Our reader asks: “My shapewear looks great when I’m standing, but the waistband rolls down over my stomach as soon as I sit. I spend the whole evening pulling it back up… do I need a smaller size, or am I wearing the wrong style? -Valentina”
In this article, we’ll cover:
- Why shapewear rolls when you sit
- Finding the right size and torso length
- Shaper styles that help prevent rolling
- Getting personal sizing advice
Dear Valentina,
Shapewear rolling down often starts where your stomach creases as you sit. The top edge gets pushed into that fold and curls over. A waistband that’s already tight has very little room to move with you, which makes matters worse. You stand up, pull it back into place, sit down, and off it goes again.
Take a look at where it’s landing. A high-waisted shaper that’s too long for your torso can bunch beneath your bra before you’ve even sat down. There’s extra fabric there with nowhere to go. Stretching it higher or folding the top over won’t sort out the fit. You need a cut that leaves room for your body to bend.
Please don’t buy a smaller one just to get more hold. After decades helping girls with their foundations, I always want to know their waist and hip measurements before recommending a size. Slim hips don’t tell me how much room you need around your stomach. Use the chart for the actual garment, and measure without pulling the tape tight. You’re buying something to fit the body you have.
Then take a minute getting it on. Work the fabric up from the bottom and smooth it around your hips before settling the top into place. I know the temptation to give the waistband one last tug! Leave it at its intended height and sit down for a few minutes. You should be able to enjoy a meal in it, not spend the whole time waiting to get home and peel it off.
A high-waisted brief with a wide waistband and flexible side support is worth a look when the top edge keeps collapsing. That support helps the fabric hold its shape as you bend. It still needs to fit, of course. Boning and grip strips can’t make up for a waistband that’s digging into you.
For shapewear rolling down across the stomach, I’d also look at our Bikini Back Shaping Teddy. Picture a swimsuit-shaped shaper with shoulder straps. The shaping runs up your torso, so there isn’t a separate waistband ending across your middle. Those straps help hold the garment up when you sit. This is a useful option under a dress where you want stomach shaping without coverage down the thighs.
Our Full Torso Slimming Shaper carries that coverage down to the thighs as well as up to the shoulders. It’s the one to consider when you want shaping through the stomach, hips and upper legs together. The shoulder straps help stop the top slipping down, while the fitted leg sections keep the lower part positioned around your thighs. Give the torso length a proper check with either style; straps shouldn’t pull painfully on your shoulders. And try your dress over it before deciding. The straps and leg openings need to sit beneath the fabric.
You don’t have to keep putting up with shapewear rolling down, or guess your way through another purchase. Give us a call if you’re confused about which style or size to choose. Tell us what you’re wearing, where it’s rolling and what you’d like help shaping. We’ll help you find the right shapewear and size for your body and your needs.
With love,
Katie
Remember, if you have any questions about crossdressing, Katie can help with everything from relationship advice to tucking to sizing. Ask away, and Katie will gladly answer all emails sent to [email protected]. Make sure to add ‘For Katie’ into the Subject Line.