As I navigate this new terrain of shapewear, I find myself gasping for air, my ribcage constricted and my mind a bit hazy. It appears I’ve unwittingly entered the realm of waist training, and I’m not entirely convinced I belong here.
A few weeks prior, a restless night led me down the rabbit hole of home shopping channels. While I managed to resist the urge to purchase gadgets and autumn-themed decor, I was captivated when a familiar reality star began promoting what she called revolutionary tank tops designed to embrace the body with a gentle hug. I mean, who doesn’t love a good hug?
She shared her struggles with self-image after giving birth and how she created shapewear that restored her confidence and glamor. Sure, I’m well over a decade postpartum, but who could resist the allure of enhanced self-assurance? And wait, there’s even more! Each tank came with a reversible design, plus three free pairs of coordinating underwear.
From my cozy couch, I felt this purchase would complete my tank top collection just in time for fall. The name “Yummie” only heightened my desire—hugs and “Yummie”? Count me in!
However, when I attempted to buy the small size, it was sold out. The medium/large was my only option, which gave me pause. Typically, I am more of a small, and I worried about the fit. Would it be too loose to provide that comforting embrace I was after?
My concerns were unwarranted. As I slipped into the first tank, I paused briefly to catch my breath before wrestling my way into the fabric. Once I pulled the long tank down over my hips, it promptly flipped back up to my chest like a kid’s slap bracelet. When I finally managed to pull it down again, the snug fit cinched my waist tighter than any wide belt from the ‘80s ever could.
After a brief intermission, I donned the matching underwear, which, although not a full corset, was quite snug. My reflection in the mirror, while not exactly Kardashian-esque, certainly showcased an hourglass figure. All my softer areas were firmly contained within the robust fabric. I realized that with regular wear, I might even improve my posture and perhaps even achieve a slightly smaller waist.
Yet, the breathing issue remained. If I chose to wear these every day, I’d have to scatter reminders around the house: “Short, shallow breaths. Short, shallow breaths.” I decided to keep the underwear but abandon the tank tops, finding a middle ground in my shapewear journey. Meanwhile, I’ll opt for extra hugs from my daughter and husband, savoring my “yummies” through ice cream, as nature intended.
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In summary, my foray into shapewear was both enlightening and a little overwhelming. While I won’t be waist-training like a Kardashian anytime soon, I’ve found a balance that suits me. Emphasizing comfort and confidence over constriction seems to be the way forward.