{
  "name": "Shapewear Compression & Construction Taxonomy",
  "reviewed": "2026-07-10",
  "license": "CC BY 4.0",
  "source": "https://shapeverdict.com/shapewear-construction-taxonomy/",
  "methodology": "Categorical editorial classification distilled from our published comparison reviews; qualitative definitions and typical uses only — no measurements, no statistics, no prices.",
  "columns": [
    "dimension",
    "category",
    "definition",
    "typical_use"
  ],
  "rows": [
    {
      "dimension": "compression_level",
      "category": "Light",
      "definition": "An elastic knit with a lower spandex share relative to its nylon base; feels closer to substantial hosiery than to a foundation garment.",
      "typical_use": "Everyday smoothing under relaxed or unstructured clothing; long wear days where comfort outranks sculpting."
    },
    {
      "dimension": "compression_level",
      "category": "Medium",
      "definition": "A balanced nylon-spandex knit with a noticeably higher spandex share than light pieces; visible smoothing with a hold you can feel but still move in.",
      "typical_use": "Workwear, fitted (but not skin-tight) dresses, and event dressing that has to survive a full day."
    },
    {
      "dimension": "compression_level",
      "category": "Firm",
      "definition": "The densest knits of the family, with the highest spandex share and often doubled or reinforced power zones; a sculpting hold that is felt the whole time it is worn.",
      "typical_use": "Special occasions and structured or bodycon outfits; suits shorter wear windows rather than all-day rotation."
    },
    {
      "dimension": "construction",
      "category": "Seamless / bonded",
      "definition": "Knit in the round or finished with heat- or glue-bonded raw-cut edges, so there are no stitched seam ridges; shaping comes from overall knit density rather than distinct panels.",
      "typical_use": "Thin, clingy or light-coloured fabrics where a stitched edge would print through; the trade-off is less zone-targeted control."
    },
    {
      "dimension": "construction",
      "category": "Stitched / paneled",
      "definition": "Cut-and-sew construction joining distinct fabric panels with stitched seams, letting different zones carry different tension.",
      "typical_use": "Targeted shaping (waist, tummy, thigh) and structured hold under heavier fabrics; the trade-off is seam lines that can show under thin or slinky materials."
    },
    {
      "dimension": "silhouette",
      "category": "Bodysuit",
      "definition": "Covers the torso from the bust or underbust down to a brief or short line, in one piece.",
      "typical_use": "One continuous smoothing line under dresses; avoids the waistband ridge where separates would meet."
    },
    {
      "dimension": "silhouette",
      "category": "High-waist brief",
      "definition": "Covers waist to hip, rising above the natural waistline, usually anchored under the bra band or with a gripping waistband.",
      "typical_use": "Tummy and hip smoothing under skirts, dresses and higher-rise trousers."
    },
    {
      "dimension": "silhouette",
      "category": "Shaping short",
      "definition": "Covers the high waist through the upper or mid thigh, like a longline brief with legs.",
      "typical_use": "Smoothing under trousers, jeans and unlined dresses; also worn against inner-thigh chafing."
    },
    {
      "dimension": "silhouette",
      "category": "Thigh slimmer",
      "definition": "Covers hip through the lower thigh with the leg as the emphasis — the longer-line sibling of the shaping short.",
      "typical_use": "Pencil skirts, slim trousers and fitted midi dresses where the thigh line is the visible zone."
    },
    {
      "dimension": "silhouette",
      "category": "Camisole",
      "definition": "Covers bust or underbust to the hip — upper body only, worn with your own bottoms.",
      "typical_use": "Smooths the back and midriff under blouses, shirts and knits; layers like a top rather than underwear."
    },
    {
      "dimension": "silhouette",
      "category": "Slip",
      "definition": "Covers bust or waist down to a dress-length hem in a single layer.",
      "typical_use": "One smoothing layer under dresses — replaces a separate top-and-bottom combination."
    },
    {
      "dimension": "silhouette",
      "category": "Waist cincher",
      "definition": "Covers the waist alone, roughly ribcage to high hip, typically the firmest zone-hold of the family.",
      "typical_use": "Waist definition under separates while leaving bust and hips unlayered."
    },
    {
      "dimension": "closure_access",
      "category": "Open-bust",
      "definition": "Cut to sit under the bust so you wear your own bra with it.",
      "typical_use": "Keeps the bra fit you already trust and works with any neckline your bra allows; the usual pick when bra fit is particular."
    },
    {
      "dimension": "closure_access",
      "category": "Built-in bra",
      "definition": "Shelf or structured cups integrated into the garment itself.",
      "typical_use": "One-piece dressing with no separate bra; bust support is limited to the garment's own size run, so fit depends on how well that run matches you."
    },
    {
      "dimension": "closure_access",
      "category": "Hook-and-eye closures",
      "definition": "Rows of hooks at the gusset, front or side of the garment.",
      "typical_use": "Practical wear without fully undressing, easier on/off for firm pieces, and a front or side row lets you vary tension slightly."
    },
    {
      "dimension": "closure_access",
      "category": "Adjustable straps",
      "definition": "Slider, convertible or detachable shoulder straps.",
      "typical_use": "Tunes torso length and bust support to your proportions; convertible options adapt to halter or crossback necklines."
    }
  ],
  "dimensions": [
    {
      "key": "compression_level",
      "heading": "Compression levels"
    },
    {
      "key": "construction",
      "heading": "Construction: seamless/bonded vs stitched/paneled"
    },
    {
      "key": "silhouette",
      "heading": "Silhouettes and coverage"
    },
    {
      "key": "closure_access",
      "heading": "Closure and access features"
    }
  ]
}