Popular culture loves a buzz phrase. And references to slim thick have been cropping up all over the place over the last year or two. #slimthicc (as it’s also styled) has over 134 million tags on TikTok alone. It’s developed from being a purely aesthetic term to one being used in gyms and the fitness world as a reference for strength training and weight loss. An integral part of the aesthetic is that of muscle tone, strength and physical fitness.
What is Slim Thick?
The first thing to understand and appreciate is that ‘slim thick’ is just one of a constantly evolving trend of media presented body shapes. It’s the voluptuous curves and cinched waist that’s all over the media. Whether or not you’re familiar with the term itself, you’re seeing representations of this body shape every day. Let’s use those stalwarts of body shape language to decipher it: imagine a cross between hourglass and pear shape and you’re pretty much there.
Who is Slim Thick?
First on the roll call is, of course, Kim Kardashian; pioneer of the slim thick trend. But it’s not a new thing – Jennifer Lopez and Beyonce have for years been revelling in their slim thick figures. Just without the label. Other high profile examples are Demi Rose, Ashley Graham and Kylie Jenner.
Is Slim Thick Good?
When contrasted with past body shape trends that required women to be waif thin, slim thick feels like a breath of fresh air. Its focus is on healthy, toned thighs NOT a thigh gap. However, it also requires a cinched waist with a flat stomach. This combination is really hard to achieve if it’s not your natural body shape.
Shape Extremes
Let’s remember, then, that celebrity culture and media representation has a tendency to the extreme. When you’re looking at different body shapes, try to remember that they exist in more subtle forms too. It’s far safer and more achievable to aim for a version of a body shape trend that isn’t quite such a caricature. After all, what looks amazing on the gram might not be so amazing to live with.
How to be Slim Thick?
Indeed, can you be slim thick? Not every body can intricately replicate every single body shape trend. And it may be that slim thick simply isn’t your body shape. Having said that, if you aspire to achieve some level of this shape for your body, you can consider a few things:
Diet
A balanced diet of real food is key to achieving any body shape that is healthy. So cut refined sugars and junk food and instead focus on natural proteins and whole grains.
Workouts
No amount of squats alone will give you a Kardashian backside. Instead, make it part of a programme of glute focussed strength training, cardio and muscle tone exercises like yoga or pilates.
Lifestyle
This is more than just working out. Choose to take the active route – walk or cycle – when you can. Drink more water. This is key for flushing through toxins, keeping your muscles working and preventing unnecessary pangs of hunger!
How to Use Shapewear
Really, the safest way to achieve a more gentle and temporary slim thick look is to use a foundation shaping layer. The key here is to combine and utilise the different functions of shapewear pieces.
Compress
Even those beacons of the slim thick body shape use compression to achieve their look. Use waist cinching control briefs or a corset to refine your waist and smooth out to your hips.
Lift
Remember that not all shapewear is about compression. Choose a good pair of shaping shorts that lift your buttocks while compressing your waist. You’ll have the bulk of a slim thick look right there!
Enhance
Of course, the focus may be on thighs and bum, but breasts are part of the slim thick look. A push up bra or corset will help you to balance out your waist and hips. Find a control body suit that does all these things and you can be slim thick AND comfortable and confident!
Becky is an author and copywriter who has been writing about women’s issues and underwear for several years. She also writes blogs which cover a range of topics for local businesses.
