In the beginning there were foundations which included corsets and girdles. Foundations are old school for shapewear. My grandmother’s used to wear them. I was told they were very constrictive, and therefore uncomfortable. I remember seeing them in the laundry as a little girl and asked my grandmother what they were. She explained, and I then asked her if grandpa wore them too.
The desire to achieve a fashionable figure has been, and will continue to be universal. In a recent New York Times article, the faja’s, from the Spanish word for wrap, is being embraced by young Latino women — and increasingly by other women — as a shortcut to a curvaceous body.
In the 70’s, women rejected this notion. Feminists criticized these garments as symbols of repression and therefore refused to succumb to this fashion accessory. Today, the nylon and lycra underwear brand Spanx has been credited with reintroducing, and reacclimating women to the concept of extra help for figure problems.
Women now have a choice. To wear or not to wear. For some of us, it helps us feel better. The shapewear choices today range from minimal to maximum support. Some are very comfortable.
Today it is not an indication of repression, but a symbol of freedom of choice. So if it makes you feel good, wear it. I know one thing for sure, skinny jeans and I broke up a long time ago. I don’t miss them.
We are not done yet.
Who Stole My Estrogen? 