The Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Shapewear for Your Body Type

Every body is beautiful — and every body deserves to feel its absolute best. Whether you're dressing up for a wedding, heading to the office, or simply want a little extra smoothing under your favourite outfit, the right shapewear can be a total game-changer. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one is right for you?

At Nushape, we believe shapewear isn't about hiding who you are — it's about feeling comfortable, confident, and completely yourself. So let's break it all down, step by step.


Step 1: Know Your Body Type

Understanding your body shape is the first step to finding shapewear that truly works for you. Here's a simple guide:

🍎 Apple Body Type

If you carry more weight around your midsection — your tummy, waist, and upper body — you have an apple shape. You'll want shapewear that focuses on tummy control and waist definition.

Best picks for you:

🍐 Pear Body Type

Pear shapes carry more weight in the hips, thighs, and bottom, with a narrower upper body. You'll love shapewear that lifts and smooths the lower body while balancing your silhouette.

Best picks for you:

⏳ Hourglass Body Type

You already have a beautifully defined waist with balanced bust and hips. Your goal is simply to enhance and maintain that natural shape. Lightweight, seamless options work best.

Best picks for you:

📏 Rectangle Body Type

Rectangle shapes have a fairly straight silhouette with similar measurements at the bust, waist, and hips. Shapewear can help create the illusion of curves and a more defined waist.

Best picks for you:

👉 Browse our full shapewear collection to find your perfect match.


Step 2: Choose Based on Your Needs

Beyond body type, think about what you want your shapewear to do for you:


Step 3: Measure Yourself Correctly

The most common shapewear mistake? Buying the wrong size. Shapewear that's too tight can be uncomfortable and visible under clothes, while too loose won't give you the support you're looking for.

Here's how to measure yourself at home:

  1. Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape parallel to the floor.
  2. Waist: Measure around the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above your belly button.
  3. Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips and bottom.
  4. Thighs: If you're buying shorts or leggings, measure around the fullest part of your thigh.

💡 Pro tip: Always measure over your undergarments, not over clothing. And if you're between sizes, size up — comfort is everything!

👉 Use our detailed Size Guide to find your perfect Nushape size.


Step 4: Wearing Shapewear Under Different Outfits

The right shapewear depends not just on your body, but on what you're wearing. Here's your outfit-by-outfit guide:

🥻 Sarees

Sarees are all about grace and flow — and the right base makes all the difference. Our Shapewear Saree Petticoat is designed specifically for this! It smooths your silhouette, keeps the saree pleats in place, and lets you move freely. Pair it with a well-fitted blouse and you're set for hours of comfort.

👗 Lehengas

For lehengas, focus on the waist and tummy area. A High-Rise Waist Sculpting Brief worn under your lehenga skirt gives you a smooth, defined look without adding bulk. Make sure the waistband sits below your lehenga's waistline so it stays invisible.

👗 Bodycon Dresses

Bodycon dresses leave little to the imagination — which means seamless shapewear is your best friend. Our Seamless Sculpting One-Piece Body Shaper or Full Body Shapewear Bodysuit are perfect choices. Look for nude or skin-tone shades that won't show through the fabric.

👔 Formal Wear

For office wear, blazers, and formal suits, comfort over long hours is key. Choose lighter compression shapewear that smooths without restricting movement. The Seamless Sculpting One-Piece Body Shaper works beautifully under formal trousers and fitted shirts — you'll forget you're even wearing it!


Step 5: Caring for Your Shapewear

Good shapewear is an investment — and with the right care, it'll last you a long time. Here are our top care tips:

  • 🧼 Hand wash in cold water with a gentle detergent. Machine washing can break down the elastic fibres over time.
  • 🚫 Never wring or twist your shapewear — gently squeeze out excess water instead.
  • 🌬️ Air dry flat in the shade. Avoid direct sunlight and never put shapewear in the dryer — heat is the enemy of stretch fabrics!
  • 🧺 Wash after every 2–3 wears to keep it fresh and hygienic.
  • 📦 Store flat or rolled, not folded with sharp creases, to maintain the shape of the fabric.

💡 Following these simple steps will keep your Nushape shapewear looking and feeling like new, wear after wear.


You Deserve to Feel Amazing — Every Single Day

At Nushape, we're not about changing who you are. We're about helping you feel your most confident, comfortable self — whether you're at a wedding, in the boardroom, or just going about your day. Our shapewear is designed for real bodies, by people who understand real bodies.

Ready to find your perfect fit? Shop our shapewear collection — with styles starting from just ₹699, there's something for every body and every budget.

Have questions? We're always here to help. Reach out to us and we'll help you find exactly what you need. 💛