Shapewear no longer means those tight, uncomfortable girdles our mothers or grandmothers used to wear. Today, there are more models and possibilities than ever before, including garments made of wicking fabric so you can rock a body-hugging dress in the summer heat! We had the opportunity to interview the Vice President of Leonisa Intimate Apparel, Octavio Quintana, and here are his tips to help you rock your shapewear year round
For the record we also tested a few of their best-selling models, such as the Invisible strapless bodysuit shaper ($30), Vintage lace tummy control slip ($56), Vintage lace tummy control body suit ($52) and Best selling contour shaper ($60) which were our favorites. We liked them all as they did not feel oppressive, and they made the most body-skimming clothes look smooth. Also, Leonisa shapewear doesn´t flatten the rear; it’s created to accentuate this asset, which is a plus for Latinas and any woman who wants to enhance her curves!
Mamiverse: What should a woman realistically expect from shapewear?
Leonisa: It should make your clothes fit better or allow you to wear at least one size smaller. It will smooth rolls and bulges, and give you a more streamlined silhouette. Expect to wear Leonisa shapewear over and over again, it’s constructed to last a long time and not ruin easily like panty hose.
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Mamiverse: Is shapewear only for more curvy women?
Leonisa: Shapewear is for everyone! It can be for someone who wants more curves or a larger rear, needs back support and posture correction, full figure slimming, for post-surgical/postpartum or for someone who wants to spot treat certain areas of her body.
Mamiverse: Can shapewear be used every single day, or should it be reserved for special occasions?
Leonisa: We have shapewear that can be worn every day, all day, or for special occasions. Our everyday shapewear is highly durable, moisture-wicking, can provide back support and is easy to put on. Through everyday wear, women get used to wearing our shapewear and it becomes part of their regular undergarments. Women tell us that they start to feel increasingly more confident and feel better about themselves.
Mamiverse: What about seasonally? Many women forego it in the summer because of the heat. Is there a solution to that?
Leonisa: Yes! They can wear lighter, breathable shapewear for the summer. We offer a line called Truly Invisibles made of ultra-light materials and sheer fabrics that are perfect for those hot, steamy months. In addition to our lighter line of shapers, we have styles across our compression levels that are perfect for the summer. These include shapers that are thong styled, multiway straps or strapless, which are great to wear under summer clothing.
Mamiverse: Who is the average consumer of shapewear?
Leonisa: Our average consumer is a woman between 25-55 who works, has kids, has some spending power and likes to look good.
Mamiverse: How should a woman go about choosing the kind of shapewear best suited to her needs?
Leonisa: She should consider what her needs are first. That will dictate the type of shaper she chooses. For a woman who wants to lose weight and look thinner at the same time, our extra firm control assists weight loss and makes you look slimmer. For the woman who wants to smooth out her middle, we have great tummy reducing and smoothing shapers.
Mamiverse: How snugly should shapewear fit? Should it be a struggle to get into it or should it fit more loosely?
Leonisa: You have to be smarter than what you’re working with! There is a way to put on shapewear. A snug fit with a little bit of know-how is the way to go. The stronger the compression the less give a garment will have, this is why for our extra firm and firm control garments, we have easy flat zippers to help you out. As a rule of thumb, most of our garments require you to put them on feet first, one foot at a time and inch them up your body.
Mamiverse: Do you think shapewear can improve a woman’s confidence? How so?
Leonisa: No matter what size or shape a woman comes in, she always wants to look her best. Shapewear offers that notably extra boost that smooths her curves so she looks and feels better, which gives her more confidence. This is especially true during life transitions such as after having a baby. Women find that wearing a shaper gives them more confidence while their bodies are changing postpartum.
Mamiverse: Is it safe to buy shapewear online based on your measurements or do you recommend trying it on first?
Leonisa: As with any garment, it’s always best to try it on first. However, we offer very accurate size charts online to assist customers in selecting the right size based on their measurements. And customers should always remember to look at the size chart when buying a new shaper. Our shapewear collections have different materials/compression levels; sizes could change across collections for the same individual.
Mamiverse: Any other tips you’d like to give our readers?
Leonisa: Women are no longer looking to spend thousands of dollars on surgeries to lose weight. They want quick and healthier solutions, and our shapewear can provide those.
