The Body Shaper Is Back And Women 50+ Can Finally Exhale
Remember the body shapers of yesteryear? The ones that left you feeling like you were auditioning for the role of “compressed sausage in a cocktail dress”? Well, you can finally exhale — literally.
Shapewear has had a glow-up, and it’s nothing short of miraculous. The modern body shaper is sleek, breathable, and — dare I say — comfortable.
This isn’t your mother’s girdle — and it certainly isn’t your 1990s control-top nightmare. Today’s body shapers are sophisticated, engineered marvels designed to celebrate our curves, not strangle them.
Shapewear for the Modern Goddess
Now, I know what you’re thinking — at this age, why bother? Well, the idea here is not squeezing into anything but smoothing, supporting and showing up with the same style we’ve always had, just with a little assist from some clever undergarments.
“Body shapers now cater to the understanding that comfort should never be sacrificed for style,” says Stephanie Biscomb, brand manager at Shapermint. “These garments no longer restrict. Instead, they support and smooth in a way that feels natural and liberating.“
Today’s designs aim to enhance the female form in more sophisticated, nuanced ways. A new emphasis on inclusive sizing reflects a welcome departure from rigid standards, offering options that flatter rather than force.
Equally notable is the evolution in fabric: breathable, feather-light materials have replaced the suffocating synthetics of old, making these garments not only tolerable but genuinely wearable, for a full day, no less.
Versatility has become a hallmark, with shapewear now tailored to a range of scenarios, from the daily commute to black-tie affairs. And for those with an eye for detail, a growing number of designs now straddle the line between function and finery, borrowing from the world of luxury lingerie with silk-soft textures and the occasional flourish of lace.
Shapewear, it seems, has finally learned the art of subtlety — and style.
How to Wear Body Shapers at 50+
The beauty of modern body shapers is that they’re versatile enough to be worn by anyone, for any occasion.
“The most important thing to remember is to purchase your actual dress size,” advises Jené Luciani Sena, author of The Bra Book. “A lot of women think they’re utilizing shapewear so they can look smaller so they buy a smaller size when in reality that ends up just giving you more lumps and bumps than you went in with.“
Here are a few tips for incorporating them into your wardrobe:
- Start with a comfortable, breathable fabric. Look for materials like cotton blends or microfiber, which will feel comfortable for long periods.
- Choose a shaper that fits your lifestyle. For everyday wear, go for something light with smoothing effects. For special occasions, a more structured garment may provide the additional lift and support you’re seeking.
- Experiment with different styles. If you’re unsure, start with smaller pieces like shaping briefs or control camisoles before committing to full-body shapers or bodysuits.
As a rule of thumb, the key to wearing body shapers after 50 lies in choosing pieces that work harmoniously with your outfit and lifestyle.
For instance, when wearing tailored trousers or pencil skirts, high-waisted shaping briefs gently smooth the waist and hips, creating a streamlined silhouette without adding unnecessary bulk. Under blouses or sweaters, a lightweight control camisole offers subtle shaping while remaining breathable and comfortable throughout the day.
Looking for the perfect foundation under a fitted dress or jumpsuit? A shaping bodysuit delivers full-torso support that subtly enhances your natural curves, creating a polished silhouette ideal for both casual elegance and formal occasions. And for those who prefer flowing skirts or dresses, mid-thigh shaping shorts help prevent chafing while smoothing hips and thighs effortlessly.
Finally, when choosing backless or strapless gowns, low-back or strapless shapers become indispensable, delivering discreet support without compromising on style.
New Trends in Body Shapers: More Than Just Control
Whether you’re looking to smooth a little or sculpt a lot, these brands offer pieces that feel more like a gentle hug than a boa constrictor. Think buttery fabrics, easy sizing, and options that fit real bodies.
The Skims Revolution: Rewriting the Rulebook
No conversation about modern shapewear is complete without mentioning Skims — Kim Kardashian’s game-changing brand that has revolutionized the shapewear industry. With inclusive sizing, innovative fabrics, and pieces that feel like a second skin, Skims is proof that shaping doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort. From sculpting bodysuits to high-waisted briefs that stay put (hallelujah!), it’s the modern solution for those of us who want just a little smoothing under our favorite wrap dress.
And guess what? Skims caters beautifully to women 50 and beyond — no need to fight with your shaper in the bathroom stall anymore. These garments flex, stretch, and breathe right along with you. With its fabric technology that stretches without digging in, it has become the go-to brand for women who want to look and feel confident in their clothes, without the sense of restriction often associated with traditional shapewear.
Spanx: The Shapewear Pioneer
The name Spanx is nearly synonymous with shapewear, having launched the modern shaping revolution nearly two decades ago. However, the brand’s evolution has mirrored the changing needs of women, particularly those over 50, who desire comfort, breathability, and flexibility.
Spanx has expanded its range beyond traditional shapewear to include garments that target problem areas, such as high-waisted leggings and smoothing camisoles. The brand’s shapewear collection now includes more inclusive sizes, as well as options specifically designed to provide lift and support for more mature bodies.
“Shapewear isn’t about hiding the body; it’s about enhancing it,” says Sarah Blakely, the founder of Spanx. “We want women of every age to feel empowered and comfortable in their own skin, whether they’re wearing shapewear or not.“
Their newer collections are less about squeezing and more about subtle shaping. Think high-waisted leggings that smooth without suffocating, camis that lift without pinching, and bras that don’t wage war on your ribcage.
Commando: Comfort Meets Control
For women seeking luxurious shapewear that prioritises comfort above all else, Commando has become a rising star. Known for their seamless, virtually invisible garments, Commando has become the choice for those who want shaping without the sensation of “wearing anything at all.”
Its innovative fabric is designed with both smoothing and support in mind, and their products are constructed to stay in place throughout the day — no bunching, no rolling down. Their bodysuits’ light compression is perfect for everyday wear, making it an ideal choice for women over 50 who need support without any uncomfortable constriction.
Shapermint: The Everyday Shapewear Hero
If Spanx is the CEO of shapewear and Skims is the cool influencer who always gets the lighting right, Shapermint is your best friend — the one who shows up in yoga pants, brings wine, and reminds you that your butt looks amazing (because it does).
Their mission is simple but powerful: to support confidence in every body, at every age. And unlike some brands that think one size fits all (spoiler alert: it doesn’t), Shapermint has struck the elusive balance between everyday affordability, realistic sizing, and styles that you’ll actually want to wear longer than 15 minutes.
Their offerings are impressively versatile — from their high-waisted shaper shorts that smooth the tummy and stay put (no rolling, no yanking, no drama) to shaping leggings that somehow feel like lounge pants but still support you in all the right places.
50+ and Fabulous: Why Shapewear Still Matters
Finally, in a world that increasingly celebrates self-love and body positivity, body shapers have found their place — not as tools for hiding imperfections but as garments that enhance and support the body in the most natural, comfortable way possible. And that’s something we can all embrace.
Whether it’s a family wedding, a dinner date, or just jeans-and-a-tee on a Tuesday, the right body shaper can give you that extra “I’ve still got it” sparkle — because, spoiler alert: you do.
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