Repeat after us, ladies. Shapewear is your friend. With the promise of eliminating muffin-tops, trimming your thighs, deterring back fat and boosting your butt? Shapewear is one invention that all women should be bffs with. Whether you’re petite or curvy, there’s always room for a little extra lift and support and even more so on your wedding day.
So not exactly sure if you need to wear shapewear under your wedding dress? And what type? We’ve got you covered! We caught up with Janine Annggara, Head Designer of one of the world’s leading shapewear brands, Nancy Ganz. Find out exactly what shapewear does and how to smooth those unwanted lumps and bumps.
What exactly does shapewear do?
Shapewear gives you a sleek, sexy figure. It smooths out those lumps and bumps, eliminates panty lines and gives you extra confidence.
Why is shapewear so important when it comes to evening wear?
Evening wear is often very fitted and can be unforgiving. Shapewear helps to smooth out any lumps and bumps, but most importantly gets rid of the dreaded VPL. This is thanks to innovations such as laser cut edging. Regardless if you’re a size 6 or 16, Shapewear helps to give you a smooth and streamlined silhouette.
Is there shapewear designed specifically for problem areas? I.e. thighs, tummy, waist?
Shapewear is designed to target specific areas, such as the tummy or thighs- there is no one solution. For instance, the high waisted brief is made of soft, comfortable, two-way stretch cotton fabric that features an anti-slip silicone to prevent roll-down and a double layer to smooth tummy and midriff.
What’s the one essential shapewear style every woman should own?
The key is to buy a piece that targets the area you need a little bit of help with, so I recommend going into store and speaking to one of Nancy Ganz’s trained fitters who can talk you through the range. Alternatively, go onto the Nancy Ganz website which calls out the features and benefits of each item, and allows you to shop by target area. However, if you are after just one key piece, try an underbust body suit for all over control that avoids any unwanted bulges. Great for under pants or tight fitting skirts, but it also allows you to wear your own bra.
What shapewear do you recommend for the below wedding dress styles?
Princess gown: Due to the fitted bodice of a Princess gown, I would recommend an item such as a high-waist brief with power mesh. This piece will streamline your figure while the power mesh inserts have been added to this brief to ensure a smooth leg finish. Anti-slip elastic will prevent the Shapewear garment from rolling down.
Fitted A-line gown: The Nancy Ganz Underbust Bodysuit is perfect for a fitted gown with straps, as it is designed to sit under the bust, allowing the versatility to choose your own bra. Power mesh panels give you a tighter tummy and a trimmer figure, while back rolls are smoothed out.
Mermaid gown: As the mermaid gown is quite fitted all the way to the knees, I would recommend the High Waist Power Mesh Bike Shorts. These are a serious body sculpting piece that features removable straps and longer leg to target the thighs.
Slinky floor length gown: If your gown has a lower front or back, lace, or sexy sheer panels, you want something a little more discreet such as the Everyday Lace Brief. This brief is lighter in weight but still firm in control and features lace panels for a delicate feminine look, while a bonded panel at the front provides extra control for your tummy.
Should you go a size up or a size down when purchasing shapewear?
Stay true to your size when buying Shapewear, but we always recommend getting professionally fitted by one of the trained Nancy Ganz staff. They can help you determine what size you need and which style is best suited to the garment you may be trying to pair it with.
What makes Nancy Ganz shapewear so comfortable?
There are a few different elements that make Nancy Ganz so comfortable. The new SLIMS shapers are made from a lightweight, breathable sheer ultra knit. The fabric is 50% thinner than regular shapewear, and when combined with the innovative flocked bands, provides a firmer level of targeted control. SLIMS offer women firm support that is comfortable enough to wear every day.
If a bride is getting married in summer can she still wear shapewear without overheating and feeling uncomfortable and restricted?
Shapewear is perfect for brides, and the Nancy Ganz range features a few different products that are fantastic for the warmer weather. I would recommend the new SLIMS range because it is so thin with the added benefit of having firm levels of control, and with the variety of styles, it is perfect for under an array of different wedding dress styles.
What’s the best colour shapewear to wear under a white wedding gown without it showing?
Like with all garments, if you are unsure which colour Shapewear to put underneath, wear nude. It matches back to you skin tone and won’t be seen through lighter coloured fabrics.