Bodysuits, similar to leotards or one-piece swimming suits, fall under the category of shapewear. Shapewear is meant to sculpt, smooth, or transform a person's figure in one way or another. Shapewear was first introduced in the Middle Ages as a medieval prototype of the corsets we know and love today (more on those in upcoming weeks). Up until World War 2, shapewear was meant to exaggerate curves. It wasn't until the famous designer Christian Dior came onto the fashion scene that shapewear was used to reduce curves. Shapewear hit it's heyday in the 1960s. Modern bodysuits should really be about subtly influencing and smoothing the figure you already have, not changing it. They are especially great for those who are self conscious about their midsection. Many of them come with a built-in bra, though some do not. The key to super flattering bodysuits is to know your measurements to ensure that it will properly fit you.