part of your buttocks. The tape should completely surround this area without excessive tension.

If you're considering an underwire push-up bra, measure the full circumference at the fullest part of your bust, usually at the nipples. This measurement will help you determine your cup size (from A to DDD).

Measure the circumference of your torso just below your breasts, above your ribs. This measurement will help you determine your bra size (from 32 to 42) and is also especially useful for bodysuits and full-body shapewear.

For full-body shapewear, measure from the base of your neck (where it meets your shoulders) to the top of your hips. This will help you determine if the length of the body shaper is right for you.

There are different levels of compression tailored to specific needs:

Recommended primarily for post-surgical use. These body shapers are designed to aid in recovery, but are not suitable for prolonged daily use. Ideally, these garments should be worn between 4 and 8 hours a day, always combined with a balanced diet and exercise. Never choose a post-surgical shaper without first consulting your physician. Specialists offer personalized guidance based on the type of surgery performed and your specific needs.

Perfect for body shaping or for special occasions. It offers moderate support without sacrificing comfort, making it the most suitable option for beginners in the world of shapewear.

However, many brands do not provide clear information about their compression levels, limiting themselves to offering generic sizes (S, M, L, XL), without considering that all bodies are different, and that every body is beautiful and deserves to be celebrated.

Each type of shapewear is designed to target specific areas, depending on your body type: If you have an apple-shaped body, you need more abdominal support; if you have a pear-shaped body, you need tummy control shorts; and if you have an hourglass figure, you should seek balance between the waist and bust.

Without a proper understanding of the type of garment, you could end up with an unwanted body contour, especially if you use it after surgical procedures.

For special occasions such as parties or weddings, there are options designed to be invisible under tight dresses. Seamless slip-style are perfect for these cases, offering shaping without compromising the aesthetics of the outfit.

• Discomfort or marks on the skin.

• The body shaper rolling or slipping (in this case, try a smaller size or a model with a better fit in strategic areas).

⚠️ Friendly Reminder: The ideal shapewear should allow you to breathe normally while providing the necessary support without causing significant discomfort. Under no circumstances should it impede your vital functions, such as digestion and circulation, or everyday movements such as sitting.

Latex: Ideal for short sessions, where you're looking for a thermal effect and sweating. Perfect for exercise or physical activities, but not for extended use.

Powernet: Offers superior breathability and structural support, allowing for longer wear without irritation. Recommended for postpartum recovery and daily shaping.

Mixed shapers: These combine the benefits of both materials, but still have time limitations (6-8 hours recommended).

Jessymar Daneau Tovar (@letroupe)