Is Wearing Shapewear Safe?

Key Takeaways:

  • Shapewear is safe but there are some things to note
  • Skin irritation can occur for those with sensitive skins - avoid cheap brands
  • Blood flow restriction and discomfort can occur when your shapewear is the wrong size

 

Every girl knows the wonders that can be achieved with good shapewear. When worn under a dress it can make your body seem tonner, firmer and thinner. Helping you to find and show off that natural curve!

Similar to waist core trainers and corsets. Shapewear does not permanently change your body shape or internal organs. Rather it helps to smooth out the body whilst wearing it.

Overall shapewear is extremely safe for women of all ages. However, there can be some issues that can arise when wearing shapewear. These are not major concerns but still something you want to take not off before purchasing shapewear.

Let's look at these further and offer some tips:

Is Wearing Shapewear Safe?

Skin Irritation & Reactions

The most common problem that a small percentage of women encounter with shapewear is skin irritation. This is especially true for those with sensitive skin. Skin conditions such as eczema can also become aggravated when wearing shapewear.

Skin reactions can also occur if you are wearing your shapewear for days on end. Allegoric reactions are triggered by certain chemicals in the shapewear used to make it stretchy.

When the skin becomes irritated it will go red, itchy and chafed. If the issue is left unsolved it could potentially become infected! If you are finding shapewear is triggering your skin you should have a break for a while. Wait till your skin has recovered and tried a size larger or a new brand.

If you do purchase a new brand avoid shapewear from sites such as Amazon or eBay. These are made from poor-quality material and if you have sensitive skin you will feel it. Another important note is to Wash your shapewear Regularly!

Get The Right Size - Not too tight

A huge mistake with shapewear is purchasing the wrong size. Often girls will go for a size smaller in the hopes that it will make them look better. This is a mistake and you should stop wearing shapewear that does not fit correctly. If your shapewear feels tight around the upper legs tummy and hips you are constricting important blood flow throughout the body. Leading to discomfort and pain.

A simple rule to know if your shapewear is too tight, check for shapewear lines. If it is too tight it will leave marks. Check to see if this is the case, if so you are most likely wearing the wrong size.

Due to the stretchy material within shapewear, you won't have any serious pressure placed on the body. If you do have acid reflux issues, however, we recommend not wearing shapewear for longer than 8-12hours. If you do have acid reflux and want to wear your shapewear we would advise wearing lose fitted clothing over top.

Shapewear that is too tight can cause bloating and gassiness when digesting. Obviously not a major health concern but still very embarrassing nonetheless and something most women want to avoid.

Use Your Common Sense

Ensuring you are safe in shapewear is really simple. In fact, it just takes using your common sense. Only purchase high-quality shapewear from reputable brands. Keep your shapewear clean and don't wear it for prolonged periods. And finally make sure your shapewear isn't too tight, having the right size fit can make a huge difference.

Unlike a lot of other clothing, Shapewear was designed to be worn and enjoyed by all women. Made up of flexible fibres, shapewear is a safe and great choice when you follow the above tips.

Conclusion: 

the use of shapewear or body shapers has become increasingly popular in modern times, as more and more people desire the coveted hourglass figure or a smooth silhouette. Shapewear has come a long way since its inception in ancient times, where it was used to create a foundation garment to smooth out body shapes and provide support.

While shapewear can be an excellent tool for achieving the desired look in tight-fitting clothes, it is essential to consider whether it is safe for daily wear. Wearing shapewear for extended periods of time can lead to health problems, particularly poor circulation, as the tight-fitting fabric compresses nerves and blood vessels, impeding blood circulation. This can lead to varicose veins, as well as digestive and breathing issues such as gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The right shapewear can provide support and enhance natural curves, but it is crucial to choose the right style and compression levels for your body type and the occasion. Special occasions, where you want to feel confident and stand taller, may warrant the use of shapewear. However, for daily wear, it is essential to consider the potential health risks and choose shapewear that feels comfortable and allows the skin to breathe.

When selecting shapewear, it is crucial to ensure that it fits well, as ill-fitting shapewear can lead to health problems. The fabric should feel comfortable against the skin, and it should not compress any body part too tightly, restricting movement or breathing. A good rule of thumb is to opt for shapewear that does not exceed a compression level of medium.

While shapewear can provide a temporary solution for achieving a desired look, it is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. It is essential to maintain good posture, exercise regularly, and eat a balanced diet to achieve long-term health and wellness goals. Shapewear should be used in moderation and only as a supplement to healthy habits.

In summary, shapewear can be a useful tool for achieving a desired look for special occasions or to enhance confidence, but it should be used with caution. When choosing shapewear, it is crucial to consider the potential health risks and select the right style and compression levels for your body type and occasion. Ultimately, a healthy lifestyle should be the foundation for achieving and maintaining a beautiful and confident body shape.

 

Hourglass Waist

Looking to purchase shapewear? Hourglass Waist stocks the best range within Australia.

SHAPEWEAR:

Black Strap Body Shaper 

Full Body Shaper 

Boot Enhancer 

Butt Lifting Shapewear 

WAIST TRAINERS:

The Everyday Trainer

The Gym Compression Band

The Classic Corset

Start your fitness journey with Hourglass Waist and discover your natural curve.

 

 

Author Bio

Hannah – Manager at Hourglass Waist

Hannah is a certified personal trainer based in Australia. Since 2017 she has inspired women across the nation through honest & educational content. The fitness community trusts her dietary and fitness expertise.