Marks & Spencer has launched a £28 hip boost bodysuit with exaggerated hip padding, tapping into the Kardashian-inspired trend of enhancing shapewear that adds curves rather than compressing them.
What is the M&S Hip Boost Bodysuit?
The new M&S bodysuit features pockets on each hip where wearers can insert enhancing pads, similar to bra inserts (often called chicken fillets) to add volume. This design aims to create an hourglass silhouette or the illusion of one, addressing customer interest in subtle enhancement with everyday comfort.
Charlotte Davies, director of lingerie at M&S, said the idea came from customers seeking “solutions that offer subtle enhancement alongside everyday comfort and confidence.” The trend is driven by catwalks and celebrities, with Kim Kardashian's Skims launching padded hip shorts last year.
How Does Enhancing Shapewear Differ from Traditional Shapewear?
Traditional shapewear compresses and cinches to slim the silhouette. Enhancing shapewear, by contrast, adds inches to create curves. This sub-genre focuses on augmentation rather than reduction, helping to minimize “hip dips”—the natural inward curves between the hipbone and thigh bone.
| Feature | Traditional Shapewear | Enhancing Shapewear (M&S Hip Boost) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Compress & slim | Add volume & curve |
| Design | Firm control panels | Pockets for padding |
| Effect | Reduces waist, thighs | Enhances hips, bum |
| Example | High-waist shorts | Hip boost bodysuit |
Why Is This Trend Growing?
The emergence of enhancing shapewear comes as body ideals evolve and are increasingly scrutinised. With the widespread use of GLP-1 drugs leading to weight loss, many seek to maintain or restore curves. Enhancing shapewear offers a non-invasive way to achieve a desired silhouette.
M&S has also introduced padded bum shorts and stick-on nipples, reflecting a broader shift towards products that enhance rather than hide. Users online report that strategic padding helps with hip dips, boosting confidence.
Key Takeaways
- M&S hip boost bodysuit costs £28 and includes removable hip pads.
- It follows Kim Kardashian's Skims padded shorts trend.
- Enhancing shapewear adds volume, unlike traditional compression garments.
- It helps minimize hip dips and create an hourglass illusion.
- M&S also offers padded bum shorts and stick-on nipples.
FAQ
What is the M&S hip boost bodysuit?
How does enhancing shapewear work?
Can hip padding help with hip dips?
As body positivity and aesthetic trends evolve, enhancing shapewear like the M&S hip boost offers a practical solution for those seeking to accentuate their natural curves. Whether inspired by celebrities or personal preference, this trend is reshaping the lingerie market.
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