“Plus size” can be a bit of a divisive and nebulous term. What exactly does it mean? A lot of people think that it refers to someone being overweight, but this is not always the case. Most people grow out of a size 2 when they are very young and never go back to that size again. This does not have to be a bad thing, though. In fact, there are specific fashion magazines that are dedicated to showing the beauty of women with curves.
What does “plus size” mean?
Generally, sizes 16 and above are considered plus size. There is no reason to be upset if you fit into this category… you are in very good company! It may surprise you to know that even supermodels feel insecure about their bodies. The most attractive feature you can have is a strong sense of confidence in who you are. How you look is not the be all and end all, but it does play a role in your self-image.
How can shapewear help?
You can think of shapewear as being a secret weapon to boost your confidence. When you know that you look good, it can have a profound effect upon the way that you present yourself to others. Shapewear can be defined as any undergarments that change the way your body looks. You can find shapewear in many different forms, including corsets, slimming shorts, push-up bras, and a myriad of other possibilities. Most women wear shapewear because it helps you look great, but there are other hidden benefits you might want to consider as well.
Improved posture
Anyone with chronic back pain can tell you how important it is to make sure that your lumbar region is properly supported. Your hips and lower back play a big role in ensuring that your spine is aligned correctly. This is one of the biggest reasons that many women love shapewear. You will find that stretchy compression fabric or steel “bones” are an especially good method of providing the right support you need to keep correct posture. Also, you can select shapewear that is specifically designed to help keep your shoulders back and prevent slumping.
Increased self confidence
You will appear more graceful and confident, and as a result, people around you will notice the change (even if they are not sure exactly what is different about you). They will know that something is different because they will see that you are carrying yourself in a more self-assured and assertive manner. You may notice a profound physiological effect as well. This is because when you maintain an upright posture and you feel confident in your appearance, it will become easier to stay motivated and believe that you can achieve what you set out to do. You send your brain a signal that you CAN do it, and you WILL!
Aid in weight loss
Countless women use shapewear as a tool to help them achieve better weight loss results. Since a vast majority of women feel insecure about their bellies, a high percentage of shapewear is focused on flattening the tummy and creating more of an hourglass effect. You will usually find the best results when using compression fabrics. These are tighter around the waist than regular undergarments and this leaves less extra space for your stomach to expand. As a result, you will likely find yourself eating smaller portions in order to stay more comfortable.
Fitting into old clothes
How much would you love to be able to slip into that old pair of skinny jeans or that little cocktail dress you used to rock? It can be hard to get rid of clothing that used to make you feel so good about your appearance. You can utilize shapewear as a means to help you to fit into outfits that have long been pushed to the back of your closet. You can think of it as expanding your wardrobe without buying all new clothes, by just adding a few well-made pieces of shapewear to your repertoire.
Post pregnancy benefits
No two bodies are the same, and no two pregnancies are either. Your first priority is clear: it is absolutely crucial to make sure that your baby receives the nutrients it will need in order to thrive. This means that during pregnancy, it is very important to avoid any clothing that is too restrictive (especially around the belly). The whole process of pregnancy and delivery takes a huge toll on your body, and the postpartum period is tough as well because your hormones will not be able to properly regulate themselves for a while. You might find that shapewear can help you feel more in control of your body and your appearance. It may also ease some of the discomfort associated with the recovery process, such as soreness in your ribcage or back.
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Top 10 Best Shapewear For Plus Size Women’s
There are literally thousands of shapewear options for plus-size women. This can feel very overwhelming. With so many styles and brands to choose from, how can you possibly be expected to find out which ones will be the best solution for both your current and your ideal shape? This is where the power of the internet steps in. Our team at BestShapewears.com has compiled a list of our top ten favorites for plus-sized women.
1. Spanx Tummy Control High Waist Power Shorts
At first glance, these slimming shorts look quite plain; but in reality, they are a powerful solution to many of your shaping needs. The extra high waist eliminates the “muffin top” effect, and an integrated no-slip strip means that the waistband will not slip or roll down. You can wear these shorts every day without feeling uncomfortable thanks to the breathable material. These shorts provide targeted shaping for your tummy, waist, hips, bum, lower back, and thighs, and they are short enough that you can wear them under a dress without worrying that they will be visible. They also have a double gusset that lets you use the toilet without removing the shorts.
Pros
- Comfortable enough for everyday wear
- Machine washable (cold water only)
- Opening for restroom use
Cons
- Not adjustable
- Material is prone to snagging
- Not very firm support
2. Maidenform Flexees Women’s Shapewear Romper
This shaper is a perfect choice for all over slimming of your torso. Its leg openings are comfortable and will not pinch, so it is suitable for women with large thighs. The wide straps will not dig into your shoulders, which is definitely a plus for women with larger busts. The gusset has a hook-and-eye closure to simplify your bathroom visits. One of this bodysuit’s best design features is the high back that will keep your back fat or extra curves in check. The fabric stays cool to the touch, even with extended wear.
Pros
- Leg openings are non-binding
- Wide shoulder straps
- Hook-and-eye closure at gusset
Cons
- Can be uncomfortable on underside of breasts
- Not suitable for long torsos
- Can feel constraining
3. Bali Women’s Shapewear Lace N Smooth Body Briefer
This beautifully designed and detailed body briefer has everything you need, including a built-in underwire bra that will keep you looking great in anything you choose to wear. The lacy spandex stretches across your skin to smooth out any bulges or cellulite. You can adjust the straps to ensure that it will fit properly, and the hook-and-eye gusset adds convenience for restroom visits. The gusset is also lined with cotton for extra comfort. It is hard to believe that anything this pretty actually provides support and shaping, but it is surprisingly effective.
Pros
- Stylish and sexy
- Adjustable straps
- Built-in seamless bra
Cons
- Material can be scratchy
- Bra tends to minimize smaller breasts
- Leg openings can be a little tight
4. ShaperX Women’s Waist Trainer
This waist trainer combines the flexibility of latex with the strength of steel bones, resulting in a very effective cinching garment. It is designed to make you sweat, so it is a great choice if you want more support during exercise. Because of the soft cotton lining, this feels more comfortable than one might think. The four-row hook-and-eye closure makes this garment very easy to adjust to your specific needs. It provides very firm support for the abdominal area thanks to its high-waisted design, and many women have used it after pregnancy to help them regain their former shapes. You can fit into smaller clothing than usual by using this corset to compress your tummy, and since it extends to the ribs, it means you will not have a “muffin top.”
Pros
- Very firm control
- Flexes and moves with your body
- Can adjust to your specific shape
Cons
- Not as comfortable as some alternatives
- Material does not breathe
- Has to be washed frequently
5. Burvogue Waist Trainer for Weight Loss
This faja is designed to help increase sweating in order to reduce water weight for quick results. Its double layer of latex creates a strong support that helps keep your posture straight and provides extra slimming power. You can adjust the fit thanks to hook-and-eye closure. Nine steel bones carefully sculpt your shape into a stunning hourglass figure. This has the effect of making it a great product for women in the postpartum phase that are trying to readjust their bodies to feel better and lose weight. It is especially helpful when you want to compress a flabby stomach in order to fit into a smaller-waisted dress or skirt. Many women did not recommend wearing it all day long as it can feel overly confining with extended wear.
Pros
- Very strong shaping
- Provides a beautiful hourglass figure
- Adjustable closure
Cons
- Uncomfortable during extended wear
- Absorbs sweat, creating odor
- Can feel scratchy
6. Empetua High Waist Body Shaper
These high-waisted panties create a seamless silhouette with no visible panty line, because they extend high enough upward that they will effectively shape back fat and provide slimming support for your waist. Stretchy fabric feels soft against your skin, and it also makes these panties easy to put on and take off without having to suck everything in. They even have a built-in silicone strip to prevent them from rolling down or shifting out of place. These are also machine washable. This means that you can wear them every day without having to worry about having to wash them by hand. Although they dry fairly quickly, they should only be line-dried, as the heat from a dryer will cause the silicone to break down quicker.
Pros
- No panty lines
- Very comfortable
- Will not slip out of place
Cons
- Does not provide strong support
- Leg openings run a bit small
- Does not lift your rear very much
7. Hanes Women’s Light Shapewear
These are perfect for those days when you only need light support. A nylon-spandex blend creates just the right amount of shaping without sacrificing comfort and breathability, and the gusset is lined with cotton for extra softness. The leg openings are fairly generous although they may not fit women with larger thighs. One of the biggest draws is that these are highly affordable, so you can buy several pairs without going broke. Also, they come in a convenient 2-pack which makes it easy to stock up.
Pros
- Soft, flexible material
- Easy care
- Highly affordable
Cons
- Not very strong support
- Scratchy edging material
- Panty lines
8. Gatoly Women’s Body Shaper
This garment is highly effective at smoothing out the appearance of your sides and back, which makes it a perfect go-to item for wearing under your favorite blouse. Princess seaming helps create an hourglass figure that is more natural in appearance to that created by corsets. The material provides enough compression that it will not roll up or move out of place. It covers all the way from your back to below your waistline, hitting all the problem areas in between, including your lower abdomen. This waist trainer can help improve your posture thanks to the high backed design. Since it is a shirt rather than a full bodysuit, there are no difficulties with restroom visits. Many women find this to be an ideal choice for the postpartum period.
Pros
- Perfect silhouette with no bulges
- U-shape scoop neck lifts breasts
- No annoying hooks or fasteners
Cons
- Does not support lower belly
- Not adjustable
- You still have to wear a bra
9. Nebility Women Waist Trainer
This is one of the sturdiest shapewear garments available. A three row hook-and-eye closure on the inner layer makes it easy to adjust the fit to meet your specific needs, and a zipper on the outside layer provides added security. Both shoulder straps are adjustable, so it is a highly customizable solution. The high back creates a slim profile that hides any bulges in the shoulder or armpit region. The scoop neckline ends just below your breasts, lifting your bust to deliver superior results. Powerful compression along your lower back helps encourage good posture, helping you to appear more confident and self-assured.
Pros
- Zipper closure for extra strength
- Straps are adjustable
- Lifts and supports breasts
Cons
- Zipper does not lie flat
- Too short for longer torsos
- Not very comfortable
10. Irisnaya Shapewear Bodysuit
This is one of the rare products that exceeded many women’s expectations. It provides slimming support to your abdomen and back, lifts your rear, and looks amazing when worn as a tank top. The gusset is adjustable and has hook-and-eye closure for ease in restroom usage. The rounded neckline is very flattering for most women. It is made of highly stretchy material that holds all your curves in place without feeling uncomfortably tight. Its straps are not adjustable, but they are unlikely to slip off of your shoulders due to the stretchy nature of the fabric. You can wear this bodysuit under clothing, or if you pair it with your favorite bra, it works as a stunning tank top.
Pros
- Soft, stretchy material
- One-piece design
- Gusset closure for easy toilet usage
Cons
- Minimizes the breasts
- Not very adjustable
- Material loses stretchiness over time
Conclusion
No matter what shape you are, you deserve to feel beautiful. The best thing you can do for your self-confidence is to be comfortable with the body you are in; because you might want to change some things about it, but it’s the only one you have. Shapewear can be a very fun way to help you learn to love your unique size and shape by emphasizing different features. You will love your newfound self-assurance!
Any comments or questions? Suggestions for shapewear you would like us to review? Let us know by filling out the box below. Your friends at BestShapewears.com are always here to help!
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