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4 Rookie Shapewear Mistakes You Should Avoid
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Beauty


4 ROOKIE SHAPEWEAR MISTAKES YOU SHOULD AVOID

Say hello to your new best friend.

By Alexis Bennett

June 19, 2016

Spanx.com / Illustration by Jocelyn Runice



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.



Related: Emilia Clarke Parodied Her ‘Game Of Thrones’ Character While Looking
For Lost Spanx

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.

WATCH



10 Minutes Of Guided Meditation For Motivation







SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information
published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for
medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a
healthcare professional.

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