The Ultimate Guide to Shapewear: What It Does and Where to Buy Locally

Here's how to achieve contoured curves without the breath-restricting corsets!

Published on May 29, 2025

An outfit can be elevated in numerous ways, and mastering a specific silhouette is one of them. For body-hugging clothing, highlighting your curves is one way to achieve the vision that drives your look. Gone are the days when corsets from the Victorian era were a wardrobe staple, constructed with tight lacings and metal panels that could restrict breathing, interfere with digestion, and even deform internal organs.

Shapewear is taking over, and comfort no longer needs to be compromised to attain the contoured look that you’re after.

How Does Shapewear Work?

Aside from providing a slimming effect, shapewear can smooth out lines and improve the fit of certain garments. Nylon is usually one of the materials used for shapewear, which delivers support and structure, and it’s usually blended with other synthetic textiles such as spandex or microfiber. They contribute the elasticity that allows shapewear to evolve as a non-restricting addition to your wardrobe, in contrast with corsets from the past.

Click to Enlarge

PHOTO: Instagram/jesych, sola_body.

When muscles are compressed, spaces are formed; shapers move your body fat to fill in those gaps. They don’t make the fats vanish; they just move them into better places. This then leads to the emphasis of curves, the disappearance of unwanted lumps, and the accomplishment of seamless and streamlined looks.

Overall, the technology behind shapewear allows it to execute a combination of compression, comfort, and design. They’re known to provide muscle support and stimulate circulation, too.

SHOP:

The Best Shapewear to Try in the Philippines

Flaunt your figure with shapers, which now come in a variety of sizes and versatile styles to match as many outfits as possible. Though they’re usually designed as an undergarment, the shapewear available on the market today retains its sought-after technology while having aesthetics that make them good enough to wear on their own.

Here’s a list of shapewear to shop in the Philippines:

Sola

Hugging Halter Neck Shapewear Bodysuit

The Hugging Halter Neck Shapewear Bodysuit by Sola is snug yet comfortable, giving medium compression along with a flattering neckline and racer back cut. It also has a bikini style hip line and a triple snap closure for extra security. The seamless support and durable quality can be credited to the brand’s use of advanced knitting and bonding technology.

₱0

Uniqlo

Non-Lined Shaper Shorts Support

To hold the belly area, the Uniqlo Non-Lined Shaper Shorts Support comes with built-in silicone prints and power netting. The knit fabric has varying strengths in different areas, making it more effective for tightening, toning, and targeting each part such as your waist and your hips. The shorts were designed to be seamless, and with a cotton-lined crotch section, they’re also safe to wear on their own.

₱0

Spanx

Thinstincts 2.0 Mid-Thigh Bodysuit

The Thinstincts 2.0 Mid-Thigh Bodysuit by Spanx provides full-body control without compromising ease. Apart from targeted panels, it also comes with adjustable straps that eliminate rolling. Its mid-thigh cut helps prevent chafing, too, so you can stay comfortable all day through.

₱0

Triumph

Smooth Infinity High Waist Shaping Panty

Created to complement your contours is Triumph’s Smooth Infinity High Waist Shaping Panty. A sublime silhouette is achieved with honeycomb jelly control for shaping, exposed lycra for a non-irritating grip, and breathable comfort stretch lamination. It provides high control for your tummy and enhancement for your bum, all while remaining undetectable.

₱0

Maidenform

Multiway Body Shaper With Cool Comfort Fabric

Equipped with moisture-wicking technology, the Multiway Body Shaper With Cool Comfort Fabric by Maidenform keeps you cool despite it being skin-tight. It comes with firm control shaping, designed to move with your body rather than against it. The tummy, the underarms, and the waist are its primary targets, and its multiway adjustable straps allow it to be a good pair for almost any outfit.

₱0

Kyla Villena loves a good lip gloss and a trip to the art gallery. She is Preview's beauty girl, who doubles as a self-proclaimed motivational speaker.