How To Put On Shapewear

Does the thought of putting on compressive shapewear feel daunting? It doesn't have to be! We're sharing our best tips and tricks to make shapewear as easy as possible to put on.

Is Shapewear Supposed to Be Hard to Put On?

Let’s be honest — these aren’t stretchy pajamas or sweats, so it’s normal to need a bit of muscle to pull on a garment that’s meant to be skin tight. If your shapewear is too easy to put on, that’s probably a sign it won’t be nearly compressive enough to give you any significant results. Trust the process, it’s meant to be a tight garment!

That said, your shapewear should never be impossible or painful to put on. If you’re truly breaking a sweat or struggling to wear it, you should either try a size up or look for a different shapewear style. 

Should You Size Up or Down in Shapewear?

Usually, it's best to choose your usual size when buying shapewear. These garments are made to fit more snugly than regular clothing.

Sizing down might seem like a good idea for extra shaping, but it can cause discomfort and bulging or make it hard to breathe. Only size down if reviews or size charts indicate a garment runs large.

When in doubt, go with your usual size for comfort and results. Remember, shapewear should enhance your natural shape, not drastically change it.

Tips for Putting on Shapewear Painlessly

• Gather, Don't Pull: Avoid yanking shapewear by delicate areas. Gather the leg openings in each hand before stepping in to distribute tension evenly.

• One Leg at a Time: With fabric gathered, pull shapewear up one leg at a time for gradual adjustment rather than wrestling with the whole garment.

• Shimmy and Shift: Once both legs are in, pull shapewear up high and align the waistband comfortably below your bra line.

• Check the Legs: Ensure compression panels sit at your thigh crease. If the garment is riding up, gently tug down for a better fit.

• Smooth and Adjust: Make sure shapewear lays flat without rolling or bulging. 

How Do You Keep Shapewear from Rolling Down?

• Seek Out Structure: Look for shapewear with features like flexible boning or reinforced panels for stability.

• Get a Grip: Some shapewear has silicone grip strips along the edges to help keep it in place.

• Find the Perfect Fit: Choosing the right size prevents rolling and the "muffin top" effect. Too-small shapewear is more likely to dig in.

What's the Best Way to Take Off Shapewear?

• Roll, Don't Yank: Roll shapewear down over your hips and thighs slowly rather than pulling it off over your head or feet.

• Sit for Stability: Sit down if needed to finish removing shapewear once it's rolled to mid-thigh for more leverage.

With a little practice and the right shapewear, you'll feel supported and confident in all your favorite outfits. Check out Honeylove's collection of shapewear for styles that combine comfort and function.