How to Choose the Right Shapewear Size

Nothing ruins a shapewear experience faster than choosing the wrong size. Ill-fitting shapewear can create unflattering bulges, roll uncomfortably throughout the day, or feel so restrictive that you cannot wait to take it off. This guide will teach you exactly how to measure yourself correctly and select the perfect size for every type of shapewear.

Why Proper Sizing Matters

Many women make the mistake of sizing down when purchasing shapewear, believing that tighter equals more effective shaping. This approach invariably backfires. Shapewear that is too small creates visible lines where the garment ends, causes uncomfortable digging into skin, and can actually emphasise the areas you are trying to smooth rather than minimising them.

Conversely, shapewear that is too large fails to provide adequate compression and may shift throughout the day. The key to successful shapewear is finding pieces that fit your body properly, providing firm but comfortable support without restricting movement or breathing.

Essential Measurements

Before shopping for shapewear, you need accurate measurements of your body. Ideally, measure yourself wearing only lightweight underwear, standing in front of a mirror to ensure the measuring tape remains level. Take measurements at the end of a normal exhale, not while holding your breath or sucking in your stomach.

Waist Measurement

Your natural waist is the narrowest part of your torso, typically located just above your belly button and below your ribcage. Wrap the measuring tape around this narrowest point, keeping it parallel to the floor. The tape should be snug but not tight enough to compress your skin. Record this measurement accurately, as it is crucial for waist trainers, high-waisted shorts, and bodysuits.

Hip Measurement

For hip measurement, wrap the tape around the fullest part of your buttocks and hips, typically about 20 centimetres below your natural waist. Again, keep the tape level and snug without compressing. This measurement determines the fit of shaping shorts, briefs, and the lower portions of bodysuits.

Bust Measurement

If purchasing shapewear with built-in bust support, measure around the fullest part of your bust while wearing an unpadded bra. You will also need your underbust measurement, taken directly beneath your breasts where a bra band sits. These measurements help with shaping camisoles, full-body suits, and shaping bras.

Torso Length

For bodysuits and full-body shapewear, torso length matters significantly. Measure from the top of your shoulder, over your bust, down to your crotch. This measurement ensures bodysuits fit properly without riding up or creating uncomfortable pressure on your shoulders.

Understanding Size Charts

Every shapewear brand uses slightly different sizing, which is why you should never assume your size in one brand matches another. Always consult the specific size chart for the brand and even the individual product you are considering.

Australian shapewear sizing typically corresponds to standard Australian dress sizes, but international brands may use US, UK, or European sizing. Many brands also offer small, medium, large designations alongside numerical sizes. Pay attention to the actual measurements listed in the size chart rather than relying solely on your usual dress size.

Brand-Specific Sizing Guidance

Spanx

Spanx generally runs true to size based on your regular clothing size. Their size charts are reliable, and most women find their usual size works well. Spanx uses letter sizing from XS to 3XL, with each size corresponding to specific weight and measurement ranges. If you are at the top of a size range, consider sizing up for all-day comfort.

Skims

Kim Kardashian's Skims brand offers an extensive size range from XXS to 4XL. The brand tends to run slightly small, particularly in their sculpting collections. Many customers recommend sizing up one size from your usual for optimal fit. Skims provides detailed measurement guidance for each product, so follow their specific recommendations.

Australian Brands

Australian brands like Nancy Ganz and Triumph typically use Australian dress sizing (8, 10, 12, etc.). These sizes generally align with standard Australian sizing, making selection more straightforward for local shoppers. Always verify measurements against the size chart, as even within Australian sizing, variations exist between brands.

Fitting Tips for Different Shapewear Types

High-Waisted Shorts and Briefs

When trying on shaping shorts, pull them up slowly to distribute the fabric evenly. The waistband should sit at or slightly above your natural waist without rolling down. The leg bands should grip your thighs firmly without creating visible indentations or bulges. Walk around and sit down to test for rolling or shifting.

Bodysuits

Bodysuits require more careful fitting due to their full-body coverage. Start by stepping into the garment rather than pulling it over your head. Adjust the shoulder straps so they provide support without digging. The crotch area should sit comfortably without riding up. Check that the torso length allows natural movement without excessive pulling.

Waist Trainers

Waist trainers should close comfortably on the middle hook or eye setting when new, allowing room to tighten as the garment stretches over time. If you can only close the widest setting with difficulty, size up. The trainer should smooth your midsection without creating dramatic muffin top effects above or below the garment.

Signs of Poor Fit

Learn to recognise when shapewear is not fitting correctly so you can make exchanges before wearing pieces with tags removed. Warning signs include visible rolling or bunching of fabric, prominent lines visible through clothing, difficulty breathing or sitting comfortably, numbness or tingling in any body part, and excessive bulging above or below the garment edge.

Well-fitting shapewear should feel like supportive compression rather than uncomfortable restriction. If you find yourself constantly adjusting or counting the minutes until you can remove a piece, the fit is wrong.

Ordering Online Successfully

Since most shapewear purchases now happen online, consider these strategies for successful sizing. First, measure yourself freshly before each major purchase, as body measurements can change. Second, read customer reviews for sizing insights, noting patterns like "runs small" or "order your usual size." Third, check the retailer's return policy before ordering, ensuring you can exchange for a different size if needed.