I'm Ditching Shape Wear – Life’s Too Brief for Undergarments That Constrict You

Hey everyone—friends, family, and those fellow bathroom-goers grappling with spandex: I’m done with shape wear… for good. Is it a bold proclamation? Absolutely! But I’m over it. I can’t endure it any longer. I’m tired of holding everything in. The nights of returning home from outings with marks on my body that compete with my stretch marks from carrying a ten-pound baby? That chapter is closed! If you can’t appreciate my authentic self, that’s your problem.

The Reality of Shape Wear

Here’s the reality: I’ve been wearing something to conceal my body since high school. Back then, I weighed barely 100 pounds and had little to shape. I can still picture myself walking into Target, trying to be discreet, to buy my first girdle. Think of something your grandmother wore in 1955—that’s the vibe. My body image issues have lingered for ages, but what exactly was I hiding from? That’s unclear to me now.

Let’s Be Real

When I’m out for dinner with my husband, is anyone eyeing me? Nope. Am I trying to attract a man? Not a chance! Do I care what other women think about my body? Not anymore. There was a time when that mattered to me, but not anymore. I have too many other priorities than worrying about how my stomach looks or whether my backside is shapely. Honestly, who cares about my body? No one!

Shape Wear: A Double-Edged Sword

Do I think shape wear has its uses? Sure. It boosted my confidence when I was newly postpartum and trying to fit into old jeans. But the last time I wore Spanx, I thought I might be sick from discomfort. Was it the wrong size? Maybe. Did I sneak away to the restroom, ditch them in my purse, and return to the table? Absolutely.

Breaking Free from Diet Culture

Why do we put ourselves through this? Why do we keep falling for diet culture and unrealistic beauty standards? Just stop! You don’t need to squeeze into a tight-fitting spandex suit to be beautiful. There’s no need to crash diet, pop pills, or get sucked into those outrageous MLM schemes that take advantage of your insecurities. It’s all just gross.

Embrace Comfort

Love leggings? Jeans? Dresses? You can totally rock those without any stretchy armor beneath. Regular underwear works just fine. Heck, go commando if that’s your style! Just be comfortable. Don’t change who you are to fit superficial standards.

True Love and Acceptance

And please, for the love of all that’s good, don’t alter your appearance to satisfy a partner. If they’re shallow enough to impose their beauty standards on you, you can do way better. You owe it to yourself to embrace who you are! No one should say, “I love you,” and then follow up with, “but you’d look better in Spanx.” That’s nonsense.

Transformations and Acceptance

I’m not the same woman I was in high school with low self-esteem and nice curves. My body has transformed. Remember that ten-pound baby? Yeah, that changed things. But my husband still finds me attractive because I’m the mother of his children—that’s what makes my body unique. That’s the kind of love I want. He couldn’t care less if I wear shape wear. In fact, he’s looking forward to date nights without the hassle of pulling those things up because I can’t reach!

A Role Model for My Daughter

Beyond doing this for myself, I have a daughter to think about. She’s only five, but she’s impressionable. She sees me undressed, but she doesn’t see other women. My body is her reference for what a woman looks like. I want her to love and respect her body, so I’m committed to loving mine.

A New Era of Freedom

In the 1960s, women burned their bras; in the 2020s, I’m ready to say goodbye to hundreds of dollars worth of constricting garments. Actually, I should reconsider that—flammable materials and suburban living don’t mix well. Perhaps I’ll bury them ceremoniously in the backyard. Right now, they’re dead to me.

Living Life to the Fullest

So, when you see me next at Target, belly peeking over my waistband and my rear looking flat, know that I’m free and feeling good. I won’t be stopping by the lingerie aisle unless I’m grabbing some comfy Hanes microfiber briefs (with a couple of extra pairs for free!). I’ll be buying them at least one size too big to make up for years of squeezing into sizes that were too small. Life is too short to let shape wear suffocate you. Instead, let it all hang out while you savor dessert on your next date night! You deserve it!

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In Summary

I’m done with shape wear because life’s too short for uncomfortable undergarments. It’s time to embrace our bodies as they are and encourage others to do the same, starting with my daughter.

I’m Ditching Shape Wear – Life’s Too Brief for Undergarments That Constrict You