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To wear or not to wear shapewear?

Before and After BMI

January 30, 2017

To wear or not to wear shapewear?

If you’re working on getting fit, you may have wondered whether you should invest in shapewear while you advance toward your goal. Many different companies make shapewear, and although most of the people who use it are women, some businesses also make shapewear designed for men. If you’re deciding whether or not to invest in this product, take a look at these shapewear pros and cons.

Woman pointing to weight loss diagram near shapewear images

What is shapewear?

Shapewear is an undergarment that uses elastic or rigid fabrics cut into a specific pattern. The result is a garment that naturally nips and tucks the body,and can also help improve your posture.

There are different levels of shapewear, depending on whether you’re looking for an ultra or light slimming effect. Shapewear is available for any area you’d like to improve, from tummy- or thigh-focused garments to pieces that offer an overall slimming effect. You can buy briefs, camisoles and tights, as well as other undergarments. For overall slimming, a full bodysuit can even be an option.

A rack of shapewear garments

Should you wear shapewear?

The answer to this question depends on you as an individual and what you’re comfortable doing. That said, here are some pros and cons to help you decide if shapewear is right for you.

Pros

Slimmer appearance
Shapewear can definitely be effective in helping you look as though you’ve lost several inches where you need it most. You’ll look sleeker and slimmer when you’re wearing it, and it can also accentuate curves where you want them.

Positive motivation
Shapewear can give you an idea of how you might eventually look as you work toward your fitness goals, which may give you the motivation you need to keep going.

Greater confidence
Shapewear essentially provides an instant body makeover that may give you a boost of confidence when you look in the mirror or receive positive comments about your appearance. Positivity can lead to healthier choices and therefore encourage your weight loss success!

A close-up of the zipper of a beige shapewear garment

Cons

Possible discomfort and other physical issues
If you choose shapewear that’s too tight, you may experience tingling and numbness in the compressed region, and could also develop acid reflux or an upset stomach if your shapewear is too tight in the midsection. It’s important to get a good fit and make sure you’re not squeezing yourself too tightly.

Feeling heavier
Some people find that shapewear actually makes them feel heavier if they have to struggle to fit themselves into the garment. This feeling can also occur when you take off your shapewear and find your body looks the same as it did before.

Cost
If you’re planning on using shapewear frequently, you’ll need to buy multiple pieces, which can quickly get expensive – especially if you’re wearing full body shapers.

If you think you may want to try shapewear, test out a single piece and see how you look and feel while you’re wearing it. You may find it gives you some added motivation, but if it’s too uncomfortable or you don’t feel confident, you’ll only be out the cost of one piece.

To learn more about shapewear pros and cons while working on a weight loss plan, contact BMI of Texas.