How to Identify High-Quality Fabrics for Long-Lasting Shapewear

There isn’t a woman in the world who doesn’t want to look her best. That’s why shapewear—also known as curve wear—is a staple for many women.

But not all shapewear is created equal. Some are made with short fibers that can be scratchy on the skin or cause discomfort or bulging, which defeats the purpose of shapewear.

Thread Count

The fabric used for shapewear plays a huge role in its performance. The type of material and the weaving pattern can affect how soft, durable and stretchy your shapewear is. It also can determine how long it lasts before degrading, impacting your overall cost and comfort level.

When shopping for high-quality fabrics for your shapewear, thread count is a major consideration. The higher the thread count, the softer and more luxurious the material. However, it’s important to note that the actual quality of a cotton fabric depends on the fiber length rather than the number of threads per square inch.

High-quality cotton has longer fibers that are more tightly woven, which leads to a smoother fabric and fewer problems with pilling. Holding a cloth to the light and checking its density is also a good idea; quality cotton should not be transparent.

Unfortunately, many textile manufacturers can inflate the thread count on their sheets by using 2-, 3- or 4-ply cotton threads. By counting the ply of the thread rather than the actual number of lines, these manufacturers can double the advertised thread count without increasing the quality of the sheet. A wise consumer will check the ply count on any sheet before purchasing.

Breathability

The fabric that a shapewear garment is made from is an often overlooked factor, but it plays a major role in how comfortable and long-lasting the piece is. This is especially true for shapewear designed to be worn all day, and it’s important that the garment can breathe so that wearers don’t experience heat or sweat.

The fabrics used to make shapewear are usually blended to create the best possible combination of durability, comfort, and softness. One of the most important things to look for is breathability, which is determined by the tightness with which the threads are woven. Tighter threads mean fewer air pockets that can trap heat and cause discomfort. In addition, the length of the fibers determines how soft a fabric is, and longer fibers mean more delicate, more comfortable materials.

Breathability is also important for shapewear meant to be worn all day, and breathable fabrics like bio cotton or Tek03 will keep wearers comfortable throughout the day. These fabrics are also odor-reducing and can be machine-washed with cold water for easy care.

With advances in technology, shapewear is now more comfortable than ever before. Fabrics are softer and breathable, and technologies like bonding, laser-cutting, and molding have eliminated seams, hems and bulky fastenings that once interfered with the streamlined silhouette shapewear is known for. This has also increased demand for shapewear, particularly among older consumers who are more conscious about the environmental aspects of production and labor standards along the supply chain.

Softness

The type of fabric a shapewear is made from greatly impacts its comfort, durability and use. While some shoppers might be quick to judge a piece by its appearance on the hanger, many need to remember what is underneath the surface that determines whether it will last and how well it fits when worn regularly.

A key factor to consider is softness, which directly relates to breathability. A high thread count and special weaving techniques are the most important factors when identifying quality fabrics. The tighter the threads are woven, the better the garment is at letting air circulate, thus preventing the build-up of trapped heat, leading to sweating and uncomfortable body heat.

Likewise, the length of the fibers matters as well. Shorter fibers produce a rougher texture against the skin. Longer fibers, like those seen in linen, are better at gliding across the skin’s surface.

Another key factor is stretch, which allows for a snug fit without being restrictive. Nylon and spandex are common fabrics in shapewear. Still, some styles also offer a range of other materials, including microfiber and Two-Faced Tech fabric (a combination of cotton and microfiber). These fabrics not only sculpt but are breathable to prevent odor and minimize bunching under clothes, making them ideal for those seeking to avoid elastic bands or digging seams.

Durability

A high-quality shapewear garment should stay in place without rolling down or riding up, even when worn all day. The fabric must also be able to stretch and mold to the body. Nylon and elastane are popular fabrics used in shaping wear. Some brands combine cotton with these materials for added softness and fashionability.

As the demand for shapewear has grown, so have consumers’ expectations. They now look for more lace and fabric qualities such as softness and color. Mouldability is also important, especially for lingerie products such as bras.

Consumers want shapewear to offer a light smoothing and shaping for everyday use. Some will also enjoy a more tightening and sculpting effect for special occasion outfits.

When assessing the quality of a particular fabric, it is important to compare it against other materials of the same type. This will give you an idea of how good it is compared and help you decide.

For example, if you are considering purchasing a piece of shapewear made from linen, it is essential to check that the fibers are long instead of short and rough. This is because the longer fibers are more tightly bound and, therefore, stronger, making them softer against the skin. It is also essential to ensure that the fabric has no slubs, which are tiny, random knots in the yarn and can indicate lower-quality production.