What shapewear to choose? The complete guide to women's shapewear types

ORIIVE Guide
Which shapewear
to choose?
Girdle, bodysuit, panty shaper, shorts: every body type has its ideal shaper. Find yours.
ORIIVE Shapewear Guide

Are you hesitating between a tummy control girdle, a shaping bodysuit, or shaping shorts? You're not alone. Shapewear has evolved: gone are the uncomfortable pieces you take off after 2 hours. Today, the right shaper can be worn all day — provided you choose the right piece for the right use.

1. The tummy control girdle — the essential

ORIIVE Tummy Control Girdle — worn front view Tummy control girdle under jeans - ORIIVE

The tummy control girdle is the foundational piece of shapewear. It targets the abdominal area with firm yet comfortable compression, creating an immediate flat tummy effect under your clothes.

Who is it for?

For those who want a smooth stomach everyday — under jeans, a dress, or office wear. Our girdles use seamless compression that adapts to your body shape without creating bulges.

When to wear it?

  • Daily — designed for 12-hour comfort, not 2 hours
  • Under fitted clothing — high-waisted, no visible lines
  • At the office — discreet abdominal support all day long
ORIIVE's advice

Choose a high-waisted girdle if you often wear tucked-in tops. The compression starts higher and avoids the "bulge" effect above the waistband.

Discover our tummy control girdles

2. The shaping bodysuit — full smoothing

ORIIVE black shaping bodysuit - full worn view

The shaping bodysuit is the most comprehensive piece: it smooths from the bust down to the thighs in a single layer. No layering, no shifting. One garment, total smoothing.

Who is it for?

For events where every detail counts: weddings, galas, parties. Or for those who prefer a single piece rather than combining a girdle + briefs.

When to wear it?

  • Under a fitted dress — smoothing from chest to knees
  • Special occasions — the sculpted silhouette effect
  • For simplicity — one piece = everything is supported
ORIIVE's advice

Check that the bodysuit has an open crotch — it's a practical detail that makes all the difference. All our bodysuits are equipped with one.

Discover our shaping bodysuits

3. The shaping shorts — thighs and glutes

ORIIVE Shaping Shorts - front and back view Shaping shorts under a skirt in summer - ORIIVE

Shaping shorts focus on the lower body: thighs, glutes, lower abdomen. They smooth, prevent chafing, and create a harmonious silhouette under skirts and dresses.

Who is it for?

For those who suffer from chafing between the thighs in summer, or who want a sculpted derrière under a pencil skirt or fitted trousers.

When to wear it?

  • In summer under dresses — anti-chafing + smoothing
  • Under slim-fit jeans — smoothed thigh, no lines
  • During sports — some models combine compression and support
ORIIVE's advice

Prefer shorts that reach mid-thigh — this avoids the "sausage" effect at the bottom that creates a new line.

Discover our shaping shorts

4. The shaping brief — maximum discretion

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Worn photo
ORIIVE shaping brief — worn, front view, visible smoothing effect

The shaping brief is the most discreet shapewear. Same cut as classic briefs, but with targeted compression on the stomach and hips. Ideal for starting out without changing your habits.

Who is it for?

For those who want a light smoothing effect without wearing a "special" piece. It replaces your daily underwear — you put it on in the morning and forget about it.

When to wear it?

  • Every day — it's an improved brief
  • To try shapewear — the gentlest introduction
  • Under light outfits — support without bulk
ORIIVE's advice

If you've never worn shapewear, start with a shaping brief. It's the most natural transition.

Discover our shaping briefs

5. The invisible shapewear — under dresses and fine outfits

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Product photo
ORIIVE invisible shapewear — ultra-thin material, laser-cut edges
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Worn photo
Invisible shapewear under a satin dress — no visible seams

Invisible shapewear is designed to disappear under the finest clothing. Laser-cut edges, ultra-thin material: it smooths without ever being seen, even under satin.

Who is it for?

For outfits where the slightest bump shows: evening dresses, fluid fabrics, fine knits.

When to wear it?

  • Under an evening dress — no visible seams
  • With light fabrics — micro-fine material
  • For photos — smoothed silhouette from all angles
Discover our invisible shapewear

6. The postpartum girdle — recovery after baby

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Lifestyle photo
Young mother wearing a postpartum girdle — soft, natural, comforting atmosphere

The postpartum girdle supports abdominal recovery after childbirth. Gentle but firm support while the muscles return to their place.

Who is it for?

For mothers in postpartum, generally from 2-3 weeks after a vaginal birth, or as advised by a doctor after a C-section.

When to wear it?

  • First few weeks postpartum — abdominal support
  • Gradually — start with a few hours
  • Always with the approval of your healthcare professional
Important

The postpartum girdle is not a medical device. Consult your midwife or doctor before use, especially after a C-section.

Discover our postpartum girdles

7. Which shaper for which occasion?

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Infographic
Comparison infographic: 6 types of shapewear side-by-side with colored targeted areas
Type Targeted area Ideal for Level
Tummy Control Girdle Abdomen Daily, office Intermediate
Bodysuit Bust → thighs Events, dresses Advanced
Shaping Shorts Thighs, glutes Summer, skirts, anti-chafing Intermediate
Shaping Brief Stomach, hips Daily, beginners Beginner
Invisible Shapewear Abdomen Fine fabrics, evenings Advanced
Postpartum Girdle Abdomen Post-baby recovery Specific

8. How to choose your size

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Illustration
Diagram: how to take your measurements (waist circumference + hip circumference) with a tape measure

The golden rule: never go down a size. A girdle that's too tight doesn't smooth better — it creates bulges and becomes uncomfortable.

3 steps:

  1. Measure yourself — waist circumference (at the navel) and hip circumference (at the widest part)
  2. Consult the size guide — each ORIIVE piece has its own chart
  3. When in doubt, choose the larger size — shapewear has elasticity
Consult the shapewear size guide

Ready to try?

Discover the SCULPT range — shapewear designed for long-lasting comfort, not just 2 hours.

Discover the SCULPT range

Every ORIIVE purchase funds 1 hour of sports activity for someone who doesn't have access to it.