Body-shaping undergarments, more commonly known as shapewear, have exploded in popularity in recent years. In a society increasingly focused on appearance and self-image, shapewear claims to offer a quick and relatively affordable solution to boost confidence by improving fit and appearance in various outfits.
Shapewear is a bit like modern-day corsetry but targets several different areas such as the waist, hips, thighs and buttocks. The idea is to compress and shape these areas, helping clothes fit better and, as the marketing claims, giving you a more streamlined silhouette.
Modern shapewear is certainly more comfortable and breathable than it used to be due to advances in fabric technology, so it appeals to a broader range of people looking for aesthetic enhancement and functional support for various reasons and occasions.
It’s convenient and relatively affordable, so has become increasingly popular as people are becoming more conscious of their body image, particularly fuelled by social media.
In the past, shapewear was made from unrelenting materials such as steel, whale bones, and thick, heavy, non-stretch canvas, and was typically worn by women. Modern shapewear on the other hand is constructed from more breathable and stretchy materials such as spandex, nylon and Lycra, and is increasingly popular amongst both men and women.
It usually comes in various styles and levels of compression. Some pieces are designed for everyday use, so are lighter and more comfortable, while others offer firmer control.
Each piece is designed to target a specific body area. For example, waist cinchers are used to provide firm compression to the waistline, while tummy control panties are designed to compress the lower abdomen and give the appearance of a flattened stomach.
Then there are thigh shapers, camisoles that offer compression of the torso, butt lifters that may have special padding to highlight curves, and leg and arm shapers. Many companies also offer full bodysuits to shape the entire body, often with built-in bras.
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Sports compression wear is similar but not quite the same thing. Whereas shapewear focuses on aesthetic enhancement and temporary body shaping under clothing, sports compression wear is designed to enhance athletic performance, muscle support and recovery.
It tends to be made from more advanced, breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics, provides graduated compression, and is meant to be worn only during physical activity and recovery periods.
While it may boost your confidence and enhance the fit of your clothes in a seemingly impermanent and convenient way, and certainly sounds less painful than going to the gym or on another fad diet, it's important to be aware that shapewear does have some downsides that should be considered:
Digestive issues
Shapewear that’s tight around the stomach area can potentially cause digestive problems. If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, for example, exerting pressure on your gut may aggravate your symptoms, especially after eating.
Most people who suffer from a degree of bloating will say how uncomfortable tight clothing of any kind can be when they are suffering from a bad episode. It could also make you constipated.
Belt compression has also been shown to make conditions like acid reflux worse, so it is likely that wearing shaping garments around the abdominal area wouldn’t be a great idea if you’re prone to it.
Circulatory and nerve issues
Tight shapewear, especially when it compresses the legs or waist, can theoretically affect blood circulation. This can lead to swelling, numbness or tingling sensations, particularly in the lower extremities.
For people who suffer from conditions such as varicose veins, compression stockings can actually improve circulation, but these are best bought from a pharmacy or measured and fitted by a nurse at your GP practice.
Shapewear that compresses both legs, especially if very tight, can make these problems worse and is best avoided.
Particularly tight clothing, including shapewear, has also been known to lead to neurological conditions such as meralgia paresthetica, where excess pressure placed on a nerve causes tingling, numbness and pain in the outer thigh.
Breathing problems
Studies have shown how tight clothing could restrict diaphragmatic movement and lead to shallow breathing, which aligns with concerns about shapewear limiting proper respiratory function
Although not specific to shapewear, studies on the effects of corsets and other tight-fitting garments in the past have shown how significant abdominal and thoracic compression can affect breathing.
For example, historical research on corset use revealed that excessive tightness could severely restrict breathing, leading to fainting spells, so it’s not hard to see how very tight-fitting shapewear might cause similar problems.
If you’re prone to fainting or have any breathing issues, you might want to be especially careful with tight shapewear around the torso.
Skin irritation
Dermatologists note that tight, non-breathable fabrics can cause skin irritation, rashes and infections. This is particularly relevant for shapewear, which often compresses the skin for extended periods.
Continuous wear can cause chaffing of the skin, and prolonged use of tight, synthetic materials might cause skin irritation, especially in hot conditions where it can trap moisture beneath the material.
So, is it best avoided altogether? Not necessarily…
If you’re keen to try shapewear and don’t suffer from any of the conditions mentioned, it’s unlikely to do much harm to try it. But there are some things you may want to consider when choosing what type to buy.
It’s best to choose shapewear that isn’t too tight, especially around the chest and abdomen. Avoid anything that feels uncomfortable or leaves marks on your skin when wearing it. It should feel a little snug, but not overly restrictive.
It’s also advisable to wear it for limited periods and to take breaks if you notice it causing any issues.
Garments made from breathable fabrics, such as cotton blends or moisture-wicking synthetics, that keep the skin dry should reduce the risk of skin irritation. If you have particularly sensitive skin, hypoallergenic shapewear that is free from latex and harsh dyes or other chemicals could be an option.
While shapewear can feel like an easy option there are several issues worth bearing in mind. It may give you that smooth red carpet silhouette but remember it's what's inside that counts – something your ribs would probably agree with.
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