Guides

Most shapewear problems start before you even put the garment on. Wrong size, wrong fit, wrong compression for your body. And the reason is almost always the same: people guess their size based on their clothing size, which tells you almost nothing about how shapewear will actually fit.Shapewear sizing is based on your body measurements, not the number on your jeans tag. A size 10 in denim and a size 10 in shapewear are completely different things. The sooner you accept that, the better your results will be.What You Need Before You StartGrab a soft measuring tape. The kind used for sewing, not a metal one from a toolbox. If you do not have one, a piece of string and a ruler works fine. Measure in your underwear or as close to bare skin as possible. Do not measure over clothes.The Three Measurements That MatterWaist: Find the narrowest point of your torso. This is usually about an inch above your belly button. Breathe normally, exhale, then measure. Do not suck in. Your shapewear needs to fit the real you, not the version of you holding your breath.Hips: Stand with your feet together. Find the widest point of your hips and backside, usually about 7 to 9 inches below your waist. This is where most people go wrong. They measure too high, get a number that is too small, and end up in shapewear that digs into their hips all day.Bust: Only needed if you are sizing a bodysuit or full-body piece. Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape parallel to the floor. Do not pull it tight.How to Use Your MeasurementsOnce you have your three numbers, go straight to the size chart for the specific piece you are buying. Every brand sizes differently. Do not assume that because you are a medium in one brand you are a medium everywhere.If your measurements put you between two sizes, here is the rule: size up. Shapewear that is too small does not give you more compression. It gives you discomfort, rolling, and visible lines. Shapewear that fits correctly gives you smooth, all-day wear without you thinking about it.One More Thing Worth KnowingYour measurements can shift depending on the time of day, your cycle, and what you have eaten. If you are measuring for a specific event, measure yourself on a normal day, not after a big meal or during bloating. You want your everyday measurement, not your best-case or worst-case number.Getting this right at the start means you never have to deal with shapewear that bunches, rolls, or leaves marks. It is five minutes of work that changes how every piece fits from here on.Ready to find your size? Use the Shapies size guide with your measurements and get a recommendation in under a minute.