I have an hourglass body, so although I have a relatively small and defined (albeit short) waist, I have a bit of a tummy. So, I’m interested a getting a body shaper to help flatten things.

What do you suggest I look out for when getting a body shaper? I’m have no clue where to start.

Also, what about thigh shapers? I’m not really sure I understand how they work...because unlike your tummy, isn’t your thigh basically round, but smooth in shape anyway?

What colour should I get? When I buy bras, I get a white and a black. But I’m not really keen on buying two body shapers since I won’t be using it all the time. In that case, would beige be the best compromise between white and black? (I’m not really big on having to colour coordinate my underwear, but I’m not sure about a black bra, beige waist cincher and white panties, even if I’m the only one who has to look at them.) Anyway, this is a seconday concern.

Thanks!

Great questions!

First, I would suggest beige for sure—least likely to show under any color/fabric. That being said, the idea behind any shaper is not to squeeze you into thinness, but to pull in and smooth out lumps/bumps for a more aesthetically pleasing look under clingy fabrics. Even if your thighs, etc. are technically smooth, under a clingy or body skimming fabric the most minor lumps/bumps can be magnified, so that’s the general idea—to mimimize that effect.

So, like anything else, it’s about getting the right size. Try it on if you can, or be sure to use size charts and measure your body to get the best fit—it should fit comfortably (well, reasonably comfortably) without squeezing (which will cause rolls at the top and bottom, which kind of defeats the purpose. Remember, it’s about smoothing for a more flattering fit - not making us two sizes smaller.

Next, figure out how extensive you want the shaping to be—meaning, depending on your tummy, will you need a shaper that extends up to the bustline (which, if you’re short waisted, might not work) or something less drastic (the only shapers I’ve used extended from mid-thigh to just under the belly button, and were perfectly sufficient to smooth out the tummy and hips).

Finally, a good shaper will be well constructed—I would look for double stitched seams and the fabric should have some stretch obviously (lyra/spandex—up to 20% I would say) but not too much—you don’t want it to stretch out of shape and be useless. Also, make sure the seams are nice and flat, or look for a seamless version.

On a budget, I would check out the ASSETS line at Target (it’s a budget line by the same folks that make Spanx, which, of course, the celebs swear by). http://www.target.com/ASSETS-Sara-Blakely-Unbelievable-Underwear/dp/B000F8EC8I/qid=1214308726/ref=br_1_10/601-2658249-0418506?ie=UTF8&node=110197011&frombrowse=1&rh;=&page=1. Hanes also makes a reasonably priced line (http://www.target.com/Hanes-Thigh-Slimmers-Black/dp/B0012ZZYBC/sr=1-7/qid=1214309431/ref=sr_1_7/601-2658249-0418506?ie=UTF8&index=target&rh=k:body shaper&page=1) that might be worth looking at.

Also, never underestimate asking your friends/family for brands, styles they like.
Hope that helps! If anyone else has suggestions . . .

I agree with Angela, but I have to add a couple of things.

Beige might be a good color to use if it matches your skin. That way, it doesn’t show under light-colored clothes. If beige doesn’t match your skin, go for a color that does match.

To get the fit right, it’s a good idea to get professionally fitted. Victoria’s Secret and the underwear departments at most department stores have fitters on hand. Best for the budget fashionista- these fittings are FREE. Once you have a good idea of what fits you, try things on. And while you’re in the fitting room, put your clothes on over the shapewear piece so that you can see how it will really look.

When choosing your shapers, look for ones that target your area/s of concern. If that’s the belly, then look for shapers that target the belly area. And be warned that the more control you get, the less comfortable the piece is likely to be.

I have to admit that I have bad associations with shapewear. I was a bridesmaid at my friend’s wedding, so I watched while she got dressed, and she wore a shaper for her torso and waist. The problem was that the shaper came open on top and the fastenings were poking her underarms, so she was very uncomfortable.

Having said that, shapewear can be amazing if it fits you properly and targets the area/s you want. Just get fitted, try things on, and make sure they work for you without being too uncomfortable.

Thanks Angela and Machazait for the great suggestions. I’ll definitely get fitted one of these days.

Update: I tried out several body shapers, like a waist cincher. So far, I haven’t found anything I really like. However, I did come across this range of hosiery called Body Slimmers by Kayser. I have a pair of opaque tights (http://www.femail.com.au/kayser-body-slimmers-opaque-tight.htm) and shaping shorts (http://www.femail.com.au/kayser-body-slimmers-shaping-shorts.htm).

I’m quite a fan of both the tights ($13) about and shaping shorts ($20, which I can use in summer to go barelegged). I reckon both are fairly inexpensive (though I got them at a 30% discount for the annual Aussie stocktale sale). Best of all, they are comfortable and provide light but sufficient control for my tummy, which is the least favourite part of my body but is just a slight bump.

Now, I wonder if there is the equivalent of these wonderful things back in USA?