Shapewear Industry To Gain Traction With Improved Product Line

Beauty standards have shifted over time and are always changing even now. They fluctuate so quickly that determining what constitutes a “good body” or a “poor body” at any given time is nearly difficult. But that may be because the latter doesn’t exist. Women have been using shapewear for years to help sculpt their bodies and make garments fit and look better, from corsets to girdles, fajas, and waist trainers. They transitioned to trendy and daring outerwear in the 1990s, and now it seems like every celebrity and influencer is wearing fajas and waist trainers. Shapewear isn’t merely a passing trend. This clothing has been sought after by ladies since antiquity. The old body shapers were not the same as the ones we use now. They were remarkably diverse; few were thought to be made of whale bones, and a few contained leads, while the rest used iron and other metals in their construction.

Shaping History

Shapewear has been traced back to Mycenaean Greece, most probably between 1,100 and 1,600 BC. Large petticoats were worn underneath gowns to make the illusion of thickness in the 1500s, while the corsetry was made to conceal and flatten the chest. Women have been interested in achieving the ideal figure for their period since ancient times. Except for the 1910s and 1920s, this was frequently concentrated around a small waist. A small midsection was expected, whether it was natural or assisted by fashion.

The twentieth century was not fond of curves. These were the days when being thin was fashionable. Women favored fitting shapers like teddies and camisoles for a flat and slender appearance. Flappers were the name given to these shapers. During World War II, women modified fashion to meet their needs. This was the era when elastics were used to make shapewear with many panels. With pockets and hidden storage, these body shapers were practical. Shapewear of the twenty-first century is vastly different from that of the past. There is a variety of shapewear that is far more comfortable and practical. These are typically made of modern textiles such as lycra, spandex, powernet, and nylon.

The Shape Of You: Body Image Positivity Takes The Reins

In 2015, the discourse about body image took an unexpected turn. “Body positivity” has become a buzzword, with the idea that everyone is worthy, gorgeous, and good just the way they are permeating more households than ever before. Thin privilege and the link between thinness and aspirational beauty are still real. However, plus-size and mature models have appeared in prominent publications focused on revealing clothing. Models larger than a size 22 have started to secure substantial agency deals. Big, unapologetic girls are starting to focus on functionality rather than perfection. Boux Avenue has released a new ‘Move For You’ collection with the same pleasing effect. The Liverpool Echo says that the collection includes thong and full-length bodysuits, as well as bralettes, bandeaus, and bicycle shorts, which are available in-store and online. The loungewear is designed to hold, shape, and flatter with a seamless structure, creating a shaping but comfy athleisure look. Each pattern comes in three subdued tones and comes in small, medium, and large sizes. In addition to shapewear, the new collection includes comfortable loungewear, such as a seamless full-length bodysuit.

People choose to accept themselves as they are rather than conform to society’s severe expectations of beauty and perfection. As a result, shapewear is becoming less popular in urban regions as opposed to earlier. Body positivity celebrities and models are encouraging people to embrace their bodies by eliminating corsets, control camisoles, long legs, waist cinchers, and gusset closures, among other things. People have become more confident in their skin due to growing acceptance of people being themselves, many truly not caring what others think about their apparel and pop culture. People are no longer bothered by deviations from the so-called “standards of beauty.”  Bandelttes, for example, makes anti-chafing bands that cover the thighs and are made of the same Spanx-like fabric as more traditional shapewear. These items provide a remedy to a problem without implying that the body should be altered or sculpted as a result. Of course, there is still a long way to go before fat acceptance and size inclusivity are fully realized notions. But, in the meantime, new types of shapewear are emerging that don’t include plumping, shrinking, tucking, or shaping.

Trends Shaping The Future

A range of cultural elements may have an impact on the market. The concept of perfection is being switched with the theory of self-love and comfort in one’s shape and size when it comes to the body, and the body-positivity concept has influenced the market. Women increasingly seek work-life flexibility to keep their bodies in good shape and remain appealing. Many companies are looking at this as a customer-centric method, expanding their product ranges to offer firmer, lighter, and more practical items for year-round use.

Many might even consider shapewear controversial due to its potential health risks and the possibility of “toned” bodies being misled by figure-flattering underwear. Even so, many women are proud that we utilize them. Primark has new shapewear, underwear, and PJs. With controlled shaper leggings, seam-free Bum lift shorts, and strappy vests, the new line of shapewear appears remarkably identical to Kim Kardashian’s runaway success. Like Kim’s SKIMS line, the shapewear collection comes in a variety of colors to fit different skin tones, so there’s something for everyone. Primark is now selling the famous ribbed lounge underwear in three additional colors. Regardless of the style or color, these sets cost only £5 for the bra and knickers. Silk wireless sets are also available, which provide a bit fuller coverage on the bottom.

The compression and shapewear industry is a fast-paced industry that always expands to meet consumer demand with new product categories. As the world began to emerge from the epidemic, many brands saw an opportunity to expand the shapewear sector beyond intimates to include outer layer apparel requirements every day. Trafilea, the parent company of the shapewear market place Shapermint, is in talks with private equity and venture finance companies to fund $50 million to $100 million in stock, according to the company. The funding plans come as the intimates and shapewear markets are flooded with competitors, including the original Spanx and recent entries like Skims.