Shapewear: From The Corset to Spanx

Shapewear goes back a very long time. It is believed that corsets have been around since 1700 BC. Both women and men have worn shapewear through history to shape the body and create the effect of tiny waists. For example, in 16th century France, under the influence of Italian-born Catherine de Medici, ladies in waiting were required to bring their waists down to thirteen inches. In the 1900 times began to change and the rigid corsets were slowly replaced by elastic girdles and bras. In the 1960's control top pantyhose came into to replace the girdle. In recent years corsets have returned to the fashion scene, not so much as shapewear but as a fashion style that is used in both under and outerwear. Meanwhile the control top pantyhose has evolved to items like Spanx footless shapewear and other shapewear that are designed the shape either the lower half of the body or the entire body. More comfortable than shapewear of the past, today's shapewear uses new materials which are designed to flatter the body and offer comfort and flexibility in way previously unknown. The evolution of shapewear is discussed in this review article about Shapewear Lingerie.