6 Things Every Postpartum Moms Should Consider When Buying Shapewear

After covering postpartum underwear here on The Impressive Kids, we’re going to go into more depth about postpartum shapewear and how to choose the right one. Many moms worry about getting their pre-pregnancy body back and starting to feel confident again but can’t find the time to exercise regularly once the baby comes. Shapewear can really come in handy in this situation. So, with that in mind, here are a few things to consider when buying shapewear for the first time.

Goals

First of all, decide what you want the shapewear for. One thing you should know about it is that it’s not meant to make you lose weight. Designer Kiana Anvaripour provided an overview stating, “Properly fitted undergarments improve your posture, your confidence, and the way you walk, which gives you an all-over sleeker physique.”

Well-fitting garments compress areas that are loose from giving birth which all moms should have the option to do. It can also be beneficial in recovering from a diastasis recti. Today’s Parent explains that binders provide support for abs that have separated during pregnancy until a woman makes a full recovery.

Wearability

The correct shapewear should be easy to put on, remove, and adjust. If it makes you feel uncomfortable every few minutes, then it probably isn’t the right fit or design for you. Look for fabric that's elastic and breathable so that it can stay on all day.

There are even materials that promise moisture and odor control so that you can keep it on even as you sleep without needing to wash it every day. Wearability also means that the undergarment should be easy to hide under your regular clothes. Make sure that the band doesn’t clump in places and clasps don’t poke out. The goal is to make you more confident in your postpartum body without worrying if the shapewear is obvious.

Size

Sizing really depends on the product you’ll end up choosing. On average, women gain 2-4 dress sizes after they give birth so you want to make sure that it’s tailored to your postpartum physique.

Style

Shapewear comes in different styles, from bodysuits for overall contouring or corsets that specifically target the tummy. The shapewear listed on Woman Within includes waist cinchers, tummy shapers, and curvewear that extend down to the thighs, all of which do a great job of de-emphasizing said features.

If you’re going back to work, curvewear that also compress the thighs might help you feel more confident in wearing skirts and slacks again. If you’re homebound, it might be easier to slip in and out of a waist cincher. Go with whatever caters to your personal style and postpartum needs.

Mobility

New moms have a lot on their plate and need to move around which is why it’s important to find shapewear that doesn’t hinder you from performing your daily chores. Good shapewear doesn’t just make you appear slimmer; it should also provide support to the hips and the back. Improving your posture is also one way to hasten the recovery process.

Comfort

There are fabrics that can be irritating depending on the type of your skin so it’s vital that you’re careful in choosing the material. Moms who underwent a C-section also need to think about getting the right amount of compression for their incision, according to an article by Healthline.

As the swelling subsides, you have to be able to adjust the size of the binder in order to provide adequate support and comfort at the same time. At the end of the day, getting back to a physically active lifestyle is what will ultimately help improve your fitness level and remedy conditions such as diastasis recti. That being said, there is no harm in using shapewear, as it can act as a confidence booster and help in recovery.