Hourglass Angel

Once you try shapewear, you will quickly wonder how your wardrobe ever did without it! And the more variety you have, the more you’re able to love the way you look and feel sexy and confident every day, no matter what you’re wearing.

As you’re building a shapewear collection, you may wonder what kind of shelf life these garments have, as well as how many you can reasonably expect to own in order to have everything you need. Here's what you need to know.

How Long One Piece Should Last

Let’s start by discussing the life span of your shapewear.

While shapers are very strong in one way—specifically, their ability to sculpt and shape your figure—they are also quite delicate and must be treated with care in order to last (more on shapewear care below).

How long your shapewear lasts, aside from how well you care for it, depends on how often you wear it, what you use it for, and what type of garment it is. For example, if you buy a garment that you only intend to wear a couple of times a year for special occasions, you may potentially have it in your closet for several years. If, on the other hand, you have something like a workout band that you use almost every day while sweating hard and moving vigorously, it’s obviously going to wear down much more quickly.

In general, if you’re wearing a shaper nearly every day, it is going to last a few months. If you use it less frequently, like once a week or less, you can expect its shelf life to last a year a more.

The best way to tell whether it’s time to replace your shaping garment is simply testing if it’s still working for you. It should hug your figure firmly and sculpt your silhouette in a way that is flattering and confidence building. If, over time, you find that the materials are losing their elasticity and shaping power, it may be time to replace your shaper. You may also find that over time, your body itself changes. If the shaper just doesn’t fit the way it used to, it’s time for a new one.

How to Keep Your Garments Looking and Working Like New

 Proper care of your shaping garments is essential to making them last. Here are a few musts when it comes to washing, wearing and storing your shapewear:

Only wash as needed: We recommend wearing a shaper at least of couple of times before you wash it, because each time you wash it, it wears out the fabric a little bit. Unless it’s stained or smelly, hold off on the wash (the obvious exception being shaping panties).

Watch the latex: While this is a powerful shaping material, it is also quite delicate. Latex garments should be hand-washed in a bucket of warm water with a very mild shampoo—try baby shampoo! Rinse your garment well and hang it dry, but don’t wring. Finally, do not let it dry in direct sunlight.

Be gentle with non-latex garments: you can wash this in a machine washer with lingerie detergent. Make sure that it doesn’t have any dyes, fragrances, alcohol, softeners or bleach. Run on a gentle cycle with cold water, or do it in a bucket of cold water. Lay flat or hang to dry.

Store with care: In order for your shapewear to maintain its shape, lay it flat in a drawer and make sure it isn’t exposed to light. If it hangs well, use clothes pins or lingerie hangers. Waist trainers can be hung over a velvet hanger.

How Many Pieces of Shapewear You Need

Rotating several pieces of shapewear through your wardrobe will ensure that your figure is ready to dress for any occasion. Which types of shapers you prefer to have in your personal collection will depend on what your shaping needs are, your target areas and the way you dress.

For workouts: We hope that you exercise regularly and feel great in your activewear.

We recommend having:

• 1 workout band, to optimize your workouts and increase perspiration
• A combination of 2 or more shaping leggings or toning shorts.
• Any additional compression apparel you prefer like tops and additional bottoms.

For casual wear: Even when you’re dressed down you can look your best. We recommend having:

• 1–2 waist trainers or corsets
• 2 or more shaping camis
• 2 or more pairs of butt-lifting jeans (pair with a waist trainer or shaping cami!)
• Several pairs of shaping panties (depending on how often you like to wear them)
• 2 or more pairs of shaping leggings (pair with a waist trainer or shaping cami)

For professional attire: Closet staples that provide powerful shaping, designed for everyday use. Some of these can overlap with your casual shapewear:

• 1–2 waist trainers or corsets
• Several pairs of shaping panties
• 1–2 thigh shapers or bodysuits
• 1–2 slips, if desired

For formal events: what you want largely depends on what you’re wearing and what your target areas are, but any of the following are ideal:

• a waist trainer or corset
• thigh shaper
• bodysuit
• slip
• bustier

How to Rotate Shapewear through Your Wardrobe Like a Pro
In order to get the most out of your shapewear every day, we recommend that you plan out your outfits a few days in advance, so you’ll know which garments are clean. Think of it like planning a menu for your closet. At the very least, try to plan the night before.

If there is a type of shaper you like to wear daily, such as a waist trainer or shaping panties, you’ll want to have at least two of each to ensure that one is always available.

And of course, if you don’t love doing laundry, then you’ll probably want to have more on hand so you won’t have to worry about running out of clean garments.

We hope we answered your questions about how long your shapewear should last and what you might need, so you can plan to fill out your wardrobe accordingly.

One of the beautiful things about waist training is that anyone can do it.

Regardless of your height, weight, body type, fitness level or experience, wearing a waist trainer as a daily practice can work for you. Whether you want to do some serious waist slimming or want to tighten and tone your midsection, you can use a waist trainer to meet your goals.

Waist training is the practice of wearing a cincher or corset daily to complement a healthy lifestyle routine. It can help you get more out of your workouts, feel more confident, improve your posture and keep you motivated to stick with your fitness and health goals.

Even if you feel a little intimidated at first, if you follow our tips you can be waist training like a pro after just a few weeks.

Stage 1: Start Out Slow

Just like any lifestyle change, there’s an adjustment period when you start waist training. Your body needs some time to adjust to the way it feels, and your garment will need to break in as well.

When you first put on a waist trainer, it might be very tempting to keep it on for a long time because it will instantly slim 1–3 inches from your figure, as well as help you hold your torso taller. Your clothes may fit better, or you may even be able to go down a size!

But don’t make the rookie mistake of overtraining. If your body has never tried waist training before, it may be very uncomfortable if you start out too quickly.

When you first put your waist trainer on, it will feel very snug—probably tighter than any garment you’ve worn. It is normal for it to be difficult to put on. Start on the loosest setting. We recommend fastening the bottom hook and eye closure at the narrowest part of your waist and then working your way up the garment, pulling it down over your midsection as you go. It can be a little bit tricky if you’ve never done it before, but you’ll get faster with practice.

Once your waist trainer is snugly fastened, your torso may feel very stiff. This is what you want: to keep your tummy tucked in and your back straight. However, it can also be slightly uncomfortable after more than about an hour.

While slight discomfort is normal, especially the first time, you’ll want to be sure that your waist trainer actually fits. When you put it on, you should be able to fasten the hooks with yanking (this is a sign that the garment is too small). If you force it, you risk damaging the garment, as well as getting an unflattering and extremely uncomfortable result. A waist trainer that fits will create an hourglass waistline that should be very stunning on your figure. We recommend following our custom size charts precisely, as well as carefully trying on your garment first before you commit to wearing it.

You should never have pain or shortness of breath when wearing a waist trainer. If either of these conditions arises, take it off immediately.

Once you’re wearing a waist trainer that fits, wear it for no more than an hour on the first day. Now you’re ready to step up your routine, gradually.

Stage 2: Gradually Increase

After the first day or two, you can start gradually increasing the amount of time you wear your waist trainer. Add a couple of hours each day, as you feel comfortable. Once you’re up to several hours a day, you can split your wear into two sessions, as that can make the adjustment easier. Listen to your body and be patient; you’ll get there.

After a week or two, you’ll feel comfortable wearing your waist trainer all day, every day. We recommend wearing it for at least 6 hours a day to see results, but you may find that you can wear it for several more.

You might be surprised how much a waist trainer can make you perspire after a few hours of wear. (Don’t worry, this isn’t smelly sweat!) Perspiration around your midsection demonstrates how the waist trainer works: by stimulating heat in your core. This can be especially effective if you wear a waist trainer during exercise (more on that below).

As you get more comfortable with waist training, you may start noticing its effects. We recommend tracking your progress with waist measurements and photos so you can see your results and stay motivated with your goals.

Of course, waist training works best when incorporated into a healthy lifestyle routine. This includes daily exercise that includes cardio and strength training, as well as a nutritious diet in sensible portions. Wearing a waist trainer during meals can help remind to you keep your portions small—we recommend having 5–6 small meals a day rather than 3 larger ones. And don’t forget to stay hydrated, as you’ll be losing more water through perspiration! Keep a water bottle on you and try to drink from it hourly, tracking intake as you go.

While results vary from person to person depending on their goals, their lifestyle and how much they’re wearing their waist trainer, you may start to notice that the waist trainer starts to feel a bit looser after a few weeks. This means that it is time to tighten it, which is usually a reason to celebrate. You’ll know it’s time to “downsize” to the next row of hooks when you can easily close your waist trainer on the first row and it doesn’t seem to feel as tight.

Stage 3: Try Different Styles

The fun part about waist training is that the more you do it, the more you want to try out different approaches! There are many styles of waist trainers to meet various needs at different stages of the journey.

If you are dedicated to wearing a waist trainer every day and you drop some serious numbers from your waistline, you’ll eventually find that it’s time to size down. You’ll know you’re ready when it just doesn’t feel as tight anymore, even on the tightest row of hooks. When that happens, it’s time to celebrate and reward yourself with a new waist trainer!

Even if you’re not ready to size down yet, you may find that once you get into your groove, you’re going to want more than one in your wardrobe anyway. We high recommend rotating an everyday waist trainer with a workout trainer to maximize your routine’s effectiveness.

A workout band will amplify your results because it enhances your workouts and helps you stay motivated with your fitness routine. You’ll be sweating harder, getting great results and looking great, whether you’re at the gym or taking workout selfies. A great workout band to get started with is the Waist Trainer Active Band by Amia.

When you’re not working out, an everyday waist trainer will be your go-to garment for work and casual attire. When shopping for a new waist trainer to add to your wardrobe, consider what features you prefer when you’ll be wearing it.

Choose the color the camouflages easily based on your skin tone and what you’re planning to wear over it. You may also want to consider whether to try a vest-style waist trainer like the Latex Waist Trainer Vest by Hourglass Angel HA103, or a classic style band like the Classic Waist Cincher by Amia.

If, after several months of waist training, you have a good rhythm going and would like to take it to the next level, then we highly recommend trying a steel-boned corset. This style of garment will give you the most dramatic results due to its construction with a lace-up back and steel boning in the bodice. Try the Underbust Cotton Corset by Hourglass Angel HA202 for some serious waist-slimming power.

Curious about what your results will be? That largely depends on your goals, your commitment to wearing the waist trainer and your lifestyle. But if you want to get an idea of what waist training results can be, we have many stories in our Before and After Gallery that highlight different styles and they effects that had on various body types and lifestyles.

• Lillie is a stay-at-home mom who wore a classic style workout trainer to help lose the baby weight. After a couple of months of dedicated waist training, she was able tighten to the next row of hooks.
• Gina is a model who used a latex workout band to tighten her midsection. After a few weeks she tightened to the next row of hooks. Everyone close to her noticed a change in her figure and confidence.
• Yuliza is an ASL interpreter who was so amazed with her friend’s waist training results that she had to try it for herself. Using a vest-style trainer, she found that wearing it every day made her more motivated to work out and eat well. She started seeing results after a few weeks, and so did her coworkers.

Waist training can work for anyone! What will your story be?

Corseting is a great way to take waist training to the next level and get a tightly cinched waist for an hourglass figure. For the most dramatic results, steel-boned corsets are the best way to go.

It's true that some high-quality corsets can be expensive. But when you know where to look, you can score a great deal on some of the best steel-boned corsets on the market.

Since we’re big fans of using steel-boned corsets for waist training, we developed our own line of affordable corsets that you can order off the rack and still get incredible results. Here’s everything you need to know about corseting and how to do it affordably and effectively.

Our Favorite Picks

First things first: our affordable, high quality corsets! Here are a couple of our favorites for corseting beginners and experts alike:

Mesh Waspie Corset by Hourglass Angel HA201: This breathable waist training corset provides powerful slimming with a sexy look.
Underbust Cotton Corset By Hourglass Angel HA202: This classic steel-boned corset provides maximum slimming from below the bust to the hip, while remaining comfortable with breathable cotton.

How Steel-Boned Corsets Work

Women have been corseting as a way to slim their figures and create a tiny waist for hundreds of years. Modern corsets use thin strips of flexible steel boning to provide their slimming power, combined with a lace-up back for a customizable fit.

Corsets work in several different ways. First, when laced tightly they provide immediate body-shaping that can dramatically slim your midsection several inches. Over time, if you wear a corset regularly and your body adjusts, you may be able to tighten the laces even further for even more dramatic results.

Corsets primarily work because of the compression they provide. This stimulates heat in your core, increasing circulation and making you sweat harder. Wearing a corset also improves your posture, boosts confidence and can motivate you to live a healthier lifestyle. You may also prefer to eat smaller meals while wearing a corset.

All of these factors contribute to a slimmer waistline.

How Corsets are Different from Latex Waist Trainers

In the last few years, modern waist trainers have become very popular, and some people have grown confused about what the difference is between the two garments. While they are very similar in terms of what they do, there are some key differences.

Both styles of the garment provide compression around the midsection, but latex waist trainers do it with latex, usually held in place with a hook-and-eye, zip-up or Velcro closure at the front of the garment. Steel-boned corsets don’t use a compression fabric but rely on the structure of the steel boning in combination with the lace-up back. Since they can be tightened firmly with laces to a custom fit, corsets can provide more dramatic results.

We generally recommend latex waist trainers for beginners and corsets for women who want to take their waist training to the next level.

A couple of other differences include what you might use these two styles of garments for. Workout bands are ideal for exercise; we don’t recommend rigorous movement while wearing a corset or everyday waist trainer, as you risk damaging them. Corsets are also popular for special occasions and may even be worn as outerwear. Which style of garment you use may depend on your personal preferences as well as the occasion.

Benefits of Corseting

Wearing a corset provides immediate slimming to your waistline up to several inches. It can also improve your posture and improve your confidence and motivation. As we discussed above, when combined with a healthy lifestyle, wearing a corset can be a part of a weight loss or waist slimming plan.

Safety & Comfort

There are a few myths you might have heard about whether or not wearing a corset is safe. Always ask your doctor if you have specific concerns, but if you use a corset as directed, you don't have anything to worry about.

Always make sure you’re getting the right size when ordering a new corset to ensure that you have a garment that fits properly. If a corset provides discomfort, it could be an indication that it is too small. Measure the narrowest part of your waist using a vinyl or fabric measuring tape and then follow our custom size charts for each garment.

It’s also important to listen to your body. If you experience discomfort other than the general feeling of it being tight, then take it off immediately. You should never experience shortness of breath or pain when wearing a corset correctly.

Finally, be sensible. Don’t wear a corset 24/7. We recommend no more than about 12 hours a day. Also be sure to be doing regular core-strengthening exercises—ideally with a workout band—to get the best results and keep your core and back strong.

Getting Started

When you order a new corset, you’ll first want to make sure that it fits. Unfold it and step into it with the closures in front and the laces in back. Gently tighten the laces, working from the top and bottom towards the middle, as if you were tightening shoelaces.

Do not pull the laces super tight the first time you wear it! Your corset needs to be seasoned for a couple of weeks before you can tighten it fully. This allows it to conform to your body and also gives your body the opportunity to adjust.

While you’re seasoning your corset, it should be snug but shouldn’t provide firm compression. It should look flattering and rest comfortably between your bust and your hips. If you can tighten it without much effort, than it is probably too big. If it doesn’t look quite right and doesn’t create an hourglass curve, it is probably too small.

You can gradually increase the amount of time that you wear it each day while you season it. After about two weeks you should feel comfortable wearing it all day. By then it should be molded to fit your torso without any gaps, and the laces should slide easily through the grommets. At this point you should be able to tighten it firmly to get maximum slimming.

The female body goes through incredible and beautiful changes during pregnancy and childbirth. Did you know that compression waist trainers and shapewear can play a role in your post-baby slim-down?

What shapers will be most effective depends on what stage postpartum you are in, but there is something for every stage from day 1 and beyond.

What is Waist Training?

Waist training is the process of using a high-compression waist trainer or corset to create the appearance of a slimmer midsection. When worn daily, a waist trainer—along with proper diet and exercise—can help you stay motivated and confident on your waist-slimming journey. For a postpartum mom, a waist trainer provides compression for whatever stage you are at.

For it to be most effective as a lifestyle choice, waist training should be done consistently. In order to achieve the best results, we recommend wearing a waist trainer every day for at least eight hours a day—although it takes some time to work up to this amount.

Waist trainers can also be worn for your workout routines or simply whenever you want to look your best. These garments will instantly slim up to several inches and will help your midsection look firm and flat. Plus, many styles are designed to stimulate heat in your core, maximizing your workouts.

How Waist Training Works

There are several ways that waist training works, during the postpartum period and beyond. The main feature of a waist trainer is firm compression around the midsection. Depending on the style, our quality waist trainers can be fastened with hook-and-eye closures, Velcro or zippers and they stay firmly in place.

The main thing that this ongoing compression does is stimulate heat in your core. This in turn increases blood flow and causes more perspiration. During the immediate weeks following childbirth, this can aid your body’s natural recovery as your abdomen is reducing its swelling and flushing out excess fluid.

As time goes on, waist training will continue to help you have good posture (the compression helps you keep your back straighter), perspire around your midsection and hold in your tummy. Combined with physical activity, adequate hydration and a nutritious diet, a waist training regimen can help you stay motivated and confident as you work towards slimming down after childbirth.

Waist Training Benefits

There are several benefits of using a waist trainer postpartum, including:

- Post-delivery recovery: Women have used compression in the form of “belly-binding” for postpartum recovery around the world for centuries. Compression provides thermal stimulation and can ease swelling so that your body can recover quickly and naturally.
- Comfort: After childbirth, much of your torso is going to feel a bit out of place and stretched out, including your abdominal muscles. If you’re breastfeeding, you will probably be a couple of cup sizes bigger than you’re used to, and for all of these reasons you might have new strain on your shoulders or back. A waist trainer can encourage you to sit straighter and avoid the posture mistakes that cause you discomfort.
- Posture support: After childbirth, your core will naturally be a lot weaker because the muscles have been stretched out, which can cause you to have poor posture and experience back pain. By using compression around your midsection, you’ll sit and stand with better posture and won’t be putting pressure on your lower back. Compression also helps you keep your core tight. Be sure you're doing regular core-strengthening exercises (once you have the go-ahead from your physician), which will encourages proper healing.
- Confidence and self-esteem: It’s normal to feel insecure as a new mom because of all of the changes your body has gone through. While we believe that a body that has undergone pregnancy and childbirth is beautiful just as it is, a waist trainer and other shapewear can help you regain your confidence during that postpartum period. Your emotional health is an important part of being a great mom, so it’s worth taking the effort to look and feel great. Plus, shapewear that fits well and flatters your figure can help you stay motivated to follow through with your health and fitness goals.

Safety Concerns

Since waist trainers and other styles of shapewear provide very firm compression, some people question whether the practice of waist training is safe, especially during the delicate postpartum period.

The key to safety during waist training is to only use garments that fit and to listen to your body’s signals. Our custom size charts are unique to each garment. Be sure to take measurements whenever you want to order a new waist trainer and select a size based on your measurement. If you’re in between sizes, always go a size up (remember that waist trainers can be adjusted for a snugger fit).

If you want to follow a waist training regimen, ease your way into it gradually rather than wearing a new waist trainer around the clock.

You should never feel any pain or restrictions of your breathing. These are signs that your garment doesn’t fit. If you’ve been wearing your waist trainer for a few hours and are uncomfortable from the compression, take a break.

If you have any concerns about postpartum waist training and how it might affect you personally, discuss them with your physician.
How to Get Started

When you get started with a waist training regimen will depend on how quickly your body recovers from childbirth. If your belly is very swollen you may want to start out with a postpartum belly binder rather than a regular waist trainer; otherwise you may size out of it very quickly as your body discharges extra fluid in the early days and weeks.

Once you’re ready, you’ll want to start out gradually with your waist trainer. Start with no more than an hour a day and then slowly add a half hour to an hour each day. After 2–3 weeks, you should feel comfortable wearing your waist trainer daily for at least 8 hours.

We also recommend wearing a workout band as you gently re-introduce exercise into your routine. This can be a great way to intensify your workouts without doing anything too rigorous as you recover.

Some great styles to get started with a postpartum waist training routine include the Classic Waist Cincher by Amia A102 and the Waist Trainer Corset Vest by Amia A103. The vest style provides more coverage for the back and support for the bust. For extra firm hold we also recommend the Waist Training Double Layer with Zipper by Vedette 940.
After a few months of waist training, if you want to get even more dramatic, you may want to introduce a steel-boned corset into your waist training routine.

What to Expect

If you’re new to waist training, it can be an adjustment to get used to. Your garment will feel very tight and even slightly restrictive at first, which is why we suggest a gradual introduction. Some people are also surprised at how much a waist trainer makes them sweat, especially during workouts. But remember this firm compression is what will provide instant slimming, posture support and the results you want.

Many people find that the more they wear a waist trainer, the more they enjoy it. We recommend tracking your progress regularly through photos and waist measurements, so you’ll stay motivated and see how far you’ve come.

Results

Remember that your body took nine months to grow and stretch, so returning to your pre-baby figure will take time.

Waist training results can vary widely depending on a variety of factors, including your goals, your dedication to the practice, your genetics and your lifestyle. Waist training alone isn't a good strategy for weight loss. But it's absolutely effective when used as a supplement to your other slim-down methods, like healthy eating and exercise.

If you’re not making big adjustments to your lifestyle and simply want to tone up, you won’t see as dramatic of a change, but with dedication you’ll still see progress.

You may wonder how long it will take before you start noticing results. If you want to get inspired, check out our before and after stories from real customers just like you. Several of these women have used waist trainers as part of their method for losing their baby belly and toning up their midsections.

We also recommend that you check out the customer reviews on any waist trainer you’d like to try. The more specific the review is regarding the person’s size, shape and lifestyle practices, the more accurate of a picture you’ll get of what your results might be.

Lastly, if you have any more questions about what your postpartum waist training plan should look like, please contact our team of expert stylists, who would love to help you out!

Wedding season is once again upon us, which means you’re probably gearing up for some beautiful weather, gorgeous venues and of course stunning gowns. Even if you’re not the bride, wedding season is a time when you definitely want to look and feel your best, so you can attend any celebration feeling sexy and confident.

While lifestyle choices, like a smart diet and exercise plan, are essential to looking your best for wedding season, we hope you’re also including shapewear and waist trainers in your summer slim-down and shaping strategies.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to look your fittest and enhance all of your best features.

Surprising Benefits of Shapewear and Waist Trainers

You’re probably aware that shapewear is a must-have for the day of the wedding. (Need help finding which kind to use? Check it out: The Best Shapewear for Formal Occasions: Q&A.) But did you know can benefit from shapewear—and especially waist trainers—for months leading up to the big day? Here’s how:

They stimulate thermal activity: Compression shapewear, particularly waist trainers and activewear, heat up your target areas, which in turn makes you perspire. This is especially important during exercise, because you can get a more effective workout with the same amount of effort. And the more efficiently you work out, the more results you're going to see.

Check out the most effective workouts for waist trainers and compression activewear to get the most out of your fitness routine leading up to a wedding or formal event.

They increase motivation: Wearing shapewear regularly increases your confidence and gives you a vision for what you want your body to look like. Just like some people like to post magazine photos on the mirror to stay motivated, seeing your best self every time you look in the mirror can be even more motivating!

Slimming shapewear can also provide powerful reminders throughout your day of your weight loss goals. If you have a day when you’re just not up to your daily workout or eating well, try putting on a waist trainer and take a look in the mirror. That simple discipline can help you carry through the more difficult ones when you’re reminded why you’re making healthy choices.

They sculpt and shape: Not everyone has a natural hourglass shape, but the right shapewear can help you achieve the look you want by cinching your waist, enhancing your curves and providing slimming exactly where you want it. Be sure that you wear the shapewear that fits best for your final gown fitting so that any alterations are made precisely to the shape you want, especially if you’re working towards dramatic weight loss and slimming leading up to a wedding, That way, when the final alterations are made, you’ll get a gorgeous fit that shows off your curves in the most flattering way.

The Most Effective Weight Loss and Shaping Strategies—for Weddings and Beyond

 Looking forward to a wedding is naturally a time to be working toward weight loss and enhancing your shape. Hopefully, once you make adjustments to your lifestyle you’ll continue to make smart choices that will keep you feeling sexy, happy and healthy.

Here are some strategies we recommend:
Set realistic goals and break them down by week/day: Most of us have an ideal weight that we want to reach. But you have to ask yourself if that ideal is actually realistic for your build and can be met in the amount of time you have before the wedding.

If you only have a few months to lose weight, set a realistic goal. In general, it is healthiest to lose weight gradually: no more than 1–2 pounds per week. So, if you have a good plan, you might realistically expect to lose a pound per week before your goal date (also depending on where you’re starting from). If you lose more, then consider it bonus.

Also remember that weight isn’t always an accurate gauge of progress, especially if you’re not overweight to begin with. If you’re not trying to lose weight but would rather focus on slimming your waist and building more muscle tone, consider making different goals such as waist measurement or dress size. This is where a waist trainer or corset can come in handy; when you put it on it will instantly slim you. Use that as a target size or measurement.

Once you’ve set a realistic goal, focus on making steady progress day-by-day, week-by-week. Track your progress along the way and use your goals to stay motivated with your diet and exercise plan.

Make a realistic meal plan: There are many philosophies and strategies to meal planning for slimming and weight loss. While it might be tempting to crash diet before a big event like a wedding, it’s much healthier and effective to keep the long-term in mind.

Be sure to consume food that is nutritious and that doesn’t drastically cut out whole nutrient groups (unless a certified nutritionist or physician has instructed otherwise). Make small caloric reductions if you want to lose weight and don’t feel guilty about consuming whole foods that are nutritious. By slowly reducing your caloric intake you’ll preserve your muscle mass and metabolic rate while burning fat.

Don’t skip meals! This will wreak havoc on your metabolism and may cause you to overeat later. Try eating 5–6 smaller meals daily rather than 2–3 large ones. Control your portions (planning ahead of time helps with this). You may also find that wearing a waist trainer or corset will help you feel full, helping you stick to a small meal schedule.

Opt for fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains: There’s less need to count calories when you’re sticking to whole plant foods. If the vast majority of your carbohydrate intake is from these groups, you’ll naturally lose weight.

Stick to homemade foods: So many empty calories come from processed foods and drinks, which are loaded with refined sugars and unhealthy fats. If you prepare your own food from whole ingredients and steer away from excess salt, sugar and refined oils, you will feel fuller and more energized. You’ll also find that you’ll be craving junk food a lot less once you get away from it.

Drink water every hour: You should consume a half-ounce to an ounce of water per pound of body weight every day. There are numerous health benefits to staying hydrated, including helping you feel full and preventing cravings. By tracking your water intake and making sure you’re consuming it each hour, you’ll keep steady hydration levels throughout the day.

Increase strength training and cardio week by week: If you’re not in the habit of working out, it can be daunting to start a new program. You’ll be most successful if you gradually work up to your desired fitness level.

For effective weight loss and toning, you’ll need both cardio and strength training. There are many ways to approach this, so find a program or instructor that you enjoy. Start out with a few minutes a day of an intensity you can handle, and then try to push yourself a little harder each week.

Try to work out for 30-45 minutes per day: Wherever your fitness level is at, this is the target. If a few minutes of jogging followed by walking is all you are comfortable with, start there and work on improving.

Keeping Your Figure During the Wedding

When you’ve been working hard, the wedding is the time to celebrate! But you’ll still want to be sensible; otherwise you risk feeling sick as well as derailing your healthy habits.

Dance more and eat less: If there is a lot of good food available, stay active with dancing and socializing so that you’re not tempted to stuff yourself with all the sumptuous cuisine.

Eat your food slowly: Sometimes, especially if you’re hungry, it can easy to gobble all of your food down. But try to be mindful about what you’re putting in your mouth. By savoring it you’ll enjoy it more and be less likely to overeat. Take note of when you’re full and then stop eating! (Yes, even the snacks.)

Don’t feel obligated to try all the appetizers: It may seem irresistible, but you can eat more than a day’s worth of calories on appetizers alone. Take it easy.

Go easy on the drinks: Opt for water or low calorie drinks. Alcohol packs a lot of calories, so consider avoiding it altogether.

Look at the buffet before you start filling your plate. Think about how hungry you are and what reasonable portions are so that you don’t overload your plate. Add salads and fruits to the plate first and then fill in with the rest.

We hope you enjoy the 2018 wedding season! Be sure to share your slimming progress with us across social media by tagging us and using #BeTheHourglass.

You found the perfect corset for sale and unwrapping it is an exciting day! You may be eager to try it on and pull it tight, but it's good idea to thoroughly break in your corset first. This will ensure that the garment isn’t damaged and that you have the most comfortable corseting experience.

Here’s everything you need to know about how and why to break in a new corset, whether you’re planning on using it for a waist training regimen or occasional or special occasion use.

Reasons to Season Your Corset

There are two main reasons to season your corset. The first is to break in the corset so that it fits well and isn’t damaged. The second is to help your body adjust to the way it feels. It is similar to breaking in a new pair of shoes.

Steel-boned corsets are constructed with durable material, but it is also pliable enough to mold to your body. By wearing it loosely for short periods of time, you allow the materials to adjust to your shape and movements. In particular, the steel boning needs time to mold to your shape. If you don’t break your corset in properly, you risk warping, bending or ripping the material.

Seasoning your corset is also important if you are new to corseting or don’t do it regularly. Your body will have an adjustment period as well, and we don’t recommend wearing your corset for more than an hour or two at a time if you’re not accustomed to it.

For these reasons, be sure to give yourself adequate time to season a new corset whether you’re planning on wearing it for a waist training regimen, or you’re saving it for a special occasion. Let your body and the corset have an adjustment period before you wear it. This is why it is very important to order your corset well in advance of the time you desire to wear it!

Best Methods for Corset Seasoning

Most experts recommend about two weeks to properly season a corset. For the first three days, wear it no more than two hours at a time. Pull the laces tight enough so that the corset is snug, but it shouldn’t constrict. You should be able to slip several fingers in the top or bottom. After you have been wearing it for about 30 minutes or so each session, you can pull it slightly tighter.

You can wear it for two hours a day for two weeks if you want, or you can gradually increase your wear. One rule of thumb is to add an hour every three days. So on the fourth day you’d start wearing it for three hours, on the seventh day you’d start wearing it for four hours, and so on. By the end of two weeks you can be wearing it for up to six hours. Once your corset is fully seasoned, you can pull the laces much tighter to achieve significant slimming of the waistline.

Remember, if you’re planning on wearing your corset for an all-day event like a wedding, be sure your body is accustomed to the way it feels before the big day. You may also want to have your corset fully seasoned prior to final dress fittings.

How to Know When Your Corset is Seasoned

There are several ways to know that your corset is ready to be pulled as tight as you desire. The first things to look at are the top and bottom edges. They should hug your figure tightly and shouldn’t leave any gaps anywhere.

When you put your corset on, the hooks and pins should also easily pop into place, as if the garment was custom made for you. Likewise, the laces should glide easily through the grommets in the back, so you should be able to tighten them smoothly.

It is normal to have a little bit of wrinkling of the fabric around the grommet panel and in the lining due to tension when you pull the laces tight. Some things that aren’t normal include boning that is permanently bent or kinked, loose grommets, broken threads or ripped fabric and any gaps in the lining. These are signs that the corset is damaged—which shouldn’t happen if you season it properly.

The Lowdown on Corseting

Women have been wearing corsets for centuries. Modern corsets are beautiful, durable and designed to create a stunning hourglass shape. They are typically constructed with steel boning and get their waist-cinching power from tightening their laces in the back. While they provide similar results to latex waist trainers, many women prefer them because they are latex-free, more durable and can produce more dramatic results.

You can wear a steel-boned corset as part of an everyday waist training regimen by wearing it eight or more hours a day. Corsets are also popular as undergarments for special occasions or anytime you want to accentuate an hourglass waistline. Many women also like to wear corsets as outerwear as a bold and sexy way to highlight their curves.

Here are some of our favorite corsets:

• Underbust Waspie Mesh Corset By Hourglass Angel HA201: This short corset lets you show off some skin while providing significant slimming power at your natural waist. It’s ideal for providing that extra cinch for your midsection and makes a stunning piece of outerwear.
• Underbust Cotton Corset By Hourglass Angel HA202: This classic and comfortable black corset provides powerful slimming at an affordable price. Its classic cut covers the whole torso and enhances the breasts while slimming your waistline by several inches.
• Underbust Mesh Corset By Hourglass Angel HA206: This is the mesh version of our cotton corset, which is breathable but provides full coverage from beneath the bust to the hip. Get a dramatic waistline with a flirty look that functions as an undergarment or outerwear.

We hope you enjoy corsets as much as we do! Just remember to season your corset when it arrives, so it looks great and lasts.

If you’re serious about waist training, you’ll want to know the most effective techniques and the most powerful garments available to give you the best results. And hands down, every woman dedicated to waist training must find a steel-boned corset for sale.

There’s some confusion out there about the difference between latex waist trainers and corsets, so we’d like to clarify the benefits of corseting versus other kinds of waist training and show how to get the most out of your corseting experience.

What Makes Corsets Different

Corsets are different from latex waist trainers in several ways.

First, while both styles of garments slim the midsection and create an hourglass shape using compression, corsets are constructed differently. Waist trainers with latex and hook-and-eye or Velcro closures use latex and either plastic or boning to help stimulate heat in your core to stimulate perspiration. They fasten in the front of the body and can be sized by either closing them on the next row of hooks or by pulling the Velcro tighter.

Steel-boned corsets, on the other hand, are not made with latex and are tightened by pulling the laces at the back of the garment. Steel boning reinforces the slimming throughout the midsection. Corsets are generally sturdier and will last longer than latex waist trainers, and can be customized to the tightest fit each time you put them on.

While both styles are effective for waist training, corsets will provide more dramatic results because of the laces. While a latex waist trainer can generally provide up to 3 inches of slimming, a corset can potentially slim by even more.

Corsets can also be more breathable than latex waist trainers, depending on the material they are constructed with. So while they provide a tighter fit, you might find them more comfortable for all-day wear.

Which is better? It depends on your shaping needs. We actually recommend having both in your wardrobe (latex waist trainers for working out, for example). But a steel-boned corset will ultimately get you the most powerful slimming results.

Getting Started with Corseting

Just as with any style of waist trainer, getting into a regular regimen with corseting takes some time to work up to.

When you first receive your corset, you need to wear it loosely for an hour or so at a time for at least a week, until the corset has been seasoned, or broken in. It is similar to breaking in a new pair of shoes. Once it has been seasoned, your corset should fit snugly to your unique curves like a glove and you can tighten it firmly.

Putting a corset on is somewhat tricky at first, but with practice it will become as natural as tying your shoe. Step into your corset and gradually tighten the laces by working your way from the top and bottom towards the middle of the garment. It is similar to tightening shoelaces, as you pull one row at a time to get the laces tight. Tie off in the middle when you’ve achieved the desired tightness of the laces.

When you start wearing your corset with laces fully tightened, start out by wearing it an hour a day and then gradually increase your wear. After a couple of weeks you should feel comfortable wearing it at least 8 hours a day. Wear it daily as a part of a healthy lifestyle routine that slims your waist.

We love the versatility of corsets. They work beautifully as undergarments and can dramatically enhance your figure under everything from everyday attire to formal gowns. But they can also be styled as outerwear, which makes them twice as fun! Layer your corset over thin tops for some more daring styles. You can also use corsets as part of a burlesque costume or even as lingerie. Pair an underbust style with a flirty bra and you have a look that’s to-die for.

Our Favorite Corsets

We’ve found that many corsets that are available on the market can be expensive for the average person, which is why we are determined to offer high-quality corsets at an affordable price. These pieces are excellent options for whatever occasion corseting is called for.

Underbust Waspie Mesh Corset By Hourglass Angel HA201

This sexy little garment packs a powerful punch when it comes to creating a slim waist, but it’s also breathable and comfortable under other layers. Don’t let the lightweight look fool you; the steel boning and lace-up back keeps your midsection in check even while the mesh lets you show off some skin. This is the perfect solution under form-fitting skirts, dresses and tops. It also lifts the bust, so pair it with your favorite bra for an enhanced look. With its shorter cut, you may also prefer this style if you have a short torso.

Underbust Cotton Corset By Hourglass Angel HA202

This waist-slimming corset is powerful yet comfortable with its soft and breathable cotton construction. It is an ideal undergarment that provides slimming and coverage with a classic underbust design curving beneath the bust and ending above the hips. It contains waist tape to keep it firmly in place at your waistline along with the other classic corset features: secure front closures, 14 pieces of flat steel boning, and sturdy laces that pull tight in the back. The effect is a flawless hourglass waist, which enhances virtually any outfit.

Underbust Mesh Corset By Hourglass Angel HA206

Get a flirtier, airier version of our cotton corset with this mesh corset that lets air circulate to your skin. This is longer than the waspie corset and provides full coverage, from beneath the bust to just over the hips. This beautiful garment is comfortable, affordable and stays in place while providing maximum slimming results that only a steel-boned corset can provide. Wear it under casual or formal attire for a stunning, flawless silhouette.

Looking your best, whether dressing for a formal event, for work or for casual attire, starts at the foundation. With the right shapewear you can create a smooth silhouette, which makes your clothes fit better and flatters your figure.

Here’s why: most clothing looks best on a flat, smooth surface like a mannequin, but few women are actually built this way! A silhouette perfected by shapewear is such an important piece to your look. No matter what your body type, when your clothes are lying over a smooth foundation they will fall in the right places and highlight your curves.

Which shapewear is best for you depends on several factors including your trouble spots and the occasion you’re dressing for. Here are five different ways you can get the effect of a smooth silhouette by using shapewear.

1. All-In-One Shapewear

All-over body shapers are the best way to create a smooth silhouette from top to bottom. They combat a number of trouble areas in one simple piece, including taming the tummy and lower abdomen. They smooth the whole midsection, lift the bust and control the hips. Some bodysuits slim the thighs as well, depending on how long the cut is in the legs.

Slips are another style of all-in-shapewear that provide uniform coverage and smoothing for the torso and hips.

All-in-one shapewear is an ideal choice for formal attire because gowns and dresses fit and flow better. All-over shapers also stay in place and can usually be adjusted for the best fit. Some women also prefer this style of shaper under professional office attire for the same reasons. Suits, trousers, pants and skirts all fit well and look good over top of a smooth shapewear foundation.

Some different options for all-over shapers include overbust and underbust, removable or adjustable straps, open bottom, slips and varying degrees of thigh coverage. You will also find that they come with different levels of compression. High compression garments create the most dramatic shaping and slimming results, while garments with less compression provide all-over smoothing and are typically a bit lighter and more breathable.

While we love all-over shapers for many occasions, there are a few downsides (which is why it’s important to have other styles of shapers in your closet, which we’ll talk about below). They are not easy to get on and off, which makes getting dressed take longer. Some styles can also be quite warm, which isn’t ideal in warmer climates—although there are some lightweight options. And depending on the compression level, some garments might restrict your movement, which is not ideal when you’re working out or on the move.

For those occasions when you want simple shaping solutions that are less restrictive and a bit more breathable, you may want to consider some alternative options for a smooth silhouette.

2. Panty Shapers

You’re going to be wearing panties anyway, so it only makes sense to wear a panty that doubles as shapewear. Shaping panties tame the tummy and lower abdomen, prevent muffin top and can also enhance your rear. They are ideal for everyday use and create a smooth foundation whether you’re wearing jeans and a t-shirt or are dressed up.

There are several types of shaping panties that can work for you depending on your needs and the occasion. Here are some of our favorites:

• High-Waist Control Panties By Spanx 2746: With these high waist panties you’ll eliminate tummy pooch and muffin top immediately. They are ideal under skirts, dresses, work attire and everyday outfits. Spanx is known for being lightweight but powerful; you’ll be comfortable all day while controlling these common trouble spots.

• Cassandra Thong Back Waist Cincher By Rago 801: Do you prefer a thong back for your panties? Say goodbye to the visible pantyline with this panty shaper that slims the waistline and flattens the tummy. With moderate compression, you’ll get a comfortable but firm hold and an hourglass waist.

• The Butt Lifter Panty By Fullness: This versatile garment enhances your natural curves. It sculpts your tummy and smooths your midsection while instantly boosting your rear (without padding!). This is the ideal option for your most fitted skinnies, skirts, shorts and dresses.

3. Waist Trainers

We’d be remiss not to mention our customer favorite waist trainers as essential parts of creating a smooth silhouette! These garments pack a powerful punch and can help you drop several inches from your waistline. They also lift the bust and eliminate muffin top, so you can easily achieve that hourglass waistline. Here are some of our favorites:

• Classic Waist Cincher by Amia A102: This is the classic latex style waist trainer with hook-and-eye closures that instantly slims and smooths. With maximum compression you’ll love how dramatically it slims your waist and creates an hourglass look. This piece works well for casual, professional and even formal attire.
• Zipper Latex Waist Trainer By Hourglass Angel HA104: With this slimming garment you’ll get extra hold and slimming power. It fastens with hook-and-eye closures and is reinforced with a zipper to make it tighter and even more seamless under tight clothes. You’ll instantly look up to three sizes smaller.
• Petite Latex Waist Trainer By Hourglass Angel HA100: This waist trainer is designed for shorter figures so you can get waist-slimming power that is comfortable. You’ll instantly drop 1–3 inches from your waistline when you put it on. It also makes a great workout piece that will let you move while working up a sweat.
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4. Corsets

You can kick the slimming power up a notch with one of our corsets for sale, which are designed to provide maximum sculpting for your whole midsection. While they are similar to latex waist trainers in the effects, steel-boned corsets use laces and steel boning to provide a customized fit and dramatic slimming of up to several inches. We carry corsets that are comfortable and sexy:

• Nude Sand Underbust Corset TUB-210: This classically designed corset rests just below the bust. There are 26 spiral steel stays, a steel busk closure and flexible steel boning to provide maximum slimming effects. Laces in the back provide a tight, custom fit. Use this corset for everything from formal wear to everyday waist training.
• Underbust Waspie Mesh Corset By Hourglass Angel HA201: Get breathable but firm slimming and support with this mesh-style corset exclusively from our shop. Don’t let the flirty material fool you; it packs a slimming punch with steel boning and a tight-lace back. And it effectively keeps all of your trouble spots around your midsection under wraps so you can achieve a smooth foundation under a variety of apparel.
• Underbust Cotton Corset By Hourglass Angel HA202: This is our most comfortable corset, constructed with cotton for breathable all-day comfort. It smooths trouble areas on the belly, hips and back and can be used as part of an everyday waist training regimen, or for special occasions.

5. Thigh Slimmers

If you want to slim and control your thighs and hips while also tucking in your tummy and smoothing your waistline, these everyday thigh slimmers are the way to go. You’ll get many of the same effects you’ll find in an all-over bodysuit in comfortable, breathable material that you can incorporate into your everyday wardrobe, including casual, dressy and professional styles.

• Naomi & Nicole Unbelievable Comfort High-Waist Thigh Slimmer 779: This moderate compression garment is so comfortable, you may even forget that it is there. It is seamless and invisible under clothing, while it effectively keeps your tummy and lower abs under control while keeping those thighs and hips smooth and firm.
• High Waist Spandex Shorts By Spanx 2745: There’s a reason the Spanx brand is so popular: you can enjoy effective and comfortable all-day control around all of those pesky trouble spots. These shorts not only slim your waist and control your hips, but they also lift and firm the butt for a perfectly curvy hourglass silhouette. While these are comfortable enough to wear every day, they also work well as special occasion wear.
• Best Body Shaper by Vedette A104: Get a beautiful figure, all over, in this easy-to-wear garment that slims from below the bust to the mid-thigh. This moderate compression garment will be your secret weapon under skirts, dresses and suits for a flawless silhouette. You can also it with your favorite bra and get an extra lift from the adjustable straps.

Between all of these options you can find the best shaper for pretty much any occasion. If you really want to have a versatile wardrobe, we recommend that you have several shaping garments that you can rotate through your wardrobe. With proper care, they will last a long time, and you will feel confident and beautiful every time you get dressed for the day.

Need help to select the perfect shapewear for your body type or a particular occasion? That flawless silhouette is just a click or call away! Our team of expert stylists would love to help you find the best style and size based on your unique shaping needs.

We’re heading into wedding season and other opportunities for formalwear. One of the questions you should be asking is which shapewear is going to be ideal for your event, your dress and your body type.

We thought it would be helpful to compile some frequently asked questions and recommendations about how to get the most out of your formalwear this season. Here’s everything you need to know, whether you’re going to a wedding, gala, or other formal event where you want to look your best.

Q: What type of shapewear would you recommend to hide a midsection problem area?

Many mothers of the brides/grooms, and others, tell us their problem area is their midsection. We have several styles that will do the trick under your formal attire:

1) Classic Waist Cincher by Amia A102 - One of our most popular styles, this waist trainer instantly slims your waist by 1–4 inches. Using the power of latex and held secure with hook-and-eye closures, you’ll get an instant hourglass effect.

Check out what Carla Snuggs of PoshBeautyBlog has to say about this garment:

"If your goal is a slimmer, firmer waistline, especially in form-fitting or formal attire, a waist cincher is your go to shaper. That coveted hourglass shape is possible with one of Hourglassangel.com's most popular styles: the Amia Classic Cincher waist trainer. Pull it out for special occasions or wear it regularly to look stunning every day. It will instantly slim down and define your waistline, while also enhancing and lifting your bust. With a firm shaping for your whole midsection, it provides an all-over torso makeover under curve hugging dresses."

2) Underbust Waspie Mesh Corset By Hourglass Angel HA201 - This is a powerful and sexy waist-slimming corset that will instantly sculpt your waistline into an hourglass shape. It uses flexible steel boning and a lace-up back for a customizable slimming effect. Another benefit is the mesh bodice that is not only flirty, but also breathable so you can stay cool while you dance the night away.

3) Mia Corselette Bodyshaper by Vedette 136 - If you need extra support for the lower abdomen and hips along with maximum slimming power for your waist, a corselette style shaper is the way to go. You’ll instantly slim up to three sizes smaller. We also love how this shaper looks less like a girdle and more like sexy lingerie.

4) Seamless Firm Control Body Shaper by Ann Chery 4012 - For all-over midsection slimming that will tuck the tummy and smooth out the sides and back, we love this firm control shaper that keeps all of your curves in check.

Q: What are your recommendations on the best shapewear to pair with special occasion dresses?

Strapless or sheer sleeve/neckline gowns: for these styles you’ll want a strapless style shaper. If you have a gown with an A-line waist a lot of fabric or ruching around the hips and thighs, you’ll probably want a bustier or longline bra like the Torsolette Satin & Lace By Dominique 8949. This bridal garment lifts the bust while smoothing the midriff and gently correcting your posture, providing a smooth foundation for your gown.

For a dress that fits your form more through the waist and hips, a shaping slip will offer smoothing and slimming for your whole torso. The Naomi & Nicole Firm Control Bra Slip With Built-In Panty 7777 is a strapless slip with a comfortable hold that provides smoothing from the bust to the thighs. Silicone around the edges ensures that it won’t slip or roll.

Form-fitting bodices: Any dress that hugs around the midsection, tummy, hips, butt and thighs will look best over a smooth foundation. The Best Selling Contour Shaper By Leonisa 018678 is a minimizer bodysuit that tames the tummy, trims the hips and controls the lower abdominal area. A zip-up front closure provides maximum slimming power and a firm hold. At the same time it is breathable, making it a more comfortable option for long events.

For a smooth shaping option from bust to thighs (ideal for longer gowns), the Best Body Shaper By Vedette 104 provides moderate compression with a comfortable, firm hold. It controls the abdomen, mid thighs and back while reducing the waistline. Overall it can slim up to two dress sizes, while remaining invisible under form-fitting dresses including mermaid cut. The open bust lets you pair with your favorite bra, while the adjustable straps ensure a custom fit with lifting and enhancement of the bust.

Lastly, we recommend the Best Shapewear Mid-Thigh Bodysuit By Amia A107 as an all-around versatile shaping option for formalwear, with removable straps. This garment will slim 1–2 inches and provides mid-weight shaping from beneath the bust to mid-thigh.

Here’s what Carla Snugs of PoshBeautyBlog says about it: "This type of garment is designed to provide smoothing so you can look flawless under your sexiest clothes. It provides slimming and shaping for the midsection, hips, butt and thighs. Often your best bet is a bodysuit like the Amia Mid-Thigh Lace Trimmed Bodysuit, which will slim your midsection while helping to emphasize your curves, all with a sexy-smooth finish. This garment provides firm coverage from over your bra line to your thighs. Nothing but smooth from top to bottom!”

Q: What size should women purchase their shapewear in?

When it comes to formal attire, it’s very important that your shapewear fit correctly in order to get the most flattering results.

While it might be tempting to use a smaller size to look your best, we highly recommend that you avoid this! There are several problems with wearing shapewear that is too small. First, it will be very uncomfortable and may pinch you and even restrict your breathing. In fact, you might not be able to get it on at all without damaging the material. And even if you get the garment on, it will not be flattering for your figure. Shapewear that is too small tends to squeeze in the wrong places and you may have a “spillover” effect or a garment that rolls down.

Our collection of shapewear has been carefully curated and tested and will look best if you follow our sizing charts. To get the correct size, take measurements before you order the garment. Measure the fullest part of your bust, the narrowest part of your waist, and the fullest part of your hips. No matter which part you’re measuring, be sure that the measuring tape is level with the ground to get the most accurate number. You should use soft vinyl or fabric measuring tape for the best results. It should lay flat and snug against your body, but it shouldn’t be stretched so tight that you can’t fit a couple of fingers underneath the tape. (See more about sizing help.)

Helpful tips:

• Once you’ve taken your measurements, be sure to follow the size chart for your specific garment. Just because you wear a particular size dress or jeans does not mean that you will wear the same size in shapewear. Sizes can even vary between shapewear brands.
• If you are in between sizes on the chart, we always recommend that you go with the larger size. Most garments have adjustable straps and other features to help you customize the fit where needed.
• A shaping garment that fits correctly will be snug but not uncomfortable. When trying it on, step into it gently, without hard tugging or pulling. When it is fully fastened and in place, you should love the way you look and achieve an hourglass-like result.

• We recommend ordering your shaping garments well in advance of your formal event. In this way you can ensure not only that the shapewear will fill correctly, but also that you’ll be able to size your formalwear precisely. Brides and bridesmaids should do their final dress fitting while wearing their shapewear so that they can get the best fit possible.

We've got you covered!

No matter what your formal event, we’re confident that you can find exactly what you’re looking for at Hourglass Angel. Beauty blogger Carla Snuggs of PoshBeautyBlog.com says, “My go-to shapewear retailer is Hourglass Angel. Not only because they are effective, they last forever, and they have a wide variety of shapewear styles to meet my needs, but because I love that you have an option to chat with a stylist to find the right shapewear for you.”

When picking out your perfect garment, consider the cut, fabric and color of your dress, as well as your problem areas. Higher compression garments will give you the most dramatic results and provide the most slimming power, while garments with less compression will generally provide all-over smoothing that creates the ideal foundation for formalwear. Be sure to follow our sizing charts, which have been customized for each garment in our shop. You may also found our verified customer reviews of each garment helpful, especially those that are specific about their size and body shape and how the garment helped them.

If you have any more questions about which shaping garments are best for your formal event, contact our team and we’ll be glad to help.

Did you know that when it comes to concealing your trouble spots, shapewear is just the beginning?

While we love the power of shaping undergarments to help you slim, smooth and enhance for that hourglass look, we also love the way that shapewear can help you redefine your figure.

As the seasons transition, you’re probably thinking about how to update and fill out your wardrobe. Don’t forget that there are many ways you can effortlessly enhance and slim your figure using the right apparel. Shaping garments are easy wardrobe solutions because they’re like shapewear and outer garments, all in one.

Here are some quick tips about four types of shaping garments and how to make them work for you.

Butt-Lifting Jeans

Everyone wants the perfect pair of jeans to flatter their body, hide trouble spots and enhances their curves. Well, stop "fighting" with traditional denim and discover the shaping power of butt-lifting jeans, which are designed in the Brazilian style for maximum butt-lifting effect.

1. Enhance your natural curves

Once you try butt-lifting jeans you might wonder why you ever wore anything else! The unique seaming makes your rear look round and full, while the back pockets are strategically placed to draw the eye to the fullest parts of your curves. Stretchy denim creates a custom, flattering fit for a variety of body types.

These are an effective butt-shaping option whether you want to create a fuller look for your rear without using padding, or if you want to lift and control the curves you already have.

2. Control love handles

Another benefit of butt-lifting jeans is their waist-slimming effect. Love handles are a very common problem with jeans, especially figure-hugging jeans. What sets these jeans apart is their higher-waist cut, which slims and conceals, rather than squishing up and out.

Shaping Leggings

No wardrobe would be complete without a few pairs of fashionable leggings. You can feel confident in your own skin by choosing leggings that provide powerful slimming, lift and control.

3. Smooth your thighs

Thigh control is a huge concern we hear from women. A no-brainer solution is shaping leggings! These will effectively slim and smooth your thighs, especially in the inner thigh area that tends to rub together. The result is a very comfortable and stylish look that you can wear in a number of stylish outfits.

4. Lift your butt

Butt-lifting jeans aren’t the only solution when it comes to enhancing your backside. With butt-enhancing leggings you can create a fuller, rounder look effortlessly. Choose from options that can smooth and control, as will as lift and enhance.

5. Smooth your midsection

Shaping leggings not only smooth the butt and thighs, but are also an effective solutions for your midsection. Look for a style with a compression band at the top like these Booty Leggings with Waist Trainer by Bon Bon Up that flattens the tummy and smooths around the waist. Shaping leggings can also keep help control the lower abdominal area.

Camisoles

Layering your tops is simply a smart way to dress in every season. Whether you’ve got a sweater or a jacket, or just a lighter button-down top, you can lay a perfect foundation with a shaping cami that helps create a smooth, hourglass shape.

6. Enhance your bust

We love the versatility of shaping camis because they are an easy layering solution for enhancing your breasts. Use an open-bust cami with your favorite bra for additional lift and support of your bust.

Shaping camis are an easy grab-and-go solution under your favorite tops and sweaters, and over-the-bust styles with seamless support like this V-Neck Slimming Tank by TrueShapers also function as a casual stand-alone tank.

7. Slim and smooth your torso

A shaping cami is an all-in-one torso-smoothing option. An over-the-bust tank functions as a standalone option that creates a slim, smooth figure from bust to hip.

Open-bust options like the Control Camisole by Amia pair seamlessly with the bra of your choice. Another benefit is that most shaping camis provide coverage for your upper back, preventing wardrobe problems like back bulge and armpit fat.

Activewear

Never work out in unflattering, baggy clothes again! Not only does compression activewear help you look your best whether you’re posing for selfies or going to the gym, but you’ll also get the most out of your workout by sweating harder. Some styles are also designed to wick away the sweat so you’ll remain cool and comfortable even when your workout cranks up the heat.

8. Control your butt and hips

With compression leggings and shorts, you’ll get firm lifting and support through your most vigorous workouts, ensuring your rear stays in place. You’ll not only get a great workout, but you’ll feel more confident knowing how good you look from behind and from the side.

9. Slim your thighs

Comfort is key when you’re sweating hard, and that’s why compression workout shorts and leggings are going to be your best friends when you go to the gym. They’ll prevent rubbing and chafing, while stimulating more thermal activity so you can get a more effective workout.

10. Minimize your waist

Last but not least, it almost goes without saying that a high-quality workout band is a must-have for your workouts. For starters, you’ll instantly look slimmer by up to three inches around your midsection. Our waist trainers are also known for providing maximum compression and thermal activity around your core, ensuring that you are getting the most burn out of your workout. Many people also enjoy wearing their workout bands outside the gym because of the way they feel (although we highly recommend switching to an everyday waist trainer for all-day wear).

We hope you’re inspired to fill out your wardrobe this season with shaping apparel that lifts, slims and smooths in all the right places for your unique needs! Need help figuring out which pieces are suited to your body type and trouble spots? Check out more info on our blog or contact our professional stylists for advice.