Choosing the best slimming underwear usually depends on what types of underwear one is comfortable wearing. Most slimming underwear is initially uncomfortable, but some types are more restrictive than others. There are versions of this type of undergarment for both men and women, and it is usually a good idea to wear underwear specifically designed for either the male or female physique to achieve a natural look. Different brands of underwear use different proportions, and the best brand for one body may not be the best for another.
Women's slimming underwear comes in a number of styles, but some of the most popular types resemble pantyhose or tights rather than traditional brief-style underwear. This style may reach only to the thighs or may extend all the way to the toes in order to function as leg wear. The control top of the underwear restricts the stomach, giving the wearer the appearance of being slimmer. Some designs reach all the way past the ribcage or even over the shoulders in order to prevent the appearance of rolls of fat at the top of the garment. In some designs, the thighs of the garment are also very tight to create the illusion of slimmer legs.
Men's slimming underwear is typically sold as compression underwear and covers only the top of the body. Many men do not enjoy the sensation of wearing highly restrictive clothing in the genital area, so most men do not find much success wearing slimming underwear designed for women. Compression underwear of this type is typically shaped like a t-shirt and designed to hold in the belly and chest. Choosing the best men's underwear generally involves considering the neckline and the basic size, as most designs are very similar.
Traditional slimming undergarments for women existed long before the invention of stretchy compression underwear. Some women still choose to wear a corset or girdle, which may be more visible than other types of body shaping underwear but also often come in more attractive styles. Vintage corsets and girdles are very effective at shaping the body and can be used as fashion statements themselves.
There are many differences between slimming underwear brands, and some people find that one brand works better than others. This is because even within the same gender, people's bodies can be shaped quite differently. Trying out a number of styles in the store is a good way to choose the best slimming underwear, but this is not always possible when the garment is sold in a closed package.