Is Wearing Shapewear Bad For You?

I loved shapewear, until I stumbled upon a brand new, unused pair of Spanx for sale in my local Facebook group, with a full-on battle brewing in the comments section over the dangers of shapewear. Women have depended on some form of shapewear or other for decades, but we never bothered to ask basic questions about it. For example, is shapewear bad for you?

Before Spanx

If you were obsessed with period dramas from a young age (like me), you were probably introduced to the earliest form of shapewear, the corset, which was popular throughout the Victorian Era. But shapewear goes back even further than that – ancient Greeks and Romans wore girdles often made out of leather or other fabric. These girdles were designed to emphasize the female figure by pushing the bosom upward and cinching the waist. 

The corsets of later decades were more creatively made, sometimes out of material like steel or whalebone. These girdles or corsets constructed an hourglass shape out of a woman’s figure and were made to accentuate the shape even under layers of skirts and petticoats. 

Advertisement for the Invigorator Corset, 1893, via Wikimedia Commons.

By the Roaring Twenties, corsets were on the way out and a slimmer, streamlined look was made popular by flappers. The first bras, which eventually replaced the use of most corsets, were also introduced in this era, most notably by New York socialite Mary Phelps Jacob. Jacob, like many women of the time, was fed up with the discomfort of a metal corset and sewed handkerchiefs together with ribbon to make what she called “a backless brassiere.” The bra was immediately popular, especially with the dawn of the First World War when the materials that normally went to make corsets had to be conserved for the war effort. Jacob eventually sold the patent for her design and is considered the first designer of the modern bra that women wear today.

Mary Phelps Jacob's brassiere patent, 1914, via Wikimedia Commons.

The Dangers of Shapewear

Shapewear is now more comfortable and stylish than ever. Not only do we have access to the classic brands like Spanx, but SKIMS by Kim Kardashian has made major waves in the industry as of late. Shapewear is no longer viewed as something to be hidden and ashamed of, but instead to wear proudly (sometimes even as a focal point). Made of synthetic materials like lycra or other stretchy but breathable blends, shapewear (which can include camisoles, shorts, bodysuits, or waist cinchers) is now widely available, affordable, and comfortable, while allowing for a full range of motion. And even though we may look good and feel good on the outside, what’s going on inside is a different story.

Shapewear does the trick because it’s tight and form-fitting. But this also means that it’s compressing internal organs like our intestines and colon. This, in turn, can lead to an increased likelihood of intestinal discomfort like bloating and gas, acid reflux, and heartburn. It can also lead to a condition called erosive esophagitis, an inflammatory disorder which erodes and weakens the tissue of the esophagus. 

Gastroenterologists also agree that shapewear restricts breathing by inhibiting respiration, which can leave you feeling lightheaded and nauseous. If you’re already prone to incontinence, shapewear can also increase the chances of inadvertently urinating on yourself. By restricting blood circulation, it contributes to the development of varicose veins and potential blood clots.

If you’ve ever worn shapewear and noticed a tingling sensation, it probably means the compression is affecting your nerves. Further dizziness, brain fog, or numbness points to serious circulatory issues. The compression also affects your skin, making it prone to chafing and irritation by sealing moisture between your skin and the tight fabric. In some cases, this can lead to a rash or even an allergic reaction, depending on the fabric.

Tight and form-fitting, shapewear compresses internal organs like our intestines and colon.

How does one small, stretchy piece of fabric lead to so many problems? Think about it. We never wear shapewear for a short amount of time. You’re wearing it to formal parties or when you’re a bridesmaid in a wedding or at other fancy events, which means you’re likely committing to hours or even a whole day of compressed organs, restricted breathing, potential gas, and more.

What’s a Girl To Do?

Women have suffered for fashion trends before, but this is the 21st century. Surely there’s a way to look good while not also developing a skin condition or blood clot… 

The thing about shapewear, as one doctor explains, is that it’s not designed therapeutically, but cosmetically. While the fabric of the garment conforms to our body and the compression keeps everything “in” as it were, it’s really not a clothing item designed specifically for us as individuals and our measurements. 

There are obvious complications to constantly relying on shapewear, but we don’t have to throw out our Spanx just yet. First and foremost, make sure your undergarments are supporting you in all the ways you need to be supported, before you even put on shapewear. An ill-fitting bra or an old pair of underwear might feel comfy and well-loved, but they probably aren’t helping your appearance. Not to mention that solid, good-quality undergarments are the mark of a mature woman who takes herself seriously, and they can give you an added boost of confidence.

Secondly, wear clothes that actually fit. Your pair of skinny jeans or mini dress from college might still have a nostalgic place in your heart, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to enhance you in all the ways that good clothes can. Additionally, there’s a difference between wearing clothes that we like or find attractive, and clothes that we know are good for our respective body types. Investing in the clothes that flatter us instead of items that are only trendy and cute sets our wardrobe (and our appearance) up for success.

Most shapewear experts agree that limiting our time in these garments is probably what’s best. Your Monday morning work presentation or weekly date night dress might not need a pair of tummy-flattening compression shorts, but your maid of honor dress in your best friend’s wedding probably does. Not only that, but make sure your garment isn’t too tight, or so tight that you can’t breathe easily or it cuts off your circulation. Shapewear might be the modern woman’s miracle clothing item, but until we find the perfect garment that smooths our figure out while not harming our health, let’s use common sense.

Closing Thoughts

There’s really no need to wear shapewear every day – we are still human, after all. Nor is there anything wrong with wanting to look elegant and presentable when the situation calls for it. Today’s culture might be self-obsessed with normalizing “health at every size,” but dressing nicely isn’t something we should feel bad about. In a world where putting effort into our appearance isn’t really a priority anymore, we will always stand out by looking as nice as we can, whatever the occasion. Shapewear is a great tool to accomplish this, but if we want to protect our health then we shouldn’t make it an overused one.

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