How to Choose the Perfect Shapewear Size Without Making Common Mistakes

Choosing the right shapewear size is one of the most important steps for getting real results—whether your goal is contouring, comfort, or post-surgery support. Yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Many women assume that sizing down will give them a slimmer look, or that a smaller faja will “squeeze more and shape better,” when in reality, wearing the wrong size can make the garment ineffective, uncomfortable, and even harmful. The truth is that the perfect faja doesn’t come from choosing the smallest size you can tolerate—it comes from choosing the right size for your body, your proportions, and your goals.

Understanding shapewear sizing requires a different mindset from regular clothing. Shapewear is a technical garment made with specific fabrics—such as Powernet, Abigail, and Lycra—each with its own compression levels and body behavior. The way a faja fits is not accidental; it’s intentional, engineered, and calculated. A well-fitted faja should smooth your silhouette, support your body without restricting movement, and offer compression that feels firm but breathable. When the size is right, shapewear becomes almost like a second skin: powerful, supportive, and comfortable throughout the day.

Unfortunately, one of the most common mistakes women make is using their clothing size as a reference for shapewear. Clothing sizing varies significantly between brands and styles, while shapewear uses much more precise measurements. Your perfect shapewear size has nothing to do with whether you wear a size small or large—it depends on your waist, hips, torso length, and body proportions. For this reason, measurements are the foundation of choosing the right size. Without taking accurate measurements, even the highest-quality faja cannot perform as intended.

To start, the three essential measurements you need are waist, hips, and bust (if the shapewear includes a bra or upper body coverage). These measurements should be taken with a soft measuring tape, ideally without clothing or over thin garments for accuracy. The waist measurement is taken at the smallest part of the torso, usually just above the belly button. The hip measurement should be taken at the widest part of the hips and glutes. The bust measurement is taken around the fullest part of the chest. These three numbers will determine your true shapewear size. If you are between two sizes, the general rule is to choose the larger size, because a faja that is too small will not stretch correctly and may restrict circulation or distort the garment’s intended effect.

Another important factor is understanding the type of compression you're choosing. Shapewear comes in three levels of compression: light, medium, and high. Light compression garments, made from soft, flexible fabrics like Lycra or seamless materials, are intended to smooth and provide all-day comfort. Medium compression garments provide shaping and contouring but remain breathable and comfortable for everyday wear. High-compression garments, often made with Powernet or similar fabrics like Abigail, are much more structured and used for sculpting, waist definition, and stage-2 post-surgery support. Wearing a high-compression faja in the correct size should feel firm but not painful. If you find yourself struggling to close the clasps, rolling the garment down, or feeling numbness, it’s a clear sign the size is incorrect.

One of the biggest myths in shapewear is that “tighter is better.” Not only is this false, but it can also be dangerous. A too-small faja can cause bulging at the seams, discomfort in the ribs, difficulty breathing, and skin marks. It can also cause the garment to warp, stretch permanently, or cause the seams to break. Most importantly, tight shapewear does not make the body look more sculpted; it simply compresses the wrong areas and disrupts your natural shape. When the size is correct, the compression distributes evenly, enhancing curves rather than flattening them unnaturally. Proper sizing helps the garment perform the way it was designed—lifting the glutes, defining the waist, smoothing the abdomen, and shaping the back.

Body proportions also play an essential role in choosing shapewear. Women with curvier hips may need to size according to their hip measurement rather than their waist. Women with narrower hips often size based on the waist. Petite women may need shorter torso shapewear, while tall women require long-torso designs to avoid rolling. Shapewear should adjust to your body shape—not the other way around. Therefore, choosing the right model for your body type is just as important as choosing the right size. For example, hourglass figures benefit from garments with strong waist definition, while pear-shaped bodies benefit from shapewear with extra hip capacity. Athletic or straight body types often look for shapewear that enhances curves, focusing on glute-lifting designs and abdomen control panels.

Post-surgery shapewear requires even more precision. Surgeons typically recommend wearing stage-1 garments during the initial days or weeks of recovery. These garments are soft, flexible, and breathable, often made with Lycra or similar fabrics. They allow room for swelling while providing gentle support. Stage-2 garments, used once swelling begins to decrease, are firmer and offer more structured compression. These are usually made from Powernet or medium-high compression materials like Abigail. Choosing the wrong size during post-op recovery can impact swelling, fluid distribution, and comfort. A too-tight garment can hinder recovery, while a too-loose one will not support the healing process. For post-surgery clients, it’s essential to follow the surgeon's guidelines and use precise measurements rather than guessing or choosing based on clothing size.

Another aspect many women overlook is torso length. A faja designed for standard torso length will not fit properly on a petite or tall woman. A short torso wearing a long-torso faja will experience bunching or rolling, while a long torso wearing a short model will experience discomfort and insufficient coverage. When choosing shapewear, consider where the straps sit, how the fabric aligns with your waist, and whether the garment covers your lower abdomen and back correctly.

Besides measurements and body type, the intended use also determines the correct size. A woman who plans to wear shapewear daily under fitted clothing may prefer a slightly softer fit—comfort is essential for long-term wear. Meanwhile, someone using a faja for special events may prefer medium to high compression for a more contoured silhouette. For postpartum support, a moderate fit is ideal, balancing support with comfort. Understanding your goal helps you choose the right size, model, and fabric.

Another common mistake is not considering weight changes. If you recently gained or lost weight, your previous faja size may not apply anymore. Always remeasure before buying shapewear. The body changes constantly due to hormonal cycles, gym routines, postpartum recovery, and natural fluctuations. Measuring regularly ensures accuracy and helps avoid choosing a size based on outdated numbers.

Fabric behavior also influences sizing. Powernet stretches less and feels tighter, so choosing the correct size is crucial. Abigail provides similar compression but with more elasticity and softness, making it more forgiving. Lycra stretches more easily and adapts to the body without rigidity. Understanding how each material behaves allows you to interpret sizing charts more accurately and select the best option for your comfort and goals. (If you want to know more about shapewear fabrics, click here.)

When your shapewear fits correctly, the benefits are immediate: improved posture, smoother silhouettes, lifted glutes, supported abdomen, and enhanced confidence. The garment should feel snug but breathable, firm but flexible. You should be able to move, sit, and walk comfortably without feeling restricted. When a faja fits well, it becomes a part of you—supporting your body throughout the day, improving your shape under clothing, and helping you feel more secure and confident.

But beyond the physical benefits, choosing the right faja size is also an act of self-care. It's an opportunity to honor your body as it is today—whether you're recovering from surgery, embracing a new chapter postpartum, or simply wanting to feel more supported in your daily life. A properly fitted faja can help you look and feel your best without compromising your comfort or health. It reminds you that shaping your body does not mean punishing it; it means supporting it, celebrating it, and choosing garments that enhance rather than restrict your natural form.

To avoid mistakes when selecting your size, always measure yourself accurately, use sizing charts correctly, understand your compression level, and consider your body shape and goals. Avoid the temptation to size down. Choose models that match your torso length. Reevaluate your size after weight changes. Every shapewear company has a size chart. When you have your three measures, check the table and choose your perfect garment size. (Check our size chart below, or see it in every product we have.) And above all, listen to your body—if something feels wrong, it probably is.

Choosing your perfect faja size doesn’t have to be confusing. With the right information, it can be simple, empowering, and even transformative. Once you know your true measurements and understand how shapewear fits, you’ll avoid frustration and experience all the benefits that well-made Colombian shapewear can offer.

At Noga Curves, every garment is designed with precision, comfort, and beauty in mind. Whether you’re looking for post-op support, daily shaping, or a smooth silhouette for special occasions, the right size will make all the difference. We’re here to help you find your perfect match—one that fits your body, your lifestyle, and your confidence.

Find your perfect size with Noga Curves—designed for your health, crafted for your beauty.