Women have a lot to deal with in society. The constant pressure to look younger, thinner, and more beautiful has created an industry of surgery and injections.  However, some of us do not want to go to extremes but still want to feel good. Enter the shapewear industry.

In the Beginning, Was The Corset

The corset has been around for centuries, designed to shape the body, particularly the waist. The original corsets were made of bone, and the materials were extremely uncomfortable to wear, creating a tiny waist and flattened bust. The evolution of the corset over the years has meant that modern corsets are more comfortable to wear. The evolution of lycra has made shapewear the modern equivalent. 

The best shapewear today uses targeted compression, and is available in a range of sizes is extremely functional, slimming the waist, tummy and hips.

Types Of Shapewear

Types of shapewear include shapewear shorts, tummy control shapewear, shaping swimwear, waist trainers and shaping leisure wear. Let's talk about some of these options.

Shapewear Shorts

Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to plan a date night with your other half, whether it’s getting dressed up and going out or perhaps even staying in. The month of February is often dominated by Valentine’s Day, putting romance on everyone’s mind. This is an advertorial.

Whether it’s the 14th of February or not, feeling good is probably at the top of your priority list for date night. This can start with something as simple as your underwear, as it creates the very foundation of your outfit and even the whole mood for the night! Whether you want to impress an office romance or your long term partner there are underwear styles out there fo you.

Feeling confident and sexy in front of your date can be a huge deal, and wearing underwear that you love and that fits properly can enhance your figure. What’s more, the chance to buy yourself some new underwear feels like a great bit of self-indulgence that everyone deserves. With that in mind, how do you choose the best Valentine’s Day or date night underwear?

Choosing the right colour

The colour of your underwear is very much down to personal preference, but consider your skin tone and what colours may compliment it perfectly. Your skin tone or hair colour can determine the colours that will suit you the most, but if there’s a colour you really love regardless of that, go for it anyway!

If you have a warm or olive complexion with dark hair, go-to colours could include orange, red, golden yellow and deep green. Cooler skin tones will often suit colours like royal blue, emerald and deep purple.

Of course, if you’re setting a romantic mood, red and black are classic choices and can be incredibly flattering no matter what your skin tone is!

Picking the right fabric 

I love shopping for lingerie, but, I am aware that many of you do not share my enthusiasm and I have to admit, it can sometimes be stressful. It need not be that way. If you follow these simple tips you will be buying with confidence in no time. Who knows, you may even end up looking forward to lingerie shopping.

1. Don’t be afraid to buy underwear online

My first tip is to shop for your bras and knickers online. You get a fantastic selection available on sites like fashionworld.co.uk. These days, online retailers stock high-quality lingerie in a wide range of sizes, colours and styles.

2. Measure yourself before going shopping

Never assume that you know what size you need. Always, re-measure yourself before going shopping for lingerie. If you have been on a diet, have recently put on weight or changed your exercise regime you are going to be a different shape.

According to The Better Fit, getting the tape measure out is the only way you are going to know that is the case. This short guide shows you how to measure yourself at home for underwear. Importantly, the method that is explained there is one that means that you do not need a friend to help you.

3. Try it on properly

The second part of getting the fit right is trying everything on properly. This is vital. It is the only way to be sure that what you buy offers you enough support and does not create any unsightly bulges. Once you have everything on, take a look in the mirror. You may not want to, but, you really should.

It is the only way to work out which styles make the most of your figure. If you are really unhappy with the way you look, try on some different cuts. Plus, remember that you can always invest in some shaping underwear to help you out a bit.

You should also put your clothes on over the underwear and take another look in the mirror. This is the only way to make sure your new bra, corset, knickers and other items do not create any unnecessary bulges.

Lastly, you should move around. Sit down, stretch up and bend over. As you do make a mental note of whether everything stays where it should.

4. Buy something that makes you feel confident

The biggest mistake women make is buying something they do not feel 100% comfortable wearing. This can be because they are trying too hard to please their partner or trying on the latest fashion trend. You need to get the balance right. It is really hard to feel sexy when you are wearing lingerie that does not suit your body type, or, worse, makes you feel awkward.

5. Prioritise comfort

You also need to think about comfort. After all, you will be wearing your lingerie all day or at least for an evening. The last thing you need is your bra or knickers shifting around or cutting into you.

More lingerie buying help

If you have enjoyed this lingerie related article, try this one as well. It is all about styling rather than the practicalities of buying that elusive sexy bra and knickers. I am fairly sure you will enjoy reading it and will find it useful.


*Collaborative post

Bras Galore is a lingerie company that stock super quality underwear and swimwear from leading brands such as Freya, Fantasie, Elomi and Fauve amongst others.

The online shop is a fashion lovers delight. From pretty balconette bras to silky chemises, padded plunge bras to super soft thongs, you can guarantee there is something for everyone.


One of my favourite underwear brands is Freya. This brand is always fashion led, stylish and fun. Freya use the best quality fabrics too, sourcing most from Europe and every part of each bra is thought about in detail, straps are tested, different underwires are used for each bra depending on style, and fit is never compromised. Real women test each design for fit, and each design is adjusted painstakingly until it is perfect. Freya also make a fun and flattering range of swimwear too, which is definitely worth checking out.



Elomi is another brand that caught my eye. Elomi makes underwear for ladies specifically with the fuller figure. Always supportive, and always pretty, the devil is in the detail, as they say, with embroidery, and lace popular finishing touches. How flattering is this Elomi Imogen waspie below? It holds you in, supports you, gives you a great waist and is sexy too.


Are you stepping up your fitness in 2015? Well Bras Galore have a range of sportswear and activewear as well. From crop tops with wide straps for extra support, active racer style sports bras that keep sweat away from the body, full shorts, sports things and even capri pants - it is all here. 
Win a £50 voucher for Bras Galore