FIGUR
If there’s anyone in Australia to ask for tips on shopping for and wearing shapewear, it’s Jules Robinson, founder of FIGUR, one of the country’s best-known shapewear brands. Robinson came up with the idea for FIGUR after wearing uncomfortable shapewear while filming Married At First Sight, and launched the brand in 2020, two weeks before the global shutdown.
“For such a long time, women were told to wear shapewear because they needed to look smaller or change their shape,” Robinson says. “I wanted FIGUR to have a completely different message. Wear it because it makes you feel good, not because anyone has told you that you need it.”
On the show, Robinson struggled with shapewear that rolled down, seams that shifted and fabrics that felt uncomfortable. She ended up cutting up and altering pieces to make them more practical. When the show aired, she received countless messages from women, many of them also a size 14, who saw themselves in her.
“They were tired of feeling like they needed to change before they were worthy of being seen,” she says many told her. Alongside those messages came public criticism and body shaming, with trolls regularly commenting on Robinson’s body and size.
“Being in the public eye, I have experienced a lot of commentary about my body and size,” she says. “I know how damaging that can be, but I also know how powerful it is when women see someone they can genuinely relate to.”
The experience showed Robinson how deeply women can be affected by the way their bodies are discussed in the media and everyday life. She calls that period confronting, but says it changed how she felt about her body and others’ opinions of it. “I realised I didn’t want to spend my life chasing somebody else’s definition of beauty, and I wanted to help change it.”
That realisation, along with a simple question – why can’t shapewear be supportive and functional, while also helping women feel good about themselves – led her to launch FIGUR.
Today, the brand makes shapewear for women of all shapes, sizes and ages, with best-sellers including Elevate Shorts, Ulimate Shorts and Bare Bodysuits. The range includes styles for every occasion, outfit and level of support required. Their philosophy is support, not correction, with a long-term vision of growing a community around the brand that helps women feel seen, supported and confident.
“Women’s bodies change throughout their lives, and that’s completely normal,” Robinson says. “We need products that support women through those changes, rather than messaging that makes them feel like they have failed because their body looks different.”
So, what are Robinson’s tips for finding the right style, size and level of support?
Start With The Outfit
Robinson advises deciding on the outfit first, then working out what’s needed underneath. “Different necklines, hemlines and fabrics require different foundations,” she says. “Consider what you are wearing and where you would like support before choosing a shapewear style.”
Choose The Support You Want
Next, choose the level of support you need, keeping in mind that the firmest option isn’t automatically the best one. “Think about how you want to feel and how long you’ll be wearing the garment,” says Robinson.
Wear The Correct Size
Sizing down too far doesn’t necessarily create a smoother result. “It can cause discomfort, digging or rolling, and prevent the garment from sitting correctly,” Robinson says.
Consider Your Proportions
Your body’s proportions matter more than you might think. “Height and torso length can affect where shapewear sits on the body,” says Robinson. “Choosing a style designed for your proportions can make a significant difference to comfort and fit.”
Try It With Your Complete Outfit
Once you’ve chosen your outfit and shapewear, move around in it before the event. “Sit, walk – make sure the shapewear works with the clothing and feels comfortable enough for the entire day or evening.”
Don’t Save Shapewear For Special Occasions
Shapewear isn’t just for occasion wear; it works for everyday outfits too.“Shapewear can be worn whenever someone wants additional support or a smooth foundation underneath clothing,” says Robinson.
Comfort Matters
Finally, shapewear shouldn’t feel restrictive. Well-made pieces support the body while allowing you to move, sit and enjoy your day.“The best shapewear is the shapewear you eventually forget you’re wearing,” says Robinson.
