Ah, the hourglass figure. From 50’s bombshells Jayne Mansfield and Marilyn Monroe to today’s celebrity influencers, the hourglass figure keeps coming back into vogue. Let’s face it, feminine curves will never truly go out of fashion, so it’s no wonder this is today’s most coveted silhouette. However, the current incarnation is an adaptation of the traditional voluptuous curves seen on stars of yesteryear. Here’s our lowdown on this modern version of the hourglass figure, and how you can choose shapewear to achieve it.
The modern hourglass (aka the slim thick!)
There’s no doubt the influence that social media has had on the fashion zeitgeist. In particular, what’s considered the ‘ideal’ body shape. With the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian and Nicki Minaj leading the fight for feminine curves, we’ve seen the advent of the ‘slim thick’ (or ‘slim thicc’) figure. We’ve already featured a post on this topic, so this article will focus on the specific shapewear you can use to achieve this modern take on the hourglass silhouette.
The shaping
The modern hourglass is characterised by a trim, well defined waistline, flat stomach, curvy hips and butt, with a small, pert bustline. The overall look is toned and curvy – far healthier than the size zero figure that previously dominated society columns and the media. But not everyone can achieve this figure, and although diet and exercise can get you so far, many influencers go under the knife to achieve these extreme proportions.
Shapewear we recommend
However, there is shapewear that you can use to sculpt and create curves. This is where plus size ladies are already at an advantage. We already have the curves, it’s just a case of using the right shaping underwear to contour our physiques! Here’s how you can achieve an hourglass, with five shapewear pieces:
1. The waist cincher
Waist cinchers, or waist trainers, are wide elasticated belts that are worn for up to 8 hours a day. Some are specifically designed to be worn during exercise. The idea is that – through a combination of thermogenesis and elimination of toxins from the body – fat is broken down and the body is ‘trained’ to take on a new shape. If done properly, it can produce amazing results, with people trimming 4-6 inches of belly fat over a period of months.
2. Corsets
If waist training isn’t for you, then corsets are an excellent way to temporarily boost your bustline, cinch in your waist and exaggerate your hips. Modern corsets have come a long way from the whalebone, asphyxiating undergarments of Victorian times. Modern corsets utilise steel or plastic to create lengthen and contour the torso. They come in a variety of fabrics – satin, mesh, cotton, lace and even leather (for when you’re creating an ‘underwear as outerwear’ look). We have an excellent range of plus size corsets, including beautiful satin pieces that come in a wide range of sizes, so we’ll definitely have something for everyone and recommend you check out our product selection.
3. High waisted control shorts
High waisted control shorts will suck in your waist, and smooth you out from your hips to your thighs. If you have a flat butt, there are even products with padded butts, to create those booty curves. If you’re just looking to flatten your tummy, then high waisted control briefs are an excellent option. With all shapewear, make sure you select the correct level of control. Light control will provide support and gentle shaping and is suitable for everyday wear. Firm control provides a medium to high level of control and as the name suggests is suitable for when you need more extreme shaping to boost your body confidence. Extra firm control provides a high to extremely high level of control and can create dramatic body contouring. However, this control comes at a cost to comfort, so it’s best reserved for special occasions.
4. Open busted bodysuits
One key characteristic of the modern hourglass is a smaller, perky bust. So, ideally you want the shaping to take place below your bustline. Wearing an open busted bodysuit is a great way to create a flatter stomach and defined waistline, while providing some uplift but no exaggeration of your bust.
5. Push-up bras
Yes, for that perky bustline we recommend something that will lift your bust. Balconette and plunge bras create a lovely, contoured bustline, without boosting your cleavage. We know, it sounds counter-intuitive to not boost your bustline when talking about an hourglass figure. But this is all about have a natural looking bust. The emphasis is on the curves that take place at the waist, hips and butt.
As you can see, there are some excellent shapewear products on the market to help you achieve killer curves. But please bear in mind it’s about making the most of what you’ve got. Be body confident in your own skin. The majority of celebrities use surgery to achieve their exaggerated proportions, so they represent an unrealistic ideal. But by using shapewear you can create your own take on the latest body styling trends, using your curves to your advantage!
