Hip-enhancing shapewear is gaining popularity as a non-surgical option for achieving a curvier silhouette, with products like Marks & Spencer’s Body Sculpt Hip Boost garment offering an affordable alternative to cosmetic procedures. The rise of these padded garments reflects a broader trend toward body modification through apparel rather than surgery, amid declining demand for certain aesthetic surgeries.
At 6 feet tall with a slender frame, writer Kimmy K, who experimented with the £28 hip-enhancing bodysuit, said the garment successfully transformed her straight figure into an hourglass shape. Despite initial skepticism, she reported a significant change in her silhouette when wearing the figure-hugging piece. However, she also described physical discomfort from the shoulder straps and tight fit, as well as awkwardness due to the garment’s construction, including difficulties using the restroom. The novelty of the enhanced hips wore off after repeated wear, especially as friends and family noticed the padding and reacted less favorably.
The use of hip pads is not limited to everyday wear. Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, who has popularized the hourglass figure and founded the shapewear brand Skims, have helped drive interest in enhanced silhouettes. Kardashian recently launched shorts with built-in hip padding. Other public figures, including Kylie Jenner, Hailey Bieber, Lily Collins, Alix Earle, and Kaia Gerber, have been noted for sporting clothing or styles that emphasize sculpted hips, sometimes sparking discussion on whether their curves are natural or enhanced by padding.
Market analysis supports this shift toward shapewear. According to industry estimates, the global shapewear market is valued at approximately £2.43 billion and is forecast to nearly double by 2034. In contrast, surgical procedures like lipofilling for hip and buttock enhancement have seen decreased numbers, with a reported 38 percent drop between 2024 and 2025 from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.
Consumers like Kimmy K suggest that while hip-enhancing garments can provide an immediate visual change and a temporary confidence boost, comfort and practicality remain concerns. Moreover, the social dynamics of wearing such padding—ranging from compliments to criticism and the risk of being “rumbled”—factor into individual decisions about use. Some users may reserve hip pads for special occasions rather than daily wear, reflecting broader conversations about body image and authenticity in the era of rapidly changing beauty standards.
As the popularity of shapewear grows, it remains to be seen how mainstream society will reconcile the desire for enhanced curves with the practical and psychological aspects of wearing such garments. For now, the trend offers a non-surgical option that appeals to those seeking temporary shaping without the financial and medical commitments associated with cosmetic surgery.