The resurgence of interest in these garments often aligns with the concept of . This movement shifts focus from how a body looks to how it functions, using garments like girdles or corsets as a tool for aesthetic control and bodily autonomy.

: Often paired with stockings and used for general smoothing.

: Girdles temporarily redistribute fat and skin; they do not strengthen or tone abdominal muscles.

: A girdle should be a "struggle to get into" to be effective; if it clips easily, it is likely too big to provide adequate shaping.

: In the early 20th century, corsetry and girdles were intentionally designed to create a "mature, well-developed, matronly figure," which was considered fashionable and sophisticated compared to the less-structured looks of later eras. Types of Girdles :