From Spanx to Skims

THE SHAPEWEAR EVOLUTION-FROM OUTDATED UNDERGARMENTS TO STAPLES IN TODAY’S STYLE SCENE

By Grace Reber, Fashion Staff Writer Illustrated by Riley August

Shapewear is in no way a new phenomenon. Both men and women have been using different shapewear for the past century, but it wasn’t until recently that shapewear has advanced from strictly an undergarment into everyday loungewear. The shapewear trend has undoubtedly taken off since the launch of Kim Kardashian’s shapewear brand Skims in 2019 with influencers like Sofia Richie, Chrissy Teigen and of course, the Kardashian clan sporting the brand on their socials and in the streets.

It’s no secret that many of the newest trends in fashion originate from the Kardashians, but the popularity of shapewear is not all credited to the Calabasas royalty. In the past, shapewear was a somewhat archaic way of hiding a person’s natural curves, but the modernization of the style allows for growth in both the target market and size inclusivity. Shapewear today focuses on accentuating the body, targeting a range of different areas of the body for a more individualized experience. The pieces also have a sense of empowerment for those who choose to wear them, many making the decision to accentuate their bodies instead of hiding behind less form-fitting attire.

Like a blank canvas, shapewear has the potential to be incorporated into a dressier ensemble or play into the ever-growing athleisure culture. Shapewear bodysuits can be paired with a blazer and dress pants for a business casual look or a longer pencil skirt for a classy night out. Skims offers a wide collection of leotard style bodysuits ranging from spaghetti straps to long-sleeved turtle neck options for year-round wear. For a less formal look, shapewear bodysuits that feature a longer, biker short style bottom can be worn on their own as loungewear or paired with an oversized jacket and chunky sneakers for a lowkey, sporty look. Inspiration for how to bring these sculpting pieces into your wardrobe is never hard to find when so many influencers supply endless envy-worthy outfits to duplicate.

Skims isn’t the only brand to shop from when looking for new additions to your closet. While many shapewear brands have yet to be modernized, still including aged lace trims and uncomfortable boning, there are options that feel less like something your grandmother would buy. The name Spanx may scream outdated, but in reality the brand has overhauled many of their more mature styles. The ancient pieces have been replaced with a Skims-esque style featuring neutral bodysuits built with plunging necklines as well as waist cinchers, bearing faint resemblances to the iconic Kim K waist trainer. While the look isn’t for everyone, they can be worn over loose-fitting tops to pull focus to the waist while also receiving all the benefits that come with a waist trainer (when used safely). palette isn’t universally loved. Unlike Skims and Spanx, the brand Commando offers shapewear far beyond the classic corset or bodysuit. Using their “perfect control” fabric, Commando has produced a plethora of shapewear leggings, biker shorts, and fishnets. With faux leather and bold prints, their leggings are sure to appeal to an audience seeking more than the neutrals that come with other shapewear brands. The brand does carry the usual shapewear items like slip dresses and leotard style bodysuits but in more daring styles, featuring sequined fabric and animal prints. Pieces from Commando fit into everyday styles effortlessly. By combining the benefits of shapewear with the functionality of staple pieces like leggings, Commando has opened up the opportunity for much more frequent and casual use of shapewear.

The modernizing of a staple piece like shapewear has brought so many opportunities to style the slimming products without hiding them. The purpose of the curve defining pieces featured in brands like Skims is not to “fix” or conceal aspects of yourself, but to accentuate the natural shape of your body. By incorporating pieces like a sculpting bodysuit into an everyday ensemble or simply using a piece of shapewear as the outfit itself, highlighting the parts of your body that you’re most proud of has never been easier or more on-trend. ■