Frequently Asked Questions
All your questions, all our answers
Sizing, delivery, returns, care — our answers to guide you before and after your order. If you can’t find your answer here, our team replies within 24h.
Choosing my shapewear
How do I choose my shapewear size?
Refer to our complete size guide. Measure your bust, waist and hips with a soft tape measure, then match your measurements to the chart. All our pieces run from 2XS to 2XL (equivalent to UK 4 to 20).
What if I’m between two sizes?
For a pronounced sculpting effect, choose the smaller size. For maximum everyday comfort, choose the larger one. Our seamless fabric offers progressive support that naturally adapts to your figure.
What’s the difference between a shaping bodysuit, knickers and shorts?
A shapewear bodysuit covers you from bust to groin in a single piece — ideal for an all-over silhouette. Shaping knickers cover from the lower tummy to the hips — perfect under dresses and trousers. Shaping shorts extend the coverage to the thighs — anti-chafing, ideal under long dresses.
What’s the difference between the invisible and classic styles?
The invisible styles have ultra-fine laser-cut edges that eliminate any visible line, even under the most figure-hugging outfits. The classic styles have discreet, flat finishes — perfect for everyday wear, though slightly visible under certain fine fabrics.
Which shapewear should I choose for which outfit?
Bodycon dress → invisible style (bodysuit or knickers). High-waisted trousers → high-waisted shaping knickers or a bodysuit. Pencil skirt → all our styles work. Long-sleeved dress → bodysuit or shorts depending on the length you want.
Which level of control should I choose?
Most of our styles offer moderate support — comfortable throughout the day. The Firm Control Bodysuit and the Firm Control Knickers offer firm compression for a more defined silhouette, ideal for evenings or special occasions.
Comfort & invisibility
Is shapewear comfortable all day long?
Yes. Our pieces are designed to be worn for hours on end without discomfort — seamless fabric in 78% nylon / 22% elastane that shapes without squeezing. Our customers report full days (14h+) without any discomfort.
Does shapewear leave marks on the skin?
No. The seamless technology does away with the seams that traditionally leave marks on the skin. The edges are flat or laser-cut (invisible styles), with no rigid elastic. Your skin stays completely unmarked at the end of the day.
Is the fabric breathable?
Yes. Our nylon-elastane blend is circular-knitted for excellent breathability. The bodysuit styles also feature a mesh panel at the neckline for better airflow.
Will shapewear show under a fitted dress?
The invisible styles (laser-cut edges) disappear completely under fitted dresses and bodycon outfits. The classic styles are discreet, but their flat edges can be very slightly noticeable under very fine fabrics such as satin.
Will shapewear show under leggings?
No, the seamless fabric creates no visible line under leggings — even the most fitted ones. The knicker cut avoids the rigid edges that typically mark the upper thighs or waist.
Can I wear shapewear for an evening out or a meal?
Absolutely. The moderate support of our pieces restricts neither breathing nor digestion. You can eat, sit and dance — with no discomfort. The fabric follows your movements without ever reminding you it’s there.
Fabric, care & durability
What fabric do you use?
78% nylon (polyamide) + 22% elastane (spandex), seamless circular knit. The fabric is made and finished in Portugal, in family-run workshops around 90 km from Porto. Every piece goes through strict quality control before shipping.
How do I wash my shapewear?
Hand wash at 30°C with a mild detergent. No bleach, no fabric softener. Do not tumble dry, iron or bleach. Dry flat in the shade to preserve the fabric’s elasticity.
Can I tumble dry or iron my shapewear?
No. Excessive heat damages the elastane fibres and reduces the fabric’s elasticity. Always dry flat at room temperature. Do not iron.
How long does Elya shapewear last?
With careful maintenance (hand washing + drying flat), our pieces keep their support and elasticity for 2 to 3 years of regular use (several times a week). The seamless fabric withstands wear better than shapewear with traditional seams.
Delivery & lead times
What are the delivery times?
3–5 business days to France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Switzerland. You receive a tracking number by email as soon as your parcel is dispatched.
Do you deliver outside France?
We currently deliver to France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Switzerland. More European countries are coming gradually.
How much does delivery cost?
Delivery is free from €50 in every country we serve. Below that, the standard rate applies depending on the delivery country (shown at checkout).
How do I track my order?
As soon as it ships, you receive an email with a clickable tracking number. Log in to your customer account to access the history of all your orders and their status in real time.
Can my order be delivered to a pickup point?
Yes, depending on your address, several delivery options are offered at checkout (home delivery, pickup point, parcel locker).
Returns & exchanges
How many days do I have to return an item?
You have 14 days from receiving your order to return an item, in accordance with our returns policy.
How do I exchange for a different size?
Make an exchange request in your customer account (or by email to contact@elyashapewear.fr), specifying the new size you’d like. We ship the new piece as soon as we receive the returned item.
Which items are eligible for return?
All our products are eligible for return provided they are unworn, unwashed and with the tags attached, in their original packaging. For hygiene reasons, underwear cannot be returned if it has been tried on without the hygiene strip.
How long until I get my refund?
Your refund is processed within 3 to 5 business days of us receiving and inspecting your return. You’ll receive a confirmation email with the refund date to your original payment method.
Payment & security
Which payment methods do you accept?
Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Shop Pay, and payment in instalments with Klarna (3 or 4 instalments, interest-free).
Is paying in 3 or 4 instalments interest-free?
Yes — with Klarna, paying in 3 or 4 instalments is interest-free for you. Select the Klarna option at checkout and choose your payment schedule.
How does Klarna work?
At checkout, choose “Pay in 3 or 4 instalments with Klarna”. You pay the first instalment immediately, then the following ones are automatically debited each month. No interest, no hidden fees.
Is my payment data secure?
Yes. All payments are secured with 256-bit SSL encryption. We never store your card details — they are handled directly by our payment partner Shopify Payments (PCI DSS Level 1 certified).
Do you accept Apple Pay and Google Pay?
Yes. Apple Pay (on iPhone/iPad/Mac) and Google Pay are accepted for secure one-tap payment via fingerprint or Face ID.
The Elya brand
Where is your shapewear made?
All our shapewear is made in Portugal, in a family-run workshop 90 km from Porto. We chose Portugal for its renowned textile craftsmanship (among the finest in Europe for seamless knitwear) and its European working conditions.
Are you a French brand?
Yes, Elya is a French brand, designed and conceived in France. Production takes place in Portugal to draw on the best European textile expertise in seamless technology.
What is Elya’s philosophy?
Our philosophy: shapewear you live in, not shapewear you put up with. Refusing the trade-off between support and comfort. Designed for real life — 14-hour days, evenings that run late, rushed mornings. Discover our full story.
Do you make special or seasonal collections?
Our range (bodysuits, knickers, shorts) is designed to be worn all year round. We regularly launch new pieces and colours. Sign up to our newsletter to be the first to hear about them.
How can I contact you?
Email: contact@elyashapewear.fr — reply within 24h on business days. You can also use the contact form on our Contact page.
My account & my order
How do I create a customer account?
Click the “My account” icon at the top of the site, then “Create an account”. Enter your email and a password. You’ll receive a confirmation email, and your account is active immediately.
I’ve forgotten my password — what should I do?
On the login page, click “Forgot your password”. Enter your email — you’ll receive a reset link. Click the link and choose a new password.
How do I change or cancel an order?
Once confirmed, an order can be changed as long as it hasn’t shipped yet. Contact us as quickly as possible at contact@elyashapewear.fr with your order number for any change or cancellation.