Curvy Girl Shapewear 101: A Guide for Choosing the Best Shapewear for Plus Size Babes

In case you haven’t heard, the days of hiding your curves behind baggy or ill-fitting clothes are over. It’s time to embrace your curves and celebrate your shape! We made this guide just for curvy women so you can discover confidence-boosting shapewear styles designed for plus-sized bodies.

The 5 Body-Positive Rules for Choosing Plus Size Shapewear

1. Know your measurements

How do you pick the right size of shapewear? The first thing you need to know: buy shapewear in your size or, if you are not completely sure, one size larger.

Also: shapewear sizes don’t always correlate to underwear sizes. Don’t assume that you are the same size in shapewear just because you usually buy a certain size of undies.

If you’re unsure about your size, you can check out our sizing charts and our help center to learn more about choosing the right shapewear size according to your measurements.

Choosing Plus Size Shapewear

2. Know your body shape

What’s your natural silhouette? Great shapewear enhances your natural body shape. No matter your size, knowing your body type helps you choose the best body shaper options for your unique build.

3. Choose your support level

Once you’ve figured out the correct size and which areas you want to accentuate, it’s time to decide on how much compression you want.


The three different types of compression:

Light compression: Light control, everyday shapewear pieces will smooth target areas so you can wear clothes more comfortably.

Here are some light-compression shapewear you can start with:

Medium compression: Are you looking to accentuate your curves? Firm control shapewear is made with supple, stretchy fabrics that move with your body while adding subtle contours to your shape. You should get hours of comfort from firm control pieces.

Here are some medium-compression shapewear you can start with:

Firm compression: Often used to provide more contouring to your shape. Firm and extra-firm control pieces are perfect for formal, structured clothing like wedding dresses, prom gowns, evening gowns, and cocktail dresses. You should feel toned and sturdy without feeling constricted.

Here are some high-compression shapewear you can start with:

4. Match the right plus-size shapewear to the occasion

The amount of compression and support you need will depend on the occasion and the outfit.

Everyday wear: For lounging or for days that you need a little pick-me-up, your best bet is light or medium support shapewear.

Workwear: If you work in an office with a dress code, try this medium-support piece that will help give your business separates a clean, tailored look.

Evening wear: A nice medium to firm-support bodysuit will help you show off your shape in your evening dress.

Formal wear: Going to a wedding or other affair that calls for glamour? You’ll appreciate the extra firming power that comes from heavy-duty shapewear pieces. Getting married? Congrats! Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Bridal Shapewear.

5. Keep these 4 essential shapewear pieces in your closet

The staples that every curvy woman needs in her drawer.

Wear Confidence

No matter your size, move through the world with confidence. With smoothing, comfortable, seamless coverage from your plus size shapewear, you can rock any outfit, formal or informal.

Don’t forget to connect with us on social @shapermint.