Shapewear has come a long way since the days of laced-up corsets and whalebone stays. What once symbolised rigid standards of femininity has evolved into a celebration of comfort, confidence and body positivity. From the suffocating silhouettes of the 16th century - to the innovative, flexible designs of brands like Nancy Ganz. The journey of shapewear is as much about fashion as it is about freedom.
Corsets: The Birth of Body Sculpting
The story of shapewear begins in the 1500s, with the corset. Originally worn to flatten the bust and emphasize a long & narrow torso, corsets were often made from linen and stiffened with materials like wood, metal and even whale baleen. By the Victorian era, the corset had become both a fashion necessity and a social symbol. Women were laced tightly to achieve an hourglass figure. While undeniably elegant, corsets were more about control than comfort.
The Girdle Age: Function Over Fashion
Fast forward to the 20th century where corsets gave way to girdles - stretchy garments that compressed the waist, hips and thighs. With the advent of synthetic fabrics like nylon and spandex in the 1930s and ‘40s, shapewear became more breathable and easier to wear. The 1950’s emphasised a curvier aesthetic and girdles were marketed as essential for maintaining a “ladylike” figure. While slightly more comfortable than corsets, they were still restrictive and often viewed as obligatory rather than empowering.
The Feminist Sift: Less Restriction, More Choice
By the 1970s and ‘80s as second-wave feminism gained momentum, shapewear fell out of fashion. Women rejected the idea of changing their bodies to fit societal expectations. Comfort, natural silhouettes and freedom of movement took precedence over control and compression. However, the desire to feel confident in one’s own skin never fully disappeared, it simply evolved!
The Rise of Modern Shapewear
Entering the 1990s and early 2000s, a new era of shapewear emerged. This time it wasn’t about hiding or shrinking, but enhancing and smoothing. Women wanted support without sacrificing comfort. Thus, shapewear designers responded with more thoughtful, body positive solutions.
This is where WE - Nancy Ganz - changed the game.
As we launched in the early 1990s, we were one of the first brands to redefine shapewear for the modern woman. Our revolutionary designs offered targeted compressions, seamless finishes and high-quality fabrics that moved with the body instead of against it - all still true today!
Gone were the days of rigid understructures. We at Nancy Ganz introduced a new wave of shapewear that celebrated curves while offering subtle support. Today, we remain a leader in the shapewear industry, continuing to push boundaries with our products to ensure they are as comfortable as they are chic! With options for all sizes and occasions, we always ensure that our designs reflect a shift toward self-expression and confidence.
