It's the biggest hoax in fashion history. Some might even call shapewear controversial-from its potential health implications to dates being misled by "toned" bodies that are really squeezed into figure-flattering undergarments. Even still, we're thankful for them, we wear them, and many of us are proud of our use of them. Now all we want to know is, how does this fashion technology work? We turned to experts to uncover some of our probing shapewear questions…
How does shapewear attempt to make us thin?
Shapewear brand Va Bien's co-founder and fit expert Marianne Gimble says, "it makes us skinny by sewing or knitting together elastic or rigid fabrics that are cut into such a pattern that when worn, the finished garment nips and tucks the body."
ResultWear shapewear designer Kiana Anvaripour tells us other minimizer benefits: "Properly fitted undergarments improve your posture, your confidence, and the way you walk, which gives you an all-over sleeker physique."
Is shapewear very effective in actually slimming our bodies?
"Absolutely," Gimble says. "Especially when cut and sewn together-as opposed to knitted seamlessly like hosiery. When cut and sewn, designers are able to use pinpoint accuracy to ‘catch' curves in the perfect places and enhance them. Hosiery-style seamless knitting, by contrast, tends to flatten curves," she says. "Both techniques slim the body, just in different ways."
Amy Sparano, senior vice president of sales and merchandising of It Figures! and Private Brand Breaking Waves International LLC, does point out that with skimpy shapewear, excess fat can be pushed up over the waistband of a bikini pant, for example, creating the "curvy waist" look. "With appropriate coverage of the torso, the control fabric holds the body in a smaller area, making the body appear thinner and smoother," she explains. So if you're going to take advantage of the minimizer, choose the kind that works!
Does wearing shapewear pose any dangers?
Various reports have pointed out that the constriction that happens when wearing shapewear can cause blood clots, acid reflux, and breathing problems. Some shapewear proponents will have to disagree and claim that if proper shapewear is worn the right way, there should be no health implications at all.
"Shapewear and undergarments have been worn since the turn of the
century. Remember Scarlett O'Hara being laced up into her corset in Gone
with the Wind? Sometimes beauty is pain, but our generation is lucky," Anvaripour says. "With technology, fabric, stitching, and high-quality design, you can achieve that hourglass look without pain. No boning, no horse hair. Our lifestyles as modern women don't afford us the ability to be in pain."
Gimble adds that shapewear can actually have health benefits. It can stimulate circulation and provide support to muscles.
Where does all of the fat go?
Those who wear shapewear and even those who don't have all wondered this at one point or another. We've established that shapewear works-it slims, smoothes out lines and what-not, and even supports. But wait a minute, where does all of the fat go? Gimble points out, "Fat can move into spaces where muscle is compressed, such as the abs. It can also be moved directionally, towards more desirable places.
Jason Scarlatti, creative director of men's brand 2(x)ist Underwear, adds that the body curves are just made more compact. "Shapewear is engineered to funnel excess weight to help you appear to be more slim; it can slim you up to 1 to 2 inches," he says. "The excess flab is condensed, the same way as when you push your hands on your belly to push in the fat."
If the shapewear is well-designed, the fat comes out in a more sexy and appropriate place like your breasts/cleavage and butt, Anvaripour says.
FAQs
Wondering how a body shaper functions? Well the science behind a body shaper is that when worn correctly. Body shapers simply move the fat into spaces where muscle is compressed. On the other hand, the fat is levelled into more desired areas for fat instead of simply sitting on your midsection.
Does shapewear actually shape you? ›
When you take your shapewear off, your silhouette remains the same. However, what you need to understand is that shapewear alone cannot permanently flatten a tummy or reshape your body. It's only a part of a whole solution, but it can be an inspirational catalyst that drives you to find a more permanent solution.
Where does the fat go in shapewear? ›
"The excess flab is condensed, the same way as when you push your hands on your belly to push in the fat." Anvaripour adds that the fat is still there. It's just presented in a sexier way, like in your breasts, cleavage and butt. (So it goes all the way up there and down there?!
Why does my stomach look bigger in shapewear? ›
"Women sometimes try to size down to add extra firmness," Joy says. "But that makes you look bigger because it can cause bulges, and it can be uncomfortable." Too-tight shapewear may lead to health problems, says neurologist Orly Avitzur, MD, medical advisor for Consumer Reports.
Are there any benefits to wearing shapewear? ›
Shapewear for women helps the body gain support and prevents humpback, bosom flat, bosom prolapse, pail waist, flat hip, appetite prominent, turnip leg, bulky leg, and many. Moreover, women suffering from bladder prolapse can also get benefitted from shapewear as it provides a slight lift with appropriate support.
Does shapewear flatten the stomach? ›
Unfortunately, the answer is no. Shapewear may temporarily reduce the appearance ofbelly fat, but it will not lead to any long-term change. The only way to reduce belly fat is through diet and exercise. However, if you are looking for a way to give your stomach a little extra support, shapewear can be a good option.
Is it better to size up or down in shapewear? ›
When trying on body shapers, it's best to choose what you feel most comfortable in. We suggest going for your regular size to avoid your shapewear rolling down or digging in. One-size-fits-all Fantasie Smoothease briefs are a great option if you're not sure which size to go for, or if you're between sizes.
Will shapewear help a fupa? ›
Shapewear comes in an array of styles, fits and levels of compression, so it's important to know your exact target areas and preferred compression level. To smooth a FUPA, look for firm compression shapewear or extra control in the lower tummy area in particular.
How to flatten fupa? ›
Combined with a calorie deficit, a consistent exercise routine that works the deep abdominal muscles may help reduce fat in this area.
- Forearm plank. ...
- Bicycle crunches. ...
- Leg raises. ...
- Rollups. ...
- Superman pose. ...
- Burpees. ...
- Pelvic tilt. ...
- The Hundred.
Really snug, well made corsets and shape wear like girdles can compress you 1-3 inches each in the waist and hips if you're already slender, and even more if you're not and have lots of flab. I had great luck with vedette shape wear, it makes me trimmer! spanx in my experience just smoothes you out.
The tight fabric can compress your abdomen and reduce the amount of space your internal organs have between them. This can slow down your digestive process. You may feel gassy and bloated as a result. Some people find that a tight belly shaper or waist trainer causes acid reflux.
How much of a difference does shapewear make? ›
Shapewear is an undergarment or foundation garment designed to be worn invisibly under your clothing, much like bras or underwear. It helps provide a slimming effect and makes your favorite garments fit better, smooths out lines, and flaunts your best, natural silhouette and shape.
What happens if you wear shapewear all the time? ›
You may not feel the need to urinate, even when your bladder is full, leading to stress incontinence or a UTI. Worn too tightly on the legs (even just on the thighs), shapewear may cause numbness, tingling, blood clots, pain, decreased circulation, varicose veins and even the dreaded cankles.
How many hours a day should you wear shapewear? ›
Weinstein says you can still wear your shapewear as long as you limit it to short periods of time. That means about eight hours max, which should get you through a night out. Take time off in between wears—that is, don't wear it every day—and, please, don't sleep in your shapewear either.
Do Spanx really make a difference? ›
Despite being tough to get in and out of, the Spanx were worth the effort. Both brands have a similar amount of body-shaping spandex. While the difference wasn't as visible in my dress, the Spanx supported my stomach more and smoothed out my hips.
Does shapewear really make you look thinner? ›
The one fact that is real about a body shaper is – they are guaranteed to give you a slimmer look wherever you need – temporarily! Wondering how a body shaper functions? Well the science behind a body shaper is that when worn correctly. Body shapers simply move the fat into spaces where muscle is compressed.
How long does it take to see results from shapewear? ›
We've seen people with changes to their shape in as little as a month, but most take it slow and easy with their waist trainer. The longer you stick with it, the more dramatic results you will achieve.
What happens if you wear shapewear every day? ›
Because shapewear is right up against your skin, there is a risk of skin irritation. The tight fabrics can trap moisture near your skin and cause chafing and irritation. Any injury to your skin comes with a risk of infection.
Can shapewear train your waist? ›
Debunking the hourglass hype
Spot-reduce fat: Compressing fat with a waist trainer and expecting it to stay put once you uncinch the shapewear is a faulty concept. "Fat is a systemic deposit," Clem says. "Putting something around your waist can't help you burn the fat in just that place."
