Besides this, the amount of shaping and the pressure used in shapewear determines the impact and results of these undergarments. There are four main categories of leveling in shapewear namely light, moderate, firm, and extra firm. The light control shapewear such as a shaping vest or slip can be wore everyday with regular clothes. Moderate control shapewear is tighter than the light one, and is designed to tone the body a little more. These help in shaping waist, hips, and thighs. Firm control shapewears aid in slimming a problem area, but this form of support cannot be wore for day long activities. They can be worn on special occasions only. The extra firm provides the highest level of support and can size down the body up to an inch, enhancing covers and giving a slender looking body.
Shapewear is crafted to channel excess weight to help one appear slimmer by an inch or two. The fat is dispersed into spaces where muscles are compressed, such as abs. A well engineered shapewear moves the body fat to desirable places to make one's figure more desirable.
According to a survey conducted by INVISTA, 93% women would like lingerie that would provide shaping and contouring functionalities. The average age of consumers using shapewear is 38 to 42 years, considering women undergo weight gain at this stage due to pregnancy and menopause. There have been debates whether wearing shapewear poses health problems or not? But with technological advancements shapewear has become even more comfortable.
The shapewear products these days are made up of cotton, lycra, elastane, nylon, spandex, and latex. The materials produced by combining these blends are soft, smooth, flexible, skin-friendly, light weight, and extremely convenient to wear. Using fabrics that prevent overheating, sweat, and allow ventilation between the skin and the undergarment are being used to make shapewear a viable alternative to lingerie. Fabrics with moisture management properties are being used for shapewear, to provide comfort when something is being worn so tightly against the skin.
Black, white, and nude shades remain popular choices for shapewear. Many brands have come out with colorful and lace shapewears to make this undergarment stylish. Women in Europe and USA are already embracing this trend, while the demand in emerging countries, especially in China is growing. New fashion trends and celebrities have given a huge impetus to the shapewear trend, and to achieving the perfect figure and looking confident. Shapewears are being the new seamless functional lingerie and as a sector are continuing to grow.
