The Right Way to Wear Shapewear

If you consider the subject of shapewear to be a head-scratcher, you're not alone. The market is flooded these days with a number of admittedly confusing undergarments, each serving a different purpose. But given that shapewear can transform the fit of an article of clothing, we'd be remiss to not give you the 411 to help you navigate your options.

To help us along, we consulted an expert in the arena, Commando founder and designer Kerry O'Brien. Since being founded back in 2003, the brand has been a go-to destination for undergarments and shapewear, and it prides itself on innovation, using luxury fabrics, and flawless fit. As expected, O'Brien provided us with genius advice pertaining to the types of shapewear to pair with the wardrobe staples that we all rely on, including skinny jeans, off-the-shoulder tops, and pencil skirts.

Keep scrolling to school yourself on the subject of shapewear and shop the pieces O'Brien prescribes for each type of garment.

"This is a garment that calls for a smooth line from tummy to thigh, so shaping shorts make total sense here," O'Brien says. "Commando's classic shaping shorts are raw-cut, so they don't cause those telltale bumps and lines, which is imperative with a pencil skirt!"

"A control bodysuit will stay tucked and won't bunch underneath your fitted tops," O'Brien told us. "It's also nice and discreet in the event that you accidentally expose your tummy! I like a bodysuit with a thong back, like Commando's classic control bodysuit, because it won't leave any lines, no matter what you're wearing as a bottom."

"This calls for the very best kind of shaping slip—one that won't compress your bust or ride up and will be totally invisible under your dress," O'Brien advises. "Commando's two-faced tech-control slip is made from a luxury technical European fabric that has cotton on the inside and microfiber on the outside. The bust is also made from a material with amazing stretch, so you can wear it with your own bra."

"You don't want to squish the tush when you're wearing skinny jeans, so go with a control thong!" says O'Brien. "Commando's classic control thong prevents pancake bum while giving you just the right amount of tummy control."

"The open-shoulder look is here to stay! And the truth is that sometimes women think they need shapewear when what they really need is a slip or a cami, because it creates a smooth foundation without compression. Commando has a full suite of strapless undergarments, from camis to our patented slips! They stay up and help garments lay beautifully on the body," O'Brien says.

"You want to keep a very natural look with slip dresses, so really, a control brief is the perfect solution here," O'Brien advises. "It will make you feel tucked and smooth, and will look so chic if the dress has any sheerness to it. We've been seeing so many celebrities pair ours with sheer dresses!"

"A high-waisted bottom is the best solution here—whether a half slip, short, brief, or thong," says O'Brien. "You can pair it with a plunge bra and no one will be the wiser. The most important thing is to choose a shaper that is comfortable and that allows you to breathe. We say that Commando control leaves you smoothed, not stuffed."

Shop new arrivals to wear with your shapewear here. 

Opening Image: Getty Images