Women have for many centuries tucked some body parts in and pushed other bits up and out - all in the name of fashion and looking our best.
Shapewear is not new. Padded and push-up bras have been around a long time. The corset has changed its name to the step-ins of our Baby Boomer youth, then to the tummy-control pantihose and now its latest re-invention, shapewear.
As the threat of massive global obesity looms larger and Baby Boomer Women want to be more visible and active, so the shapewear industry is growing.
What are the options and where is it headed?
Here's my Baby Boomer Woman's guide to shapewear.
The Miracle
Today's shapewear is definitely more comfortable than step-ins. The fabric is lighter. The options have expanded. They come in more colours. They're cheaper than plastic surgery and all of us succumb to vanity at least once.
Advances in technology and fabrics like Elastane and Lycra mean that shapewear is lighter and it can be worn with or without undies. Designers are building in features to keep them securely in place - like removable straps on shapewear leggings to ensure they don't fall down, added vinyl-like edges that stick to your midriff or thighs so they do not bunch up and styles like the Nancy Ganz under-bust bodysuit with bra straps to keep them up. Today's beige or nude-tone colours are invisible under most clothes. Black is the other alternative and some brands offer a dark grape as well.
There are shapewear briefs, leggings, modern step-ins, camisoles, slips or petticoats and arm sleeves as well as shapewear built into swimsuits, jeans, tops, jackets and dresses. I particularly like ones that cover your midriff as this is an area that expands with age.
You can choose your price point because shapewear is available from name brands like Nancy Ganz and Spanx to cheaper discount chains and online retailers. They come in all sizes from very small to very large. Online store Chicos gives you a size and height chart to help you choose the best one for you.
Shapewear reminds you to stand up straight and tall as good posture is an instant slimmer.
The Hype
Shapewear works up to a point. At the most you are going to look a size or two smaller, feel a bit more comfortable in your normally tight clothes and present a trimmer body line.
They do not perform miracles. For that you need to tackle your weight issues or have plastic surgery or stomach-stapling. Wearing double Spanx will not make you look twice as thin. Funny how shapewear is always shown on models who do not need it!
Let us be honest. Shapewear while lighter is not as comfortable as your normal clothes. There is a price to pay for read a course in miracles in your body bits. Over time with constant use you may forget you are wearing it but there will be relief when you take it off.
Shapewear as underwear can trim your body but so can well-cut clothes that flatter your particular body shape and height. Shapewear cannot make ill-fitting or baggy clothes or terrible colours look good on you.
Finally, shapewear as underwear can be a romance-killer.
The Options
Use shapewear as a backup when you suddenly find that your favourite skirt or dress is a bit tighter than it used to be. It is also a vanity boost when you need to look your best.
Shapewear built into clothing started with the miracle jeans that offered lift as well as tuck. A little bit of spandex in skirts offer shaping as well as ease of movement. Dresses are the latest in shapewear specialty lines like the Diana Ferrari SSShh dress series and Chicos Jackie dress. While these clothes target Baby Boomers and have built-in shaping, especially over the midriff area, it is also the clever designs and neutral colours that add to the slimming effect. All these clothes as well as the swimsuits with built-in shapewear must be modern classic designs and neutral colours to appeal to Baby Boomer women.
Last Words
If you choose to wear shapewear, the secret is to accept compliments gracefully. Keep your secret unless of course the other person has one too or recognises the brand.
