Yitty’s designhoofd over shapeweartrends en -uitdagingen

Yitty, founded in 2022 by Grammy winner Lizzo and Sportsweargigant Fabletics, has already had many forms in his short existence. What started as a shapewearm brand that was committed to diversity has become a lifestyle brand with new categories, such as lingerie and swimwear.

The launch coincided with the rise of the Shapewearmarkt. It was already estimated at 2.4 billion dollars (2.1 billion euros) and has since more than doubled, says Global Market Insight. While established brands such as Spanx and Nike have largely shown the way in this sector, the category has been driven in recent years by labels founded by celebrities. These labels respond to changing consumer wishes and are able to incorporate cultural trends into their respective movements.

Skims from Kim Kardashian and Savage X Fenty from Rihanna belong to this, just like Yitty, which has made a name for itself by guaranteeing broad inclusiveness through the range of products. Kara Lacayo is head of the design department. She came to Yitty at the end of 2022 and is currently Vice President of Design. Lacayo brought experience from Victoria’s Secret, Betsey Johnson, Target Australia and JCPENNEY, giving them a wealth of knowledge about both lingerie and ready -to -arrives. This has formed its design values ​​to date.

FashionUnited spoke with Lacayo about the design trends that are circulating on the Shapewearmarkt, the possibilities within inclusive sizes and how Yitty gives its own shape to a rapidly developing category.

Which current trends in Shapewear and Lingerie find resonance to the current consumers?

At Yitty we have regular contact with our customers through exclusive member events and private groups. This way we get a better picture of what they want from us and how they react to future designs that are already developing. These conversations are an indispensable part of our creative process and often confirm the values ​​on which we have built our brand: comfort, versatility and portability. Our community always tells us how much they appreciate pieces that feel wonderfully on the body, do not pinch or pinch and that ultra -soft, second skin give feeling.

There is a clear shift in the category. Shapewear and lingerie evolve from limiting functionality to seamless, styles to be carried all day that look beautiful and designed to be seen. This trend was clearly visible during the Paris Fashion Week, where bras, delicate briefs and lace bodysuits were central to many collections. Consumers embrace this movement to lingerie as outerwear and we continue to design with this transformation in mind.

Are there certain color palettes, fabrics or innovative functions that are gaining popularity at the ShapeWearmarkt in 2025/26?

Looking ahead to 2025/26, the Shapewarmarkt will continue to embrace cosmetic shades. These are becoming increasingly nuanced and more extensive, and go much further than traditional black, ivory, pink and a single shade ‘nude’ to better display the entire spectrum of skin tones. Since there is no one-size-fits-all nude, the wider range supports more inclusiveness and personalization.

At the same time we see an increasing interest in fashionable color options that bring individuality and personality to Shapewear. The growing demand for both approaches actively reforms the way in which consumers buy the category and encourages more expressive and personal choices. People no longer look for Shapewear purely for functionality, they want pieces that reflect their skin tone and their unique style.

How do the preferences of Gen Z and Millennials help to determine Yitty’s design direction?

Generation Z and Millennials completely redefine the conversation about Shapewear. They are looking for pieces that fit seamlessly into daily life, products that support how they move and express themselves, without this being at the expense of style or comfort. For them, Shapewear is a means of self -expression, not something to hide. At Yitty we have always embraced that mentality and created pieces that are designed to be styled, layered and shown.

Now that lingerie is becoming more and more a form of outerwear, are there similar trends in this respect for Shapewear?

Absolute! Yitty is at the forefront of designing stylish and comfortable Shapewear that can be worn both under and part of an outfit. This cross -pollination is a cornerstone of our design approach and brand identity. Since the launch of Yitty there has been a strong demand for Shapewear that forms, supports and improves without this at the expense of the style. It is no longer about what is hidden, it is about wearing Shapewear with pride.

We have integrated our characteristic shaping technology in various lifestyle collections, such as Shaping Swim and Shaping Apparel, to meet this growing need. During our member events we often receive requests for swimwear, dresses and tops with the same shaping characteristics as in our nearly naked line. We are enthusiastic to continue to push boundaries and create clothing that enable our customers to feel confident, comfortable and stylish in every area of ​​their lives.

How does the growing demand for inclusive sizes influence the design innovation at Yitty?

Inclusive sizes are part of Yitty’s DNA from the start, with sizes from XS to 6x. That dedication drives us to go beyond traditional gradations. We don’t just scale patterns on or off, we ensure that every size offers the same fit, support and aesthetics. It often means that we reconsider the construction, install specific design elements for larger sizes and involve real people in our passing process. We are experimenting with different substances and tailoring techniques to guarantee the best results for every body.

Are there currently challenges when it comes to designing and producing inclusive Shapewear?

One of the most important technical challenges is how dust performs over different sizes. What works perfectly for a smaller size may have to be redesigned to maintain comfort, support and performance in larger sizes, and vice versa. We spend a lot of time testing and refining to ensure that every size meets our strict requirements for softness, durability, support and style. Maintaining the sexiness of the design while it is being included is a rewarding challenge.

Elsewhere, what are some of the largest design challenges in combining functionality with fashion?

The most rewarding challenge is to make technical items of clothing seem effortless and stylish. Aesthetically, we strive for minimal seams and a smooth, sleek finish. We require structure and support functionally. Every measurement is crucial and even the smallest detail can influence the overall fit and performance.

We are constantly looking for new ways to hide shaping zones or integrate support in a way that does not disrupt the design. Cash is everything, that’s why we trust real bodies during the entire process. Although it looks seamlessly on the outside, each part is carefully considered.

What is the typical design-to-market timeline at Yitty? How do you maintain creative flexibility?

Our product calendar forms the core of everything we do. For categories with long lead times, such as lingerie and Shapewear, we often plan years in advance. We are currently brainstorming for the spring of 2027, even though 2026 has not yet arrived.

That said, we build in flexible phases in which we can adjust based on emerging trends or feedback from customers. Staying closely informed of color and print trends helps us to remain relevant and that is where we can move the fastest. Capsule collections and Limited Drops give us the space to test new ideas and respond quickly to our community.

How has the role of Shapewear evolved since you started at Yitty and what role do you think the brand played in this evolution?

Since I started at Yitty, I have seen that ShapeWear has become much more expressive, more inclusive and happier. It is no longer about changing or correcting your body, it is about celebrating it. Yitty helped to lead that change. We have worked hard to redefine Shapewear as an aid to increase self -confidence, not as a correction tool, and we have been daring in the way we address and design all body types. That inclusiveness remains central to everything we do.

How did your previous experience at Victoria’s Secret and Betsey Johnson affect your design philosophy today?

Both brands have taught me valuable lessons. At Victoria’s Secret I learned how I can be creative within a large, fast organization. Betsey Johnson was the opposite: smaller and much more practical. There I was involved in every step of the process and I even worked directly with Betsey myself. By experiencing both ends of the spectrum, I have received a deep appreciation for structure and spontaneity. At Yitty I bring those worlds together: combining technical excellence with personality and pleasure.

How does trend prediction in the lingerie/shapewear industry differ from that of ready -to -use clothing? How do you keep running?

Ready -made clothing is seasonal, while lingerie and shapewear are more evergreen. That said, we still lean on seasonal trends when it comes to colors, prints and styling details. For example, we introduce strapless options for the summer or opt for richer shades in the fall. Keeping the leading means constantly observing, listening and adjusting.

Now that competition on the Shapewarmarkt is increasing, how do you ensure that Yitty continues to distinguish itself in the field of innovation, design and values?

Yitty not only creates Shapewear, we are building a community rooted in empowerment and self -confidence. From the start we have listened carefully to our customers and their feedback is our evolution. We are the market leader in shaping clothing, but we are also expanding to adjacent categories that our community asks for, such as loungewear, lingerie and lifestyle items. These newer categories distinguish us and follow the same promise of comfort, performance and style. Even if a product performs well, we continue to strive to make it better. That urge for innovation, in combination with our deep bond with the community, ensures that we keep running first.

What can be expected from future launches, collaborations or collections of Yitty? Are new innovations and functions coming?

Absolute. So many exciting launches are coming and I can’t wait to see how our community reacts. We have new fabrics and category extensions on the planning for this year and afterwards. We mainly focus on lingerie, so expect new silhouettes and more luxurious materials. An innovation that I am very enthusiastic about is a new fabric for shaping clothing: it offers our characteristic support with an even more luxurious appearance. I am confident that our customers will love what is coming.