Struggling with unwanted weight gain is undoubtedly one of the biggest issues that new mothers face postpartum. To this end a lot of solutions have been presented to help new mothers find themselves. Exercising and dieting are two of the most popular recommendations for new mothers to get back in shape. And while both methods work to a degree, it seems there’s now a third strategy that can be used in isolation or in congruence with both methods to see results. Using shaping garments postpartum is a solution that women can use after pregnancy to get back to their normal shape. However, a question that creeps up is, what are shaping garments?
What are shaping garments?
There are various classifications of shaping garments, but the classification that we will be using in this piece is that used by Getfit Technologies one of Nigeria’s biggest players in the shaping garments industry. The first and most popular classification of garment shapers is the division called waist trainers/waist trimmers. There are a number of product offerings under the waist trimmers subdivision, but they all do one major thing- help to shed unwanted fat around the waist and lower stomach region. Some of the products include liposuction wraps, belly erasers, waist bands and others.
The second classification of shaping garments according to Getfit is nicknamed “body shapers” and they include shapers that can help compress unwanted fat around the back area and the breast areas. You can also get shapers such as hips shapers, as well as exercise leggings.
Another classification of shaping farments that Getfit offers is resistnd bands. This particular classification offers exercising bands that one might not classify as shaping garments. However, since the bands themselves help shape body looks, you will be forgiven for referring to it as such.
Now that we have established what waist trainers, let’s focus on establishing whether they are for you or not. To establish this, I scoured the web for reviews and studies about shaping garments and if they are safe or not. Here are some things I found:
What health experts say
One of the biggest criticisms of shaping garments are that they could be dangerous to one’s health. But is this claim true? Will wearing shaping garments pose any health threat to you? Let’s turn to some experts for confirmation.
According to an article by medicine.net, one of the most trusted sources for medicine on the web, “modern shapewear isn’t as damaging to soft tissue and organs as old-fashioned corsets were. The materials in shapers are flexible and let some air pass through. Your body can return to its natural state as soon as you take the garment off at the end of the day.” THis means that the claim that shaping garments are dangerous isn’t just true in today’s world. Scientists and designers have worked so hard to make sure that today’s shaping garments are safe to use. Which is why hepatologist Jamile Wakim-Fleming, MD speaking to Cleveland Clinic’s official website says, “worn with some common sense, these little miracle workers are perfectly safe.”
Having established if shaping garments are safe, let’s discuss how you can buy the best shaping garments:
How to buy the perfect shaping garment for you
According to MedIndia, one of the most respected websites that share information on medicine and health in India, here are some tips to keep in mind when considering a shaping garment:
- Choose a body shaper that is neither too tight, nor too loose.
- Shapewear may aid in weight loss, but must be accompanied by proper diet and exercise.
- Wear shapewear for limited periods of time to avoid unnecessary health problems.
- While wearing a bodyshaper, make sure all the muscles are smoothly held in places tightly. Avoid any “pinching” of muscles or skin portions.
- Gives the wearer an erect posture.