Skip to content

Cart

Your cart is empty

Article: BLOG 1: How to Choose the Right Shapewear for Your Body Type

BLOG 1: How to Choose the Right Shapewear for Your Body Type

BLOG 1: How to Choose the Right Shapewear for Your Body Type

(Kurv’s Complete 2025 Guide)

Shapewear has become an essential part of women’s wardrobes — not because we need to change who we are, but because the right piece can enhance what we already love about our bodies. At Kurv, we believe that shapewear should feel empowering, supportive, and comfortable enough for everyday wear. Whether you’re dressing up for a special event, looking for smoother lines under your favourite dress, or wanting more confidence in your everyday outfits, the key is choosing the right shapewear for your body and your needs.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know to find your perfect Kurv fit.


⭐ 1. Understanding What Shapewear Actually Does:

Before choosing a style, it helps to know the purpose behind shapewear. At Kurv, our pieces are designed to:

  • Smooth and refine your natural silhouette

  • Provide tummy, thigh, or waist support

  • Enhance curves, not hide them

  • Improve posture and comfort

  • Help clothing fit better and feel more secure

Good shapewear should never feel suffocating — it should feel like a comfortable, supportive extension of your outfit.


2. Choosing Shapewear Based on Your Body Needs

Every woman’s body is unique, which means your shapewear should be chosen according to your goals.

Below are the most common areas women want support, and the best Kurv pieces for each.


A) For Tummy Control

If your main goal is smoothing the midsection, look for:

  • High Compression Bodysuits

  • Shaping Shorts (High Waist)

  • Faja Pants

These pieces offer firm control around the tummy without restricting movement. They hold, smooth, and define the waist while remaining breathable.

Best Kurv picks:
• Kurv Thong Bodysuit (High Compression)
• Kurv Sculpting Cross-Body High Shorts
• Kurv Faja Pants


B) For Smoothing Thighs & Lower Belly

If you want support around the thighs, hips, and lower tummy, choose:

  • Mid-Thigh Sculpting Shorts

  • Body Shaper Shorts

These styles prevent thigh rubbing, lift the bottom, and smooth the lower belly area.

Best Kurv picks:
• Kurv Mid-Thigh Sculpting Shorts
• Kurv Strap Body Shaper Shorts


C) For Waist Definition

Want that snatched, hourglass silhouette?

You’ll want:

  • Faja Pants

  • High Compression Bodysuits

  • Waist Trainers

These offer targeted shaping around the waist for a more sculpted look.

Best Kurv picks:
• Kurv Waist Trainers
• Kurv High Compression Bodysuits


D) For Full-Body Shaping

If you want all-over smoothing — tummy, waist, back, and thighs — you want a full-body piece.

Choose:

  • Jumpsuits

  • Full Bodysuits

These are especially great under dresses, Jumpsuits, or for everyday support.

Best Kurv picks:
• Seamless Full-Length Jumpsuit

• Kurv High Compression Jumpsuit


3. Choosing the Right Compression Level

Different moments require different levels of support. Kurv offers:

✨ High Compression

For maximum shaping, smoothing, and waist control.
Best for:

  • Events

  • Dresses

  • Sculpted silhouettes

  • Postpartum support

  • When you want truly defined shaping

✨ Medium Compression

A balance between comfort and shaping.
Best for:

  • Daily wear

  • Work outfits

  • Under looser clothing

  • All-day comfort

✨ Light Compression

Soft smoothing, minimal shaping.
Best for:

  • Loungewear

  • Travel

  • Under very casual outfits

Knowing which compression level fits your lifestyle helps you choose pieces you’ll actually love wearing.


4. How to Choose Your Correct Size

This is one of the most important steps — and the one most women get wrong.

❗ Never size down for “extra” compression.

This will only cause rolling, discomfort, and difficulty breathing.

✔ Always follow Kurv’s size guide

  • Your waist measurement

  • Hip measurement

  • Bust measurement (for bodysuits/jumpsuits)

✔ If you’re between sizes in high compression → size up

This keeps comfort while still shaping beautifully.

Kurv’s sizing ranges from XS–6XL, so every body is supported.


5. Best Shapewear for Different Outfit Types

Choosing shapewear by outfit is a game changer.


Under a Tight Dress

Best Kurv picks:
• Sculpting Mini Dress
• Thong Bodysuit (High Compression)
• Cross-Body High Shorts


✨ Under a Jumpsuit / Playsuit

Best Kurv picks:
• Thigh Slimmer Shorts
• Bodysuits
• Waist Trainer + Shorts combo


✨ Under Jeans

Best Kurv picks:
• Sculpting Shorts
• Faja Pants
• Brief Bodysuit


✨ Under Sheer Clothing

Best Kurv picks:
• Seamless Bodysuits
• Nude-toned pieces
• Smooth mid-thigh shorts


6. Material Matters — What Kurv Uses

Kurv shapewear uses:

  • Ultra-stretch materials

  • Breathable fabrics

  • High compression blends

  • Flexible waist panels

  • Seamless cuts for smooth finishes

This keeps everything supportive but still comfortable in the South African heat.


7. Which Shapewear Is Right for YOU? (Quick Guide)

✔ Want full shaping? → Full Jumpsuit / Full Bodysuit

✔ Want tummy only? → Thong or Brief Bodysuit

✔ Want tummy + thighs? → Mid-Thigh Shorts

✔ Want waist definition? → Waist Trainer / Faja Pants

✔ Want daily comfort? → Medium Compression Bodysuit


8. Final Tip: Start With One Good Piece

If you’re new to shapewear:

Start with one bodysuit or one pair of sculpting shorts.
They’re the most versatile, comfortable, and instantly confidence-boosting.


Shop Related Collections

• Shop Shapewear → /collections/bodysuits
• Shop Sculpting Shorts → /collections/sculpting-shorts
• Shop Jumpsuits → /collections/jumpsuits
• Shop Waist Trainers → /collections/waist-trainers

Leave a comment

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Read more

Do Waist Trainers Actually Work? Here’s What You Need to Know

Do Waist Trainers Actually Work? Here’s What You Need to Know

Waist trainers have become one of the most talked-about body-shaping tools — but do they actually work, or are they just hype? The truth sits somewhere in the middle. Waist trainers can be effectiv...

Read more