If you are like me and have binge-watched RuPaul’s drag race countless times then you know shapewear is the way to get that hourglass figure. I’ve always admired seeing it but I wasn’t sure if it was for me, so I started doing some research.

I got to collaborate with an associate at Shapellx on body shapers. So here are some things you might not have known.

History of shapewear

The girdle was the first form of shapewear and dates back to the mid-1910s. It has evolved over the years but basically, it is a belt-like fabric weaved out of firm linen fabric or soft leather material. Unlike corsets, girdles do not have boning but are instead a simple, tight fabric.

In ancient times, the girdle was believed to have magical powers, and Ishtar, the goddess of Babylon, wore one for fertility. Girdles became a symbol of virginity and were considered strength-giving for men, or protection for women. They were used to shape, reinforce and strengthen the body, seen as respectable and modest. Girdles were considered essential garments by many women from the 1920s to the 1960s, and today have evolved into so many other slimming garments including Spanx, waist trainers and various others (Logan Sowa, AOL.com).
In the Victorian era, women were known to have hourglass figures synching their waist to as small as 16inches, this would sometimes result in broken ribs and sometimes not being able to breathe properly.
It was believed that when you wear extremely tight shapewear every day for long periods of time, it would permanently reduce your waist size.

Today

There are various types of shapewear available in different sizes, for different body parts. Despite the misconception, shapewear is not only for the curvy girl but for every body type. That said, there are also some plus size waist trainers.

The various types of shapewear vary in terms of the area to be shaped up, the fitting requirements and the size, you need to choose appropriately.

Pick the fit that makes your body comfortable, walking easy and movements free. Especially if you are getting one for exercise. You could opt for the best shapewear bodysuit.

Apart from the booty sculptor and thigh trimmers, there’s also the unisex arm trimmers that focus on the arms. Some of the benefits of arm trimmers include;

• Helps smooth and reduce extra sagging skin on the arms for a slimming effect.
• Spurs heat and sweat especially during exercises.
• Provides thermal compression to the bicep area.

Advantages of Wearing Shapewear

• You get snatched! Your dress size might go down by 1-4 sizes as the unfirm muscles are held tight and in place.
• You get a boost of self-confidence because your back is straight, flaps are evened out and you simply look amazing.
• If worn from the waist above it gives back support and improves posture.
• The hour-glass figure is obtained especially when wearing the Shapellx shapewear.

Disadvantages of Wearing Shapewear

Good shapewear might be costly but will be worth every penny once you start seeing results.

It takes a while to get into and might feel a little strange at first but like anything foreign (especially on your body) you get used to it with time.