Dear Layla - Shape Me Up!
Tuesday, June 9th, 2009Dear Layla,
I recently lost a lot of weight in a short period of time and have a bit of loose skin/ sagging. What kind of products would be best for making me appear toned and fit underneath my clothes?
Desperately Seeking Shaping
Dear Desperate,
As you may know there is no miracle fix, but today’s shapewear has a lot of options for creating a more toned appearance. It won’t give you biceps where there aren’t any, it won’t create a washboard stomach, and it won’t turn your thighs into that of a supermodel, but if you’re realistic and you’re looking for a smoother cleaner shape you can find items that give you that. There is also your comfort level to keep in mind, because as with any clothing that restricts or controls (which is what shapewear does, duh!) you will have a certain level of discomfort. If you need to loose a couple of inches then you will need firmer control shapewear and that will definitely suck you in, which is usually a little bit of a wrestle to get on.
Since you didn’t specify what area’s you want to tone up, I thought I’d give them all a shot!
Tummy:
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Plus Size Hide and Sleek Hi-Rise Panty 141 by Spanx
If you’re going for tummy shaping just make sure that the shaping extends up to your ribs like on this Spanx style below. That way you don’t get any unsightly rolls where it ends. It also extends below the waist unlike some of those “cincher” styles, which eliminates any “muffin” effect in the back as well! |
Inner/Outer Thighs:
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Hide and Sleek Mid-Thigh Smoother 064 by Spanx
It’s no surprise that yet again here is another Spanx product that you might want if you want thigh control, their focus is on shaping and toning without the fuss of a gym, so take advantage of these with slacks to work, jeans out to play, and skirts that hit close to the knee. |
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Get in Shape Long Leg Brief 805123 by Wacoal
This style by Wacoal has the goods to keep your inner/outer thighs in control while also providing a control panel for your lower stomach. |
Booty:
A lot of the thigh shaping styles will also give your behind a really great shape, so think of those as double duty, but as an example of great shaping specific to the behind check oout this style from Spanx:
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Slim Cognito Shaping Mid-Thigh Bodysuit 067 by Spanx
I love the back shaping of this style by Spanx. It also has a really great feature in the front which allows it to attach to any bra in your wardrobe, this also makes it an MVP since it not only shapes your thighs, tummy, and rear, but it also gets along with everything else in your wardrobe as well! |
Back:
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Got Your Back Shaping Tank Top 4246 by Barely There
This high backed style by Barely There is the type of style you should look for if you have back fat or even just some rolls that you want to smooth out. You don’t get a fabulous curvaceous figure without some bumps here and there, and if you’ve seen anything different in the fashion magazines it’s been retouched! |
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Torso Trim with Underwire UTT07 by Sassybax This Sassybax style also has a pretty generous back that will give you a nice smooth appearance under clothes. Keep in mind if you want firmer control you need to consult the sizing recommendations because these will suck you in! |
Arms:
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Capilene 2 V-Neck Long Sleeve 44831 by Patagonia
This is a tough one; I had to mention it because there really isn’t anything in the shapewear department. Here I would look into some workout styles, or in this case some long sleeve T’s layered can eliminate the appearance of loose skin under the arms. I like this simple V-neck style by Patagonia. |
Legs/calves:
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Footless Bodyshaping Pantyhose with Super Control 034 by Spanx
These super control leg shaping leggings from Spanx will give you fabulous legs without all the miles of running. Make sure if you’re wearing these under slacks to get a color that will not show through, so nude to match your skin. Black might even be a great option instead of a regular legging during the day, just make sure your tunic is mid thigh length or longer if you decide to wear it that way! |
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High Waist All The Way Up Full Length Pantyhose 131 by Spanx
Some other styles from Spanx but this time with coverage all the way up to your bra line! |
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Under the Heel Tight-End Tights 039 by Spanx
This one is perfect pair to a dress, tunic length tops, and as a replacement for those everyday tights that don’t do anything to shape your figure! |
The MVP all stars of Shapewear
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Hide and Sleek Hi-Rise Smoother 096 by Spanx
This style from Spanx can be called the MVP of shapewear… it will tighten thighs, tone your buttocks, and tame your tummy! A real wardrobe staple, you could wear this with outfits for work, jeans and sweaters out, or under an evening dress. You might need to buy more than one! |
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Body Accent Long Leg Brief 80501 by Wacoal
You can see the shaping on this style by Wacoal! See the different textures that point out areas that have different levels of control, these will mold your body into the perfect silhouette! Thighs, tummy, and behind all in line, this style definitely warrants an MVP mark. |
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Full Figure Underwire Shaping Camisole 45630 by Body Wrap
Another MVP style, this time from Body Wrap, this one is an all in one solution, bra/waist/thigh slimmer. It eliminates the gap between your bra and your shapewear and keeps it all in line. The difficulty in fitting a piece like this is getting the proper cup size and also body shape all in one. If you want an allover solution with no seams in between, this is your best bet! |
I hope you find the trouble spot you are looking to tame and that you will hopefully find some great toning solutions from this!
xo,
Layla















