Ready for a fashion truth bomb? Shapewear isn’t just about looking trimmer. While yes, many shapewear styles do provide a slimming effect, there’s more here than meets the eye. They have a bad reputation for being uncomfortable and restricting, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
A shapewear expert here at Soma®, Lauren Speed, shares that, “there are so many benefits beyond slimming the body! It doesn’t have to be constricting. It can skim the body and help create smooth lines under clothing.” And it doesn’t end there. Soma® Body is shapewear in three levels of support. Your body. Your shape. Your way. There are many different shapewear styles with unique features which means there’s truly something for everyone.
What is Shapewear?
First and foremost—what is shapewear? Shapewear is a type of undergarment that is worn under clothing, often in place of or over all types of panties, and meant to help smooth or sculpt a woman’s figure. Many provide additional outfit solutions.
Curious what those benefits may be? Among the different types of shapewear in our Soma® Body collection, Lauren calls out how “we have options that act as a great first-layer base under any outfit.” Our smoothing shorts go “beyond just smoothing or shaping. They also prevent chafing and give extra coverage under dresses. While our more compressive pieces can offer extra support, the best benefit is that it can offer the wearer extra confidence whether it’s truly shaping or just providing a little extra coverage!”
Let’s dive into the three levels of Soma® Body shapewear and see how they differ.
Level 1: Skimming
Level 1 includes our lightest level of shapewear that skims the body for a streamlined feel. All of these shapewear pieces are squeeze-free first layers that you can wear any day of the week. This includes a range of styles including the versatile smoothing shorts Lauren mentioned above to everyday panty options like briefs and high-waisted thongs from our Vanishing Tummy® line. These panties have a double-lined microfiber panel for light tummy support and stay-put soft silicone that keeps them in place—all while staying hidden under clothing.
Level 2: Smoothing
Our Level 2 shapewear has more smoothing benefits with just enough compression. You’ll find an array of different types of shapewear that include closet staples like tank tops and bodysuits to designs that are catered to specific outfits. For example, a bustless shaping slip is meant for under dresses and lets you wear whatever bra you please while focusing on smoothing the tummy, hips, and thigh areas. The no-slip design at the hem keeps it in place and prevents rolling, creating a truly seamless end result. You can expect these pieces to smooth your shape with light to moderate compression.
Level 3: Shaping
Finally, our Level 3 shapewear offers the highest amount of compression and support, for all-over minimizing and shaping in styles like briefs and shapers. For example, you’ll find a waist cincher from our Vanishing Edge® collection made with sleek compression fabric fused with ultra-thin panels that slim and sculpt the torso. This option is great for when an hourglass shape is desired, especially under formfitting frocks. Our patented Vanishing Edge® technology ensures a no ride, no roll, no show finish.
Tips on Buying Shapewear
Now that you know what shapewear is and are familiar with the different levels, how do you pick the right style (or styles) for you?
Lauren suggests taking your outfit into consideration as a good starting point: “First, think about the kinds of things you want to wear over the shapewear. Then decide how much compression you are looking for. Do you want something that just creates a smooth line under your clothes? Level 1-Skimming would be best for that. If you’re looking for true shaping compression for under a formal dress or fitted outfit, Level 3-Shaping provides the highest level of compression. If you’re looking for something in between like lighter compression for everyday wear, I would try Level 2-Smoothing.”
When is National Shapewear Day?
We love an excuse to celebrate our bodies and what better day to wear shapewear than on National Shapewear Day? National Shapewear Day is observed on August 10th and a great way to celebrate how far shapewear has come. Gone are the days where shapewear is constricting and impractical, we design shapewear that provides support and boosts confidence of the wearer.
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