How to Select Shapewear for Your Body Type

Everybody has their own unique curves. There isn't one firm compression shapewear piece that fits every woman perfectly. Women's shapewear has one simple job: to support your natural shape instead of squeezing you uncomfortably. In this guide, we'll help you to understand and identify your body shape, and introduce everyday shapewear to different figures. 

How to Get Your Body Measurements

Before shopping for shapewear, it helps to know your body proportions and shape. Want to measure yourself easily and correctly? Just follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Put on tight-fitting clothes or underwear. Grab a non-stretchy soft measuring tape. Stand relaxed and look into a mirror.

Step 2: Wrap the tape flat around the widest part of your shoulders — the outer edge of your shoulder bones. This is your shoulder width.

Step 3: Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your bust, usually level with your nipples, to get your bust size.

Step 4: Find the narrowest spot on your waist when standing normally, roughly 2–3 cm above your belly button. Measure your waist here.

Step 5: Wrap the tape around the widest, curviest part of your hips and pelvis to get your hip measurement.

How to Accurately Identify Your Body Shape

After taking measurements, record and compare your numbers. You can categorize your figure into one of these common body shapes:

Hourglass: The difference between bust and hip measurement is within 2.5 cm, and the waist is 20 cm or more smaller than both bust and hips. This is the classic curvy body shape.

Pear: Full hips and thighs with relatively narrow shoulders and bust, paired with a slim or softly defined waist.

Apple: A heavier upper body; waist measurement may even be close to or larger than bust and hip measurements.

Rectangle: Shoulder, waist and hip measurements are very similar. There is no obvious waist curve, creating a straight silhouette overall.

Inverted Triangle: Shoulders or bust are noticeably wider than the hips, with a relatively slim lower body. 

Best Shapewear Solutions for Each Body Type

Once you know your body type, you can better identify which shapewear suits your needs. Different styles target different areas. For example, waist cinchers focus on the waist and abdomen, shaping shorts provide support for the thighs and hips, while full-body shapers offer more comprehensive coverage from the torso to the hips. So, read the following section to understand what shapewear you are suitable. 

Hourglass Figures

The hourglass shape is widely loved for its natural curves. If this is your body type, don’t look for shapewear to change your shape. Your goal is to keep your natural proportions and smooth your body lines.

If you want smoother lines with no marks under tight clothes, these styles work best for hourglass bodies:

l High-Waisted Shaper Shorts: They fit well around your belly and upper thighs. They flatten your lower belly and smooth the area where hips meet thighs. They stop tight lines and visible underwear marks. They are great with pencil skirts or slim-fit pants.

l Full-Body Bodysuits: Go for bodysuits with light to medium compression and wireless or open bust designs. They smooth side boob, back fat, extra waist flab and your belly all at once. They keep your bust and hips’ natural full curves intact. 

Pear-Shaped Bodies

Pear-shaped bodies typically have a slimmer waist and fuller hips and thighs. The right shapewear can smooth the lower-body silhouette and create a more balanced look under fitted pants, skirts, and dresses. Here are several recommended styles:

l High-Waisted Mid-Thigh Shorts: These shorts provide coverage from the waist to mid-thigh, helping smooth the thighs and reduce friction. Butt-lifting panels offer extra support for a naturally rounded shape.

l Seamless Shaper Shorts: With a high-waisted fit and seamless edges, these shorts smooth the waist, abdomen, and thighs. They work well under jeans, pencil skirts, and fitted dresses while helping prevent visible lines and rolling hems. 

Apple-Shaped Bodies

Apple-shaped figures typically have a fuller midsection, with more volume around the waist and abdomen. The right shapewear can smooth the tummy area and create a more streamlined silhouette under fitted dresses, tops, and trousers.

l Tummy Control Shorts: The shorts provide targeted compression around the abdomen and waist while smoothing the hips and upper thighs. The high-waisted design helps create a flatter look under fitted clothing.

l Full-Body Shaper Bodysuit: A full-body shaper offers broader coverage across the torso, helping smooth the waist, abdomen, and hips. Adjustable straps and breathable fabric can improve comfort for all-day wear. 

Rectangle / Athletic Figures

Rectangle or athletic figures typically have similar measurements across the shoulders, waist, and hips, with less waist definition. Shapewear can help smooth the silhouette and create a more defined waistline under fitted outfits.

l Waist Cincher: A waist cincher focuses on the midsection, providing compression around the waist and abdomen. It works well under dresses and fitted tops when you want a more defined waistline.

l Shaping Bodysuit: A shaping bodysuit smooths the torso and hips, creating a seamless base under clothing. Styles with contoured panels can add definition to the waist while maintaining a comfortable fit. 

Inverted Triangle Figures

Inverted triangle figures typically have broader shoulders and a fuller upper body with narrower hips. Shapewear that smooths the waist and hips can help create a more balanced silhouette under fitted clothing.

Padded Butt-Lifting Shorts: These shorts have padding or shaping panels built in. They add gentle volume and shape to your hips and rear. It’s a simple way to get a more balanced look under fitted dresses and pants. 

Nebility: Embrace Your Unique Beauty with Confidence

Nebility believes beauty has no single standard. No matter what body type you have, you deserve to show off your charm freely. We offer a wide range of shapewear for men and women of all body shapes, including light compression daily styles, medium compression smoothing styles and firm control styles. They are carefully designed to target different areas such as the waist, abdomen, hips, thighs, back and chest. While creating smooth body curves, our shapewear also focuses on breathable fabric and all-day comfort, without tight, squeezing feelings.

You do not need to change yourself just to fit mainstream beauty standards. Pick the right shapewear for your body. It works as a simple base layer to gently smooth your silhouette and helps you feel confident for work, parties, formal dinners and many other occasions. Nebility does not aim to create the same "perfect figure" for everyone. Instead, we help you embrace your unique body shape, move freely and confidently own your one-of-a-kind beauty.