There was a time when every woman wore a girdle. In the early 50s, glamor demanded those perfect lines and contours. Tummies were slimmed, hips made smooth, busts enhanced and reshaped - long line bras and girdles slimmed bulges and created curves. All of these items were generally very restrictive and uncomfortable.

The sixties brought us freedom, we were the generation that “let it all hang out” and prided ourselves on loving nature in its gloriously unbridled beauty.

Then came the women’s movement and bra-burning. Women were not going to be held to archaic standards of beauty; we demanded to be seen as equals and measured by the worth of our intellect and capabilities rather than the measurements of our figures.

Well as they say, everything old is new again. The latest trend in Hollywood is spandex undergarments - a new take on an old girdle. The most popular brand is Spanx who market a complete line of slimming garments for everyone from the very slim to plus sizes as well as maternity undergarments.

Everyone from Tyra Banks to Gwyneth Paltrow admits to wearing slimming undergarments to achieve that sleek look. Watch out girls, girdles are back!

Shop for Spanx garments at Amazon