Shapewear to suit you
Amidst the crash diets, frenzied gym sessions and scramble for a bikini body, there lies a simpler way to achieve a svelte silhouette...shapewear. Gone are the drab and unflattering Bridget Jones-style shapewear, these days you can have functional and feminine pieces to create an elegant outline.
Shapewear has been brought to the forefront of many leading lingerie brands to cater for every need, from the dreaded 'muffin top' to the VPL (visible panty line). Now, the shapewear market is tailored to the individual, with everything from bust enhancement, thighs and stomach smoothing and bottom contouring. What's more, contemporary styles offer ultimate support and sensuous finishing touches.
Associated with punishingly tiny torsos and uncomfortable restrictions, old-fashioned shapewear, namely the corset, was designed to minimise the waistline and emphasise the bust and hips from as early as the 16th century. Things changed in the 20th century when the girdle was used by women to disguise the stomach area and highlight the thighs. Nowadays, a womanly shape is celebrated and the girdle has been re-vamped into waist cinchers or high waist briefs. Triumph's high waist control briefs craft a sylphlike waist and a smooth bottom, all with a seamless design. Designed with intricate lace detail, a diamond pattern and seductive panels, wear this under fitted dresses or skirts to achieve a slimming outline.
Conventionally seen as a female enterprise, shapewear has evolved into the male market with more and more men seeking solutions for their love handles and bottom area. Spanx launched a men's range with briefs designed with 3D pouch cups and compression fabrics for a close fit. Men's Spanx tops are geared to support the back, reduce men's waistlines and to create a defined form.
There's no need to fear any social mortification when wearing shapewear these days as the media and celebrity culture has fully endorsed the benefits of control lingerie. In fact, more and more brands are offering a variety of attractive and pretty trimmed underwear in order to inspire women to shape their bodies using beautiful pieces. Triumph have created a new shapewear range that's seductive and sensual so it's designed to be seen. The elegant sensation slip suit features stunning sheer panelling and an enticing design whilst shaping and slimming the body.
Shapewear isn't labelled as a foundation for nothing. The garments slim, smooth and enhance aspects of your body. Shapewear's major overhaul has resulted in comfortable and supportive pieces. Take the John Lewis Strapless Body Control Slip. Ideal for wearing under workwear or glamorous dresses, it's seam-free, simple and versatile. Lissé have provided another practical way to achieve a svelte silhouette with their Tummy Control Leggings. A capsule wardrobe essential, these leggings are ideal for everyday wear and smooth the waist, tighten the thighs and hone the hips.
Often women buy shapewear to achieve a lean outline but on the other end of the spectrum lie an amalgam of women who want to augment and enhance their figures. Some look to create curves or hour-glass shapes to feel more feminine . Spanx have revolutionised shapewear with their innovative Spanx Slimpicity® Booty Booster Shorts. The primary feature of these shorts is to increase the shape and size of the bottom in order to construct a curvier shape. How large you want to go is up to you as the shorts come with optional padding to add a cheek size.
Whatever your shape or occasion we've the perfect solution for you - it's the perfect time to discover the wonders of shapewear.
