Washing & Wearing Shapewear
How to put on and wash shapewear so it stays beautiful
Good shapewear only does its job as long as it keeps its stretch. Put it on the right way, give it a little love in the wash, and your favourite body or high-waist brief will stay firm in all the right places for much longer. Here's exactly how to do it, no fuss.
Putting on shapewear without the wrestling match
Shapewear is firmer than regular underwear, so putting it on takes a slightly different approach. Anyone who has ever tried to pull a body over her head knows exactly what we mean. These steps make it a lot easier and keep the fabric in top shape.
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1
Jewellery off for a sec
Take off your rings, bracelets and watch, because sharp edges can damage the delicate fabric. Mind your lovely nails too, they're tougher on shapewear than you'd think.
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2
Start with your legs
Always step into your slip dress, camisole or body and never pull it over your head. That way it glides into place more easily and keeps its elasticity.
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3
Hold the fabric, not the edges
Grab the fabric with your whole hand instead of pulling on the waistbands. The edges will stay nice and flat and won't stretch out.
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4
Smooth it all out
Once everything is in place, smooth the fabric with your hands so there are no creases or rolls left. Ready for your outfit.
The right size and shaping level
Always choose shapewear in your usual clothing size. If you want to be sure, measure your hips and waist and compare them with the size chart on the product page. We carry shapewear from size S to 5XL, so there's always something that fits you. If you're looking for a roomier fit, take a look at our plus size shapewear.
You also get to choose how firm your shapewear should be. Every product shows its shaping level.
Light
Smooths your silhouette. Lovely for every day and under thin fabrics.
Shop light shapewear →
Medium
Shapes your figure. Noticeably firmer, but still comfortable.
Shop medium shapewear →
Strong
Firms your body. For that dress where everything has to be just right.
Shop strong shapewear →Not sure which style suits your figure? In the Fitting Room you'll find which shapewear works best for each body shape, or let the Shapewear Finder help you search.
How do you wash shapewear?
Shapewear gets its shaping power from elastic fibres, and those don't like heat or harsh products. Wash it the right way and it keeps its shape and hold for much longer.
By hand (our favourite)
- Wash your shapewear in lukewarm water, 30°C at most.
- Use just a little mild liquid detergent.
- Rinse well, but don't wring it. Gently press the water out.
Prefer the washing machine?
- Put your shapewear in a lingerie bag.
- Choose a delicate cycle at 30°C at most.
- Spin at a maximum of 800 rpm.
Better leave these in the cupboard
- Fabric softener, because it coats the fibres so they don't bounce back as well.
- Bleach, it attacks the elastic fibres.
- Wool detergent (like Woolite), it isn't made for stretchy fabrics and costs your shapewear its stretch.
Drying shapewear
Let your shapewear air dry in peace. Never put it in the tumble dryer or on the radiator, because heat makes the fabric lose its elasticity and with it its shaping effect. Ironing is a no-go for the same reason. A little patience here means you'll enjoy it for much longer.
Frequently asked questions about putting on and washing shapewear
How do you put on a shapewear body easily?
Take off your jewellery first and step into the body with your legs, so start at the bottom. Never pull it over your head. Hold the fabric with your whole hand instead of tugging at the edges and work the body up bit by bit.
At what temperature should you wash shapewear?
Wash shapewear in lukewarm water at 30°C at most, preferably by hand with a little liquid detergent.
Can shapewear go in the washing machine?
Yes, as long as you put it in a lingerie bag, choose a delicate cycle and spin at no more than 800 rpm. Hand washing is still the gentlest option.
Can shapewear go in the tumble dryer?
No, shapewear should never go in the tumble dryer or on the radiator. Heat makes the fabric lose its elasticity. Just let it air dry.
Can you iron shapewear?
No, you can't iron shapewear. The heat damages the elastic fibres.
Why no fabric softener with shapewear?
Fabric softener, bleach and wool detergent (like Woolite) reduce the elasticity. As a result your shapewear fits less firmly and shapes less well.
Good to know
Which shapewear suits your figure?
Whether you have a pear, apple, banana or hourglass figure, the Fitting Room tells you which shapewear looks best on you. If you're still not sure, we're happy to help you personally.
To the Fitting Room Personal advice