Postpartum Shapewear 101: The Basics (2024)

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May 17, 2021 | Shapermint Team

  • By Shapermint Team
Postpartum Shapewear 101: The Basics (1)

Now that you’ve welcomed your beautiful little one into the world, it’s time to upgrade your closet with some brand new essentials that’ll leave you feeling comfortable and motivated each day. Looking and feeling your best can help improve your mood, so you can tackle even the busiest of days with energy.

One of the easiest ways to spruce up clothing you already own is with great shapewear that can go underneath. It can instantly elevate any outfit in seconds! In our guide, we’ll walk you through choosing the best postpartum shapewear for your body shape, that’ll look and feel amazing.

How Postpartum Shapewear Can Help You

Wearing shapewear post-birth isn’t just about how you look, it’s actually about function. It can help you feel more comfortable in your everyday clothing.

Here are a couple of benefits shapewear provides if you’ve just had a baby:

  • Post maternity shapewear helps aid your body in returning to its pre-pregnancy shape. You’ll appreciate the extra abdominal support!
  • Shapewear can also help you feel more comfortable during your first postpartum weeks, meaning you have one less thing to worry about.
  • Did you get a C-section? Shapewear helps create a buffer between your stitches and your regular clothes, so you can focus on what’s really important (your new baby!) instead of what’s not (your C-section scar).
  • Postpartum shapewear can also help you regain your pre-pregnancy posture, acting as a soft reminder to broaden your shoulders, sit up straight, and feel proud of your journey into motherhood.
  • Does your back have aches and pains? Don’t fret - it’s normal! This is clearly linked to the changes in posture that occured during your pregnancy. Wearing shapewear can help ease back pain, and also remind you to stand up straight.
  • Shapewear can make any outfit look great. If you need to be out and about (or are returning to work), wearing shapewear after pregnancy can help you feel more confident and prepared during these uncertain but magical times.

So what’s the best shapewear after pregnancy? Glad you asked!

How Does Post-Pregnancy Shapewear Work?

Postpartum Shapewear 101: The Basics (2)

The correct type of post-birth maternity shapewear will support your back and retrain your muscles to shrink back to your previous, slimmer shape. It will also give you extra support you need while breastfeeding, and take the pressure off your legs and back.

Postpartum body shapers have also been used for centuries to aid in repairing Diastasis Recti, a common condition after giving birth in which your abdominal halves have separated while pregnant. They also alleviate swelling after giving birth, as postpartum shapewear wraps around that mama belly, compressing your blood vessels and capillaries, flushing fluids away from your skin.

How to Choose the Best Postpartum Recovery Shapewear

Are you ready to get the benefits of your pre-maternity shapewear? There’s no reason why you can’t use the shapewear you’ve once come to love for the beginning of this new era in your life. However, please make sure you avoid wearing shapewear while pregnant. The compression can harm your growing baby. Remember that, when in doubt, it’s always wise to consult with your doctor.

That said, here’s a quick guide to help you determine whether your pre-pregnancy shapewear can now double up as postpartum shapewear (or to know what to look out for when purchasing your new shapewear wardrobe once the baby is here!).

1. How Does Postpartum Shapewear Look Under Your Clothes?

Trust me, you won't be pulling out your bodycon dresses too soon after giving birth, but you will want to be on the lookout for post-pregnancy shapewear that’s thin and breathable.

As a rule of thumb, shapewear should never be visible under your clothes. Look for something that will provide the compression you need, but can still be easily concealed, like the Shapermint Essentials shaper panty.

Shapermint Essentials All Day Every Day High-Waisted Shaper Panty$23.99 $40.00

2. Is Shapewear Hard To Put On?

Have you ever tried to wrestle your way into a wet swimsuit? Putting on your postpartum body shaper shouldn't be like that - there’s no need to feel like you’ve just completed a full cardio workout each and every single time you go to the bathroom.

Don’t feel discouraged if you need to go a size up before slipping into your old shapewear. Remember: you need to feel compression but feel comfortable at the same time! Have some patience with your body. 😉

3. Does It Stay in Place?

Life is already full of uncomfortable inconveniences. You don't need to add another one by wearing shapewear that slides and shifts around. You have enough on your plate with your new baby without having to adjust your maternity shapewear every five minutes.

So make sure your new postpartum shapewear stays comfortably put all the time you need it. Most brands offer shapewear with anti-slip silicone bands to make sure their products don’t roll down, but you can also opt for an open-bust bodysuit. These garments - such as this Shapermint Essentials bodysuit - offer full body compression but also leave your breasts uncovered for easy breastfeeding access.

Shapermint Essentials Open Bust Bodysuit Shaper Short$26.99 $68.00

4. Does it Compress Enough?

You want post-pregnancy shapewear that provides you with good compression but doesn’t squeeze the bejesus out of you. You just gave birth - be kind to yourself! If after just an hour of wearing your shapewear you’re itching to get it off, it’s safe to say you need a little bit less compression. Remember, this isn’t to hide, tuck and squeeze for you to look better - it’s just a tool to keep everything centered and in its place while your body heals itself.

5. Is the Fabric Breathable?

Breathable materials are a MUST. After childbirth, you’ll notice that you’ll sweat a lot more - this is mainly due to your body eliminating excess fluids which you were retaining while pregnant. Look for breathable, lightweight fabrics and avoid those with a lot of latex.

One example you can find right here at Shapermint? The Shapermint Essentials shaper short.

Shapermint Essentials All Day Every Day High Waisted Shaper Shorts$22.99 $52.00

Shapewear and C-sections - Should You Go for It?

Postpartum shapewear is especially useful for moms who went through C-sections, either recently or in the past. Most women start using shapewear right after their surgery to avoid getting their stitches caught in their clothes, and to help with pain relief in the incision area. Most moms will wear shapewear for these reasons 2-3 months after giving birth.

However, it’s not unheard of for other C-section moms to continue their shapewear use even long after they give birth. C-sections are notorious for their characteristic “pouch”, where the skin on the stomach folds a little bit over at the incision line. Many women with this “pouch” choose to wear shapewear while in the process of relearning to love their bodies, as a way to feel confident in whatever clothes they wear.

Here’s what YouTube user JustineMarie hast to say about shapewear, C-sections and relearning to love her postpartum body right here:


So go ahead and take the plunge! Shapewear is very common in women who have gone through C-sections. There’s nothing to be ashamed of - wear it LOUD and PROUD!

Note: please talk to your doctor before choosing to wear any post-pregnancy shapewear. Every woman -and pregnancy- is different, and it’s always best to consult with a professional first.

Join in on the conversation on social @Shapermint and let us know what you love about wearing shapewear postpartum. Help the other moms out and share your best tips!

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    Postpartum Shapewear 101: The Basics (2024)

    FAQs

    Does postpartum shapewear work? ›

    Pros of Shapewear

    The pros of wearing shapewear include: Quicker recovery. Studies show that proper postpartum binding may reduce time in the hospital by helping new mothers gain mobility more quickly after delivery. Recovery belts or belly bands can help you regain the abdominal strength to lift your newborn child.

    How soon after birth can I wear shapewear? ›

    We recommend starting with 1-3 hours at most immediately after birth, increasing the time after the first 1.5-2 weeks. From 6 weeks after birth, you can start wearing the macom® shaping girdle. Body shaping and slimming, it provides supporting compression across the torso and stomach.

    Are you supposed to size down in shapewear? ›

    Many believe that sizing down in shapewear is a must to optimize the compression, thus slimming the silhouette. This, however, is untrue and can yield the opposite effect. If you size down in shapewear, you risk causing unsightly bumps and pinching that disrupt rather than enhance the silhouette.

    How to pick the right shapewear? ›

    Get the Right Fit

    Although you can buy shapewear online, it's worth it to go to a store to try on several brands and styles. If you're buying for a specific dress or outfit, bring it with you. A quick hip and waist measurement can help you make sure you're looking at the right size, Banks-Coloma says. Be realistic.

    Does postpartum saggy belly go away? ›

    Over time, your postpartum belly will lessen on its own. However, there are ways you can improve your postpartum belly at home. Once your doctor says it's OK, try to add exercise to your daily routine. Start with walking and light body weight exercises.

    How do you get rid of postpartum belly pooch? ›

    Effective Exercises to Reduce Post-Pregnancy Belly Fat
    1. Walking: A simple yet effective exercise that can be started soon after delivery.
    2. Pelvic Tilt: This exercise targets the abdominal muscles and can be done even while sitting or standing.
    3. Yoga: Specific yoga poses can help in toning the belly and reducing fat.
    Nov 5, 2023

    How can I tighten my waist after having a baby? ›

    Stomach exercise

    This exercise can help you tone your stomach muscles: Lie on your side with your knees slightly bent. Let your tummy relax and breathe in gently. As you breathe out, gently draw in the lower part of your stomach like a corset, narrowing your waistline.

    How tight should postpartum compression be? ›

    If you feel like you can't walk, squat, or move like you usually can then your garment may be too tight. A well-fitting garment should fit just tight enough to make you feel held but not restricted. When used properly, compression will enable you to move around more, with less discomfort--not the other way around.

    Is it okay to wear spanx after giving birth? ›

    Shapewear can still be used after you've recovered to help you feel your best in your clothes, but they will not provide any medical benefits during your recovery. There are several different postpartum compression garments that can provide you with substantial benefits during your recovery period and beyond.

    Where does the fat go when you wear shapewear? ›

    Gimble points out, "Fat can move into spaces where muscle is compressed, such as the abs. It can also be moved directionally, towards more desirable places. Jason Scarlatti, creative director of men's brand 2(x)ist Underwear, adds that the body curves are just made more compact.

    What does it mean if shapewear rolls down? ›

    Your shapewear may roll up or down because it's too small and therefore too tight on your body. It can also create a lumpy look from overflow where the shapewear meets the skin. If you've chosen a piece that's too long, it may not grip as well, which also causes roll-down.

    How many inches does shapewear take off your waist? ›

    It depends on the shape wear, and your body. Really snug, well made corsets and shape wear like girdles can compress you 1-3 inches each in the waist and hips if you're already slender, and even more if you're not and have lots of flab.

    Why does my stomach look bigger in shapewear? ›

    If you choose an ill-fitting or too tight piece of shapewear, it could cause some discomfort and even make your stomach appear larger than before. The best thing to do is experiment with different types of materials and shapes that fit well on your body without being too tight or uncomfortable.

    How many hours a day should you wear shapewear? ›

    Weinstein says you can still wear your shapewear as long as you limit it to short periods of time. That means about eight hours max, which should get you through a night out. Take time off in between wears—that is, don't wear it every day—and, please, don't sleep in your shapewear either.

    What shapewear actually works? ›

    • Skims Sculpting Bodysuit With Snaps. ...
    • +Body by Julia Haart Powersuit. ...
    • Bali Lace 'N Smooth Built-in Bra Body Shaper. ...
    • Wacoal Visual Effects Bodysuit. ...
    • TC Strapless Shaper Bodysuit. ...
    • Spanx Suit Your Fancy Plunge Low-Back Mid-Thigh Bodysuit. ...
    • Spanx OnCore Open Bust Mid-Thigh Shaper Bodysuit. ...
    • Commando Two-Faced Tech Control Full Slip.
    Apr 2, 2024

    Are postpartum belly wraps worth it? ›

    Some women use a postpartum belly wrap after having a baby to help their muscles. Studies show that wraps or binders might help with pain and healing after a C-section (cesarean section). They might also help support your organs and muscles as they move back into place after having a baby.

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