Savvy female shoppers have long extoled the merits of a good piece of shapewear for transforming the way they look in clothing, but since the humorous exploits of Bridget Jones hit our screens ten years ago the shapewear phenomenon has grown steadily each year. There are a myriad of different products claiming to work the areas of your body with varying intensities but unless you do a little research or ask for advice you could well end up with something that makes you look worse rather than better.Everyone wants to feel and look their best all year round but at Christmas time when the party season swings into action with family gatherings, office parties and various get together’s, the need for some great staple underwear is paramount.

MIRACLESUIT WAIST CLINCER €43.95

Whether you’re slipping into a sexy little black dress for the office party or going for something more daring on a night out with the girls, a correctly fitting piece of shapewear will turn your favourite outfit into a stunner! If you have chosen your dress or two piece and feel you could benefit from a more accentuated waist then the ideal solution is the Waist Cincher from Miraclesuit. This works particularly well if your outfit is waisted with either a belt or a divide of some sort as the Waist Cincher will achieve a great hour glass shape. This garment provides wonderful results and you’ll be amazed as your figure is transformed. It is constructed with a bonded Wonderful Panel® to control stretch providing an ultra-smooth feel and appearance. This combination of targeted control and stretch adapts to the needs of the wearer, and stretchability provides all day (or all night) comfort. However not all shapewear garments are designed to transform and often you may just be looking for a more smoothing effect. Naomi & Nicole Amazing Lites collection is designed with single-ply, light control material and features the patented Wonderful Edge at the leg and waist of every style. The adjustable rise of these garments allows you to place the waistline where they’re most comfortable and smoothing on your body. This is ideal if you are brave enough to wear something clingy or tight fitting and want to up your confidence with a little smoothing! There are plenty of styles to choose from within the Amazing Lites collection depending on your chosen outfit, from briefs through to Bodyslips but a great piece to invest in is the half-slip so however your dress is designed the slip should fit underneath without any problem or visible lines showing through.

MIRACKESUIT SHEER THIGH SLIMMER €43.50

If you are a fashion lover you may choose to opt for a jump suit this Christmas. An all in one outfit like this can be unforgiving if you have a few lumps and bumps you would rather not highlight so a great option for under an ensemble like this (or any trouser based outfit) is the high waist long leg style of shapewear. Again you have plenty to choose from but one great possibility is the Miraclesuit Sheer Hi-Waist Thigh Slimmer. This choice provides leg cover to about mid-thigh so will help to smooth and reduce the hips and upper thigh areas which will help your trousers to hang perfectly from your waist. It also covers the tummy area so if you have a bulge you would rather banish then this is the garment for you.

NAOMI & NICOLE SLIP €29.00

Shapewear can really be your best friend if you choose correctly. Remember that just because it will help you to appear slimmer it doesn’t mean that you have to buy a size below your regular size. You will just end up with bulging areas at the top and bottom as you squeeze yourself into it. Choose your normal dress size and if possible try it on in store. Remember shapewear will be a snug fit in its very design so don’t expect it to slide on and off with ease. Always step into your garment (never put on over your head) and pull up the body slowly adjusting it as you go. You will end up with a firm and comfortable fit that allows you to move and breathe with ease but makes you look a million dollars. The final tip for buying shapewear! Always choose nude shapewear if you are going to be wearing it under a white or light coloured outfit. White underwear will show under white clothing but nude won’t. All items mentioned above can be bought from Mc Elhinneys of Ballybofey whose web site is due to go live at the end of October if you can’t get to the shop in person, or from Burgess of Athlone: Burgess, 1-7 Church Street, Athlone amongst other great retailers across Ireland.