Sculpting bodysuits: the trending sportswear and hot girl summer outfit
Beyond the ubiquitous yoga pants, every fitness enthusiast's wardrobe now includes at least one sculpting bodysuit. Originating from Western trends and gaining popularity in China, sculpting bodysuits not only appeal to fitness aficionados but have also become the go-to item for hot girls' summer outfits to flaunt the attractive waist-to-hip ratio.
Sculpting bodysuit for workouts. Image: Instagram@mrs2weeksout
Sculpting bodysuit for daily wear. Image: Instagram@bigblondehair
Sculpting bodysuits ideal for workouts and daily outfit matching. Images: Xiaohongshu @SeeSea. @xinyeonStu_
Sculpting bodysuits are widely regarded as ‘sexy and figure-flattering,’ but they offer more than that. They're convenient after a workout, avoiding the sticky discomfort of sweaty gym clothes. Bodysuits also prevent tops from riding up during exercise. Brands usually promote bodysuits to sculpt the buttocks, flatten the abdomen, and create a streamlined silhouette. However, some studies suggest that shapewear can affect breathing, blood circulation, and muscle tension. Some users also point out downsides like bathroom inconvenience, tightness, and unsuitable sizing issues for Asian bodies in social media.
SKIMS seamless sculpting bodysuits are also popular in China, but some buyers said it is tight, not suitable for Asian figures. Image: Xiaohongshu
Despite the downsides, sculpting bodysuits are undeniably trendy in this summer. Skims, founded by Kim Kardashian in 2019, has a valuation exceeding $4 billion, with sculpting bodysuits being one of its flagship products. Their "fits everybody" fabric is highly praised online for its supportive fit suitable for every body shape. Lululemon, famous for its yoga pants, has also tapped into the sculpting bodysuit market with various styles acclaimed for their comfort. Bombshell Sportswear is known for its bold designs, combining backless styles, short shorts, and vibrant colours. Almost every sports brand now offers bodysuits, from established names like Nike to emerging brands like maiactive, Gymshark, and even luxury labels like Prada, Burberry, and Wolford. Fast fashion brands like ZARA and H&M have also joined the trend.
SKIMS bodysuit bestsellers highly praised online for its supportive fit suitable for every body shape. Image: Skims official website
Lululemon bodysuits which are praised for its comfort. Image: Lululemon official website
Bombshell Sportswear short bodysuits featuring backless styles and virbant colors. Images: Bombshell Sportswear official website
The popularity of bodysuits dates back to iconic looks like Playboy bunnies, the "Cat's Eye" sisters, and Anne Hathaway's sleek black bodysuit in "Batman."
Hugh Hefner and several employees on the tarmac in Los Angeles following the opening of that city’s Playboy Club, 1965. Image: Vanity Fair
Cat's Eye (1983), Anne Hathaway's catwoman look in sleek black bodysuit. Image: Pinterest @MTV
Their early popularity was driven by male-centric aesthetics. But in 2024, wearing a bodysuit symbolizes bold fashion choices and confident beauty expression, beyond just being sexy and figure-enhancing.
Chinese traditional wellness practices such as sand therapy, Sanfu moxibustion, and herbal or botanical beverages are trending this summer. Chinese consumers are increasingly drawn to health regimens rooted in ancient wisdom.