How to find the perfect shapewear

Olivia Colman swears by them. Kim Kardashian wears two at a time and even created her own brand! We’re talking about shapewear, and these days, they’re as much a red-carpet staple as the gorgeous gown draped on top of them. 

From waist cinchers to tummy control pants, getting the underpinnings spot-on is a must for celebrity stylists. They know that, while the designer dress is the beautiful work of art, the shapewear is the canvas. 

With such a vital role to perform, it’s time we all made like the A-list and started investing in our shapewear collections. Building up your own personal stash means you’ll always have exactly the right piece for every occasion, from a day at the office to that special occasion you have planned. 

But before you start buying, first take an honest inventory of your lingerie drawer. As shapewear only sees the light of day for one-off events, you may find you’ve had the same tummy control underwear for longer than you’d care to remember. If so, it’s time for an upgrade. Say goodbye to those sweaty, organ-constricting fabrics you can’t wait to take off because shapewear for women has really moved on in recent years - and you may find it rocks your world. 

Today’s curve-boosting briefs, bras and bodysuits come in lightweight fabrics and they’re bursting with innovative features. The best shapewear is so comfortable you may even forget you’re wearing it, plus it’ll smooth and shape your body better than Photoshop. 

In fact, it’s easy to get hooked on their magical sculpting powers and want to wear them every day, but with that comes a problem. Which one of the many options do you really need to smooth your own personal trouble spots? Luckily, Pour Moi is here to help. 

Whether you’re a complete shapewear novice or your tummy never leaves the house without lycra, our guide will show you what pieces will work best for your body - and your wardrobe. So read on to get your shapewear dilemmas ironed out as smoothly as your gorgeous new silhouette.

Whether you’re slim or curvy, we all have bits of our bodies that we’d like to smooth out under unforgiving fabrics - and for many of us, that’s our tummies. Tummy control pants such as the Definitions Shaping Briefs can help, but the important thing to remember is not to go too small. Sizing down does not provide extra firmness and it won’t make you thin enough to fit into a dress that’s the wrong size for you. But what it will do is squeeze your flesh, causing discomfort as well as those dreaded bulges over the waistband. Going too small can also make the waistband roll down and ruin your smooth, line-free look. Choose your own dress size in shapewear and prepare to size up if you find the briefs give you any lumps or bumps.

If an outfit requires smoothing at the front but normal control briefs make you look flat in the rear, thong shapewear could be just the bum-boosting option for you. This kind of brief can also help if you find that a fuller version causes a visible line around your thighs. Our Definitions Shaping Control Thong targets your tummy with zoned control panels right where you need them most. But it also has a bonded finish for an ultra-smooth line, with absolutely no digging-in.

Thought you couldn’t wear a body-con dress? Well, a shapewear bodysuit means you shall go to the ball - and look gorgeously smooth and defined while you’re there. The Definitions Control Slip could be your secret weapon when it comes to an all-over sleek physique. While other full-body shapers come with built-in shorts, an under-dress slip won’t make you look like a wrestler, plus it’s a lot easier to manage when nature calls! Available up to a size 20, it’s great if you were looking for plus size shapewear. 

Want some killer cleavage to go with your nice clean lines? You can either wear the control slip with your favourite bra, or go for the Definitions Plunge Bra. Not only will its plunge shape support and accentuate your bust, but its deeper wings can also smooth the area from the under arm to the back, so you can enjoy your night without worrying that bra bulges will ruin your look.

It’s the age-old, Bridget Jones dilemma. You’re out on a date but the shapewear you need to feel confident under your outfit will leave you feeling distinctly unconfident in the bedroom. This situation calls for a foundation that blurs the line between lingerie and shapewear, and the Charnos Superfit Full Cup Tummy Shaper is just the thing. With pretty lace inserts and mesh detailing, firm control shapewear has never looked so good!

Find other ways to look trim, toned and tucked in all the right places, with more shapewear from Pour Moi.