Plus-Size Bridesmaids: Embrace Your Shape, Celebrate Your Curves

Plus-size bridesmaids may want to wear shapewear under their dresses for a smooth, sculpted look. Shapewear is not a necessity, but it can help to enhance natural curves and boost confidence. It's important to choose the right type of shapewear for your body and the style of your dress. For example, a high-waisted brief or bodysuit can work well for apple shapes, while a pear shape might opt for shapewear shorts or a thigh shaper.

When choosing shapewear, consider the level of compression and support you need, as well as the ease of getting it on and off. It's also important to pick the right size—shapewear that is too small can be uncomfortable and may ride up or roll down.

There are many options available for plus-size bridesmaids, from bodysuits to shorts and thongs. For example, the Lane Bryant Open-Bust Thigh Shaper is a comfortable and slimming option made from silky-soft, breathable material. The Skims Sculpting Mid-Thigh Shorts offer a seamless design that smooths the upper legs and lifts the booty. The Spanx Suit Your Fancy Strapless Cupped Mid-Thigh Bodysuit is a good choice for a strapless dress, with flexible cups and removable straps.

Ultimately, the choice to wear shapewear is a personal one, and it's important to choose what makes you feel comfortable and confident.

What are the benefits of wearing shapewear?

Shapewear has become an increasingly popular option for people who want to alter their body shape, particularly for special occasions. Here are some of the benefits of wearing shapewear:

Instant Slimming and Smoothing

The primary benefit of shapewear is its ability to instantly slim and smooth the body, particularly in areas such as the bust, waist, hips, and thighs. It helps to create an aesthetically pleasing, feminine silhouette, often referred to as an hourglass figure. This effect can enhance one's confidence and self-esteem, allowing them to feel more comfortable in their clothes.

Postpartum Benefits

For women who have recently given birth, shapewear can provide support to their abdominal muscles and help restore their pre-pregnancy body shape. It gives new mothers the confidence to wear their pre-pregnancy clothes sooner and can assist in the process of muscle recovery.

Improved Posture and Reduced Back Strain

The elastic nature of shapewear provides compression and encourages better posture by promoting a straighter and firmer back. This, in turn, can reduce strain on the back and improve walking and sitting. Good posture can also have health benefits, such as improving joint and spine health, breathing, and even mood, energy levels, and mental health.

Weight Loss Support

Shapewear can be a helpful tool for those trying to lose weight. It can help promote weight loss due to the innovative fabrics used, such as Lycra or silicone, which create friction and cause the wearer to sweat more. Additionally, seeing the effects of shapewear can motivate individuals to maintain a healthy diet and active lifestyle to further enhance their weight loss efforts.

Practical and Affordable

Compared to other options like cosmetic surgery or high-end diet plans, shapewear is a more affordable and practical solution. It is also versatile and can be worn under various clothing styles, from bodycon dresses to boyfriend jeans, without being visible.

Ageing Benefits

Shapewear can provide support for the body as it undergoes the ageing process. It can help with issues such as humpback, bosom prolapse, flat buttocks, and bulky legs, among others. For example, it can provide support for bladder prolapse, giving a slight lift to the bladder.

What are the challenges of finding plus-size shapewear?

While shapewear is never a necessity, it can help smooth, sculpt, and enhance natural curves, boosting confidence and making clothes fit better. However, finding the right plus-size shapewear comes with its own set of challenges. Here are some of the key challenges to be aware of:

Sizing and Fit

One of the biggest challenges in finding plus-size shapewear is getting the right size and fit. Unlike regular clothing, shapewear needs to fit perfectly to be comfortable and effective. Shapewear sizing varies between brands, and the size you usually wear in other garments may not translate directly to shapewear. To get the right size, it's essential to take accurate measurements and compare them to the brand's size chart. Sizing up or down can also impact the level of compression and comfort, so it's a fine balance to find the right fit.

Style and Target Area

The style of shapewear you choose will depend on the specific areas of your body you want to target. Different styles offer varying levels of compression and support for different body parts, such as the waist, hips, thighs, or bust. It can be challenging to find a style that targets all the areas you want to focus on, especially if you're looking for a comprehensive solution. Additionally, the style of your outfit will influence the type of shapewear you need. For example, a strapless dress may require a different type of shapewear than a form-fitting gown.

Compression and Support

Plus-size shapewear comes in a range of compression levels, from light to extra-firm. Determining the right level of compression and support can be tricky, as it depends on the occasion and your personal preferences. For example, you might want lighter compression for everyday wear or lounging, while formal events may call for stronger compression. It's important to consider your comfort level and how the shapewear will feel throughout the day or event.

Material and Comfort

The material of the shapewear plays a significant role in its comfort. Lighter-weight, breathable fabrics are often more comfortable, especially in warm weather. Moisture-wicking synthetics and cotton blends can help keep you cool and irritation-free. However, some materials may be too warm or restrictive, impacting your comfort and ease of movement. It's essential to consider the climate and the type of fabric that will work best for your needs.

Ease of Use

Another challenge to consider is how easy it is to put on and take off the shapewear. Some styles have an open gusset or hook-and-eye closures, while others require you to pull the fabric aside when using the restroom. Trying out the shapewear beforehand and practising getting it on and off can help you determine if it will be manageable, especially on your wedding day or another special occasion.

What are some tips for plus-size bridesmaids when it comes to shapewear?

Shapewear is never a necessity, but it can help plus-size bridesmaids smooth bumps and provide added support underneath their dresses. Here are some tips for choosing and wearing shapewear as a plus-size bridesmaid:

• Choose the right style for your dress: Consider the type of dress you'll be wearing as a bridesmaid. For example, if you're wearing a strapless dress, you might want to choose a strapless bodysuit or a shapewear slip with built-in bra support. If your dress has a high leg slit, you might want to opt for shapewear shorts to ensure seamless coverage.
• Pick a comfortable option: Shapewear should enhance your comfort and confidence, not detract from it. Choose shapewear made from lightweight, breathable fabrics, especially if you'll be wearing it for an extended period. Look for options with flexible boning or panelling that provide structure without feeling restrictive.
• Get the right size: It's important to choose the right size to ensure your shapewear fits perfectly and provides the desired level of support. Don't be tempted to size down, as this can lead to discomfort and the shapewear riding up or down. Instead, refer to the brand's size guide and consider taking your measurements to find the best fit.
• Choose the right colour: Opt for shapewear in nude or flesh tones that match your skin tone to ensure it blends seamlessly underneath your dress. If your dress is made of thin or sheer fabric, you might want to opt for white shapewear instead.
• Test it out: If possible, test out your shapewear before the wedding day to ensure it's comfortable and provides the desired level of support. Walk around, sit, and dance in it to make sure it stays in place and doesn't cause any discomfort or bulging.
• Bring a backup: On the day of the wedding, bring a backup option in case you need to change or adjust your shapewear.

What are some specific products recommended for plus-size bridesmaids?

While shapewear is never a necessity, it can help plus-size bridesmaids boost their confidence and make their clothes fit better. Here are some specific products recommended for plus-size bridesmaids:

Lane Bryant Open-Bust Thigh Shaper

This shaper is comfortable and provides excellent compression, slimming, and smoothing from the torso through the thighs. It is crafted from a durable yet silky-soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking material that ensures comfort and allows clothes to slide on seamlessly. It comes in a wide range of sizes, from 14/16 to 34/36, and is perfect for those who want to wear their own bra as it is open-bust. The only downside is that it does not have an opening at the gusset for easy bathroom breaks, but it is easy to take off.

Knix Thigh Saver

These smoothing shorts are perfect for everyday wear, with a lightweight and seamless fit that is comfortable and protective. They are only 4 inches long, making them ideal for petite individuals or those wearing shorter skirts or dresses. They are available in sizes XS to 4XL and are a great affordable option at under $40.

Honeylove SuperPower Short

These shorts provide excellent smoothing and slimming effects, especially in the tummy area, and also cinch in the waist. They are invisible under clothing and have a pull-aside gusset for easy bathroom breaks. They are a good option for most body types, especially curvy figures, but those with wider hips may find that the hip boning digs in when sitting. They are available in sizes XS to 3X and are priced at $89.

Skims Underwire Slip Dress

This slip dress is a great base layer for special events, providing firm compression and smoothing for the hips, butt, and torso. It is made from durable and high-quality fabric and is comfortable, although it may be too tight for everyday wear. It is better suited for curvier body types as the cups are on the larger side. It comes in sizes XXS to 4X and costs $90.

Honeylove Cami Bodysuit

This bodysuit provides everyday smoothing, especially in the belly area, and hugs curves in all the right places. It is comfortable and offers good support, although the brief bottom may be noticeable under tighter clothing. It is available in sizes XS to 4X and comes in standard and petite lengths. It is priced at $99.

Bare Necessities Extra Firm Control Bodysuit

This bodysuit provides the highest level of compression and shaping, smoothing out the entire figure and leaving you looking slimmer and more toned. It has a built-in underwire bra for support and lift. It is comfortable and durable, but it may be too warm for hot and humid days. It is sized by cup and band size, which can make finding the right size for the lower half challenging. It costs $89.

What are some alternatives to shapewear for plus-size bridesmaids?

Shapewear is never a necessity, but it can help smooth and sculpt the body and enhance natural curves. However, if you're looking for alternatives to shapewear, there are a few options to consider.

Firstly, choosing the right silhouette for plus-size bridesmaids is crucial. Instead of a waist-accentuating style like a mermaid dress, opt for empire waist or A-line dresses. Empire waist dresses gently flow over curves and trouble spots, while A-line dresses define and highlight curves, especially for pear-shaped bodies.

Another alternative is to let your bridesmaids choose their own style. Mismatched bridesmaid dresses are a popular trend, and it ensures everyone can find a style that makes them feel comfortable and confident. You can keep a cohesive look by having them wear the same colour but different styles.

Additionally, consider the fabric of the bridesmaid dresses. Look for breathable and lightweight fabrics like cotton blends or moisture-wicking synthetics, which will keep your bridesmaids comfortable throughout the day.

Finally, undergarments like seamless briefs, thongs, and seamless high-waisted briefs can provide light shaping and contouring without the compression of shapewear. These options are ideal for form-fitting gowns and body-skimming slip dresses.

Remember, the most important thing is to ensure your bridesmaids feel comfortable and confident. Choosing the right silhouette, fabric, and undergarments will help achieve that.

Frequently asked questions