Get in shape

Shapewear has become a billion dollar industry during the last 10 years, and it continues to grow as more women (and men) add it to their apparel.

For tight-fitting clothes and slinky fabrics, a shapewear foundation garment can give you a confidence boost by helping smooth and contour your silhouette.Shapewear sculpts your figure to highlight natural curves, especially when wearing tight-fitting clothing. Initially, because of its tight, compressive nature, shapewear gained a reputation for being uncomfortable, however advances in recent years have alleviated much of that.

Various combinations of elastane (spandex) and polyamide (nylon) are usually combined to provide compression and softness. Some brands offer a range of compression levels, from gentle shaping to firm contouring.

The design of a garment also plays a role—styles with strategically placed seams and intricate panels offer more noticeable lifting and shaping. Various options are available, from full body suits to high-waisted panties, and the popular high-waisted long leg shorts. Which option to use will depend on what will be worn over it. For example, a control shift that sits just below the bra line works well under a dress, and control panties under trousers, or a slim-fitting skirt.

High-waisted and bodysuit options are available in a variety of cuts, from thong to bikini to bike shorts. Among the most versatile are the high-waisted long leg shorts, worn under dresses, skirts and trousers.

The shorts sit just below the bra line and extend to just above the knees, providing smooth seamless lines from torso to upper leg. The waist provides extra tummy control, with side panels for slimming and pockets in the back to provide lift and prevent ‘uni-bum’.