When choosing shapewear, the design often catches the eye first – elegant lines, a sleek body or a delicate corset. However, in reality, it is the fabrics that determine how you will feel wearing this underwear. Will it be comfortable all day long, will it provide breathability and maintain its shape even after several washes.
Many women say that their biggest disappointments are not related to the model itself, but to the quality of the fabric: seamless underwear quickly loses elasticity, panties become less smooth, and shapewear no longer fulfills its promised function.
By understanding the properties of polyamide, elastane, cotton and other materials , you can choose shapewear that provides comfort, support and durability at the same time. This guide will help you make an informed choice and find women's underwear that not only looks beautiful, but also works for you.
Polyamide – rigidity and shape
Polyamide is one of the main fabrics in shapewear, providing firmness and a corrective effect. It helps the underwear fit tightly to the body, creating a smooth silhouette and holding the shape where it is needed most. That is why polyamide is widely used in bodysuits, panties and corset constructions .
However, it is important to understand that if the shapewear is made almost entirely of polyamide, it may be less breathable and feel too tight for prolonged wear. Many women admit that in this case, after a few hours, they feel that the fabric “does not breathe”.
The best solution is to choose shapewear where polyamide is combined with other materials, such as elastane or cotton . This allows you to maintain firmness, but at the same time also provides comfort and breathability, which is essential for everyday and festive situations.
Elastane – elasticity and freedom of movement
Elastane is the secret power of shapewear – it gives underwear elasticity and helps it adapt to every movement of the body. It is thanks to elastane that shapewear not only fits the figure, but also maintains its shape without restricting movement. This is the main reason why elastane is found in almost all women's underwear – from delicate thongs to tighter corrective bodysuits .
However, this is also where one of the biggest challenges lies. Cheap elastane quickly loses its properties – after just a few washes, shapewear can start to stretch, and, for example, a once-perfect corrective bodysuit no longer provides the desired effect.
Therefore, when choosing shapewear, it is always worth paying attention not only to the design, but also to the quality of the fabric. High-quality elastane means that the underwear will retain both elasticity and corrective power for much longer, giving you confidence every time you put it on.
How to distinguish low-quality elastane?
Unfortunately, when reading the product description, it will be difficult or impossible to know what quality of elastane is used in a particular model, but it can be easily determined by holding it in your hands.
Models made from low-quality elastane will be thin, may be too stretchy (without performing a compression function), may have a shiny fabric, and may feel as if it is made of plastic. Models made from high-quality elastane will be firm and feel like fabric (not plastic).
The shapewear models you will find in the Elorélle assortment have been chosen by selecting only those made of high-quality elastane.
Cotton – comfort and breathability
Cotton underwear is a classic that remains relevant in the world of shapewear. It is ideal for long-term wear - at work, at long events or in hot weather when the skin needs to breathe the most. Cotton is soft, natural and gentle on the skin, which is why many women choose it for everyday wear.
Shapewear is often created by combining cotton panels with other materials, such as polyamide or elastane . This combination provides the best of both worlds – the comfort and breathability of cotton, as well as the fabric's ability to hold its shape.
However, it should be noted that cotton alone is not as elastic and cannot provide strong correction. This means that all-cotton shapewear will serve more as a comfortable and healthy choice for everyday use than a solution that creates a tight silhouette.
Conclusions
If there's one thing I've learned from my experience with shapewear, it's this: the fabric is everything. A beautiful design is important, but if the material isn't right, the shapewear will never fit properly and you'll quickly feel disappointed.
Polyamide provides strength, elastane provides the necessary elasticity, cotton provides breathability and comfort, while lace and seamless underwear prove that shapewear can also be beautiful. Knowing this balance, you will no longer buy underwear just for its appearance, but will choose one that really serves your body.
And that, in my opinion, is the biggest benefit – when you open your lingerie drawer, there is not only beautiful, but also reliable women's underwear that allows you to feel confident every day and in every situation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Which shapewear fabric is best for everyday wear?
For everyday wear, cotton underwear or shapewear with cotton panels will be the most practical, as it allows the skin to breathe and is comfortable to wear for long periods of time. If you also want a slightly corrective effect, look for models where cotton is combined with elastane.
2. Is polyamide harmful to the skin?
No, polyamide is not harmful, but it is not a breathable fabric in itself. That is why quality shapewear is always combined with other materials – such as elastane or cotton – to ensure both firmness and comfort. Of course, if you have specific allergies, then pay special attention to the composition of the material.
3. Why does my bodysuit stretch out so quickly?
The most common reason is the use of cheap elastane in the fabric or improper care (washing with too hot water, drying on a radiator). If you want the bodysuit to keep its shape, choose quality materials and carefully follow the care instructions.
Read more about washing and storing shapewear here .
4. What corrective underwear should I choose under a light dress?
The safest choice is beige or other neutral shades, as they are the least visible under thin or light fabrics. A seamless underwear or a lightweight bodysuit would be a great choice here.
5. Can lace underwear also be practical?
Yes, nowadays lace lingerie is often combined with stretchy materials. This means you can enjoy both beauty and a light corrective effect without sacrificing comfort.
