On the surface, Lizzo’s new shapewear-inspired swimwear line appears to be all about control.
“These suits are powerful,” Grammy-winning singer and fashion entrepreneur Lizzo said in a video interview. “I’ll tell you what: I sweated trying to put something like that on.”
That Lizzo, a pioneer in obesity acceptance, needed to squeeze into the swimsuits she created for her brand Yitty was a striking admission. But she has adapted the concept of body positivity – that popular movement that calls for self-love irrespective of your shape or size – to suit the times.
“The idea of body positivity has been moved away from an outdated mainstream concept,” she said. “It has evolved towards body neutrality.”
But listening to her words, she is anything but neutral. “I’m not going to lie and say I love my body every day,” Lizzo, 35, said. “The bottom line is that the way you view your body changes every day.”
She continued, “There are days when I love my body and there are days when I don’t feel completely positive.”
This yr’s promotional campaign for Yitty swimsuits, an extension of Lizzo’s line of sports bras, leggings and other shapewear launched two years ago, showed the singer flaunting her booty in a one-piece thong swimsuit. Models within the campaign also exhibit loads of skin in a series of one- and two-piece swimsuits.
“I created my own wardrobe,” Lizzo said. “And now I get to be the CEO and supermodel of my brand.”
Produced in partnership with Fabletics Inc., Yitty’s parent company, the swimsuits are offered in sizes 6X to XS. (The brand lists the most important sizes first.) It is geared toward customers who may already own Yitty underwear or similar products from the Skims or Savage x Fenty brands – each of which, like Yitty, makes products using a stretchy combination of nylon and spandex.
What is the difference between these products and Yitty swimsuits? The swimsuits are made partly from recycled material, are chlorine-resistant and are designed, Lizzo identified, “to provide even greater support.”
The swim line features a square-neck bikini top, in addition to bikini bottoms, shorts and one-pieces described in promotional copy as “sassy,” “high-waisted” and “waist-cinching.” Item prices range from $50 to $100.
The big selection of sizes available, Lizzo says, makes it easy to seek out something tighter (or looser). “If someone wanted more or less compression, we gave them the option,” she said. “Just buy a different size. This line is about freedom.”
Lizzo, who is not currently touring, has had somewhat more freedom recently to expand her line or pursue wellness activities like exercise. “I take time every day to put a little bit of love into my body,” she said. “I have never regretted going for a walk or doing Pilates.”
She is also on a weight loss plan. “I was methodical about it and lost the weight very slowly,” Lizzo said. Others, known for advocating honest self-expression, faced criticism after shedding pounds from individuals who saw it as contrary to self-love.
The singer is, in fact, no stranger to controversy. Through a publicist who was present through the video interview with Lizzo, she declined to comment on the matter current lawsuits accusing her of harassment and making a hostile work environment, which she has repeatedly denied. Through her publicist, Lizzo also declined to comment on the matter attacks on her appearance and character by Candace Owens, a conservative political commentator.
Speaking generally about some people’s obsession with their appearance, Lizzo said, “My body is nobody’s business.”
