For centuries, women have done almost everything they could to look better. During the 17th century, corsets were already used. During the 18th century, women wore very tight corsets to make their waists very tiny, with a large bust and large hips.

In the beginning of the 1900s the girdle was created and helped women shrink their stomach and form their thighs.

Girdles nowadays usually consist of one material alone or a combination of Lycra, Spandex, and Powernet. Girdles made of one or more of these materials are very easy to wear. They are also very durable and long lasting. These girdles are very light and they do an excellent job of shaping and smoothing women's bodies all around the world.

Girdle manufacturing technology has advanced greatly and today they come in a few different types, which are light compression, medium compression, strong compression and even dual compression. These offer different compression levels to provide the desired body control.

With the development of Spandex in the late 90s, shapewear has become very popular. The later introduction of fabrics like Powernet, Lycra, Spandex and nylon helped to boost its popularity even further.

The Powernet fabric is engineered to provide a well balanced temperature control. It is designed in such a way that perspiration is absorbed from the skin and transferred to the garments outer surface and into the atmosphere. Powernet is more permeable than other fabrics and enables air to circulate freely next to the skin.

Also Powernet has anti microbial properties integrated in the fabric. Laboratory tests have shown that Powernet fabrics have the capability to continually and effectively combat microbial growth over their useful life.

Todays garments are very durable, their advanced fabric construction enables them to retain elasticity and shape longer than ever before. Laboratory tests have shown that these fabrics are so resilient that they can withstand intensive washes and thousands of flexes.

All these events and advances in technology triggered a new and prosperous shapewear industry, with recognized brands like Ann Chery, Diane & Geordi, Vedette and others. The shapewear industry continues to expand as interest grows in their products.

As special purpose products are developed, shapewear garments can be found to make breasts look bigger, thighs and legs look smaller and butts look better shaped. There is even a body shaper to make your arms look better as well.