We’ve just viewed a couple of major (and in the case of this year, somewhat controversial) awards ceremonies: the 2022 Academy Awards, and the 2022 Grammy Awards. While these ceremonies are meant to honor the achievements of artists in the film and music industries, let’s be honest: a lot of us at home watch them in part for the fashion. Entire TV programs are dedicated to nothing but chronicling the fashion choices of various celebrities, especially those of women. 

It's easy to look at the movie stars and singers on television and despair at how you’ll never look the same in an evening gown. However, there are many tricks of the trade that play into ensuring that celebrities look as good on the red carpet as they do—and some celebs have been fairly open about it. There is one particular trick to dressing up for the evening that all of us can access: shapewear.

Yes, celebrities wear shapewear just as much as you and I do—perhaps even more! You may not be going to the Grammys or the Oscars anytime soon, but you nonetheless will want to look your best for any occasion, whether it’s a special event or a date night with your significant other. With that being said, let’s delve into some of the examples of how celebrities use shapewear to achieve their perfect looks.

1. Waist Emphasizing

For better or worse, the emphasizing of the small waist (in part to exaggerate the shape of the hips in contrast) has been popular among celebrities for the past decade or so. While an hourglass figure has always gone in and out of fashion, the Kardashians are largely credited with making this trend as prolific as it has been as of late. However, they are fairly open about the fact that it’s not possible to make their waists as small as they appear to be without shapewear. Famously, Kim Kardashian chronicled her experiences wearing a waist-cinching corset at the 2019 Met Gala. Keep in mind that the types of corsets worn for events like these are meant to be worn for short periods of time, and are not for the faint of heart. They’re quite uncomfortable and can even be dangerous if not properly used.

If you’d like a similarly slimming, but much more comfortable and safe option, you may want to consider bodysuits. Bodysuits will give you a slimmed down look, emphasizing your waist without making you feel trapped. Popilush’s Hourglass Open Gusset Bodysuit is a perfect option for those that want to emphasize their curves without being constrained.

2. Smoothing Effects

For most women, it’s impossible to achieve a perfectly smooth body shape naturally. That’s just not how our bodies work, and none of us should feel bad about having lumps and bumps here and there. However, celebrities often feel the pressure of looking perfect even more than the rest of us, especially when they are photographed on a regular basis. As a result, many celebrities undergo painful and sometimes even harmful procedures to create a perfectly smooth look. However, that’s not always an option; and as more celebrities embrace self love and shy away from plastic surgery, shapewear becomes a more popular option.

One celebrity who has been particularly open about her use of shapewear is Sarah Hyland. Hyland uses shapewear for a unique reason that many of us can nonetheless relate to—she suffers from kidney disease, and as a result underwent a kidney transplant years ago. Subsequently, she has a noticeable bulge on her lower abdomen region. Hyland has learned to love herself and embrace her body, as she should! However, from time to time she wears shapewear to create a smoother silhouette in her evening gowns. We can all relate to that, right? A well-made, comfortable bodysuit is perfect for this type of issue, in which health problems create bumps, but necessitate a safe, comfortable type of shapewear. The last thing you want is something uncomfortable and overly tight on a previous surgical site. The Full Confidence Open Gusset Slimming Bodysuit could be the perfect option if you suffer from a similar issue—whether it’s related to a previous surgery or simply weight distribution issues. 

3. Thongs—With Shaping!

As you probably know, some celebrities are famous for showing a bit of skin, especially if they’re performing on a big stage. When you first look at them in cheeky shorts or short skirts, you may think that it’s impossible for them to wear shapewear. After all, shapewear is mean to cover the body, right? How could they possibly hide it?

In fact, celebrities (and, more recently, the rest of us) have discovered the brilliance of shaping thongs. Popilush’s In-Control Secure Thong Panties are great examples of underwear that can reveal exactly as much skin as you would like, while at the same time shaping your body. Additionally, you won’t need to worry about panty lines when wearing a shapewear thong.

Clearly, there are a lot of ways that celebrities create the silhouettes that they want. However, you don’t have to be left out of the party—and you don’t need an invite to an awards ceremony to try shapewear. Shapewear is for anyone who wants to not only look, but more importantly feel their best. Give it a shot; you may be amazed by how great you feel on your next night out!