Wondering if you can sleep in shapewear or wear it every day? This guide answers common shapewear questions, including safety, comfort and pregnancy advice. Keep reading to learn how to wear shapewear correctly without irritation or discomfort.
Want to know when and where you can wear shapewear? In this article, Belle Lingerie answers whether you can sleep in shapewear, plus other key questions.
Can I sleep in shapewear?
Shapewear can be a great confidence booster, as it helps to give you a smooth silhouette that keeps you looking and feeling amazing all day long. However, you may have some questions about how and when you can wear shapewear safely to avoid discomfort and irritation.
Below, we answer some of the most common questions relating to when you can and can’t wear shapewear.
Can I wear shapewear while sleeping?
Most of the time we talk about wearing shapewear under various outfits to enhance the appearance of our body contours - but what about wearing it under your nightwear? Shapewear is often an alternative to other forms of underwear like briefs and bras, so you might feel it makes sense for it to be okay to wear in bed.
Realistically, it’s not advised to wear shapewear while sleeping. While experts are divided on whether the compression offered by these garments is enough to cause any physical damage or restrict blood flow at night, what is for sure is that wearing tight-fitting garments like shapewear for long periods can lead to irritation.
In addition, it’s possible that the sensation of compression or any irritation caused by the garment could be enough to keep you up at night or otherwise affect the quality of your sleep. Missing out on sleep could make you fatigued and irritable the following day.
Can I wear shapewear every day?
If you like the way your clothes sit on your body when you wear shapewear, you may prefer to wear it more often. Some people choose to only wear shapewear for special occasions such as weddings or parties, whereas others might wear it under work outfits or to more everyday events.
There isn’t yet a consensus on whether it’s a bad thing to wear shapewear every day, so the general advice is to do what feels comfortable for you. If you start to experience irritation or discomfort when wearing shapewear, then give yourself a break from wearing it to see if that helps.
It may be that these symptoms are caused by choosing the wrong size of shapewear, or choosing a style that doesn’t suit your body shape well. It can be helpful to experiment with different styles and sizes - but remember, shapewear isn’t designed to make you fit a size smaller.
Another key thing to remember is that you shouldn’t wear the same shapewear every day. This can lead to the build-up of sweat, bacteria and dead skin, which can exacerbate irritation and leave you feeling uncomfortable.
To stay feeling clean and fresh, wash your shapewear after a maximum of two wears - and ideally, alternate garments so you don’t wear the same piece for two days straight. This should help to avoid discomfort and irritation.
If you’re worried about wearing shapewear every day for another reason - perhaps you have an underlying condition or you’re concerned about wearing a compression garment for the first time - speak to a healthcare professional. They can help you to understand how you can wear shapewear safely based on your health and needs.
Can you wear shapewear when pregnant?
Many people wonder whether it’s safe to wear shapewear during pregnancy - a time when mothers often begin to find their normal clothing too restrictive and uncomfortable to wear. In fact, there’s no evidence that wearing shapewear while pregnant is inherently a bad idea - so long as you pay attention to your comfort.
The advice for pregnancy is the same for any time: if you feel comfortable, go ahead, but if something feels wrong, take a break from wearing your shapewear. As your bump grows, you may find it more comfortable to step away from the shapewear and opt for maternity lingerie instead, as this is specifically designed to support pregnant women as their babies grow.
Remember, if something doesn’t feel right to you while you’re pregnant, the best people to speak to are your midwifery team. They may advise you to avoid shapewear during pregnancy for your comfort.
FAQs
- Is it safe to sleep in shapewear overnight?
It’s generally not recommended to sleep in shapewear, as prolonged compression can cause discomfort, skin irritation and may disrupt your sleep quality. For best comfort, opt for breathable nightwear instead. - Can wearing shapewear every day cause problems?
Wearing shapewear daily isn’t necessarily harmful, but it’s important to choose the correct size and take breaks if you experience discomfort. Rotating garments and washing regularly can help prevent irritation and maintain hygiene. - What is the best shapewear for all-day comfort?
The best shapewear for daily wear is lightweight, breathable and properly fitted. Look for seamless designs with moderate compression that smooth your silhouette without feeling restrictive or uncomfortable.
