Editors Note: This article was updated on 6.21.2022
I went from a size 28 to 18 and now my tummy rolls and back fat are a bit… um… UNRULY.
I keep my confidence up with foundation garments…
Some might ask if foundation garments are “body positive”. That’s a decision you have to make for yourself.
Walking into a meeting feeling self conscious about my back fat pulls my focus away from work. If sliding on some Shapewear keeps my mind on building a better future for plus size women, as I build theCURVYcon then it’s a body positive decision for me.
Here is my Guide to Flawless Shapewear & Strapless Bras:
All of the shapewear I recommend is seam-free so you wont have to worry about weird ugly lines under your clothes (trust me, it’s embarrassing).
My Shapewear collection includes:
- These smoothing panties : I wear these under jeans, dresses, and sometimes with leggings if I want a super smooth look (i.e. with a sweater in winter) I love these light weight panties because they breathe, hold me in and dont move all day. I noticed that I get such great shape because I’m not afraid to size DOWN. Yes, I buy my shapewear a size smaller than the chart says I should. I can breathe just fine… by sizing down, I really put the technology to work but I get the look I want. When you put them on, fit them around your bum and then gently pull them up over your tummy/back. When I yank them up, I end up with a wedgy and it’s NOT FUN haha.
- These smoothing shorts: Again, super light weight. These prevent inner thigh chaffing in the summer, so I often wear them under maxi dresses too. I always get these a size up from my size in the panties linked above. So, if my smoothing panties are in an XL, my smoothing shorts will be in a XXL. Why? My booty! I tried to size down in the smoothing shorts and my bum literally busted through them and I had a big hole. I guess those squats are paying off?? lol
Now here’s where it gets intense…
Most of the time when I’m really snatched, I’m wearing *deep breath* TWO PAIRS of shapewear.
Before you freak out, let me show you what it looks like. These are the foundation garments I wear consistently, I have multiple pair of each so I always have a clean pair when I need them. Hope this is helpful! xx
Smoothing Panties with Casual Look
Here I’m wearing ONE pair of These smoothing panties. I felt confident in this outfit!
Sweater Here | Pants Here | Shoes Here | Bag Here
Two Pairs of Shapewear in Everyday Look
Here I’m wearing TWO pairs of shapewear. The white pants just showed a lot more of my lady lumps than I was comfortable with, my hip dips were the thing that bothered me the most. I was actually fine with my tummy rolls with one pair of smoothing panties, but when I added the smoothing shorts too is created smooth lines on my hips and that’s why I doubled up with these smoothing shorts . It’s the same with body con dresses. If I start to see the “cutting” of my smoothing panties on my bum or hips, I’ll throw on a second pair of shorts (in the bigger size) to get rid of those lines that annoy me and I end up with a flawless smooth look. Like here:
White pants available here
Strapless Bra Cocktail Look
Now lets talk strapless bras…
Again, for me the key has been to size DOWN. I always get my back size and size down in the cup. Example: instead of a 40DD, I get a 40D. I find that this keeps the bra in place and prevents a gap in the top of the bra cup.
In this photo I’m wearing two pair of shapewear and this strapless bra
Dress is an old Jonathan Simkhai design.
Thank you so much for breaking that down!