Expert Shapewear Advice

Shapewear: What is Light, Medium, & Firm Control

Not all shapewear is created equal. Here’s how to find the one that works best for you.

Shapewear comes in four control levels. So, which level should you choose? Think of it as a seesaw. You need to find your balance for comfort versus the results you wish to achieve.

Extra Firm Control Shapewear

When you think "extra firm," think highest possible shaping. This level gives you your maximum wow look—while knowing you’ll only be able to stand it for a few hours. This shapewear level has non-stretch fabric panels, boning, and tape—think girdle construction prior to elastic being invented. This control level primarily focused on the waist, so you will find corsets and waist cinchers in this classification. And the more body that is covered, the less chance of bulges showing up somewhere else. Size selection at this control level is extremely important. You should carefully study the size chart and select the size that will meet or exceed all of your measurements. You should never, never buy a smaller size—extra firm control that’s too small could act as a tourniquet or severely hamper your ability to breathe.

Firm Control Shapewear

For wonderful results with moderate discomfort think firm control. This control level will lift you up, smooth you out, and keep everything right where you want it. It is not ideal for all-day wear or if you’ll be doing strenuous activities. It has traditionally used two-ply fabric to create panels with large amounts of stitching—this gives targeted control. Generally, firm control is a mixture of stretchy and rigid fabrics, along with boning, and covers more of your body to target multiple areas, for example, tummy, hip, and thigh areas. Rigid fabrics can slightly reduce your body measurements but claims of reducing your body an entire dress size are simply not true. Firm control can help you fit into that dress that’s a little tight, but again, do not size down. Select the size that will contain all your measurements.

Moderate Control Shapewear

Moderate control is undisputedly the best balance between comfort and performance. Modern control shapewear lets you flaunt, smooth curves, and uplift but without sacrificing comfort—and it can be worn all day. Made of soft, stretchy, single-ply fabric, it moves and stretches in every direction without restricting you like the firmer control levels. In fact, many moderate control pieces can act as outerwear, such as shaping camisoles or shaping leggings, so there is no need to layer.

Light Control Shapewear

Light is the newest control level to hit the market. The initial thought by most women was, “Why bother? It’s not doing much.” But that’s the point. With the current form-fitting fashions, women want to avoid any type of visible line showing under their clothing. Light control shapewear provides a little more coverage, and most come with a cotton crotch, so many women are opting out of panties and into light control shape to have a smooth, comfortable look that lasts all day. And light control shapewear also reduces the jiggling look while walking.

Finally, pick your shapewear carefully. Buying something that’s small in all directions versus something that’s narrow but the right height is an important consideration. Think about it, this small item wants to return to its small, small shape on your body, so it will be shrinking down and riding up. But this garment will be holding you in while staying in place. With this new understanding of shapewear control levels, you’re sure to find the perfect shapewear pieces that will work for you.

Underneath It All: Layering Done Right

Layering your undergarments is an art — and when done right, it makes every outfit smoother, sleeker, and far more comfortable.

I think most of us have experienced the following conundrum — we want to wear panties, pantyhose, a piece of shapewear, and a slip — all at the same time.

So, in what order do we put these garments on?

First, Reduce Layers by Consolidating

Most pantyhose and shapewear now come with cotton crotches. So, you could eliminate wearing a panty altogether — with the added benefit of completely eliminating all panty lines.

Firm control pantyhose can eliminate your shapewear. Thigh high stockings can replace your pantyhose layer. Firm control panties can eliminate the need for shapewear. Some shapewear can eliminate the need for a slip.

Shapewear vs. Pantyhose

If you want to wear shapewear and pantyhose, what do you put on first? All my shapewear manufacturers agreed unanimously: pantyhose should go on first.

Why? Because most shapewear is designed with fabric that is slick. Pantyhose put on over shapewear will be chronically inching down your body and needing constant pulling up.

Consider Thigh High Stockings

Thigh high stockings with an elastic top are a great choice to consider when you want to wear hosiery but are wanting to reduce layers around your waist. Since they stop at your upper thighs, they are one less layer to have to deal with.

And, they don't need to be taken up and down during bathroom breaks — thus helping to reduce the possibility of a pantyhose run.

Another advantage to thigh highs is when wearing a bodysuit or shapewear without a crotch opening, they allow you to pull the crotch over to the side when visiting the powder room.

When a Slip Isn’t Needed

Many shapewear styles are now designed to be slick and cling-free. This eliminates the need for a slip in many situations.

When all you need is tummy control, a very comfortable choice is a shaping camisole or torsette. This allows you to have tummy control while wearing your own bra and panties.

Watch Out for Waistbands

Multiple waistbands landing in the same place on your torso can also be a problem. Panties, hosiery, and shapewear all stopping at your waist can cause breathing issues, a severe indentation, and a strange body shape with the added possibility of a muffin top.

All the more reason to reduce layers and think about items where the waist is bandless.

Final Thought

When layering, your goal should be smoothness, but also breathability and comfort so you can enjoy yourself.