Shapewear 101: Choosing the Right Fit for a Smooth Silhouette

Shapewear should smooth, not squeeze. The right size and style makes all the difference between an outfit that sits well all day and one you're tugging at by evening.

Sizing: true-to-size vs. one size down

For all-day comfort under daily wear, stick to your regular size. For a special-occasion outfit worn for a few hours, going one size down gives firmer control — but skip it if you'll be seated for long stretches.

Petticoats for sarees and lehengas

A cotton shapewear petticoat layers flat under sarees and lehengas without adding bulk at the waist, and won't ride up the way a regular petticoat can through a long event.

• Put shapewear on before your outfit, never on top of it
• Don't roll the waistband down — it digs in and rolls over time
• Choose seamless styles under fitted or light-coloured fabrics