What Size Shapewear Should I Buy? | Sizing Tips

Shopping for shapewear can be tricky when it comes to finding the right size. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose the perfect size shapewear for your body type. Whether you're looking for firm control or a comfortable everyday fit, we'll explain the key factors to consider, including body measurements, fabric stretch, and compression levels. Plus, we'll share tips on how to avoid common mistakes and ensure you get the right support and smooth silhouette without discomfort.

Tip 1: Measure your body (correctly)

 Measure the fullest part of your hips, making sure the tape measure is parallel to the floor and not riding up or down over your butt. For your waist, measure the narrowest part of your torso, normally an inch or two above your belly button, below your rib cage. Match these to the size chart, and if you’re between sizes, size up (not down). 

If you’d rather skip the measuring, you should default to the standard sizes you’d order for pants, shirts, or dresses. While it’s tempting to size down, tighter isn’t always better: shapewear is already meant to hug your body and is designed to fit firmly and comfortably in your usual dress size. Sizing down can cause discomfort and bulging – the opposite of the smooth lines you’re looking for.

Tip 2: Try it on (correctly)

 Whether it’s shaping shorts, a bodysuit, or a shaping top: try stepping in and pulling it up (if the neck opening allows for it, of course). Working against gravity in this way will give you smoother lines compared to trying to drag a piece down over your head. 

Take stock of how your shapewear feels on. Shapewear should be form-fitting but not restrictive – you should still be able to move freely. If it’s slipping or rolling before you’ve even left your bedroom, you need a different size (and remember, you may want to try sizing up, not down!) 

Tip 3: Start with the basics

If your first spin with shapewear is an ultra-firm piece for a special occasion, it makes sense you’d feel a little uncomfortable: like high heels, some clothes take a little getting used to. Start with everyday shaping pieces to get a sense of what you like to wear and how firm you want your shaping to be.

For shapewear bottoms, our Ultralight Shapewear Brief is the perfect entry point (and comes in a new subtle blue hue!) Our Ultralight collection also includes a Shapewear Short and a Shapewear Thong, depending on what style of undies you like. All of them have light shaping and a wide, high-rise waistband that provides an extra boost of support at the tummy. They’re lightweight with sideseam-free construction: perfect for all-day wear.

Snag our 2-Way Shapewear Tank for your shaping top. It’s a foundational piece that can be worn as a base layer or a top: it works in a casual, athleisure outfit or dressed up for going out. It’s got level 2 light compression and a knit-in shaping panel at the tummy. It tucks smoothly into pants, giving a chic line and creating a smooth, seamless base. Bonus? The temperature-regulating Outlast® fabric is super soft. Grab our Seamless Shapewear Cami, too: you’re going to want both for ultimate versatility.

And absolutely add our Ruby Tank Bodysuit to cart. The 360Sculpt™ cotton feels like a high-quality t-shirt, but with medium compression reinforced at the midsection and all-over sculpting. A hidden (virtually invisible) knit-in tummy panel provides extra waist-shaping support, while the double rows of snap closures at the gusset help you customize your fit. Ruby also comes in a thong back version, too. It’s shapewear that doubles as fashion: wear it as an underpinning or let it shine as a top!