After the Skorch drama, I noticed a lot of different arguments on why discussing weight-loss on a plus-size site was poor judgment. What really stood out to me was an argument that plus-size women who wear shapewear are betraying their figures because they want to look skinnier.
As you might know, I love shapewear, and all kinds. My personal favorite is the waspie, which lets me cinch my waist so smoothly, but it's not about looking skinny to me--it's about looking the best I can. After all, I only pull out the shapewear on a night out!
What about you? Do you love shapewear, or do you agree with the argument that it's just a way to try to be skinnier, and is therefore unhealthy?
Photo (c) Hips and Curves
Comments
I love my shapeware too. Not to look skinny either (as if you could all of a sudden) but because I’m no fan of the cellulite I have. All women large or small can have cellulite and there is nothing wrong with wanting to look smoother.
Also, I do like to wear a waist cincher because prior to my children I was an hourglass and sometimes I like to enjoy my pre-c-section flat tummy. My shape will always be what it is, now more pear than hourglass but still, it’s fun to be smooth for a night out on the town!
Agreed. Shapewear comes in all sizes- it’d not about “hiding” my size, it’s about smoothing my curves in the right places.
I believe every well dressed woman over the age of 14 should use shapewear! I was raised that a lady is not properly dressed without the proper foundations. (Mom was a size 10 and I was a size 12). Right on, mom!
I love shapewear, there’s nothing wrong with smoothing out lumps and bumps to look your best!
I don’t see shapewear as a size reducer either. It’s about smoothing out the lumps and bumps. To me it’s like wearing a bra and I’m not going to stop wearing those.
Not to sound like a parrot, but I agree with everybody else here. I don’t see anything wrong with wanting to look a little sleeker in a clingy outfit. I’m a size 22, so shapewear isn’t going to fool anyone into thinking I’m skinny.
I work for JCP company and have found that we only cater our undergarments in store for plus sizes only to a 2x. Of course you can order online at jcp.com, but I have found that many of my plus size women would like so much nicer and sleeker if they had the correct undergarments. I am a plus size myself and am uncomfortable let alone get into these undergarments. Please recommend a one piece that caters to plus size women under 5′2″. This is a niche that needs to be addressed.
I agree with everyone about smoothing out curves, and we’re not trying to look slimmer, just curvier. Besides I feel wonderful in pantygirdles and all-in-ones and that’s what really matters.
Shapewear does much more than just make you “skinnier” – it smooths things out, eliminates visible panty lines, gives you a curvier silhouette, and the high waist version helps with my posture by making me stand taller. And now, a new kind of shaper from ShaToBu (www.shatobu.com) will also tone your muscles and burn extra calories – benefits that will help you meet your long term goals of getting and feeling healthier. – Jacqueline, Director of Marketing for ShaToBu
I’d definitely like to learn more about this!
I love shapewear also and not because it makes me look “skinny” as if! No I love it because when you have the correct foundation then it makes you look good in everything!
If you don’t believe me just check out the red carpet sometimes during awards ceremonies and see just how bad a celebrity can look without the proper shapewear. The dress is ill fitting and it makes them look messy!
SHAPEWEAR IS OUR FRIEND!
I have no idea how to wear shapewear! Being recently plus size, it is foreign to me, and I really dislike anything that feels like it is too tight. I am lost and confused when it comes to shapewear!
Agree with everyone’s comments – it’s not about “looking skinnier”, it’s just about looking smooth, firm, and put together. You don’t want your booty shaking all over the place when you’re trying to look professional in a suit or look sexy in a little black dress.
Like someone else said, it does make you have better posture too!
And it has nothing to do with being plus size – as Katie Holmes recently was caught getting out of a limo to a red carpet event, it was a huge deal that everyone saw her black Spanx under her dress, and she is certainly NOT plus size!!!
I don’t propose to tell anyone what they should or should not wear or do. If I choose to diet or wear shapewear that is my choice regardless of others opinions. Shapewear keeps your parts in place when you are wearing dressier clothes and wish to look smooth. There is no betrayal!
My shapeware is uncomfortable however it is essential for me to wear it with some of my clothing choices so my curves look smooth. It is not lady like to look like a lumpy couch in a fab dress…
I love my shapwear and, FYI … tiny stars on the red carpet wear shapewear, too! The BEST on the market, I believe, is Lipo In A Box … funny name but good stuff. Really lightweight and breathable and comfortable. The designers used teh concepts from medical compression garments.