Hollywood has always been synonymous with glamour and perfection. For decades, movie stars have dazzled audiences with their flawless appearances, often embodying the ideals of beauty for their time. Behind many of these iconic looks lies an unsung hero of the red carpet and silver screen: shapewear. This transformative undergarment has helped stars achieve their most memorable silhouettes, shaping not just their figures but the very aesthetics of cinematic history.

The Golden Age of Hollywood: Sculpting the Stars

During the Golden Age of Hollywood in the 1930s and 1940s, shapewear was a critical tool for costume designers. Actresses like Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth, and Ava Gardner embodied the hourglass ideal, a look carefully crafted with the help of corsets, girdles, and structured bras. These garments smoothed lines and cinched waists, creating the iconic curves that defined femininity on screen.

For Marilyn Monroe, one of Hollywood’s most celebrated icons, shapewear was essential. Her famously figure-hugging gowns, like the one she wore while singing “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy, required meticulous undergarment support to maintain their breathtaking appeal. Monroe’s stylist famously used shapewear to accentuate her natural curves, creating the perfect balance between glamour and allure.

1950s and 60s: Shapewear Meets Haute Couture

The post-war era brought a renewed focus on elegance and femininity, reflected in both film and fashion. Stars like Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly became synonymous with refined silhouettes that relied on shapewear to achieve a smooth, polished look.

Audrey Hepburn, celebrated for her petite frame, often wore lightweight girdles and slips to enhance her sleek figure in movies like Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Meanwhile, Grace Kelly’s timeless gowns, such as those in Rear Window and To Catch a Thief, were perfectly tailored with the assistance of subtle underpinnings that added structure without bulk.

1970s and 80s: Redefining Sexy on Screen

As fashion trends shifted in the 1970s and 80s, shapewear adapted to new ideals of beauty. The voluptuous figures of stars like Sophia Loren and Raquel Welch relied on advanced shapewear to enhance their already enviable forms. These decades also saw an increasing use of Lycra and spandex, which provided more comfort and flexibility without compromising on shaping power.

Raquel Welch, known for her role in One Million Years B.C., became a sex symbol whose image was meticulously crafted. Shapewear was a staple in her wardrobe, helping her achieve the iconic hourglass figure that made her a global sensation. Off-screen, stars began to embrace shapewear for their public appearances, solidifying its role as a red-carpet essential.

The Modern Era: Shapewear as Empowerment

In recent years, shapewear has evolved beyond its traditional role as a hidden garment to become a symbol of confidence and empowerment. Modern movie stars openly discuss their use of shapewear, embracing it as a tool for enhancing their looks rather than a symbol of constraint.

Stars like Kim Kardashian, Jessica Alba, and Scarlett Johansson have spoken candidly about using shapewear for both everyday wear and high-profile events. Scarlett Johansson, for instance, has credited shapewear for helping her achieve the sultry silhouette seen in her portrayal of Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Meanwhile, Kim Kardashian not only relies on shapewear but has revolutionized it with her brand Skims, blending functionality with inclusivity and style.

On-Screen vs. Off-Screen: The Double Role of Shapewear

Shapewear plays a dual role in Hollywood: enhancing on-screen appearances and supporting stars in their off-screen lives. In costume design, shapewear helps bring a character to life by creating period-accurate or fantasy-inspired silhouettes. For example, the corsets worn by Keira Knightley in Pirates of the Caribbean not only added historical authenticity but also shaped her figure to suit the era’s aesthetics.

Off-screen, shapewear has become a red-carpet staple, ensuring stars look impeccable under the glare of the paparazzi’s cameras. From the Oscars to Cannes, movie stars rely on shapewear to feel confident and camera-ready in their most daring ensembles.

Shapewear’s Legacy in Hollywood

Shapewear has been an invisible yet indispensable part of Hollywood’s allure, helping stars achieve their most iconic looks and redefining beauty standards over generations. From the structured corsets of the Golden Age to the sleek, breathable designs of today, shapewear continues to shape the stars—and the stories—they bring to life.

Far from being a relic of the past, shapewear is now a symbol of versatility and self-expression, reflecting Hollywood’s evolving ideals of beauty. As the spotlight shifts toward inclusivity and body positivity, shapewear remains a trusted ally, proving that true glamour is about feeling as good as you look.