Shapewear is gaining popularity and becoming a staple in both men’s and women’s wardrobes. Demand has risen, with most consumers seeking shapewear that provides comfort, style and inclusivity. This demand has come along with key trends due to varying customer preferences. As a retailer, this presents a range of opportunities that you can leverage by expanding your offering and boosting your retail business.
This article covers an overview of the shapewear market, key trends to keep in mind, and the essential factors to consider when buying shapewear for resale in 2024.
Table of Contents
The shapewear market overview
Key trends to look out for in the shapewear industry
Factors to consider when selecting shapewear for resale
Most popular types of shapewear for a profitable business
The bottom line
The shapewear market overview
The shapewear market has seen tremendous growth as more people embrace the idea of enhancing their bodily outlook. Women make up the largest percentage of consumers, and their preferences to accentuate and flatter curves are growing.
According to the verified market reports, the shapewear market’s value was USD 69.74 billion in 2023. The report further indicates that the market will reach USD 89.85 billion by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5% over the forecast period.
The market involves a range of products for body parts such as the waist, thighs, buttocks, hips, and abdomen. This presents numerous opportunities for retailers looking to expand their fashion businesses or venture into shapewear as a niche.
Key trends to look out for in the shapewear industry
Unlike the early days, when shapewear was limited to corset-style bodices, modern shapewear has evolved, giving consumers unlimited choices. This is due to emerging trends in the fashion industry, as more shapewear producers aim to provide the best.
Some of the current trends to keep in mind as retailers include:
Comfort and everyday wear
People want to enhance their body shapes but not at the expense of comfort. Therefore, consumers want comfortable shapewear they can wear with their daily wear.
To cater to this growing demand, shapewear producers have adopted more breathable designs that fit all weather. For retailers it’s crucial to pay attention to this rising trend and to provide shapewear for all occasions and seasons.
Sustainability
Eco-conscious living is another trend to watch out for in the shapewear industry. More shapewear users are watching their contribution to carbon emissions, hence their preference for environmentally friendly shapewear.
Therefore, producers include shapewear made from organic materials like linen or recycled fabric. Ensure you consider this trend and provide sustainable shapewear for your eco-conscious customers.
Men’s shapewear
Originally, shapewear was limited to women and medical purposes. However, more people have embraced shapewear for support and to enhance confidence in their bodies. Some of the common areas that men feel the need to accentuate include the chest and abdomen. So, men’s products include shirts, briefs and personalized clothing for the chest and abdomen.
Support and multifunctionality
Some people need shapewear for more than the aesthetic look. Hence, they want practical shapewear that provides back support for medical or personal preferences.
Others, especially new mothers, need shapewear to bounce back in shape postpartum. As such, it’s important to provide shapewear that is tailored to these needs in addition to the aesthetics.
Factors to consider when selecting shapewear for resale
Choosing shapewear for resale requires careful consideration since you’re catering to people with different preferences. Also, you need to know how to price your products to align with your customers’ buying ability. Some of the most important things to consider include:
Consumer preferences
Understanding your target market is the first thing to consider when choosing shapewear for resale. Your customer’s needs will vary depending on their age, budget and personal preferences.
Ensure you have a variety of shapewear so you can provide choices. Mix sizes, colors, and designs to cater to different personalities. Go for trendy designs especially when selling to the younger generation who look up to celebrities and influencers in matters of fashion.
Pricing strategy
Pricing strategy is a key influencer on the success of your shapewear business. Therefore, ensure you carefully consider how to price your products so you make profits without driving away your customers. Also consider your customers’ buying potential before you set your prices so they’re neither too high or too low.
Materials
The current consumer wants comfort, durability and practicality when buying shapewear. As a retailer, go for high-quality materials and designs that not only enhance the body shape but are also comfortable. Consider shapewear made from light and breathable materials that people can use in all weather rather than restricting it to certain seasons.
Most popular types of shapewear for a profitable business
Shapewear is designed with the fatty areas of the body in mind. So, they come in different designs depending on the body part they’re designed for. The most popular shapewear types you can include in your business are:
Bodysuits
Bodysuits are some of the most popular shapewear for women looking for an overall curvy look. Depending on the design, bodysuits can smoothen curves around the waist, flatten the tummy and tone down the thighs. They mostly cover the central part, but some designs include the thighs.
Consumers prefer body suits since they are multipurpose single pieces that go well with a variety of clothes designs.
Waist trainers
Waist trainers are perfect for those who love the hourglass figure with a snappy waist. They clinch the waist and tummy to reveal a curvaceous body, helping your consumers feel beautiful and confident.
While some wear them for special occasions like weddings, they have become a wardrobe necessity for many. Consider stretchy and breathable materials for waist trainers to ensure comfort and functionality. Include a range of designs like waist underwear or shorts, camisoles, and waist wraps/girdles.
Butt lifters
Butt lifters have become popular in the shapewear market. They help enhance the butt curves for a more rounded and toned bottom. While most are designed to bring out the natural curves, some designs are padded, hence perfect for women who desire a bigger bottom.
Most designs come in shorts and underpants, but some come in a one-piece bodysuit. The good thing about butt lifters is that they go well with most outer designs, such as dresses, pants, skirts and shorts. Include a variety of designs with your customer’s preferences in mind.
Thigh and arm shapers
Look out for arm and thigh shapers for consumers who like toned arms and thighs. Arm shapers come in short and long sleeves, providing various options for consumers. They go well with long-sleeved dresses and tops for a smoothened look around the upper arms.
Thigh shapers can be multifunctional depending on the designs. Get a variety of designs like high-waist leggings to wear with pants and shorts to wear with short dresses or skirts.
Men’s shapewear
While most shapewear is for women, men have not been left behind. Cater for your male clientele with upcoming shapewear such as shirts and vests.
Most designs support the tummy and chest for a more masculine and toned look. Some designs are also ribbed to portray a six-pack and well-toned chest muscles. Include different sizes, colors and materials to give your customers a variety to choose from.
The bottom line
The shapewear market presents numerous opportunities for small and medium businesses. Some key trends to look out for as a retailer include comfort and everyday wear, men’s shapewear and sustainable materials. Understanding these trends will help you provide trendy and stylish shapewear.
Also, keep in mind the most popular shapewear types like bodysuits, butt lifters, waist trainers and men’s shirts. You can get all these designs and more from Alibaba.com.
