Foundation of Fashion
- Clarissa
Foundation garments, Shapewear, Girdles or whatever they may be called-- I'm thinking about them. Why are they so taboo? Some people say they are trickery. Well, what do they call that thing that (some) jeans do when they smash my decent looking butt into something that resembles a Lego block (square and lumpy)? How about when pants cut across my belly and push everything into one central area and I take on Humpty Dumpty's silhouette? Does that only happen to me? Is it okay for some clothes to alter my shape into something less desirable? Why can't I even the playing field and put curves back into to place? I'm just asking. How is wearing it trickery? Does it make my size 16 body look like a size 8? Nope.
I'm all for shapewear. But, I haven't worn any in a while (over a year). Shapewear can be discouraging all by itself; forget about actual clothes. I've worried what people would think if they got a glimpse of it. I've wondered if it would ruin intimate moments. I've had shapewear roll up, roll down, and simply tear up as I put it on. I'm going to give a few tips to help you if or when you decide to take up shapewear.
I'm all for shapewear. But, I haven't worn any in a while (over a year). Shapewear can be discouraging all by itself; forget about actual clothes. I've worried what people would think if they got a glimpse of it. I've wondered if it would ruin intimate moments. I've had shapewear roll up, roll down, and simply tear up as I put it on. I'm going to give a few tips to help you if or when you decide to take up shapewear.
Tips
Tension:
All shapewear is not created equally. Tension, compression, control are all terms that mean the same thing-- how tight.
Light: will smooth things out. Wear light control garments like camisoles under blouses and t-shirts. I don't care for those light control panties for "tummies". I don't think I have a "tummy". Whatever I have requires more than light control. I do recommend the light control thigh shapers. They are great under career trousers and slacks. Once you go too tight with thigh shapers (choosing medium or high control) you run the risk of your legs looking like sausage links. The bands puff stuff up and you can tell you are wearing something under your pants.
Medium & High: Like Light control, Medium control is good for everyday looks from t-shirts to fancy dresses. They smooth out everything just enough. High compression is reserved for serious shaping. Its usually not made for everyday use. I regard high compression as modern day corseting. I love it. Though not for everyone, I think my next post will be on this alone because high compression needs its own show. High compression is very comfortable but strong enough to do permanent shaping.
Target:
There are full body shapers (girdles), thigh shapers, "tummy" shapers, stuff for your boobs, arms, and butt the list goes on and on... No it doesn't. I think I named all the body parts people shape.
Rolling: To stop rolling. Make sure you have the correct size. Going a size down on shapewear won't make you look even more slimmer. It will just roll up or down depending on what you are wearing. Don't buy anything too flimsy. If it looks like its made out of nylon stockings/ leggings, leave it at the store. Lastly, anchor it-- make sure your waist cincher has straps or thigh shapers are secure on your stomach. If target pieces roll regardless, I recommend full body shapers with no bust so you can wear your own bra. Everything will stay put because its one piece.
Sex(y): Shapewear can be sexy. It can also work as lingerie. Once upon a time, lingerie and shapewear were one in the same. Shapewear comes in colors and prints. Even if just nude or black is available. you can still make it look good.
All shapewear is not created equally. Tension, compression, control are all terms that mean the same thing-- how tight.
Light: will smooth things out. Wear light control garments like camisoles under blouses and t-shirts. I don't care for those light control panties for "tummies". I don't think I have a "tummy". Whatever I have requires more than light control. I do recommend the light control thigh shapers. They are great under career trousers and slacks. Once you go too tight with thigh shapers (choosing medium or high control) you run the risk of your legs looking like sausage links. The bands puff stuff up and you can tell you are wearing something under your pants.
Medium & High: Like Light control, Medium control is good for everyday looks from t-shirts to fancy dresses. They smooth out everything just enough. High compression is reserved for serious shaping. Its usually not made for everyday use. I regard high compression as modern day corseting. I love it. Though not for everyone, I think my next post will be on this alone because high compression needs its own show. High compression is very comfortable but strong enough to do permanent shaping.
Target:
There are full body shapers (girdles), thigh shapers, "tummy" shapers, stuff for your boobs, arms, and butt the list goes on and on... No it doesn't. I think I named all the body parts people shape.
Rolling: To stop rolling. Make sure you have the correct size. Going a size down on shapewear won't make you look even more slimmer. It will just roll up or down depending on what you are wearing. Don't buy anything too flimsy. If it looks like its made out of nylon stockings/ leggings, leave it at the store. Lastly, anchor it-- make sure your waist cincher has straps or thigh shapers are secure on your stomach. If target pieces roll regardless, I recommend full body shapers with no bust so you can wear your own bra. Everything will stay put because its one piece.
Sex(y): Shapewear can be sexy. It can also work as lingerie. Once upon a time, lingerie and shapewear were one in the same. Shapewear comes in colors and prints. Even if just nude or black is available. you can still make it look good.
When your clothes are off, just look sexy in it, no one has to know what it is!
Shapers are for every body size and type. Since clothes are not tailor made for your body you can run into problems at any size. Also shapers are not going to make you love your body. You have to love it on your own first. These aren't fabric plastic surgery. They enhance your natural curves and beauty; like makeup does for the face.
The is much more to come on the topic of shapewear. I'm getting back into this topic and thinking about wearing them again and documenting my experiences. Until then, how do you feel about it. Do you wear any garments like these? Does your bra help more than regular bras; panties have built-in control?
Shapers are for every body size and type. Since clothes are not tailor made for your body you can run into problems at any size. Also shapers are not going to make you love your body. You have to love it on your own first. These aren't fabric plastic surgery. They enhance your natural curves and beauty; like makeup does for the face.
The is much more to come on the topic of shapewear. I'm getting back into this topic and thinking about wearing them again and documenting my experiences. Until then, how do you feel about it. Do you wear any garments like these? Does your bra help more than regular bras; panties have built-in control?
Make it Work
October 2011
Some people say shopping is a stress reliever. Anyone would feel good while making themselves look better or
buying themselves gifts. I have never gotten that euphoric, free feeling from clothes shopping. I've always hated shopping for clothes.
Always.
Before recent, it stressed me out. It wasn't the price or sifting through ugly garments that stressed me out. It was the size and fit. Hell, I'd pay any price or rock the ugliest trend as long as I looked good in whatever I tried on.
But, that's just me.
Going to the store, I just knew nothing would fit or that it would morph my body into some shapeless, lumpy blob. Being short and fat has never helped either. Larger sized clothes were obviously made for taller people with longer legs and arms. I felt doubly discriminated against.
Now I know better. I know how to "make it work". I know what to look for in garments. I know what styles and trends work for me. I know how to make straight size clothes fit my plus size body.
How? All it takes is to know the properties of clothing materials, some imagination, and the willingness to be creative.
I feel that the number one thing that scares us fat girls the most (initially) is the looks (possibly what we think are looks) we get or the possible thoughts that are being conjured up when we leave that lonely "plus" corner of the store to look at the straight sized clothes or we ditch a store that is marketed strictly to plus sized girls and try our luck at a "normal store"-- as I used to call it.
You need to ditch all feelings of insecurities and just dive into the shopping experience.
Here are some tips:
Biggest size-- Sort of a no-brainer; always try on the biggest size you can find in straight size clothes. It just might work out.
Stretchy materials-- Jersey knit, spandex, and whatever magic material combo jeggings are made of. Look for materials that are going to stretch to fit. Try to stay away from thin cottons(shirts, tops). They will stretch... and stay stretched; becoming warped.
Over-sized-- The over-sized trend has been big for a while. Look for clothes that are over-sized.
There is a good chance they will fit you just right. Wear an over-sized dress as a tunic or a dress as a shirt.
How I did it:
I walked into J.C. Penney as shopping buddy, a tag along. I wasn't there to shop for myself because I never find clothes that fit and I'd rather not go through the pain and disappointment that trying things on in the mirror brings. Until I saw this dress. It was soft yet structured. It was stretchy. The biggest size it came in was a Large and I need AT LEAST a 2X to look decent. Well I tried it on anyway and, in my opinion, it worked. It's a little tight for my taste. But, I still count it as a win. If I'm feeling too self-conscious about it I can always throw a blazer or sweater over it and throw some leggings or fitted pants underneath. Now I dare you to try on things not made for your size. See if it works. If it doesn't-- make it work!
buying themselves gifts. I have never gotten that euphoric, free feeling from clothes shopping. I've always hated shopping for clothes.
Always.
Before recent, it stressed me out. It wasn't the price or sifting through ugly garments that stressed me out. It was the size and fit. Hell, I'd pay any price or rock the ugliest trend as long as I looked good in whatever I tried on.
But, that's just me.
Going to the store, I just knew nothing would fit or that it would morph my body into some shapeless, lumpy blob. Being short and fat has never helped either. Larger sized clothes were obviously made for taller people with longer legs and arms. I felt doubly discriminated against.
Now I know better. I know how to "make it work". I know what to look for in garments. I know what styles and trends work for me. I know how to make straight size clothes fit my plus size body.
How? All it takes is to know the properties of clothing materials, some imagination, and the willingness to be creative.
I feel that the number one thing that scares us fat girls the most (initially) is the looks (possibly what we think are looks) we get or the possible thoughts that are being conjured up when we leave that lonely "plus" corner of the store to look at the straight sized clothes or we ditch a store that is marketed strictly to plus sized girls and try our luck at a "normal store"-- as I used to call it.
You need to ditch all feelings of insecurities and just dive into the shopping experience.
Here are some tips:
Biggest size-- Sort of a no-brainer; always try on the biggest size you can find in straight size clothes. It just might work out.
Stretchy materials-- Jersey knit, spandex, and whatever magic material combo jeggings are made of. Look for materials that are going to stretch to fit. Try to stay away from thin cottons(shirts, tops). They will stretch... and stay stretched; becoming warped.
Over-sized-- The over-sized trend has been big for a while. Look for clothes that are over-sized.
There is a good chance they will fit you just right. Wear an over-sized dress as a tunic or a dress as a shirt.
How I did it:
I walked into J.C. Penney as shopping buddy, a tag along. I wasn't there to shop for myself because I never find clothes that fit and I'd rather not go through the pain and disappointment that trying things on in the mirror brings. Until I saw this dress. It was soft yet structured. It was stretchy. The biggest size it came in was a Large and I need AT LEAST a 2X to look decent. Well I tried it on anyway and, in my opinion, it worked. It's a little tight for my taste. But, I still count it as a win. If I'm feeling too self-conscious about it I can always throw a blazer or sweater over it and throw some leggings or fitted pants underneath. Now I dare you to try on things not made for your size. See if it works. If it doesn't-- make it work!