If you’ve followed my journey for a while, you know that I spend about 90% of my life in high-waisted gym shorts and sports bras. As a bodybuilding mum of two, I’ve seen my body go through every possible season of life and back again. I’ve had the realisation of growing a human in my belly, to the post-partum distress of wondering where my abs went, the shredded-for-competition phase, and the comfort of off-season curves.
Having Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, I have loose, stretchy and squishy skin that bulges around my back, bra and hips no matter my weight on the scales. But a secret that fashionistas and runway models alike don’t always shout about, when their clothes come off their secret weapon comes out. Shapewear!
Before you think of those suffocating Victorian corsets or the beige girdles that our grandparents used to rock, let’s get things straight. Modern shapewear isn’t about hiding who you are, but highlighting the hard work that you’ve put in and giving you that extra confidence boost when you look in the mirror.
What’s All The Hype About?
The popularity of shapewear has undoubtedly skyrocketed lately, and for good reason. It’s all about creating an instant, sleek silhouette. You know that gorgeous midi dress that shows absolutely every single line of your underwear that you’ve considered going commando? Or that silk skirt that clings in all of the wrong places and hasn’t seen the light of day for years? Shapewear saves us from such wardrobe malfunctions and conveniently smooths everything out for a flawless figure.
The biggest misconception about shapewear is that it feels like torture. As someone who deals with the compression of tight lifting belts, modern shapewear is an absolute dream. The fabric technology of today is so incredibly breathable and stretchy, feeling more like a firm second skin than a sweaty, stiff bin bag that leaves you gasping for air.
Shapewear Is For Every Body
What I love most, as a mother of two, is that shapewear doesn’t care what age or stage of life you’re in. It’s literally a secret weapon for everyone. After having my two children, my midsection had a mind of its own for quite a few years, for which shapewear gave me the support give that my core needed when it felt weak, allowing me to feel a little more like myself again in my pre-pregnancy clothes.
For those who are going through a body transformation when clothes tend to fit a little awkwardly, shapewear silently bridges the gap, holding things in place and giving you definition while your body finds its new shape and balance. Even with an athletic figure, sometimes you just want that streamlined, snatched look under a cocktail dress that muscle mass alone doesn’t provide.
From 20-somethings hitting the club to mature ladies heading to a summer wedding, confidence undeniably has no expiration date! When we feel tucked in and smooth, we naturally stand a little taller. Many pieces also conveniently offer back support for better posture, as well as preventing chaffing and rubbing which is a win win scenario for all.
My Top Pick: The FeelinGirl Deep V-Neck Bodysuit
A shapewear brand that I personally love is FeelinGirl and their deep v-neck shapewear bodysuit which I have in red. The deep v-neck means that you can wear it under lower-cut tops without looking like you’re wearing clunky medical equipment, and I personally think that its beautiful enough to wear as a top in its own right.
I love how it snatches in my waist beautifully, with enough stretch that I don’t feel like a stuffed sausage waiting to burst out of the seams. It’s sleek, sexy and the perfect base layer for literally any outfit as it comes in a whole range of colours including neutrals.
We work hard for our bodies, and to love our bodies, and we all deserve to feel polished and powerful in clothing choices. If a little bit of lycra helps you to walk into a room with your head held higher, then I’m all for it. So together, let’s turn the outfits that you’d usually say “I could never wear this” into “I look absolutely amazing in this” instead!
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