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Shapewear has long walked a fine line between admiration and misunderstanding. For decades, it’s been whispered about in changing rooms, misrepresented in the media, and unfairly labelled as restrictive, outdated or even harmful.
At Style Gallery, we believe it’s time to change that narrative.
Today’s shapewear isn’t about squeezing your body into an unrealistic silhouette. It’s about enhancing your natural shape, smoothing where you want it, and feeling supported under every outfit. With modern innovations in fabric, fit and function, shapewear has become a much-loved style essential, not a dirty secret.
So, if you're on the fence about adding shapewear to your lingerie drawer, let’s debunk the myths that may be holding you back. Here’s a look at the most common misconceptions about shapewear—and the real truths behind them.
Myth #1: Shapewear Is Uncomfortable and Hard to Breathe In
One of the most persistent myths about shapewear is that it’s uncomfortable, stiff and suffocating. The mental image? Corsets laced within an inch of breathability. But modern shapewear is a completely different experience.
Brands such as Miraclesuit and Leonisa use high-tech compression fabrics that offer firm but flexible support, allowing you to move, sit, dance and breathe freely. Unlike the heavy, restrictive garments of the past, today’s shapewear is lightweight, stretchy and built to enhance—not hinder—your comfort. In fact, many of our customers wear their shapewear from morning to night with ease!
Truth: If shapewear feels painful or overly tight, it’s not the right size or the right design for your body type. Shapewear should hug you, not hurt you.
Myth #2: Shapewear Is Only for Special Occasions
Shapewear often gets pigeonholed as a wedding-day, red-carpet or once-a-year thing. But this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Today, shapewear has evolved into a daily wardrobe companion, designed for real women and real outfits. From lightly tummy-smoothing briefs that vanish under jeans to side-smoothing camisoles that work under everyday workwear, there are styles for every occasion. Think of it as a supportive base layer - like a great bra or seamless panty - only with a little extra smoothing power.
In fact, we’re seeing a rise in everyday shapewear that looks and feels like lingerie. Lace-trimmed shaping bodysuits. Sheer shaping briefs. All designed to be as stylish as they are functional.
Truth: Shapewear isn’t just for events. It’s for workdays, weekends and everything in between.
Myth #3: Shapewear Is Only for Plus-Size Women
Another major misconception is that shapewear is only designed for curvier or plus-sized bodies. The reality? Shapewear is for everyone. Whether you’re a size 6 or 16, every woman can benefit from a little extra support or smoothing under certain outfits.
At Style Gallery, we offer shapewear in an inclusive range of sizes—from XS to 5X—because body confidence has no size limit. Many of our customers wear shaping camisoles, control shorts or firming slips not because they want to completely change their bodies, but because they want a smoother, more polished foundation under clothing.
Truth: Shapewear isn’t about size. It’s about smoothing, posture support and how you want your clothes to fit.
Myth #4: Shapewear Is Only for Tummy Control
Let’s bust the idea that shapewear is just about flattening the stomach. Yes, tummy smoothing is a key benefit, but modern shapewear offers an array of targeted control options across your silhouette.
Depending on your needs, you can choose shapewear that:
- Supports the bust (without flattening)
- Sculpts the waistline
- Slims the hips and thighs
- Smooths the back and sides
- Improves posture
- Adds curves (think Leonisa’s padded butt-lift brief)
Truth: Shapewear is often engineered for holistic contouring—helping you feel supported in all the right places.
Myth #5: You Can See Shapewear Through Clothes
Gone are the days of visible lines and seams, or bulky shaping panels. Today’s shapewear is designed with seamless and often single-layer construction, laser-cut edges, and ultra-smooth fabrics to ensure it stays invisible under clothing - even those body-hugging styles.
Whether you’re slipping into a fitted dress, pencil skirt or wide-leg trousers, you can count on our shapewear brands such as Naomi & Nicole to keep a low profile.
Truth: High-quality shapewear is designed to disappear under clothing, not distract from it.
Myth #6: Shapewear Will Roll Down or Ride Up
One of the most frustrating shapewear concerns is rolling, slipping or bunching. But it only happens either when the piece isn’t the right fit or cut for your body, or when it’s simply poor quality. The right shapewear, properly fitted, stays exactly where you want it to.
Features such as:
- Silicone waist and legline grips
- Firm powermesh panels
- Flexible boning
… all ensure that your shapewear holds its place from morning to midnight.
We recommend carefully reviewing our size guides before buying (you’ll find them on every product page), and if you’re between sizes, size up for comfort.
Truth: Well-made shapewear in your correct size won’t shift. It will fit like a second skin.
Myth #7: You Can’t Wear Shapewear in Warm Weather
Here in Australia, summer style is part of our DNA. And yes, you can absolutely wear shapewear in the warmer months without overheating.
Ranges such as Miraclesuit’s Sheer Shaping and fabrics such as Leonisa’s woven SkinFuse® offer shaping garments made from lightweight, breathable materials that allow airflow to keep you cool.
Under summer dresses and linen pieces, try lighter compression styles, thigh-slimming shorts with cotton gussets, or open-bust shaping camisoles that layer comfortably with your favourite mesh or lace bras.
Truth: Modern shapewear is all season-friendly and built to keep you cool, supported and stylish even when it’s 30°C outside.
Shapewear at Style Gallery: Designed to Empower, Not Restrict
Ready to choose pieces that don’t just look good, but feel incredible to wear? At Style Gallery, we curate shapewear from globally-trusted brands that are redefining comfort and confidence for real women.
Here's what sets our shapewear collection apart:
- Premium fabrics: Breathable, stretchy, and soft on skin
- Targeted shaping zones: For tummy, hips, bust, thighs, arms and more
- All-day comfort: Built for real, moving bodies, not mannequins
- Inclusive sizing: From naturally slim to full figure
- Many different styles: For everyday and tricky occasion outfits alike
Whether you’re shopping for your first piece of shapewear or upgrading your collection, you’ll find solutions that match your style and your lifestyle.
Final Thoughts: Shapewear is Self-Care, Not Sacrifice
Lingerie has always been a quiet kind of confidence. And shapewear, when chosen well, amplifies that feeling—not by hiding your body, but by helping you show up exactly how you want to.
You don’t need to believe outdated myths. You just need the right shapewear, for the right outfit, and the right fit - and that’s exactly what we offer here at Style Gallery.
Feel smoother. Walk taller. Own your shape, every day. Shop our shapewear collection now!
