The right size is what makes shapewear work. Too small and it rolls, digs and bulges. Too big and it won't smooth anything. The good news? Finding your size takes a soft measuring tape and five minutes.
This guide shows plus size women exactly how to measure, how to read a shapewear size chart, and what to do when you're between sizes. New to shapewear? Start with Shapewear 101.
Why Your Usual Dress Size Isn't Enough
Shapewear is sized by body measurements, not by the size on your jeans. Every style is cut differently too, so a bodysuit and a pair of shaping shorts from the same brand can fit very differently. That's why every product at Azalea Couture has its own size chart on the product page. Always check it for the exact piece you're buying.
How to Measure Yourself
Use a soft tape measure, wear thin underwear or nothing, and stand relaxed. Keep the tape snug but not tight, and level all the way around. Breathe normally and don't suck in.
- Natural waist: the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above your belly button. Bend to one side and the crease that forms is your natural waist.
- Hips: the fullest part of your hips and seat, usually around the widest point of your bottom.
- Bust: around the fullest part of your chest, for bodysuits and full-body styles.
- Thigh: around the fullest part of one thigh, for shorts with longer legs.
- Torso: for bodysuits, measure from the top of one shoulder, down through your legs and back up to the same shoulder. Long-torso women often need to size up in bodysuits.
Write down your numbers in both inches and centimeters. Size charts use one or both.
Which Measurement Matters Most
Each style has a "key" measurement. Size by that one first:
Briefs, panties and thongs: hips first, then waist
For briefs and thongs, your hip measurement usually decides the size, and the high waist should sit flat without rolling. The Soledad High-Waist Thong Shaper should fit smoothly over your hips with the waistband lying flat above your tummy.
Shaping shorts: waist and hips together
Shorts need to fit both your waist and your hips. If they fall in different sizes, go with the larger one so the waistband doesn't roll and the legs don't dig. The Lucia Padded Butt-Lift Shorts smooth from waist to thigh, so check both measurements on its chart.
Waist cinchers and bands: waist first
Anything that wraps your midsection is sized by your natural waist. The Estela Seamless Waist Smoothing Band should sit snug and flat without cutting in when you sit.
Bodysuits: waist, hips and torso
Bodysuits need to fit your whole torso. If the straps dig into your shoulders or the crotch pulls down, you likely need a size up for length. The Mireille Zip-Belt Sculpting Bodysuit should feel smooth from bust to hips with no pulling when you sit.
Read more in our plus size bodysuit guide.
What If You're Between Sizes?
- For everyday comfort, size up. You'll get smooth, even hold you can wear all day.
- If your waist and hips are in different sizes, choose the larger size for shorts and bodysuits.
- Never size down for extra shaping. It causes rolling, digging and bulging. If you want more hold, choose a firmer style in your true size. Our Shapewear Compression Levels guide explains how.
Sizing Tips by Body Shape
- Fuller middle (apple): size by your waist for bodysuits and cinchers, and look for a high rise that sits above your tummy. See the apple shape guide.
- Fuller hips and thighs (pear): size bottoms by your hips, and consider separates if your waist is much smaller. See the pear shape guide.
- Defined waist (hourglass): check both waist and hips, and choose styles that hold your waist without flattening your curves. See the curves guide.
- Fuller thighs: check the thigh measurement on shorts so the legs don't dig. See the thighs guide.
How to Check the Fit When It Arrives
Try it on and do the sit test and the breath test: sit for two minutes and take three deep breaths. It should stay in place, lie flat at the edges and feel secure, never painful. See How Tight Should Shapewear Be? for the full checklist.
Sizing FAQs
Should I buy shapewear a size smaller?
No. Sizing down causes rolling, digging and bulging. Buy your true size, and choose firmer compression if you want more hold.
What if my waist and hips are different sizes?
Choose the larger size for shorts and bodysuits, or buy separates sized for each area.
Is shapewear sizing the same as my dress size?
Not always. Always use the size chart on each product page.
How do I know if my shapewear is too big?
It wrinkles, slides down or doesn't smooth. Try the next size down only if it feels loose everywhere.
Shop by What You Want to Shape
Once you know your measurements, find your piece: Tummy Control, Waist Shaping, Butt-Lifting & Shaping, Hip Shaping & Enhancement, or browse All Shapewear. Not sure which style? Start with our best plus size shapewear guide or compare bodysuits vs shorts.
Still unsure? Check our FAQ or head back to the Shapewear Guides hub.