Why Does Shapewear Make Me Look Fatter?

The right shapewear is terrific for enhancing your self-esteem and confidence. At times, the opposite could happen where you feel like shapewear gives you a body that looks bigger than usual. So, why does shapewear make me look fatter?

Why So? 

A couple of things could make you feel and look fatter than you are when wearing shapewear. You need to be aware of them to avoid and make the most out of your shapewear. Sometimes you want to add extra skin/weight temporarily; what do you do?

shapewear in nude color

1. Get the Right Fit

If you don’t know your exact current size – especially when buying the first time – it’s advisable to go to a store to fit several styles and brands. Do you want to wear shapewear with a particular dress? Bring it with you to the store. What if I can’t make it to the store? Perform a quick waist and hip measurement to help you find the right size. (1)

While at it, remember to be realistic when shopping for shapewear. While you can count on it to smooth out lumps and attain a sleeker silhouette, don’t go down a shapewear size. It could be the reason you are feeling and looking fatter than you are. Note that a smaller shapewear size won’t necessarily help you get into a more petite dress. It will work against you. In an attempt to size down for that extra firmness, you will have a body bigger than usual. You’ll end up with ugly bulges and untold discomfort.

At the same time, don’t wear shapewear that is so big that it beats the very logic of investing in it. Too big shapewear will fail to serve its purpose and make you look fatter.

before and after wearing a shapewear

You Are Looking At Possible Health Issues

Besides having a body bigger than you are, shapewear that’s too tight could result in health issues. Every time you put on too tight shapewear, you risk compressing your organs and nerves. You may begin to complain of numbness and tingling in the thigh region – from the hips to the knee. While there are other causes of these problems, restrictive clothing like too tight shapewear could be blamed.

2. Wrong Choice of Material

Most shapewear items come with panels made of thicker fabric and tighter weaves. The goal is to lift or hold in your trouble areas. The thicker the material and the higher the nylon content, the greater the chances of the shapewear garment altering your shape.

As you go shopping, have these three things in mind;

  • Lighter shapewear pieces made using a thinner fabric or cotton/spandex provide general smoothing.
  • Medium shapewear garments provide support and smoothing.

So, it all melts down to your very reason for buying shapewear at that moment in time. Do you desire to add volume, bulk, or get rid of it?

Wrapping Up

Shapewear pieces are functional garments for giving you the much-needed temporary body transformation for different occasions. Making the most out of it means choosing the suitable material (based on your body goals) and getting the right fit. Too small or bigger wear could be why you feel fatter than you are. If you don’t wish to add bulk, choose lighter shapewear, and if you wish to add volume, strong construction and medium shapewear garments will give you the body you desire.





References
(1) waist and hip measurement – https://www.healthline.com/health/waist-to-hip-ratio

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Maggie Walker
Maggie Walker

Certifications: Fashion Design (BA)
Education: School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Lives In: Chicago
Maggie has invaluable experience working in the fashion industry. Regarding fitting and clothing, only a select few can match up with her experience.
She oversees every aspect and has put her heart and soul into MadisonPlus.

Articles: 125

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