Body positivity has come on leaps and bounds in the past few years, with curvy girls gaining more and more representation in fashion and media.

However, some women still feel the pressure to conform to perceived societal beauty ideals, and shapewear can come in handy when you want to smooth out any lumps and bumps.

While there is nothing wrong in wearing some Bridget Jones knickers to smooth out your tummy, some women find them horribly uncomfortable, and wish to accept their bodies without the help of some stretchy underwear.

 

A post shared by Olivia (@selfloveliv) on

One such woman is Birmingham-based body acceptance advocate Olivia, who goes by Self Love Liv on Instagram, who just posted a photo showcasing her body with and without shapewear.

"Do you know how uncomfortable these things are? Breathing was not an option! I felt tight, uncomfortable and restricted in the first photo," she captioned the snap. 

"The relief of taking them off was amazing," she continued.

 

A post shared by Olivia (@selfloveliv) on

"You don't NEED them. I feel totally fine in the second photo, and I can breathe again!"

The post has gained over 33,000 thousand likes on Instagram, all from people who appreciate Liv's stance on shapewear.

It's all about embracing yourself as you are, with or without the control pants.