While the idea of squeezing into a chest-to-knees bodysuit to look slimmer in our summer dresses is pretty impossible to take seriously (heat and humidity are uncomfortable enough on their own), there are some shapewear options that are summer-friendly, too.
Tops
When it’s hot out, your best bet is shapewear that looks like outerwear--somethin you can comfortably wear under a cardigan or sheer top. Yummie Tummie and Spanx Hide and Sleek tanks are perfect--they’re totally smoothing but not so thick that you’ll be sweaty the moment you step outside.
Bottom Shaper
We wear Spanx Power Panties all year round, but they’re particularly appropriate for summer since you can wear the nude ones unders gossamer skirts and dresses, too. They’re relatively abbreviated, but keep your tush and tummy looking flawless. (And their less-expensive Assets line really works just as well.)
Torso Smoother
If you’re leaning towards a full-body shaper, we suggest a swimsuit-like one (without thigh shaping ? simply too much fabric) without straps, so it’ll work under more of your summer dresses. Flexees’ Smooth Shaping Convertible Strapless Body Briefer even has cotton in the blend, so you can hope for a smidge of breathability. For a comprehensive list of the best shapewear, check out the SheFinds Shapewear Guide.
What are your summer wardrobe secrets?
Walmart has a similar line "Sweet Nothings" Same quality as the Spanx, but half the price, and I think it's made for walmart by Flexees/Maidenform
This should come in handy after I deliver my baby in dec 2009...LOL
I would really like to get this...where can i get one!! Ali
i have one and its comfortable......strongly recommend this :]
i have never bought one but this is good advice
Spanx is the holy grail - hard to find shapers with the split gusset - well worth the extra expense. I also have a kimaro new body shaper which is nice (not as great as spanx) however it smooths you out and it not uncomfortable in hot humid weather.
I use the bottom shaper sometimes when wearing a dress - the only negative is sometimes I feel that it gives a little over the top of the shaper roll, which is not at all helpful when you are trying to hide the belly to start off with.
It seems like they only make shapewear for skinny people, the ones who need it least. Real, average sized, women do not have many options. I am a size 14 (which is average) with a large chest. I need all the help I can get but can't find anything in my size and there is nothing available with enough support up top. I know that there are millions of women out there my size and larger. Why is a size six the target consumer for this shapewear. Plus size women are the majority in this country. Why doesn't anyone make products to help us look better in our clothes. Not everyone is model skinny trying to hide a tiny tummy bulge.
i never tried spanx but i have used some other shapewear and they were extremely uncomfortable........ this summer friendly shape wear might be more comfortable because it should be more breathable.......... i would love to try it
I just ordered spanx for the first time - can't wait to recieve and try - especially after reading this article....