Party season is upon us and in the cruel twist of fate that is Christmas, we need to wriggle into our LBD’s whilst simultaneously overindulging in food and booze. Fortunately shapewear today is a far cry from the big ‘Bridget Jones pants’ we (and our partners) were subjected to some years ago, instead high-tech, functional, directional and even attractive shapewear sets the foundation for every jaw-dropping style statement.
Resultwear
Tired of lousy shapewear that doesn’t give back the results you desire? Meet Resultwear. Arguably the most attractive shapewear around, every piece is designed to lift, sculpt, and smooth the silhouette all without the need of a bra or underwire. Breathable performance fabrics that smooth, firm and shape problem areas while enhancing a woman’s best assets make this brand of shapewear just perfect for making the most of your best evening dress. You can purchase Resultwear at net-a-porter.com.
Maidenform
Maidenform is a household name for any woman wanting superior function and fit from their lingerie. The brand offer all the usual pieces you would expect to see from a loungewear range; thigh slimmers, bodysuits and slips but I particularly love this pretty high waisted brief which is so on trend right now but also offer support for troublesome tums. Buy Maidenform shapewear from asos.com.
Spanx
Likely the most recognised brand of this kind, Spanx paved the way for shapewear the world over. Stars wouldn’t be seen dead on the red carpet without a pair of those ugly high-waisted thigh shaper shorts under their gowns, and so the revolution began. Today however, Spanx has matured into a bit of a super-brand even offering pretty slips with lace detailing like the ‘Haute Contour’ piece below. Shapewear to be seen in? Yes please. Buy your Spanx at net-a-porter.com.
Fashion Forms
Not strictly shapewear but fantastic if you are planning on going down the plunging front, backless dress route, this bodysuit from Fashion Forms is just what you need. Each piece is designed with the risqué dress styles so popular today. With Fashion Form, you can wow the crowds in the confidence of knowing everything is staying put where it should! Buy from asos.com.
Wolford
Known best for luxury hosiery, Wolford also have a full range of desirable shapewear. Similar to the attention for detail shown with this company’s tights, the ‘Forming stretch-tulle bodysuit’ is trimmed with velvet for comfort and luxurious style, while the stretch-tulle is designed to offer a smooth appearance under clothes. I love the low scoop of the neck, ideal for teaming up with your favorite bra. Buy at net-a-porter.com.
Pretty Please
Online retailer of hosiery, Tights Please have released their own line of lingerie and shapewear named, Pretty Please. The brand are confident that the pieces rival Spanx and Trinny & Susannah shapewear and at prices starting from only £14.99 I’d say it’s worth the gamble. Shop Pretty Please here.
Yummie Tummie
If you have watched The Real Housewives Of New York City you will be familiar with Heather Thomson, founder of Yummie Tummie. The pretty shapewear is not only great for being seen (try the ‘Romie’ below and show off a little glimpse of that lace) but it is designed to avoid the ‘roll up’ you can get with other brands. Oh, it also claims to eliminate approximately 5lbs off your appearance! Buy Yummie Tummie shapewear at net-a-porter.com.
Simply Gok Wan
If you particularly need a supportive underwire bra with integrated body shaping it is worth taking notice of Gok Wan‘s range of shapewear. With bodysuits and slips up to a G cup you get ‘banger boosting’ effects with a sexy silhouette. Perfect. Shop Simply Gok Wan at simplybe.co.uk.
Elomi
For the super curvy women out there a top brand is Elmoi lingerie. They offer a couple of shapewear pieces in their ‘Curve’ collection including this thigh shaper brief which sculpts from the bra downward, and creates a smooth hourglass shape. It comes in size M up to 6XL, shop at House of Fraser.
Triumph
There is no denying that it is hard to find shapewear in any color other than black or nude – suited to fair skin only – which is no help to anyone of color. Fortunately Triumph do use a few tones for some of their shapewear pieces, namely a warmer caramel color and a light brown. It’s not comforting for anyone desperate to find functional dark brown shapewear but it is a start. Buy Triumph shapewear here.
For added shapewear inspiration check out our editorial ‘In The Flesh’ by James Lightbown.
What shapewear have you tried and tested? Please share your shapewear successes and failures with other readers in the comments form below.
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