The Scoop on Shapewear

*This post is not sponsored by any of the products or companies mentioned therein.*

A beautiful silhouette is something a lot of women (and men) strive for, however not all of us can achieve that. So what do we do? We turn to our good friend shapewear. Now let me tell you, I do not have an hour glass shape. Would I like one? Maybe, but not as extreme as Ethel Granger, who had a 13 inch waist.

This undated image of Ethel Granger shows an impossibly small waist that she had strived for her entire married life as it was an image her husband found most attractive.

Originally women achieved this hourglass look with corsets. Elizabeth Swan in Pirates of the Caribbean said it best when told that corsets were the latest fashion in London, “Well, women in London must have learned not to breathe.”

Corsets are still in high demand and some are referred to as waist trainers, whatever they may be called, you want to find a corset that fits properly and allows you to still move as normally as possible. You can always go smaller, but you have to do it in stages. Like drinking, it’s in moderation.

We have all been exposed to the other forms of shapewear out there, from control top panty hose to Spanx. Do they all work as claimed, that’s in the eye of the wearer. I have tried a few brands and the one I like best is from Shapermint.com. They have a line of products for most body types and sizes. Ranging in colors of white, black and beige. Their products also range from bras and panties to tanks, shorts and leggings.

I find that it smooths my silhouette but doesn’t restrict my movements. The products are washable and breathable. Are they going to make me look statuesque, no, but they are providing me a confidence to wear clothing that flatters me better and not hide in my clothes.

Clothing is something that should flatter us in fit, style, color and design, not something we should use to disguise our perceived flaws. We are each unique and this extra little layer can do wonders for how we feel.

Wouldn’t you like to wear that devastating LBD and killer heels? Would the cigarette pants and fitted top? Shaperwear may just be that little push to overcoming self doubt.