Losing weight can be a tedious and time-consuming task. Sometimes diet and exercise can make it happen, but you may end with belly pooch or thigh fat. Stubborn fat pockets in these areas usually don’t respond to even rigorous workouts. But there is a way to fake instant toned thighs and a flatter abdomen – using shapewear.
Slimming, stretchy undergarments can help you go down a dress size and make your body seem smaller and firmer. This doesn’t mean buying tight shapewear. You need to choose the right shapewear that fits your body and makes you feel comfortable. Here are some tips to help you choosing the right shapewear for you:
- Consider the fabric: These wonder-garments now come in a wide array of styles and fabrics. They are typically made of nylon and spandex, both synthetic fabrics that don’t breathe. These may be suitable for colder climates. Bur in the warmer months, you prone to sweat, which means that cotton blend shapewear would be a better option.
- Watch out for skin irritation: Skin irritation is the most common problem that can occur with shapewear, especially if you have sensitive skin and you wear the garment for a long time. Skin irritation can cause chafing and turn your skin red and itchy. Health Essentials recommends you take a break from wearing the garment if it is irritating your skin. You can try a larger size or another brand after your skin clears up. Keep your shapewear clean with frequent laundering.
- Size really matters: When you are buying shapewear, never choose a small size. This might lead to bulges, fat spills and discomfort. If it’s too tight around the lower body, it can restrict blood flow to the legs. Likewise, if you buy a size bigger than your actual size, shapewear would lose its purpose and will not hide those pesky bulges or lumps. So make sure you choose the right size when you shop for shapewear. One rule of thumb: “It if makes a mark, it’s too tight”(health.clevelandclinic.org).
- Pregnancy and Shapewear: If you’re pregnant, you can ask your doctor about using special maternity shapewear. Wearing maternity shapewear daily is fine for women if they are comfortable. It might help some women with varicose veins, which can be uncomfortable when standing, and also provide support to lift the uterus off the cervix and ease pain.
Use common sense when buying shapewear. Stop wearing the garments if they irritate your skin, and don’t wear them for extremely long periods of time or sleep in them.
