Staying Fit
Nothing beats shapewear for a quick confidence boost. The compression material really does flatten bellies, firm up thigh jiggles, perk up saggy bottoms and delete extra pounds. It's kind of magical. There's one little problem: It hurts, it's hot, it binds, constricts, flips up or rolls down and we can't wait to take it off. But don't give up yet because my surprising insider secrets will turn your whines to wows. Listen up:
1. Opt for comfortable, light-to-medium control for everyday life. Let's be honest. Celebs or not, we all wear shapewear but it's not a replacement for exercise and a healthy diet. If it squeezes, smushes and feels uncomfortable, if you make faces and really struggle to get it on and off that's way too much compression. Unless you're in a dress-up crisis (see No. 10) there's no reason to bind up your curves like Scarlett O'Hara. Hopefully we've all got a more body-positive attitude by now! So, lower your expectations to just-enough-smoothing-to-do-the-job.
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2. A bike short is the most useful shaper. Below-the-waist bumps are inevitable whether you're a size 6 or 16, M or XXL. We all complain to some degree about bulges, sag and wiggly flesh. A lightweight seamless bike short with medium compression, like Assets by Spanx Women's Remarkable Results Mid-Thigh Shaper ($28, target.com) or Radiant by Vanity Fair Women's Invisible Edge Smoothing Slip-Short, Style 12385 ($7, walmart.com), is what you want. It'll make clothes look better but also let you breathe, work, socialize and eat in comfort. Size up rather than down. If you go too small (thinking tighter is better) you'll create ridges and overhang at the waist and thigh borders.
3. Skip the high-rise shapers. Yes, high-waist bike shorts and waist cinchers that extend nearly up to your bra (and in some cases they do!) are everywhere now — avoid them! Take it from me: They all roll down or flip over sooner or later, usually when you're wearing a dress and can't do anything about it. Ignore the stay-put silicone strips at the top that claim to keep the band stuck to your skin. Just like the thigh-high stockings with no garters (remember those?) they are better in theory than life. Leave the corsets to Scarlett and Madonna.
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