Filed under: Fashion
M&S
Figure-fixing shapewear is a woman's best friend, hiding a multitude of sins underneath that work-to-weekend wardrobe. So it's no surprise sales of shapewear at M&S have jumped 12 per cent in the past two years, according to the Daily Mail.
While figure-fixing shapewear used to be something that needed to be concealed at all costs, M&S's new "Secret Slimming" shapewear range, made of lightweight microfibre, looks as sexy as it makes women feel.
M&S's head of innovation and quality for lingerie and beauty, Paschal Little, told the Mail: "When Bridget Jones was wearing big control pants ten years ago, women tended to buy them only for a special occasion.
"Perhaps a woman had bought a new figure-hugging dress and wanted to make sure she looked her best in it and was prepared to sacrifice pretty underwear in the process.
M&S
"But since then things have changed. Garments have become less functional, no longer just for special occasions, and instead have evolved into smoother, flattering shapewear that women can feel attractive wearing. They smooth out those lumps and bumps, giving women a little helping hand and confidence, yet are so comfortable women can wear them every day."
According to Little, Kate Middleton's style of softly draped dresses and feminine blouses has fuelled women's sartorial preferences and created more of an everyday need for control pants and shapewear.
According to Little, Kate Middleton's style of softly draped dresses and feminine blouses has fuelled women's sartorial preferences and created more of an everyday need for control pants and shapewear.
Other stores like Debenhams have also seen a rise in slimming shapewear, with a 211 per cent increase in sales of their nude high-leg brief - which claims to take off an inch from waists and thighs - since last January.
Do you swear by shapewear? Leave a comment and let us know.
Don't miss our gallery of lingerie for every body type.
- Full-coverage balcony bra and contouring high-waisted brief - Apple<p> Support an apple's ample bust with a balcony (or balconette)-style bra, which offers full coverage but is cut low so you can wear lower-cut tops. We love this 60s-inspired style from Ultimo, and the high-waist knickers provide extra slimming and contouring support around the tum and bum area.</p> <p> Ultimo Spy Balcony Bra, £28-£31, and Brief, £14.50, <a href="http://www.ultimo.co.uk/shop/spy-balcony-bra-dd-g-1252?clid=1572&from=/shop/quick-shop?sale=1" target="_blank">Ultimo</a></p> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" target="_blank">- Shop lingerie</a></p>
![Full-coverage balcony bra and contouring high-waisted brief - Apple]()
- Lace triangle underwire bra and brief - Athletic<p> Soften an athletic frame with a delicate lace bra and brief. A triangle-shape is particularly flattering on smaller busts, and the skimpy lace and silk design on this Stella McCartney set draws attention to a toned physique while adding a feminine touch. </p> <p> Stella McCartney Selma Dancing Bra, £96 and Brief, £48, <a href="http://www.foxandrose.com/" target="_blank">Fox & Rose</a></p> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" target="_blank">- Shop lingerie</a></p>
![Lace triangle underwire bra and brief - Athletic]()
- Underwire bra and high-rise thong - Hourglass<p> Flaunt your curves in a lightly padded underwire bra and high-cut thong knickers to play up your bum and hip area. This playful floral print with lace trim is very nice... and just a little bit naughty.</p> <p> George <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/womens/lingerie/bras/satin-floral-bra/GEM119183,default,pd.html" target="_blank">Satin Floral Bra</a>, £6, and <a href="http://direct.asda.com/george/womens/lingerie/knickers/satin-floral-thing/GEM119191,default,pd.html" target="_blank">Satin Floral Thong</a>, £3.50, ASDA</p> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" target="_blank">- Shop lingerie</a></p>
![Underwire bra and high-rise thong - Hourglass]()
- Lace-detail bra and lace boy short - Petite/Slim<p> Frilly additions like lace and floral patterns help add curves to smaller frames. The high-rise detail on these red hot knicker shorts from Simone Perele gives the illusion of creating a longer leg line, while the lace embellishment on the bottom will help shape the bum. Perfect for Valentine's Day and beyond.</p> <p> Divin half-cup bra, £74, and shorty, £45, <a href="http://www.simone-perele.com/fr/language/shop" target="_blank">Simone Perele</a></p> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" target="_blank">- Shop lingerie</a></p>
![Lace-detail bra and lace boy short - Petite/Slim]()
- Shapewear slip - For all-over coverage<p> Gok Wan's new Wall of Fame shapewear range for Simply Yours is sexy and silhouette-enhancing - this slip provides all the support a larger-busted woman needs, cinches in any wobbly bits and is a versatile piece that can be worn under all of your frocks (the straps are removable), while the suspenders take it into sultry evening territory...</p> <p> Sassy slip, £55, <a href="http://www.simplyyours.co.uk/shop/" target="_blank">Gok Wan for Simply Yours</a> (available from 1 March)</p> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt; " target="_blank">- Shop lingerie</a></p>
![Shapewear slip - For all-over coverage]()
- Soft cup bra - Small bust<p> The worst mistake someone with a small chest can make is overcompensating with too much padding. Work your assets in this adorable heart print soft-cup bra from Playful Promises; the heart design and bow detail are a subtle way to add some curves.</p> <p> Heart Noir Bra, £19, <a href="http://www.playfulpromises.com/shop/product/617/heart-noir-black-and-white-heart-bra" target="_blank">Playful Promises</a></p> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" target="_blank">- Shop lingerie</a></p>
![Soft cup bra - Small bust]()
- Push-up bra and high-cut brief - Pear<p> <span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt; ">A pear shape with a smaller bust and bigger hips will look great in a push-up bra and bikini brief cut high up on the legs - to elongate and slim the leg and hip line. The lace detail on this Triumph bra will also divert the eye up towards a pear's slim upper body - and help it look more in proportion with bigger hips.</span></p> <p> Triumph Lovely Dots bra, £36, and string bikini, £14.50, <a href="http://uk.triumph.com/" target="_blank">Triumph</a></p> <div style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt; "> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" target="_blank">- Shop lingerie</a></p> </div>
![Push-up bra and high-cut brief - Pear]()
- Corset top and tummy shaper - To hide a bigger tum<p> Cinch in your waist and camouflage problem areas with this silk and lace high-waist brief and corset bra set, which offer all of the sex appeal of skimpy lingerie but will keep you feeling body-confident thanks to the fuller coverage. This set from M&S is ready to jet off on your honeymoon, but works just as well for day-to-day.</p> <p> M&S Autograph bra, £32.50 and waist-nipper brief, £19.50, <a href="http://www.marksandspencer.com/Lingerie-Underwear-Womens/b/43233030?ie=UTF8&ie=UTF8?ie=UTF8&intid=gnav_Lingerie&pf_rd_r=1ZYGDGHYANVHR8W382Q8&pf_rd_m=A2BO0OYVBKIQJM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=42966030&pf_rd_p=257503947&pf_rd_s=global-top-8" target="_blank">Marks & Spencer</a></p> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" target="_blank">- Shop lingerie</a></p>
![Corset top and tummy shaper - To hide a bigger tum]()
- Playsuit - Universal<p> This retro-style, high-waisted polka dot playsuit is a playful and useful item that will suit a variety of shapes. The ruffle detail at the hem can add curves to slim or athletic frames, and draw the eyeline away from bigger shoulders on an inverted triangle shape. The vintage 50s shape also suits curvy body types like the hourglass or bigger-bosomed, and the belt can help add definition to the waist of apple shapes.</p> <p> Mimi Holliday Polka Dot playsuit, £86, <a href="http://www.foxandrose.com/" target="_blank">Fox & Rose</a></p> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" target="_blank">- Shop lingerie</a></p>
![Playsuit - Universal]()
- High-waisted suspender brief and corset bra - Inverted triangle<p> Divert attention downwards and away from broader shoulders with this sexy corset and high-waisted suspender brief set, which will give the illusion of curves on slimmer hips. To further elongate your line, add stockings and heels for a special night in.</p> <p> Olympia bra, £26, and high-waisted brief, £18, <a href="http://www.annsummers.com/" target="_blank">Ann Summers</a></p> <p> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_attrib.php/page_id=853" target="_blank">- Shop lingerie</a></p>
![High-waisted suspender brief and corset bra - Inverted triangle]()
