Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • noun Fitted underwear, especially a girdle, that is designed to hold a part of the body in a particular form.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun foundation garments, designed to hold a part of the body in a particular form

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

shape +‎ -wear

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Examples

  • And I'm not talking about those human sausage casings they call "shapewear," either.

    February 2009 2009

  • And I'm not talking about those human sausage casings they call "shapewear," either.

    Your (New) Slip Is Showing - A Dress A Day 2009

  • Taking Shape at Macy's Macy's began carrying a new line of moisturizing "shapewear" this week and plans to sell it exclusively in 250 of its 800 stores.

    The Return of Christian Francis Roth 2008

  • While men's underwear makers go out of their way to avoid the "G-word," a growing number of labels are launching elasticized "shapewear," "bodywear," "support boxers" and other beer-belly-constricting undergarments for men.

    Men Go for It 2008

  • I expected this to be uncomfortable -- I've tried "shapewear" before from other makers and it's been uncomfortable and girdle-like and the edges roll up whenever you sit down and UGH.

    The Daily Bitch aka_Monty 2010

  • But then they've made a comeback in recent years re-baptized "shapewear" and admittedly more comfortable and kind.

    Mommy Life 2008

  • On Caryn's blog, you'll see the latest post is about 'shapewear' underwear: "It’ll help you to create a gorgeous silhouette, by pulling in your waist"...

    Supermodel Erin O'Connor slams fashion world for lying to women 2011

  • • Cleverest Use of a "K" in Place of a "Qu": This award goes to Jill Zarin , of the "Real Housewives of New York" for her new shapewear line Skweez Couture, which she debuted on Tuesday.

    Fashion Highlights: Liquid Yogurt, Spray Tans Marshall Heyman 2011

  • But if you're talking about a modern pair of textured tights, lace tights or seamed sheers with the added benefit of shapewear, you could be at the forefront of the next big thing, Bryant says.

    Return of hosiery: Sheer torture or pure polish? 2011

  • Anna Scholz PROBLEM: It's hard to achieve a streamlined silhouette in dressy clothing without wearing serious shapewear.

    Project Plus-Size Sarah Nassauer 2011

Comments

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  • Trademark of the Olga company for undergarments that purport to shape the body.

    January 19, 2010