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Crossdressing 101: Types of Shapewear

Crossdressing 101: Types of Shapewear

The Breast Form Store |

Supportive solutions for trans women, crossdressers, and anyone exploring their femininity.

Feminizing your shape isn’t about hiding who you are — it’s about enhancing how you feel. Whether you're looking to soften certain features, add curves in the right places, or smooth things out for a more comfortable presentation, the right shapewear can make all the difference. Here’s a practical guide to what works best, depending on whether you're looking to reduce or enhance shape.

🔻 Reducing Size: Smoothing, Shaping, and Streamlining

If you're looking to downplay certain features — whether it’s flattening the tummy, minimizing the chest, or softening your natural frame — these options can help create a more traditionally feminine silhouette.

Control Briefs or Shaping Panties

A high-waisted shaping panty smooths the lower belly and helps hold a tuck comfortably in place. They're great for everyday wear under jeans, skirts, or body-hugging dresses. 

Shaping Shorts

Perfect for smoothing not just the tummy, but also the hips and thighs. They’re especially helpful if you’re looking to minimize muscular leg definition or reduce visible lines under tighter clothes. Many people layer these over a gaff or under padding for added shaping.

Bodysuits & Shaping Dresses

Bodysuits offer full-body sculpting — from bust to hip — and are ideal when you want everything held gently in place. Open-bust versions let you wear your own bra and breast forms. Shaping dresses offer similar benefits but are designed to be worn under dresses, creating a seamless, flowing line.

Compression Tops

These are a subtle way to soften the chest, upper back, or shoulders. Especially helpful for layering under button-downs or fitted knits, compression tops help reduce sharpness through the upper torso while still offering flexibility and comfort.

Binders

Binders are compression garments designed to flatten the chest. They’re often used as part of gender affirmation for trans men who want to minimize breast tissue, as well as by men with gynecomastia. That said, they can also be a powerful tool for crossdressers and non-binary folks who want a flatter chest — whether to present more androgynously, explore different gender expressions, or create contrast with padded hips. When used properly, quality binders offer safe, firm compression and can be layered under looser tops for a clean, smooth look.

Waist Cinchers

Waist cinchers offer light to moderate compression around the waistline, similar to a shaping panty. They’re designed to smooth the midsection and create a flatter, trimmer appearance under clothing — not to sculpt curves like a corset would.

Corsets (Underbust & Overbust)

Corsets offer structured, dramatic shaping. Underbust corsets can be worn with your own bra and breast forms, while overbust versions create shaping across the chest as well. These are especially effective for special occasions or whenever you want a striking, sculpted silhouette. 

🔺 Adding Size: Curves Where You Want Them Most

Building curves is just as important as smoothing them. These pieces help fill out hips and backsides, soften the overall silhouette, and create a more voluptuous, feminine shape.

Padded Panties

An easy and effective way to get instant curves. Padded panties add volume to your hips and butt, helping to balance broader shoulders and create a more proportioned figure. Ideal under jeans, skirts, or tight dresses.

Silicone Panties

For the most realistic look and feel, silicone panties add lifelike texture, movement, and softness. They’re especially effective when worn under tights or dresses and often provide a bit of front smoothing as well. A great option for those seeking a natural-feeling enhancement. 

💬 Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to femininity. Whether you’re enhancing curves or minimizing features, shapewear isn’t about becoming someone else — it’s about feeling more like yourself. Try different combinations, give yourself permission to experiment, and above all, prioritize comfort and confidence. Every body is valid, and every curve — whether sculpted or added — is beautiful.

To see all the different ways you can shape your body, check out all of our body shaping products!

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