How to Choose the Right Shapewear for Your Shape, Style & Comfort
Celebrate National Shapewear Day with Layer Zero by 32 Degrees
Today, August 10, is National Shapewear Day — a day to celebrate the evolution of shaping garments and the role they can play in helping you feel comfortable, supported and confident in what you wear.
And while shapewear has come a long way from the restrictive garments of the past, choosing the right piece can still feel overwhelming. High-waisted or low? Brief or short? Bodysuit or separate pieces? Light smoothing or more targeted support?
The good news: finding the right shapewear doesn't have to be complicated.
With Layer Zero by 32 Degrees, the focus is on comfortable, everyday shaping designed to move with you — combining seamless construction, stretch comfort and targeted compression without making you feel squeezed in while at a price that makes sense.
First, Decide What You Want Your Shapewear to Do
The best shapewear isn't necessarily the most compressive. It's the piece that works with your outfit, your body, and your day.
Before choosing a style, ask yourself:
-
Do I want overall smoothing?
-
Am I looking for tummy and core control?
-
Do I want to create a smooth foundation under fitted clothing?
-
Am I looking for something that will stay comfortable for all-day wear?
-
Do I want shaping that works with a specific outfit?
Once you know the answer, choosing a silhouette becomes much easier.
1. For Everyday Tummy Smoothing: Try a Shaping Brief
If you want targeted shaping around your waist and midsection without adding extra coverage down the legs, a high-waisted shaping brief is a great place to start.
The Layer Zero Seamless Comfort Shaping Brief is designed with a seamless construction and stretch fabric for a smooth, comfortable fit. It's a simple option for wearing under dresses, skirts, trousers or your favorite everyday outfits.
Shop the Layer Zero Seamless Comfort Shaping Brief.
Best for:
-
Everyday outfits
-
Dresses and skirts
-
Smoothing the waist and midsection
-
When you want shaping without leg coverage
2. For More Coverage: Choose a Shaping Short
Want a little more coverage and smoothing through the hips and upper thighs? A shaping short may be your perfect match.
The Layer Zero Seamless Comfort Shaping Short features a high-waisted design, core control, four-way stretch and seamless construction. The longer silhouette makes it especially useful under dresses, skirts and pants when you want a smooth foundation from waist to thigh.
Shop the Layer Zero Seamless Comfort Shaping Short.
Best for:
-
Smoothing the waist, hips and upper thighs
-
Dresses and skirts
-
Fitted pants
-
Extra coverage
-
Everyday comfort
3. For an All-Over Smooth Look: Try a Bodysuit
When you want your shaping to extend from the torso rather than stopping at the waist, a bodysuit can be an easy solution.
The Layer Zero Seamless Shaping Nylon Bodysuit features a fitted silhouette, four-way stretch, a contour-ribbed midsection and removable cups. The seamless design helps create a smooth foundation underneath clothing, while the stretch fabric is designed for comfortable movement.
Shop the Layer Zero Seamless Shaping Nylon Bodysuit.
Best for:
-
Dresses
-
Jumpsuits
-
Fitted tops
-
Smoothing the torso
-
Creating an all-in-one foundation
4. Consider Your Outfit Before Choosing Your Shapewear
One of the easiest ways to choose the right shapewear is to start with what you're wearing.
Wearing a fitted dress?
Try a bodysuit or shaping brief for a smooth silhouette with minimal visible lines.
Wearing a flowy dress or skirt?
A shaping short can provide extra coverage and help create a smooth transition from waist to thigh.
Wearing fitted trousers or jeans?
A shaping brief can give you targeted waist and tummy smoothing without adding unnecessary layers.
Want an everyday option?
Choose a style with stretch and moderate shaping that you can comfortably wear throughout your day.
5. Don't Size Down for More Compression
One of the biggest shapewear mistakes is assuming that a smaller size will automatically create a better result.
It won't.
Shapewear should feel supportive and secure, but it shouldn't dig, pinch, roll excessively or make it difficult to move comfortably. Start with your actual measurements and use the Layer Zero Size Guide rather than sizing down simply to increase compression.
Layer Zero's sizing information includes bust, waist and hip measurements to help you find the appropriate fit.
The goal isn't to squeeze yourself into a smaller size. The goal is to find a fit that works with your body.
6. Look for Comfort Features You'll Actually Notice
Shapewear is something you may wear for hours at a time, so comfort matters just as much as shaping.
Layer Zero focuses on features including:
-
No-show seamless construction for a smoother look
-
Targeted compression designed to smooth without excessive squeezing
-
Stretch comfort that allows you to move
-
Soft-touch fabrics
-
Laser-cut details on select styles for smooth edges
That's the Layer Zero approach: comfort and confidence don't have to be opposites.
Your Layer Zero Shapewear Cheat Sheet
|
If you want... |
Try... |
|---|---|
|
Everyday tummy smoothing |
Shaping Brief |
|
Waist-to-thigh smoothing |
Shaping Short |
|
All-over torso shaping |
Shaping Bodysuit |
|
A smooth foundation under fitted clothes |
Seamless styles |
|
Comfortable everyday support |
Stretch-focused styles |
Celebrate National Shapewear Day Your Way
National Shapewear Day is a great reminder that shapewear doesn't have to be about changing your body. It can simply be about choosing what helps you feel your best in the clothes you already love.
Whether you're getting dressed for work, heading out for a special occasion or simply looking for a smoother, more comfortable layer underneath your everyday wardrobe, the right shapewear should work with you — not against you.
That's the idea behind Layer Zero by 32 Degrees: thoughtful shaping, comfortable stretch and everyday support at an approachable value.
Ready to Find Your Layer?
Explore the full Layer Zero by 32 Degrees Collection and discover the shaping style that fits your wardrobe, your body, and your day.
Happy National Shapewear Day!