Shapewear has been an outstanding invention and like the humble corset of old it has transformed women's bodies for centuries. Shapewear has come a long way due to fabric technology. It has been designed to be worn as underwear and needs to be tight to work. Shapewear was created to flatten the stomach area and smooth out other areas that carry a little too much padding. It should be worn for short periods of time so that you can look your best when you want to wear something a little hugging.