From Spanx and Skims to M&S: Where to find shapewear solutions in the UAE

From leggings and swimsuits to tops and underwear, here's proof that figure-smoothing shapewear can also be stylish

Kim Kardashian's shapewear range Skims (left) has made a huge splash in the solutionwear market, turning once-hidden undergarments into statement outerwear. Courtesy Skims, Instagram, Spanx

Although you might think corsets and girdles have long been relegated to the confines of fashion history, to be filed under “clothing you can’t breathe in and never to be worn”, think again.

The figure-changing styles of yesteryear have evolved into the multi-billion-dollar industry of shapewear, which is worn not only by celebrities to create a smoother silhouette on the red carpet, but by anyone who wants to lift and shape without resorting to drastic measures.

Modern shapewear isn’t just about wearing, as Bridget Jones once put it, “scary stomach-holding-in pants”, but has evolved into outerwear, too, with dresses, shirts, swimsuits, pyjamas and even jeans now designed to lift, flatten, tighten and reshape tummies, bottoms, hips and more.

The brand making the biggest waves in the growing shapewear market is that belonging to Kim Kardashian, whose size-inclusive Skims range – which has the tag line "solutions for every body" – racked up more than $2 million in sales within minutes of its 2019 launch.

The reality TV mogul's range of solutionwear has also emerged as one of the main challengers to shapewear behemoth Spanx, which became so popular with celebrities looking to smooth hips and tummies on the red carpet that it not only became a verb, but also spawned the concept of "double-Spanxing" – the act of wearing two pairs at once to shave off an extra centimetre or so.

With a vast range of shapewear on the market, we reveal which brands are available in the UAE and the type of products they sell to suit all shapes and styles …

Spanx

Suit Your Fancy stretch-jersey bodysuit, Dh650; Mama Short, Dh155, Mumzworld.com; Faux Leather Leggings, Dh470, Namshi.com, Net-a-porter.com. Courtesy Spanx

Launched in 2010 by US entrepreneur Sara Blakely, the company started out focusing purely on undergarments, but over the past few years has branched into outwear. The likes of Mindy Kaling, Katy Perry, Padma Lakshmi, Karlie Kloss and Chrissy Teigen have all shared photos of themselves in their Spanx on Instagram. Featuring a wide range of shapewear, including leggings, jeans and shirts, Spanx also has a maternity range which smooths over the hips while supporting the stomach. They also have a male range, featuring briefs, vests and outerwear, with American Pie actor Jason Biggs a fan of the shirts.

Marks & Spencer

Tummy Control Multiway Bandeau Swimsuit, Dh185; Firm Control Anti Chafe Shorts, Dh85; Tummy Control Floral Bandeau Top, Dh125, all marksandspencerme.com. Courtesy Marks & Spencer

The British high street staple has branched out with their control range, going beyond underwear into swimsuits, slips and thigh slimmers. With the main focus on taming the tummy area, their anti-chafing shorts are also perfect for wearing under dresses and skirts in the hot and humid UAE weather.

Skims

Essential Crew Neck Bodysuit, Dh325, Ounass; Naked slip dress, Dh493, Net-a-porter.com; Solution Short #1, Dh‌201, skims.com (international shipping available). Courtesy Skims

Kim Kardashian’s shapewear line is available to buy in the UAE, and was created after the star said she struggled to find shapewear to be worn under different types of clothes, such as skirts with thigh slits or one-shouldered dresses. It’s fitting, then, that the company has taken a fashion approach to their pieces.

"Skims might well be understood as a fashion brand that happens to do solutionwear," Jens Grede, partner and board of directors member at Skims, told Business of Fashion about their approach. "Why would we look at this category any differently from a fashion brand?" Pushing size-inclusivity as a major selling point, as items are available in sizes XXS to 5XL.

Triumph

High Waist Mesh Brief, Dh180, namshi.com; Women’s Vest, Dh110, amazon.ae; Bandeau Shapewear Dress, Dh380, namshi.com. Courtesy Triumph, Namshi, Amazon

The Swiss brand has more than 130 years of experience in creating women’s underwear, and brought their expertise to the shapewear market back in 2010. The brand has a range of minimisers, for both bras and pants, along with bike short-length “panty girdles” and both strappy and strapless body dresses. They also stock bodysuits and sports bras. Find stores at Yas Mall and Mercato Mall.

Splash

Padded Bodysuit with Adjustable Straps and Press Button Closure, Dh90; Shaping Leggings with Elasticised Waistband, Dh25; Lace Detail Tummy Tucker Briefs, Dh30, all splash.com. Courtesy Splash

Home-grown fashion brand Splash has long been concerned with making attention-grabbing outwear, but their line of shapewear is much more low-key. With 19 products in the range, with most available in black, white and nude colours, find shaping leggings with elasticated waistbands, high-waisted underwear, bodysuits, shaping briefs and a very pretty lace shaping belt with hook and eye closure.

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