As shapewear regains popularity and even starts to replace traditional clothing, Sarah Macken explores the top brands that excel in sculpting stylish silhouettes.

The Shapewear Revolution

Like skinny jeans and towering heels, shapewear was a fashion choice we abandoned during the pandemic, vowing never to revisit it. Oh, how confident and naive we were. Fast forward 24 months, enduring multiple lockdowns, and the truth is that everything seems a bit, well, saggy. Ironically, at this juncture, shapewear has become more essential than ever, and the resurgence is quite remarkable. It’s not just a trend; it has practically replaced regular clothing. In the post-pandemic era, a new wave of multifunctional pieces has emerged, promising to lift, sculpt, and support various body parts – some even boasting posture-improving benefits.

These “style essentials” transcend typical undergarments, evolving beyond mere support for your outfit—they are the outfit itself. From asymmetrical tops to midi-skirts and slip dresses, contemporary fashion blurs the lines between shapewear and ready-to-wear. These versatile pieces can either discreetly complement your clothing or stand alone. The possibilities are endless—whether beneath your favorite party dress, in the workplace, or during a casual lunch outing. Bodysuits seamlessly enhance daytime ensembles under trousers and take the spotlight for evening wear. The current dominant trend revolves around multi-functionality, and interestingly, the surge in demand appears to be consumer-driven. Searches for “naked clothing” have seen a significant uptick, spiking by 430 percent in the second quarter of this year, as reported by the fashion index Lyst.

Perfectly timed with the introduction of new collections that elevate the shapewear experience, Skims, Kim Kardashian’s label specializing in outerwear infused with shaping technology, has achieved remarkable success (estimated to be worth $3.2 billion in less than four years). Now available at Brown Thomas Dublin and online at brownthomas.com, you have the opportunity to explore and try on the brand’s key styles. When it comes to shapewear, finding the right fit can be a bit tricky. While Skims offers a range from XXS to XXXL in many styles, determining the appropriate size can be challenging. The option to try on in-store becomes particularly beneficial in navigating this potential minefield.

Introducing VB Body, a fresh collection from Victoria Beckham that transforms the brand’s fundamental shapes into sleek, woven knits designed to delicately shape and enhance. Simultaneously, established “shapewear” labels such as Commando and Spanx are expanding their repertoire to include jeans and skirts.

The latest innovation making waves is the shapewear dress, with Skims’ renowned Fits Everybody dress leading the charge. Crafted from luxurious butter-soft jersey, it seamlessly conforms to the body and boasts the ability to stretch up to twice its original size. While it may offer a snug fit, the question remains: does it complement the figure? According to a fashion-forward acquaintance, despite the adoration for the fabric, it fell short of delivering the desired contour. “I felt like my imperfections were too noticeable,” she revealed, expressing her willingness to give it another try if she could layer some shapewear underneath. So, is there a more appealing and wearable alternative? If the thought of donning a waist trainer—an under-bust corset favored by Kardashian for casual outings—conjures images of Margaret Atwood’s dystopian themes, rest assured, you’re not alone in that sentiment.

Testing out this trend intelligently involves incorporating subtle touches. Create a stylish contrast by blending feminine elements with masculine and oversized shapes. For example, pairing a bodysuit with a boxy blazer offers an appealing juxtaposition. Consider Spanx’s Suit Yourself scoop-neck bodysuit, a savvy choice at €78, available at Arnotts. Heather Gramston, head of womenswear at Browns, suggests coupling it with wide-leg trousers for a chic ensemble. Not only does this combination exude coolness, but it also ensures a seamless silhouette under your clothing.

As we welcome the autumn season with a resurgence of glamour and festive occasions, it’s beneficial to incorporate some versatile essentials into your wardrobe. What should you consider investing in? Opt for a high-waisted thong priced at €34—Commando’s version is a dependable choice, ensuring smooth lines under dresses. Spanx’s Suit Your Fancy bodysuit, available at €152, offers a two-in-one solution with both bodysuit and shaping shorts, featuring a low neckline that adapts well to plunging necklines and evening gowns. Alternatively, indulge in Heist’s semi-sheer bodysuit, crafted from recycled lace and priced at €102—just daring enough for those cocktail hour moments.

Kim Kardashian enlists renowned Victoria’s Secret angels, including Candice Swanepoel, Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, and Alessandra Ambrosio, to showcase the Skims Fits Everybody collection.

A piece of friendly advice: be aware of your size. According to Grace Kennedy, the lingerie buyer at Brown Thomas and Arnotts, the most common mistake people make with shapewear is getting the wrong size. “If it’s too tight, especially around the hips, it can limit your movement.” If you experience discomfort, consider sizing up. And for those of us prone to slouching, you might find the positive impact on your posture quite beneficial. Shapewear is designed to provide support, and as a result, “you end up standing taller,” as Kennedy points out.

If wearing shapewear in public isn’t your preference (we understand), consider investing in high-quality activewear as a viable alternative. Numerous collections prioritize sculpting features, with some gaining significant attention. For instance, Lululemon’s Define jacket has recently gained viral popularity, particularly on TikTok, for its ability to create the illusion of a Brazilian butt lift without the need for a surgical procedure.

A recently established Irish brand, Powercut, specializes in waistbands with exceptional grip. Their Compress range features mesh leggings designed to seamlessly smooth out imperfections, creating a sleek contour (available for €65 at PowerCut and select Dunnes Stores). On a different note, Ernest Leoty presents a distinctly Parisian perspective on activewear, boasting pieces with a couture quality. The brand draws inspiration from the 19th-century corset-maker of the same name. Notably, their elegant wrap tops are highly recommended for medium-impact workouts such as yoga and ballet.

We desire adaptable garments that effortlessly transition from the streets to the gym, and even double as swimwear. Enter Prism: the London-based label crafts pieces suitable for wearing as swimwear, activewear, and underwear, with its size one accommodating UK sizes six to 16. It has earned approval from Frenchwomen as well. According to Monica Ainley, a journalist and broadcaster based in Paris, Prism is a brand that captures the essence of the current moment, and she adds, “Oh, and it looks good on everyone.” Now, that’s something worth considering.