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Home > Bodyshaping Basics
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BODYSHAPING BASICS
We are often asked what are the quick and cost-effective means of obtaining an hourglass figure to best represent the feminine figure? Whilst everyone needs help in different areas to create the best feminine illusion, there are basic principles which will help you in your quest. For some, the use of shaping garments is either not necessary or not welcome; this is an individual’s choice and the only limitations apparent will be with certain female garments that may for example be too big in the bust or hip and booty area. For those that want their clothing to fit well in all areas then concentrate on the 3 main areas of shaping:
- Bust - round and in proportion
- Waist - thinner than hip and bust
- Hips - larger measurement than the waist and nicely rounded
A classic female shape has a bust, waist and hips that are in proportion and give attractive rounded curves. If you desire a more female shape then what options are available?
Breast Enhancement: Least expensive methods of enhancement include use of medical tape or simple cleavage enhancers. If you are blessed with loose flesh or developed pec muscle then this can be a cost-effective solution for the bust area. However, most will need the aid of breast forms in order to be passable and to ensure garments are filled out correctly. Most breast form retailers will sell the traditional top-quality mastectomy forms which are usually priced anything from $150 and upwards. These days you can also find many of the same vendors offering breast forms specifically for crossdressers and genetic girls looking for non-surgical enhancement and prices well under $100 for the pair.
Years of experience and fitting customers here at Glamour Boutique in the showroom lead us to believe that whilst the average for genetic girls seems to be a 36C, for a crossdresser to be in proportion a good starting point is a B cup for a bra under 38 and a C cup for a bra of 38 and above. Whilst some gurls like to be big up top, just be aware that if you dress to go out you will be stared at if not in proportion. Also, if you have manly shoulders and go too small in the bust area then that too will not achieve a passable female shape. For advice talk to a retailer that has a live phoneline or email support so you can actually talk to a live assistant who can assist you. GlamourBoutique.com are open 7 days a week and can be contacted 10am to 8pm EST on 1-888 721 8688 if you have any questions.
Waist Reduction: To compliment your new rounded bust and to further emphasize a female shape you may need the assistance of some form of waist shaping. Your waist needs to be several inches less than your bust or even bra strap measurement to create a true hourglass figure. Simple and inexpensive solutions here include simple cinchers and girdles that you can purchase for $20 or more and will reduce the waist by 1 to 2”. Always remember that if you are naturally slim in the hip area you should choose a size of cincher or girdle that is 1 size lower than your actual waist in order to compensate – most garments are sized in waist or panty sizes. If you need to reduce the waist by more than an inch or two then a traditional steel boned corset is the best option available. Tight lacing corsets can reduce the waist by 2 to 4" on average and where there is an abundance of soft flesh up to 6 inches. Traditional cinching corsets are sold in the waist size with the corset FULLY LACED UP. This is typically 4" less than your actual waist size. For example, on www.GlamourBoutique.com the size drop-down does it for you - if you are a 34" waist then the drop-down will say: 30" corset for an existing 34” waist.
If you have never worn a traditional corset before then we always recommend you choose an Underbust corset first. These are typically 10 to 13 inches in length and stop just underneath the bust so are easier to size. Overbust corsets are more difficult to size as the bust area comes in to play. Contact us on 1-888 721 8688 if you need to talk to us about sizeing and we’ll be glad to help. Be warned that many lingerie retailers sell fashion garments that they call ‘corsets’ – they are very pretty but as a true cinching garment they are not up to the rigours of true waist-cinching. Always ensure any traditional corset is described as having steel boning and steel busk with full lacing at the rear. Corsets with ribbon instead of laces are fashion garments not shaping garments.
Hip Enlargement: To complete a classic hourglass figure most dressers will also need the addition of several inches around the hips. The easiest solutions here tend to be Padded Panties that are all variations on the same theme – they all have padding that increases the hip and booty area to as much as 2 to 4”. Some panties are made of girdle material and so give compression/support to the lower abdomen/waist as well as adding to the hip area. Padding tends to be of foam or in the more expensive options of silicone – beware that the silicone is not too heavy for the panty, pulling them down. Silicone also tends to make you perspire as it does not breathe. Affordable Padded Panties start from $20 and go up to prices well over $100 for those that have silicone padding.
Try to keep everything in proportion and choose a padded panty that gives nice rounded curves to the hip area rather than sudden bumps of padding. It is also possible to create your own version with sponge padding and a tight compression panty or girdle.
In Conclusion, be realistic in your desired shape and what you can achieve within the constraints of budget and your own body-shape. Study your body-type in the mirror and think of building a proportionate shape in the Bust, Waist and Hip area if you are seeking to create a realistic feminine illusion. You are looking to achieve a tapered effect from the chest to a narrower waist area and then again a hip area that is larger than the waist. If you are able to visit a specialist boutique to try on garments then that is ideal. If not, shop with a retailer online that has live phone service where you can ask questions of informed assistants who can advise you with regards sizeing. Create a proportionate figure and you will find you can wear more and more garments that will fit in all the right places. Adding shape is all about illusion but it also gives you many more options with regards to garments.
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