Crinolines and Spanx: Modernizing Women’s Shapewear

OHHH Spanx, how I love thee. Not everyday but for those day's when you look in the mirror and happy is not the feeling you see. She makes me walk.. no.. not walk, but strut! Not an everyday thing for me but when it is date night or my husbands work party.. yes, I call on my Spanx to give me a little bravery and to bring out my inner kitten :) Hooray for Spanx.

Great article! It's amazing what we'll zip,clip or squeeze ourselves into, and that we seem to equally love and despise those garments...

Loved the comments about crinolines. I actually had a poodle skirt and wore half-slips as well as panty-girdles every day. Retro is amazing. And --- here I am young and old at the same time.

Loved the article. I grew up in the time of panty girdles in my teens and absolutely hated them especially in the summer months. In my early 20's I ditched the panty girdles for the "spanx-like" under garments of the 80's. I have tried Spanx and will wear for special clothing but otherwise want to forego the "pushing in" of my body.

I grew up watching my mother and grandmother wearing their girdles each and everyday. As a teenager in the 70's you got your first little panty girdle as a teenager it was just a way of life back then and like Cheryl I wore a girdle in my 20's whenever I didn't like that something would look on me I would pull it out and wear just that one time. I haven't owned a girdle or anything like that since back then the closest I would get has been control top pantyhose and I hate pantyhose I'm in my 50's but I've been saying I want to try spanx if they are more comfortable than girdles were then I'm willing to try them.

Yes, sometimes we all probably feel the need for a little extra help with our wardrobes. I do and have. But, we should all try to love ourselves for the way we are. Celebrate good health!

but don't we are really love getting on those sweat pants .....

I tried something along the Spanx lines once and it was unbearable hot and uncomfortable to wear. Still not as bad as the tightly laced bone corsets of the past. Now I try to exercise a bit more and cover up the bits I don't like ;o)

The closest I have ever been to a supportive undergarment was Control Top Pantyhose....Underalls, anyone? ;)

Although I never wear body-shaping undergarments, I do admire what Sara Blakely has done to build her company. Very impressive and inspirational.

It's so nice to know that we can wear something a little more comfortable than what they did back then. Thank you Spanx.

As a child of the 60's, my grandmother wore restrictive girdles but my mother didn't. Therefore I've always viewed shaping underwear as "old people's clothes"... & I flatly refuse to wear old people's clothes until I'm old, which I will never admit to! So, comfy clothes, sensible diet, live with the sags & disguise the bulges! :-)

Who wouldn't love to have the 'perfect figure'? As a young girl, I remember fastening my mother's girdle to her stockings - in the late 60s. She weighed then - what I weigh now - I may have a few pounds more than I truly need - but honestly! I hope to 'keep my figure' by staying fit - yoga, gardening, and dancing! But who doesn't love crinolines?!!

Love crinoline, I have a red crinoline skirt that I wore over my jeans when prepping for a new show. I found it in an old wardrobe trailer. Spanks...I have squeezed many an actress into not just one, but two or 3 layers of spanks. I call them "sausage casings." :-)

What a great article, funny and smart!

I saw her intro on Donny Deutsch's "The Big Idea" show a few yrs back and was so amazed at her poise for such a young person. Beauty, Brains, Personality Plus! ..... I'm 67, it's sweats and tennies for me. ps -- I miss "The Big Idea", they could do a year's worth of shows just featuring Etsians.

Great read, love those control top panties!

Hmm... I have the exact opposite problem. Being thin in a culture of increasingly larger people, I often feel "guilty" about not needing to own a pair of Spanx.

Fun read-the joys and difficulties of being a woman...I wonder why we struggle so much for perfection in our bodies-I am guilty of that after having four kids and a droopy tummy!!,But without trying to sound antagonistic, what is simply wrong with rebeling against having to have a perfect body, like the women (and men) did long ago with the crinoline?

"Thanks in part to its cherry red packaging and word-of-mouth advertising, it’s difficult to find a woman who doesn’t have a pair of Spanx hidden at the bottom of her underwear drawer." I didn't even know what Spanx were, until I clicked on this article...and I still couldn't care less. If people don't like how I look, then they can simply turn their heads.

The only time I wore a crinoline was when I was involved in Civil War reinacting about 4 years ago. Talk about hard on your back. The custume involved 6 layers underneath the dress and the crinoline went over the hoop skirt.

"If people don't like how I look, then they can simply turn their heads." This is the perfect response to Spanx and any other ridiculous body-shaping gimmicks. Well said, Belka808.

My Mom who was petitie, wore a Platex RUBBER girdle - and I swore I would never ever - wear one and feared I might get the rubber armor as part of the right of passage! The closest I ever got were control top pantyhose. I wear leggings and T's. If you need to hold things together - its time to exercise and watch your diet. Spanx are great for that dress that reveals every bumb and curve - smooths things out!

Sarah Blakely is such an inspiration! ..not only to women, but anyone who wants to make money ;)

Nice article..... PS: Wow, that Abdo-Slim (in the Ad) looks torturous!... LOL!...Txs for sharing..."L"

I know that tomatoes would be thrown at me by the Anti-Crinoline League, but I am struck by the beauty of that photo. It is so feminine and lovely ~ the lights on the bushes behind her by the door...it truly makes me want to hear about what happened next, and into the night. From a fashion point of view ~ yeah she can't sit down ~ but her body language states that she's feeling darn pretty and loving it!

Ooo....they hurt! Especially crinolines that leave their imprint on your thighs. Great article!

One of the reasons I became a hippie was so I could run around barefoot with virtually no clothes on after.Oh-- and so I wouldn't have to sleep on hair rollers either :)

I thought Spanx were uncomfortable! Compared to all of the other things women have worn though, they don't seem so bad anymore! I love to be comfy, so I don't wear Spanx much at all. But when I do occasionally wear them, the best part of my day is taking them off and crawling into my pajamas at the end of the day!! I try to keep on top of exercise enough that I can be comfortable in my own skin, but there is always that dress that needs a lil secret help to look OK!

GREAT ARTICLE

Like your article. THANKS for sharing

Natural is beautiful.... All of these undergarments may create a certain illusion, but still, when the wraps come off, it is what it is, ya know? : )

I think it's amazing that a woman can becaome a self made billionaire by selling an item that only costs a few cents to produce!

I adore the look of crinolines & Sarah Blakely is inspiring business-wise, but I've embraced the wonder of my body. I'm amazed by its healing strength, the ability to create 2 gorgeous healthy children, and the love of creating things with my hands.

Thank you for this article. I had a conversation with my daughter the other day about the current beauty ideals that seem to value stillness. Spanx, botox, clothing that restricts, shoes that defy walking (let alone running) ; it seems that women must immobilize anything that moves, jiggles or emotes. Are we expected to look like a still photograph at all times?

I really enjoyed the article. Thanks!

I love all the comments on peace with our bodies. Once God helped me kick my food addiction, the worst war of my life was finally over. The jump rope is my best friend, and I will never wear Spanx again. Mine are built in now ;)

Call me crazy, but I love the look of cinolines under a skirt! I don't know...it just seems so girly to me. Spanx, however...I may be the only woman in America who doesn't own any, lol! Not that I don't need it, Lord knows...

I'm not a fan of the Spanx bottoms - I always feel like it's way obvious that I'm bandaging myself up than just going free. However, the bras are awesome and this brand is all I wear...and, have turned men on to the compression tees! The Forbes article sounded a bit flighty rather than serious for a business review (which is not atypical of Forbes), and putting Sara Blakely on the cover of the issue is no diff. than her coming up w/ the Barbie-like cartoon figure to market to women. I'm happy that Spanx makes people happy. I'm happy that a woman made the cover of Forbes (though it's still an artifact of gender inequality) - it's great to take from this story inspiration and optimism and go on to create your own destiny. But, there's also still a matter of additional luck involved on top of perspiration. You don't get to billions w/o having in the right place at the right time. This isn't to depress people (as I know some will read it that way) but rather, don't beat yourself up after having tried so hard. Google and FB's top women didn't get to where they are because they are truly more exceptional than other women - looks, charm, and circumstances have a huge hand in women succeeding. Something I'm really leaning to do in business - the 'charm' part, which I've developed a bad habit of downplaying over the years in a super-technical field, because of not wanting to be stereotyped and judged not competent being far younger and the "girl" around who happened to be born of good-looking parents. But I've reached a point where now I really need to ingratiate myself w/ the top ranks to break in. Unfortunately, just chops don't cut it in a man's world.

Great article. I have been admiring Sarah Blakely's success, she is fabulous.

i dunno - i own spanx, i love them - i love being able to wear them when i feel like it and i'm also completely aware of the fact that i don't need them. i say, if you want to streamline a little bit once in a while, for whatever reason, go for it - a healthy body image is a healthy body image, spanx or no spanx.

Agree Sarah Parker! Great read.

I've always loved loose, comfortable clothing. I'm over 50 now, and if gravity is gonna take its terrible toll - then so be it! I'm too old to be "molded into shape," either physically OR psychologically. Basically, I refuse to suffer to be svelte and stylish.

It's reminders of corsets, crinolines, and the like that make me very happy to be a woman of the 21st century.

If it isn't made of cotton or other natural fabric, I can't stand it against my skin. I wore a girdle one time to a wedding reception. I took it off after an hour and put it in the trash. Never again.

You're not crazy, Vicky, the crinoline in the photo above is lovely. That's what's great about fashion today, there's something for everyone. I have a crinoline memory fron my chilhood - my Grandmother would starch mine so it would stand up on it's own! I would wear it under all my dresses. Judy - Would like to see the "Big Idea" back too with etsians!!

Shapewear is just not for me. I'd much rather be soft, squishy, & completely natural!

I enjoyed reading this article!

Great read!

I think its more than fashion, it's how it makes us feel to wear shape wear. Even corsets when made for us, feel incredibly sensual. And yes the crinoline above is lovely, I think we should strive to wear feminine clothing more often.

Good article, Chappell. Thank you. I enjoyed reading it and reminiscing of what we women have put up with through the years. I think we ditched the word "girdle" along the way. It's called "shapewear" now. I love that cute old guy..."That's some dress"!

I love reading about fashions of the past! I always wished women's fashions would return to the femininity they used to be and I think they have now. I love how much lace and florals are in today's fashions and the comeback of the long skirts and dresses as well! Thanks for this article Chappell:)

I adore Spanx! Its a modern grace.

While I'd love to be skinny. I love being comfortable more. Nothing squishes or squeezes or hides here other than the occasional flowy top ;-)

I want to love Spanx but I feel so restricted! I can't imagine what it must have felt like to wear corsets!

It is all about being comfortable with your body. Not everyone has a perfect figure. But we should be perfectly happy with the figure we have. I have had three children and even though I am still considered slim, tight dresses do not look good on me. If I want to wear one, I will squeeze into a pair of spanx and strut my "inner kitten". I am all about exercise and eating healthy foods, but this only does so much. Sometimes we need a little help. Anything goes these days, anything and everything is in style now. Just stand in one place in NYC for 10 minutes and you will see this. As long as we are comfortable with ourselves it is not up to anyone else to tell us that what we are wearing is wrong.

I wore a "shaper" aka a soft corset on christmas eve and I couldn't wait to get out of the thing.

I get the correlation regarding the manipulation of our body...but I think the connection ends there. Spanx are not anywhere near the whalebone of yesteryear. They're comfortable and do not cause adverse health affects. I just don't see anything wrong with smoothing out our bumps in this harmless manner. To wear Spanx is more about dressing up than about crazy body image problems.

I've worn corsets, bodices, and hoop skirts for re-enactment events. I used to wear a leather bodice for Renaissance Faire, every weekend for 2-3 months. I loved it. 90% of the time these days I wear a tshirt and ordinary Levi's jeans. I might even wear a bra, if I have to leave the house. I'm currently on the precipice of buying my first Spanx product to wear under my business attire. I do work out, eat fairly well and am quite petite, but I've birthed two healthy children, and that does a number on a woman's abdominal region. I like looking as slim as the rest of my body is... without having to hold my breath.

Maybe I am just extra-sensitive, but I find any type of shapewear so incredibly restrictive and uncomfortable that I am completely miserable the whole time I wear it. Totally not worth the body shape. I'd rather do 1000 crunches a day! (not that I do...) ;)

I fully admit to wearing a vintage girdle almost every day of the week. They are so much better than Spanx and give you a smoothness that you can't create any other way. At 41, I am a size 6 and, you might shake your head, I need a girdle to make my vintage clothes look "right." They aren't sexy, but they work.

Really in the human stupidity can make billions. In addition it's billions of unborn children, and billions patients of violations of capillary and venous blood supply. Is health worth beauty?

I am often criticized for being a corset maker. I have heard some expressions as " you are pushing the womans movement back 100 years" ... We now have a choice. Woman can wear what they want. The interesting thing about a real corset is they actually do change your shape. What an amazing piece of functional clothing. And I work with the local heritage town, as above the clthes don't look right unless the proper silhouette is created through structured undergarment. Interesting article~

Girdles were just part of your wardrobe in the 50s/60s , no matter how skinny you were. Interesting article!

Wore a crinoline can-can under my Easter dress many moons ago and endured the girdle thingy for hose back in the day. Thank goodness for sweatpants-blue jeans and pj's. Walking each day helps keep da body in shape, our son is getting married in august so might need to try some spanx. :)

As a child I wore crinolines under my Easter and Christmas dresses. I watched my mom wear girdles and chose to not wear them. In the 70's we didn't even wear bras much less girdles! Now all of the stuff from the 50's is "new" again. Love the look - just can't wear that stuff in 110 degree weather during the summer here in Texas.

It's so interesting to see how women have altered their clothes and underpinnings across the ages!

I love this article!

Beautiful photo above. I love the ultra-feminine look, and many men appreciate it too. Who says a woman cannot be feminine and comfortable at the same time?

As a person who wears vintage all the time, vintage girdles and shapewear are part of my regular wardrobe and I love them! Judging by what big sellers they are- other people do to. Modern items like Spanx don't come close to offering what a vintage girdle can do, not to mention how great vintage lingerie looks. :)

Great article, I love corsets, fashion from back in the day was so classy and sexy.

We wear shapewear because we want to look our best in what we wear. I'm 48 years old. I'm never going to have my 99 pound, 22 inch waist figure from my 20's back again, but I really don't want every bit of abdominal bulge and muffin top out on display for the world to see. Why do we need to evolve past having some dignity and pride in our appearance? If anything shapewear is the *more* evolved solution as it allows us not to have liposuction (if we could even afford it). And honestly, comparing a Spanx to an 1850's crinoline is a bit of hyperbole, don't you think?

In our pursuit of perfection, let's try to remember that most men don't like stick-thin figures. They want some curves. Mentally, that's hard for us women to grasp since we've been raised with images of anorexic models. But just think about how appealing a baby's wonderful chubbiness is to us, and we can start to understand how our guys feel about us. In nature, the extremely thin creature is probably sickly or starving — not desirable.

Ah yes - I remember sqeezing my already size two body into my first panty girdle so I could wear my first pair of nylons to see the Beatles. Paul couldn't take his eyes off of me. Spanx for the memories.

Good underpinnings make you feel good - whether that underpinning comes from a package or the gym or genetics doesn't matter. Feel gorgeous and you are gorgeous! As the French say "bien dans sa peau". Be comfortable in your own skin {with or without Spanx}!

I don't see crinolines as being like shapewear at all. They add body to a garment, they don't change the shape of the body of the wearer. To me this essay seems to be about two completely different topics. Plus cage skirts and crinolines are two different garments. You don't need a cage skirt or a bustle to have a crinoline or a petticoat.

You could say it's about restrictive garments and talk about corsets, girdles, shapewear, and cage skirts, but I just don't think square dance petticoats factor into the equation, so the contemporary example seems very out of place to me. Horsehair braid crinolines, sure; they're more similar to cage skirts than the petticoat-like crinoline. But petticoat-crinolines aren't restrictive. They require some careful maneuvering in public so you don't knock things down, but you can move quite freely in them.

I'm fighting the aging process and, especially, gravity all the way - but as naturally as possible! As a 50-something, it doesn't matter how much exercise I engage in, gravity takes its toll. I never heard of Spanx before this article but will check out the product for those times when I want to wear something slinky. Thanks!

I love this article!

Interesting read.... I get that the empowered woman is the woman who decides what she wants her body to look like, and then goes for it. Personally, I think real beauty should come from feeling good about yourself -- physically and emotionally. Somehow squeezing yourself into shapewear just seems bad for the psyche. I feel great in my clothes when I take care of my body and accept it as beautiful. Somehow it doesn't make sense to me that people should be sexier with their clothes on rather than off. Sorry, I don't mean to offend. Just the thought of having to take off shapewear infront of someone else makes me cringe. Like advertising one's insecurities. For me, sexy doesn't mean feeling hot and constricted. It means appreciating and enjoying my body for what it is.

I love crinolines! If I am to wear one, it is because I love full skirts and dresses. As a child I was fascinated by princess ballgowns and ruffles, and I never really grew out of it. Although I have never worn shapewear, I do believe that padded push-up bras are the most annoyingly uncomfortable thing I have ever worn, it has to be tight to work. Mine only gets worn once in a long while because at this point, comfort is much more important to me than looking "good," especially when I have a great boyfriend. What do you guys think about heels? Those are pretty ouchy at times...

I love to look good in what I wear when it where it counts keeping in perspective that we are in a time where politics are starting to find a way to ALSO reshape how we look at ourselves. Lets not go too far back. When that whale bone corset pops a rib I'd like to know my 21st century emergency room is equipped to handle yet another trend.

if staring at models/celebrities makes you feel bad...stop using them as some kind of Ideal ! Crinolines are fun to wear, and don't pull your flesh in to an odd shape.......maybe girdles and spanx and other shapewear isn't so much fun...but to try a retro shape could be tolerable for a while....kind of like dressing for Halloween. There are lots of ladies who do love the girdles/corsets...and I say Hooray! If you are following your own muse, and are comfortable, and happy....You can consider yourself a grown-up confident woman.

I love crinolines, they create really beautiful lines on full skirts and dresses... I don't find them un comfy at all...

Yoga is my Spanx. But, I would like to try a crinoline.

Loved your article!

very interesting, thanks very much

i am proud to say i do not own a pair of spanx!!! congrats to the self-made billionaireness though!

Useful article,great!

I love crinolines! Never worn one but I wish I wouldn't feel completely out of place if I did! Retro rocks! And if you need something to keep fat in place than maybe you should just lose some weight...

Happy St.Patrick's Day !! Thank you for this blog . I agree that women have a history for wearing wacky thing's under our clothing. I also agree with Gabe and Athena comments . I think that it is human nature. I'm 54 celluite and gravity happins. Spanks or no Spanks , Girdle or no Girdle . It is up to what the woman or man choose!

Great article. I actually like the poofy skirts :)

I wore a simple crinoline under my grad dress(like prom) in the 80s, it looked great! Actually would love to wear one more often, because some skirts just hang like dishrags....a puffy skirt is flattering to a full figure.

Great article! I like poofy skirts too, and I wear them even though it's not the current in thing to do. They are fun to wear! :)

I would love to have a better figure, not only for aesthetics but also to fit better in any clothes I like. I've thought of wearing one of those shape things, but never tried, it seems so wasteful to me. The most beautiful women are so because they look honestly happy and confident from within, regardless of their shape, hair color or wrinkles on their face. I aspire to be like them now and in the years to come. That's a lot of work already, but the most rewarding, I think!

Ooo, this reminds me when I was about 5 yrs old and all us girls wore crinoline petticoats in the early 1960's. Us girls would lift up the skirt of our dresses and count and see who had the most layers of crinoline. I can remember my poor mom struggling to get into her girdles. She'd be pulling on the string on the side zipper with such gusto that I thought some day, that zipper was going to bust.

I have a dozen crinolines in all different colors and thicknesses! I always seem to find some excuse to wear one :)

Great article. You know, sometimes a little Spanx makes all the difference- but always remember to love your body!

Great article!

Loved the article! HK

BEAUTIFULLLL ARTICLE!!! LOVELY SHOES TOO :-)

I like to breathe.

I'd never heard of Spanx before. I don't need shapewear but I've always wanted a petticoat!

Nice article!! :) , but i had never heard of spanx until now and i had to look it up, : / girdles yes as a young child i had to help my stepmother hook hers up..lol

awesome article!

good article. it is a sad commentary on our society that the first self-made female billionaire got her fortune due to women wanting to be something other than what they are. i do not own any spanx, and i wont - especially when i don't know what the heck this stuff is made of! i prefer to choose natural fabrics, and love my spanx-less body!

I say, let it all hang out! Femininity is not what altered shape your body is or what you are wearing. There is such a false sense of womanhood that so many people latch onto. I'd love to see people bringing up their girls without thinking that wearing pink, cinching in your fat, and being a princess is important to them being a women.

I love the photo and wish we dressed like that,....by choice. I don't wear "shapewear" although with my figure, I probably should. I recall seeing my mother almost break her arms trying to get a girdle on, years ago. Shapewear won't fix my figure problems . Most of the women I know who wear them, do not need them. To each his own :)

Oooh! I want to run around in a crinoline!!! I don't wear spanx but sometimes I wear cotton biking-type shorts under my skirts just because I am clumsy and it's windy here. People seem to think I'm wearing spanx a lot. I'm just trying to keep them from seeing my butt cheeks. :P hahaha

I personally own a few corsets, and I adore them. They are boned, they do tight-lace, and they are just incredibly comfortable. I don't find myself out of breath or unable to sit or anything with them; the only major side-effect is that I have to use better posture while wearing them (which isn't bad). As for spanx, I sometimes have to wear a pair under my uniform for color guard, and find those a lot more uncomfortable than the corsets. I haven't any crinolines, but I do have a petticoat, and that is just the funnest thing to wear.

I remember my mother's panty girdles when I was a child and thought I would never have one. Now at 50 I have just bought some spanx :p

The point of this article (at least from what I got of it) was not to idolize spanx for making an easy and seamless transition from uncomfortable boning and lace corsets, but to put shame to the media and advertising of how women are portrayed to make us feel like we always will need to "hide" our flaws! "Still, how is it that after centuries fraught with restrictive corsets, bulky slips, and tight bodysuits, women still haven’t evolved past the need for shapewear?"

I was a chubby teenager. Then I lost weight, a lot of weight, and I still thought I was fat. So I wore spanx to look thinner. I even wore them when I stopped eating all together for two years.....yep, your mind can play tricks on you !

No spanx, here, but corsets and girdles galore, and my vintage crinoline is one of my favourite items in my closet. That being said, I wear it all because I like how it makes me feel - trust me, if I tried to base my looks on what society says is beautiful or 'in', most of my clothing would have to go. One thing that the article doesn't mention are high heels. Shoot, things I've worn on my feet (and seen on others) are far more painful, repressing, and restricting than any shape wear (corsets and hoop skirts included) : p xoxo

"it’s difficult to find a woman who doesn’t have a pair of Spanx hidden at the bottom of her underwear drawer"... i have NO spanx !!! !!!! but i like corsets because they're elegant and classy, much more classy than spanx....and crinoline too has its charm....when i wear a corset i dont want to impress any man, i do that JUST for myself :- long life to dandies and classy women

It's not difficult to find a woman who doesn't have a pair of Spanx. Here I am. *waves hands* And don't blame the celebs. If you'd like to know why women are still way paranoid over our body shapes, check out any personal ads or dating sites. Two out of three guys want someone height-weignt proportionate and, no, you don't get points for trying. I've seen men *who are fat themselves* criticize women for not being slender enough. That's what we're up against. If it were just celebs, nobody would care--most of us don't date them!

I liked this article. Personally, I don't see a problem with Spanx and I do look up to Sarah Blakely. If you watch or listen to an interview with her you will realize she's pretty clever.

I can honestly say I would much rather wear a crinoline than Spanx any day. I hate anything that restricts my body. More power to those who like them, though.

I just watched a show where 3 actresses were bemoaning having to have 3 or 4 people getting them into Spanx type torture devices. Then 2 people to get them out. Being uncomfortable all night, could barely move, shoes hurt so much but sitting is worse. Been there done that, forget it, I'm in my little sanctuary wearing a gorgeous red cashmere robe with matching nightgown that my Mom sent me. My Dachshunds and I are watching whatever I recorded.

One of the experiences I had in my younger life, hit me so hard I have never forgotten it. When I was in prep school, we were taken to the Frick museum in New York. At one time it was home to the Frick family who donated it . I was always the rotten kid who wandered off. I wanted to see what I wanted to see, not be led around by the nose. An aerial view of the house is almost a city block with a huge courtyard in the middle, gorgeous flowers, tables and chair and a square patch of grass that was roped off. I asked a guide why it was roped off and she said it was the most horrible thing. When work was being done to open the museum they found a family cemetery in that patch. She said all the women were buried with corsets pulled so tight it broke all their ribs that had gone into their bones. There was only one young woman who had a couple of ribs left, all the others had all their ribs broken. It creeps me out even now !!!!

your articles are always great. Thanks!

I've never been one to get my spanx one or two sizes too small...what is the sense? Everything bulges out of the parts that are not spanxed..so embrace whatever size you are and use the spanx for what they are there for, to smooth and keep the jello from shakin. I'd wear crinoline everyday if I wore day dresses...why not? Fashion is not for the trendy...its for those willing to be fierce.

I love this article, :) I've secretly always wanted to wear this but thought I might pass out lol. Kudos to you. :)

What lengths we go to :-)

I love petticoats. The chiffon ones are the best - soft, lightweight, and quiet. I think body shapers that trim your waist are the perfect combo with a petticoat and a retro cocktail or party dress. The bum shapers are too uncomfortable and unnecessary with dresses. If you're a full-hipped woman, this is the best look for you, while still being comfortable. I make my own 100% cotton petticoats with the fullness at the lower thigh/knee - SO flattering and extra comfy.

have never heard of spanx!

cool!

I need some spanx. For me it was rubber girdles, the were so tight across the tummy. Back then I didn't even have a tummy! I don't feel that I have to look slim because of media. A shapely figure is always in style to me. It's just that age has a different idea of where the shape should be. Maybe I'll get me a little spanx.

Never heard of spanx til about a week ago on Jay Leno. I'm a tshirts and legging or jeans kinda gal... I wore crinolines under my prom gown and some before that under some halloween costumes...they weren't uncomfy...didn't notice them much...they were the soft kind not the scratchy ones I've seen square dancers wear.

Time for a good old fashioned spanx burning : )

blame Chanel for instigation marketing which targets and inflames women's insecurity. lots of women are brought up to be completely happy with who they are, how they are, not so many western women though. western women are under a daily onslaught! it's not our fault. not unless you're a woman in marketing finding ways to make women feel like crap so they buy more stuff.

This is interesting...ohh, marketing. I think it's strange to say its hard to find a woman without Spanx in her drawer. I'm a young woman, have had three kids, and do not own Spanx; nor will I ever. It's kind of silly to me. It doesn't really change anything. If I'm uncomfortable, I'd rather try to lose a little weight and feel better about how I fit my clothes. Not mask my body and squeeze it all into my jeans.

I don't wear Spanx, to be honest as I get older the more I think we should celebrate our natural bodies rather than trying to force expectations onto ourselves.

Chappell, you seem to be confused. You are describing and showing photos of girdles but saying 'crinoline.'

Reminds me of wearing a girdle in high school and I only weighed 110 lbs! The pressure to be thin hasn't changed in 40 years... Haven't tried spanx Yet!

This seems like a completely pointless blog post. I hate myself for having read it. I guess if it justifies your employment then more power to you.

While I appreciate the nostalgia wrapped up in retro clothing styles, I find our continued reliance on "shapewear" troubling. When are women going to stand up for the right to look how women actually look? Just because it's not a whalebone corset, that doesn't mean it's not just as harmful to our psyche. While I completely understand the boost that comes with pulling off a slinky dress, I hope for a society in which we get our kicks in other ways (or at least feel fabulous in our clothes regardless of our shapes). The only way this will happen, however, is if we stop buying into (pun intended) this sort of patriarchal nonsense.

Bulky slips? They're the absolute opposite, and a simple slip between you and your dress can help alleviate the need for Spanx. They literally help the dress "slip" over your figure and stop it from clinging to your form. They're a forgotten secret that more women need to rediscover!

It would have been entirely acceptable for this article to have been written from a design history appreciation standpoint- I have no contention with shapewear, but I take issue with the author implying that our shared gender is incapable of body acceptance as if we are genetically predisposed for it. I find the sentence "It might come down to a bit of jealousy; humans often want what they can’t have, wallowing in what they feel is a loss in the genetic lottery" somewhat offensive and counter to Etsy's message of empowerment.

I am one of the only women not wearing spanx.

love spanx! the things we will wear! haha

Emily Nelson, I am with you! Though now I feel like maybe I've been missing out...

How lovely to be a girl with options...for me putting on shape wear is a part of the ritual. I love the feeling of the binding and the way it feminizes...I suppose the feelings I have about feminine shapes is deeply rooted in the psychology of historical images I have been privy toover and over again...but I don't mind the aspect of femininity that takes a little restriction...I find it sexy and a turn on...maybe thats only because I can opt out whenever I want. I am glad to live in an era where I can decide what feels good for me. I have a love and respect for the wide and wonderful "secret" world of crazy underthings that people have produced throughout history...It fascinates me to think about all people had to go though just to be seen.

Was just reading, a woman's book of power, reminding us of when we danced in the temples and sylvan woods, when we lived in sync with nature, I have a few extra pounds, but can't bear the thought of spanx and neither can my husband, but as couture society so eloquently expressed, I love the feel of a luxurious garter with silk stockings, our secret, my husband and mine, under an exquisite vintage dress with high heels as we join friends at a club or a private dinner celebrating our life together... all reflected in my jouyous strut ...free and bound at the same time, perfect harmony

At least we are not being laced into 20 inch waist corsets with metal stays. Spanks and all the other foundation garments we have today are at least manageable.

I just like to play dress up.

"It comes in Small (23"-32"), Medium (25"-38"), or Large (27"-42"). I'm W:29" H:39" now, and I ordered a Medium because I wanted to be sure the elastic would stretch enough to accommodate my giant ass." I want a petticoat! I'd rather make my own

I hope the day that I have to wear spanx doesnt come... I love a good hourglass shape though. Hard to find these days. I say bring the extreme shapers back! I'm not sure what spanx can do for your waist, probably not much.

No Spanx in this vintage girl's armoire. Did you ever try to sing wearing one of those? Thank goodness a choir robe hides all that rhubarb pie tummy goodness. I do have a full slip slimmer, as they are called around here. I bought it for a sweater dress I fell in love with when my local vintage clothing shop went out of business and sold everything for 75% off. I still feel like I look 4 months pregnant, but I am 56 years old and a new widow, so I figure the world will cut me some slack.

I absolutely love wearing crinolines, hoop skirts, etc.....I wore a 1950's dress to my son's wedding with a crinoline. It was fantastic. I got soooo many compliments. It was a beautiful dress. I'm not big on Spanx or any "suck-it-in-garment." I love love love vintage. The only way to wear clothes. Great article.

corsets and similar can be restrictive or they would often be in the past, yes, but as i said, let's not demonize them - there is beauty in corsets, i dont feel oppressed when i wear a corset, i feel much more elegant than wearing a t.... a corset or a jabot, a cravat or a xix century walking cane is about finding your own style in a dull, standardized world....old fashion was definitely more classy

I wore a petticoat to the mall once also, under a green polka dot skirt. I was definitely stared at.

<---- Loves my Spanx!

Thanks for the article. I had discussed wearing Spanx with my daugher and young high-school granddaugher. Although I will never wear Spanx because it restricts blood flow and I am a diabetic, I would certainly wear them if I didn't have health problems.

Fashion over comfort muh deah.

FYI Crinolines were introduced in the 1830s, not the 1850s.

Ahhh Spanx... never owned a crinoline.... but cant' say I've never pondered buying a corset.... to train my shape ... like how the Japanese grow square watermelons :P

I wonder how much $3.98 cost back then...

Shapewear, Bra's, Spanx...they're all just medieval Torture devices as far as I am concerned..LOL

As a modern woman who spends most of her days sitting at a computer, I just don't have the option to wear these "medival torture devices" as Marie Rutherford said above! They may look cool, but I think I look good enough that I don't need to wear underwear to change my shape. I'm happy enough with who I am.

Crinolines weren't really shapewear the way Spanx are. Crinolines were clothes shapers rather than body shapers. A more accurate comparison would have been between corsets, girdles, and Spanx. Either way, every woman, no matter what her era, age, or style, just wants to look pretty!

I tried on a Spanx camisole type top once..unfortunately I became stuck in it and felt like a sausage about to burst it's casing. After many minutes of laughter and quite a bit of swearing I got the darn thing off. Never again.

Never tried Spanx. Maybe I'm afraid I'd become addicted and never take them off!

Feeling dumb that I never heard of a crinoline 'till now. Never tried on a Spanx either but that's forgivable in my case. ;-)

Frankly I don't believe in hiding my fat under something tight and stretchy. In fact I find it almost insulting. I am no small woman. I am generally a size 8 but you know what? That's my size! Bless my imperfect figure and love me for ME because eventually the SPANX will have to come off in front of your lover and then what?

I make and sell corsets so I am a little biased here. Honestly, I'm tempted to be irritated by a common-but-not-completely-true idea that anything that falls under the umbrella of shape-wear is automatically branded as uncomfortable and imprisoning, and somehow not an intelligent choice for today's liberated women. I'm not though. I understand why anyone would feel this way, after so many years of being stuffed into cheap, ready-to-wear garments that we buy off the rack that DO NOT FIT OUR FIGURES. 100 years ago, the average working woman wearing a soft, supportive corset (no bones in there--bones were not real bone, by the way...) was likely much finer dressed person than today's average blue-color working women. Buying or making your own clothing made-to-your measures will go a very long way to continuing to look nice and stay comfortable. When you see a movie star rockin' that little red or black dress you can bet it was made for her figure. Just sayin'.

I love crinolines. And ladies of all shapes and sizes!! My favorite part of running my Etsy shop has actually been the fun way I've seen these nostaligic garments inspire women to love themselves and embrace their feminine side : ) Rock on, ladies!

I must say, I love my Spanx! I feel great in them, glad though for the modern garmets! Oh our poor Mothers! And Pettie coats, those were the days in the 1960's, all girl in a pretty skirt! This was a great article. Made me smile.

How many of us know a man who would hobble in stilettos, burn his forehead with a curling iron, or stuff some "extra" pounds into shapewear that makes it impossible to sit/bend over? Just a point to ponder next time you get dressed.

Chaya... Men wore/wear corsets and shape-wear too. They've been wearing restrictive garments for as long as women have--they are just far more secretive about it ;)

I just like the way corsets and Spanx feel. They pull me in and that's a comforting feeling. *shrugs* I think you should do or wear whatever makes you feel comfortable, whether that means not shaving and going commando or pulling spanx and a crinoline. Each to her own! Let's not judge either way.

as a reenactor I have made my own custom corset and found it to be incredibly comfortable to wear all day, far more so than any modern bra. I think I'll make me another one!

I always buy my Spanx a couple of sizes bigger... I don't wear them to suck stuff in, I wear them to be covered and comfortable when I wear dresses.... which I never really wore before Spanx and now they are a staple of my wardrobe. And.... I went to high school with Sara Blakely... she was super nice and I couldn't be happier for her! Good things do happen to good people! She is such an inspiration!

nice picz....

more surprised at www.ghdhairuk.org

Even thinking of corsets makes my body hurt, but spanx, comfy as my pj's!

Some days I really like the support of the tight stretchy nanna undies that hold everything in place. they feel a little more safe and help me stand up straight and hold my tummy in. Especially when wearing skirts from eras like the 50s and 60s when garments were made with help in mind. Other days, I like to be a little more free. It depends what mood I'm in, but I don't like to restrict breathing or movement in any way, and love my super curvy body how it is. I'm so glad we live in an era where you can love your body despite the messages thrown at you sometimes.

Love spanx grate thanks.

I love this article... It's so true designers this days want you to wear shocking trends alot of times you receive more negative behind your back comments instead of seeing the beauty of the person and outfit. We should be able to wear what makes us feel good about are selves... and gives a positive start to our days!!

No spanx here, although I do love a poofy skirt with a tiny waistline - but no shapewear for me. Maybe a belt over a vintage dress to accentuate my waist. Wear what's best for the shape you are blessed with :)

To say that we should all just accept our bodies as they are, and not feel the pressure to conform to societal norms is a beautiful, yet unrealistic goal. The reason why Sarah Blakely of Spanx is a millionaire is because her product fills a real need. Woman of all shapes and sizes want to feel better about their bodies, and as the existence of corsets and crinoline shows, this desire transcends time. The truth is, even if our idea of beauty was a strong women in a healthy weight range, the majority of people just do not have that body type without working on it. Yes, it's true, in an ideal world, we all should love the bodies we have and just aim to be healthier versions of ourselves. Yet, what is wrong with letting a women, in her struggle to remain at a healthy weight, feel good about herself for a few hours by slipping on a pair of spanx? Give us a break.

Perhaps I'm an outlier, but I am not a Spanx owner, and I recently bought a crinoline... no metal hoops to navigate around, but a lovely bright blue tulle crinoline to wear under my newest twirly dress. I've never been one to fully commit to new fashion styles (unless you count jeans with a plain v-neck t-shirt for women a style at all). I've always looked back at the womanly figure in history as being a lovely statement of femininity. A modestly covered top that still shows some curves combined with a fully puffed out dress skirt makes for a lovely shape, regardless of what your natural shape is. On the other hand, I'm so glad that vintage styles like twirly dresses can now be manged in a much more comfortable way! I said to my husband yesterday that I wish there were one day when everyone would drive around in vintage cars, wearing twirly skirt dresses with their hair bumped up and cats-eye glasses on their way to the malt shop to get a soda with their hubby. I may not have lived during that time, but in some ways I wish I had. Instead, I'll stick to being the outlier now, wearing my bright blue crinoline under my white twirly dress with my hair done up and my heels on, on my way to go shopping on the weekend. But if you happen to see me, don't stare... smile.

I personally love crinoline fluffy underskirts, if that is what she is referring to as undergarments. I own a couple and plan on buying more in various colors. For the rest of my shape, I have found that shapewear can be helpful in a few situations but I seriously doubt that it is good for one's health to wear it on a regular basis.

WOW I am glad I have the opportunity to work out of my home..I don't think I could handle those dang Spanx. They look painful. Sorry gals who love'm. Just saying.

I love the article and the evolution of clothing on all levels! Each generation has something to offer it's women. If you look back to all the different styles, pencil skirts, hoop skirts, poodle skirts, mini's, etc., they were created with women in mind. Now it's Spanx to help a woman feel good (or maybe slimmer for a moment). I personally don't own one but appreciate those who feel it "helps".

While i do not need Spanx myself as i am rather slim i do have a wonder bra to enhance my nonexistent chest. To each their own i guess. If it makes you feel good even if it pinches a bit go for it. Laugh and smile and feel beautiful. It is not so much different then wearing makeup and lip stick.

I love the red crinoline! I have a brown one that i wear underneath my vintage dresses every once in awhile!

I first read this article because I loved the photo! Although "women still haven’t evolved past the need for shapewear," things have gotten more comfortable! Spanx are way more comfortable than a corset, and you can sit down in them more easily. They give you the feeling of younger, tighter skin and make you feel sexy. I only put them on for special occasions with certain dresses. There are so many fun things to wear, and Spanx just help a girl out (or in) when they need it.

Great article! -Madeline <3

Im so thankful that I grew up after girdles "disappeared". They seem painful. Im glad I read this article. I got a pretty new Vintage dress yesterday thats just a hair too tight..Thanks for reminding me what spanx are for. Wonderful read!

What an interesting article! I don't own any Spanx, but know many women who do and they swear by it. My build is small, but curvy so I tend to wear clothes which architecturally "rein in my curves" but are still relatively (most of the time) comfortable. I am in love with many vintage dresses (1950's - 1960's) which have wonderful fitted waists and full skirts. And winkle-picker shoes, or the latest equivalent. My only claim to fame recently is to give up really high shoes, whether stilletos or wedges and walk around in more comfortable high-heels of around three inches high. Wow, what a difference! And there are still many about which are comfortable, but don't make you want to scream with pain after about 10 minutes. Thanks for a great article. Pippa

I know a lot of men do it out of what they feel is moral obligation but there is nothing I hate more than being told by a man that corsets are silly and make-up isn't beautiful. As a woman I can make my own choices about what I like and dislike, and I happen to like the effects make-up and corsets. If they think I am doing it for them, that is a joke, I do it for myself. If I had been one of those Victorian women, they could ply all their pressures and I would not have cared. It is for the choice of a woman to be who she wants to be and not the pressures of men or society.

I don't think spanxs are necessarily a negative thing. Many women just like the extra support and feeling rather than using them for shape. However, I think the majority of the problem as described in the blog is that women want to wear whatever they want instead of considering that there are clothing types that fit your body shape and those that don't. The show "What Not To Wear" is a great example of helping women of all different body shapes find the clothing that fits them best without enhancements and avoid the things that are not appropriate.

To those of you espousing the idea "if you need Spanks to keep your fat in place, loose weight": Stuff it. I find your implication that anyone without rock hard glutes needs to reform their Dastardly Fattening Unhealthy Ways of Life quite offensive. I'm 5'10" and dead center in the healthy BMI range. I run and do yoga. But GASP! My hips are 43" around and some bits jiggle when I walk. It's perfectly normal and PERFECTLY HEALTHY-- I don't stop jiggling till I get down around 135 lbs, a weight that made my doctor extremely concerned. I don't wear shapewear because I dislike something about my body or to change its shape. I'm already spanning two or three sizes on my lower body between waist and hip-- nipping in the waist would make buying clothes absolutely hopeless. I wear shapewear the same way I wear a slip with all dresses and a crinoline with skirts that call for one. It gives dresses the support they need to look their best, something that is incredibly important with more fitted designs and shinier fabrics. It puts a layer of sturdy fabric between my body and any delicate fabrics in my clothing, making them much less likely to get ruined by a sudden twist or bend. Supportive undergarments let me wear satin without highlighting every jiggle of the hips and crease in my underwear. It makes my beautiful, unique body's curves match the standardized curves dresses come in, so nothing pulls, strains, or wrinkles. I look better and my clothing lasts longer. How is that a bad thing?

I remember my grandmother's boned corset. I remember crying over the pressure to wear a panty girdle with hose as I became a teenager. But my favorite undergarment remains a full slip. Not worn often. But I love how it helps the clothes I wear move. It keeps me warmer in winter. And The lovely silk bias cut I wore for my groom was appreciated.......greatly.

Hi there, What's up, just wanted to tell you, I loved this post? It just so very helpful. Keep on posting!