Move, Stretch, Slay: 5 Local Shapewear Brands Every Woman Should Know
- BY MAMELLO MOKOENA
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Image: Thabootys.com
Not all clothing is made the same. Some pieces glide effortlessly onto the body, falling into place like they were made just for you. Others? Well, they need a little extra help to live out their full potential. That’s where shapewear comes in. But before you picture stiff fabrics and restrictive fits, think again. Modern shapewear is no longer about hiding or changing your body; it’s about supporting it. It’s a tool for comfort, confidence, and feeling at ease in whatever you wear.
From waist sculpting bodysuits to soft, stretchable pieces that move with you, there are South African shapewear brands that are creating garments that celebrate every curve and help you feel grounded, supported, and free.
Here are 5 local names leading the way in shapewear designed to make you feel good from the inside out.
Waist Wrapp SA has become a go-to for those who want a little structure without sacrificing comfort. The brand’s body shapers and waist wraps are designed to move with your body rather than against it. They’re perfect for everything from a busy workday to a night out. What makes Waist Wrapp stand out is how it redefines shapewear as an act of self-care rather than self-correction. Each piece is about helping you feel supported, confident, and comfortable in your own skin, no matter your shape or size.
Born from the vision of celebrated actor and radio presenter Thando Thabethe, Thabooty’s is as bold and multifaceted as its founder. The brand’s shapewear line blends function with flair, offering pieces that hug your body with softness and strength. Whether it’s a sculpting bodysuit or a seamless shaper under your favourite outfit, Thabooty’s doesn’t try to change who you are. Instead, it reminds you how powerful it feels to own you body, exactly as it is. Each piece embodies the kind of confidence Thabethe herself radiates; unapologetic, empowered, and self-assured.
Homegrown label Limba Originals is best known for its “Bunny Tummy” shapewear, which has earned a loyal following for good reason. Designed and produced locally, Limba’s pieces are breathable, supportive, and stylish enough to wear all day. Their approach is rooted in comfort and inclusivity. These aren’t garments meant to constrict but rather to embrace. The Bunny Tummy collection, in particular, celebrates real bodies with softness and stretch, proving that support can be both functional and kind.
While Skulpt hails from the USA, its Cape Town store has found a special place in South African wardrobes. Known for its high-quality materials and expertly engineered fits, Skulpt’s philosophy aligns beautifully with the growing local appetite for shapewear that prioritises how you feel rather than how you look. Each piece is crafted to offer gentle compression and lasting comfort that helps you move through your day with ease and assurance. It’s global expertise, infused with South African spirit.
New to the scene, Kurv is already turning heads. The brand takes a modern approach to shapewear, one that merges comfort, style, and versatility. Many of Kurv’s pieces double as outerwear, meaning you can wear them confidently as stand-alone garments, not just hidden beneath your clothes. Whether it’s a sleek bodysuit or a contouring maxi dress, Kurv shows us that shapewear can be part of your everyday wardrobe and your self-expression. For the brand, it’s not about shaping your body, but more about shaping your confidence.
In this department, feeling good is the ultimate goal. At its best, shapewear isn’t about transforming your body. It’s about transforming how you feel in it. When your clothes move with you, support you, and make you feel at ease, that’s when true style shines through. Confidence, after all, isn’t something you can wear, it’s something you feel. And when you feel good, you are good.
These five South African brands have demonstrated that fashion should never come at the cost of comfort. Instead, it should help you walk a little taller, breathe a little easier, and feel entirely, wonderfully you.
