Throughout history, the most spectacular sculptures have illuminated the female form realistically and stunningly, sans washboard abs. Just look at representations of ancient Greek goddesses Aphrodite, Hera, and Athena- they are all gorgeous ladies with ample curves.
Today, you can channel your inner goddess while also getting a little help from the latest technology. Enter shapewear: it sculpts the figure and can give you an added self-esteem boost to be more daring in your clothing choices!
Below, we’ve highlighted how to wear shapewear, how shapewear has transformed throughout history, and how you can incorporate this staple into your wardrobe.
Good Things Come in All Packages
I have worn sizes 2-10 and have embraced them all. I have great admiration for my stomach. The solar plexus above the belly button is the third chakra representing power and pleasure. The tummy can stretch enough to make room for a baby and is the literal core of our bodies.Midlife expands your mind and your waistline simultaneously, so I wanted to find my comfort zone with shapewear. No matter what size you are, body shapers like high-waisted Spanx can provide the firm control that boosts your confidence and makes you feel comfortable in your own skin.
Goodbye to the Girdle
I decided to do an experiment and compare a waist trainer to a pair of Spanx. I've never been a fan of boot camps or extreme discipline, and I certainly don't care to torture my tummy!
I started with the waist trainer, a corset-like garment, and it was a rigamarole to get all the hooks closed. I have a new appreciation for the gals in the 1800s wearing corsets, especially without air conditioning. No wonder they were prone to fainting!
Shapewear dates back to 1600 BC, when women wore decorative metal girdles as a symbol of sexuality (while also changing the shape of their natural bodies). In most cases, women wore shapewear to create an hourglass shape to appease the men in their lives. Today, I like to believe that wearing waist cinchers and other body shaping solutions has transformed into an opportunity to express self-confidence. And thankfully, it’s much more comfortable now as well!
When I wore the waist trainer, I felt squished as opposed to smooth, and it even hindered my breathing. Compared to the Higher Power Short by Spanx, the waist trainer was way too restrictive. The Spanx, which I tested next, shimmied on with ease and the sensation of wearing them felt closer to a hug than a squeeze. I am tall, and the size medium fits me like a glove.
Body Talk
I have sensitive skin, and no matter how hard I try, I won't wearclothing if it isn't comfortable. I have wasted plenty of money on bras and panties that did not cut it.
The quality of Spanx shapewear is undeniable. The fabric breathes and contours my curves so well that I gave my new Higher Power Short a whirl at dance class. I'm pleased to say that it passed with flying colors!
The double gusset held tight and didn't slip down during my Paso Doble. Plus, I felt no pinching. These Spanx are a wardrobe staple, just like a little black dress. I already have this short in the color nude, and now I need them in black too!
Compression with Confidence
I love a slinky fabric like a stretch jersey because it feels great and shows off my curves. I also love pizza and blueberry muffins, so I'll take a little life hack to show my love of aesthetics over athletics any day. Shapewear can certainly solve a few wardrobe woes with its ability to support and accentuate your figure, and nobody does shapewear better than Spanx.
Another thing that I love about Spanx is its philanthropic mission. I like to support companies that give back, and I found out that the founder of Spanx, Sara Blakely, does just that. Her charitable foundations have been uplifting women since 1998, and she donates a sizable portion of her wealth to programs that help ladies succeed.
Trust Your Gut
I know that life is a delicate balance of carpe diem and keeping the indulgence in check. Even though round bellies aren't en vogue at the moment, the reality is we don't need to banish all abdominal fat because our bodies store energy there.
So if you are looking to show some love to your stomach, here are some gentle tips to reduce bloating and ease digestion:
- Consume probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kombucha to support your gut microbiome.
- Skipping meals can worsen bloating, so try to find a consistent eating pattern that works for you. For example, some do better with having smaller, more frequent meals, while others prefer three square meals a day.
- Staying hydrated is so important. Drinking lots of water leads to healthy digestion and keeps your body from retaining water, something that can lead to feeling bloated and uncomfortable in your skin.
- Incorporating fiber-rich foods like fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, and legumes into your diet keeps your GI tract running smoothly.
- Sleep deprivation can cause digestive issues, so try aiming for at least 7 hours a night.
Bottom-Line Benefits (And How to Wear Shapewear)
Spanx are:
- Chafe-free
- Machine washable
- Wearable under dresses, pants, skirts, and even shorts
A great tool in your fashion arsenal!
I plan to pack a pair on my trip to St. Augustine this weekend. I chose a yellow satin dress to wear to the wedding I am attending since I am a daring dresser. However, I know that my Spanx will keep me comfortable whether I am on or off the dance floor!
Not quite sure how to wear Spanx? Think of it as your foundation to any outfit you desire. From sundresses and resort wear to jeans and a blouse, you can use shapewear to sculpt your body in a way that helps you look and feel your most confident self. Anthony’s Resort Wear Flamingo Fancy dress and Interlocking Circles ruffle dress are two sundresses to consider on your journey to trying shapewear.
Have I sold you on the idea of shapewear yet? If so, Anthony's carries Spanx in two lengths: the Power Short and the Higher Power Short. I hope you give them a try and if you do, please tell me all about it in the comments below!
