I’m a lingerie expert and these are the 7 mistakes you’re making when buying underwear

WHETHER you call them Spanx or sucky-in pants, shapewear can bring out the best in your figure.

Stylist Abby McHale and underwear expert Soozie Jenkinson reveal the mistakes to avoid when you go shape shopping.

� Movie Production CompanyActress Renée Zellweger as Bridget Jones holding her iconic oversized and comically unsexy knickers[/caption]

Buying a size too small

LINGERIE expert Soozie, Head of Design at M&S, says: “There is a perception that buying shapewear in a size smaller will make it work harder, hold everything in place and create a slimmer look.

“But this is not the case and not only will this nip, pinch and cause bulges, it will be really uncomfortable.

ShutterstockSoozie says: ‘There is a perception that buying shapewear in a size smaller will make it work harder, hold everything in place and create a slimmer look’[/caption]

“For shaping knickers, you buy your correct dress size and if you are looking for a body or slip, you can wear your own bra to tailor the entire fit to your unique shape and size.”

Forgetting about VPL

THINK about what you’re going to be wearing over your shapewear.

If it’s a thinner fabric on top, then you may need an all-in-one slip rather than shorts to avoid creating lines where the shorts stop midway down your thighs.

Soozie says: ‘Floaty dresses are on trend and call for a slinky slip to wear underneath which will make your dress glide over the top’

Soozie says: “Consider the fabrics you’re planning on wearing.

“Floaty dresses are on trend and call for a slinky slip to wear underneath which will make your dress glide over the top.”

Wearing too many items

IT’S easy to hit the shops and think you need a body, a slip, high-waisted knickers and thigh cinchers to go under that Christmas party dress, but layering too many items of shapewear isn’t always the answer – your skin has to escape somewhere.

Soozie says: “Think about what you want from your shapewear and identify what kind of support and look you want to achieve before you hit the shops.”

ShutterstockLayering too many items of shapewear isn’t the answer – your skin has to escape somewhere[/caption]

Not considering the occasion

IT’S party season, so of course we want to look great but feel comfortable – right down to our underwear.

Not thinking about whether you will be sitting, standing or dancing, or how warm the room might be, could leave you in a bit of a spin with your Spanx.

Soozie says: ‘Our slips at M&S also have Cool Comfort technology so you can be cool and comfortable all evening’

Look for breathable fabrics or cooling technologies.

Soozie says: “Our slips at M&S also have Cool Comfort technology so you can be cool and comfortable all evening.”

Not knowing your body

NO two bodies are the same, therefore not everyone needs the same kind of shapewear.

Soozie says: “Having an idea of what kind of support you’d like will help narrow down the most suitable options. Don’t forget shaping tights too.

M&SShaping tights help give an all over smoothing of the leg[/caption]

“These give an all over smoothing of the leg and, paired with a no-VPL thong underneath, can provide a streamlined look.

“Waist-cinching shaping knickers can help create an hourglass silhouette under bodycon looks.”

Choosing the wrong colour

AS well as sculpting your body, your shapewear also needs to stay hidden, so it is important that you choose the right colour.

Soozie says: “Choose a flattering neutral tone for your lingerie, rather than white or cream.

ShutterstockShapewear needs to stay hidden – so it is important you choose the right colour[/caption]

“This means it will disappear under your dress.”

Not doing a test run

THERE’S nothing worse than going out in your new shapewear only to find it rides up, rubs or is not as comfortable as you first thought.

Soozie says: “If you’re shopping with a particular outfit in mind, I’d always recommend taking it with you and try it all on together, ensure there are no visible lines and that you feel supported in all the right places.

GettySoozie recommends taking an outfit with you when shopping so you can try it all on together[/caption]

“Also, make time for another practice run. It may seem obvious, but always try on your shapewear and outfit together before the big event.”