Ever since the introduction of shapewear, many women have experienced a new lease of life and have become comfortable in their own bodies. Sometimes, it is impossible to imagine a world without shapewear because it has become ubiquitous. Everywhere you look and even online, it is common to find women who have them on. Shapewear was introduced to hide bumps that ruin body shapes, and many women who have lumps and bumps in their midsection area now look perfectly shaped with an hourglass figure. But how tight should shapewear be?
We know that this undergarment is designed to be tight so that it can evenly distribute fat across the body and flatten the belly but how tight is too tight? Let’s review shapewear tightness so you know how tight you should wear us and the risks if you wear it too tightly.
Shapewear explained
Shapewear is an undergarment designed to be worn under clothes. This non-selective undergarment is made of stretchy fabric that takes the natural shape of the body, and beyond that, it modifies the body into a perfect shape. Shapewear is used to create a near-perfect hourglass shape because it flattens the belly and evens out the midsection by sucking in fat inwards, so they are not visible.
How tight should your shapewear be?
Shapewear should not be worn too tight, but how much tightness is too much? The answer lies with you since what you may consider as too tight may be normal for someone else due to the difference in body shape and size. However, if you wear your shapewear too tight, it could lead to different problems that may even affect your posture or health.
If you wear it too tightly, you may begin to experience the following.
Breathing difficulty
While it is normal to find breathing a little difficult at first when you wear shapewear, you may get used to it with time as your body adjusts to it, but nonetheless, you still should be able to breathe. If you find it hard to breathe after wearing it, you may be putting yourself at risk.
Digestive problems
Shapewear that is too tight can create digestive issues caused by compression. Shapewear compresses the internal organs such as the esophagus, bladder, and digestive tract. This may make it difficult for these organs to function effectively, which can create digestive problems of all kinds like acid reflux.
Bloating
Bloating is another common issue associated with shapewear tightness. This occurs when gas is trapped internally and cannot find its way out. Excess gas can cause bloating, which is a temporary situation.
Eating difficulty
If your shapewear is too tight, not only can’t you eat large food portions, even normal-sized meals will be a problem for you because your stomach sack will be too compressed for the food to settle.
If we throw in dizziness and nauseous feelings some women feel when they wear theirs too tight, you can begin to understand why extremely tight shapewear is not a good idea.
Trigger bacteria growth
If your shapewear is too tight, especially in the crotch area, this can be a recipe for bacteria growth. Bacteria like yeast tends to grow in warm and moist areas, so if there is little space for air to pass through, you may sweat excessively around your thigh and genital area, which may lead to the growth and spread of bacteria.
How to know if your shapewear is too tight?
Tightness depends on personal experience, so you are in the best position to decide whether your shapewear is too tight or not. So how do you know if yours is too tight?
The first rule of thumb is to check out your personal comfort. Do you feel comfortable in the shapewear? Can you breathe normally with little or no difficulty? If you can, then that’s the first pass. Secondly, you want to examine how the fabric feels on your skin. If you don’t feel itchy or any form of irritation, then you are good to go.
The next thing is to check your temperature level. Are you sweating profusely? Is the shapewear causing you so much internal heat to the point of general discomfort? If it is, then it is either the fabric is of poor quality, you are wearing it too tight, or it is too small for you.
Lastly, you should observe how you feel after putting it on. If you notice tingling and numbness in your legs, this is a clear sign that you are wearing it too tight and that a core nerve is compressed beyond the level of comfort.
How tight should shapewear be? Shapewear should be comfortable on you. Walking, sitting, and standing should not be difficult neither should breathing. If you find it hard to do any of the above, then you should readjust the undergarment to make it accommodating.
Shapewear wearing tips
Wear for short periods
Avoid wearing shapewear for long periods. Rather wear it for a short period of not more than 3-5 hours. If you must wear it for much longer, don’t go beyond 8 hours.
Choose the right size
Don’t buy undersized shapewear simply because you want to look smaller; you will only be putting your body at risk. When buying shapewear, go for one that is one or two inches bigger than your actual size.
Choose breathable fabrics
Choose shapewear made with breathable fabrics. Breathable fabrics have tiny holes that let in air to stabilize your body’s core temperature
Check yourself before leaving home
After you wear it, don’t be in a hurry to leave home but check yourself for at least 5-10 minutes to be sure you can breathe, walk, sit and stand properly before you leave home.
How tight should shapewear be FAQ?
1. How tight should I wear my shapewear?
You should feel comfortable in your shapewear. If you don’t, then it means you are wearing it too tight, so make adjustments.
2. How do I know if I’m wearing my shapewear too tight?
If it is too tight, you will notice a numb and tingling feeling in your legs. Other signs are shortness of breath and skin irritation.
3. How long should I wear shapewear?
Avoid wearing shapewear for more than 8 hours at a stretch.
