Why does shapewear roll down, and how do you stop it?

Almost always because it is too small. That is counterintuitive, so it is worth explaining properly — because the instinct when shapewear is not holding is to size down, and that is exactly what causes the problem.

The mechanism

Shapewear works by distributing compression across a surface area. When a garment is too small, the fabric is stretched past the point where it can hold position. The compressed tissue has to go somewhere, so it pushes over the top edge — and once there is a bulge above the band, the band has something to climb. It rolls, and it keeps rolling.

Going a size smaller makes that worse every time.

Five things that actually fix it

1. Size up. If your measurements sit between two sizes, take the larger. The larger size holds a wider area at lower pressure per square inch, which is more stable and considerably more comfortable.

2. Buy high-waisted, not mid-rise. A waistband sitting at the narrowest part of your waist has a natural ledge to slide down from. A high-waisted piece that finishes at the ribcage sits above that curve and stays put.

3. Go to a bodysuit. The most reliable answer to rolling is removing the waistband entirely. A bodysuit anchors at the shoulders — there is nothing to roll.

4. Look for silicone grip. A thin silicone strip along the top edge grips skin rather than sliding on it. It is the standard fix on strapless pieces and it works.

5. Check where you are putting it. Shapewear pulled up too far bunches at the ribs and works down all day. It should sit where the garment was designed to sit.

What size should you buy?

Go by your measurements, not by your dress size. Measure your natural waist and the fullest part of your hips, and read the brand's chart — sizing is not consistent between brands, and shapewear sizing in particular is not consistent with clothing sizing.

If you are between two sizes, size up. Every time.

The general rule

Shapewear should feel firm and secure. It should not feel like it is cutting, it should not leave deep marks, and it should not make you short of breath. If it does any of those, it is the wrong size — not the wrong garment.