What's a huge topic of conversation and consternation among women over 50?

Weight loss and fitness turn out to be of as much concern to the maturing woman as it is to younger women. As the years edge up and the flab begins to accumulate in undesirable places, women look for options to restore a distinctly feminine shape. Thus beginning around middle age, most women discover a mismatch between their bodies and their wardrobes and want to do something about it for their own confidence.

What many don't realize is that there are some quick cures that do not involve pills, surgery, or any other quackery. While prudent diet and exercise are always a good idea, modern shapewear, including camisoles, slips, capris, swimsuits, and jeans, can restore that hourglass shape without resorting to dangerous or expensive remedies.

Shapewear for Looking Great at Any Age

Today's modern shapewear is manufactured from new fibers with new processes that flatter the mature figure without pinching or poking or squeezing it uncomfortably. Alas the painful history of corsets and girdles leads many mature women to overlook the opportunity to look better every day. However, today's shapewear can accentuate the positive and make you look slimmer without making you count down the minutes until you can take it off and breathe again.

The fact is that most women do gain weight after middle age as metabolism slows down and the amount of fat in the body slowly increases. Thus we start seeing more of the pear, apple, and oval shapes and less of the hourglass shape in mature women.

In addition to a proper diet and active lifestyle, there are times when a little help from lingerie can go a long way to looking good. This can be especially important for important events such as weddings, as older brides and mothers-of the bride know all too well, but also for feeling good about yourself every day. Here are some expert tips from lingerie experts for finding the shapewear that can add some pizazz to your appearance at any age.

Help for the Pear-Shape Mature Body Type

One of the most common typical mature body types is that of the pear. The bust is relatively small compared to the wide hips. The best kinds of shapewear for such a body type are those that compensate by adding to the top while minimizing the bottom. Power panties and control capris by Flexees, Niki, and Plie can go a long way to restoring the balance you seek.

Help for the Apple-Shape

If you have a big bust and waist but slimmer hips, you've got an apple body type. Try the Trinny and Susannah All in One body Smoother, a bit like a "control slip," that works great under dresses and skirts to create an hourglass shape. Again, it leaves space for you to wear your own bra. The last thing you need is to have all that spandex crushing your best feature! If you need to flatten the tummy, add some high-rise control panties by Body Wrap and you are good to go.

Help for the Oval Shape

If you have a full bust and hips with an undefined waist, you are said to have an oval body shape. Choose shapewear that will give you back your waistline, e.g., the high-waisted body shapers that run from calf or thigh to just under the bust. Leverage that bust line by using a hip-length slimming camisole, e.g., by Maidenform, that has a cut out in the bra area. This prevents the unattractive bulge line at the waist and thighs created by control top panties. The all-in-one slimmers, e.g., the Trinny and Susannah slip, make every day dressing a cinch.

For help in fitting or finding the shapewear that will give you more control of your appearance, check with specialty shops that understand the needs of mature women, and enjoy looking slimmer and better than ever.