In celebration of Transgender Day of Visibility, Lizzo announced that her groundbreaking shapewear line, Yitty, is expanding to include gender-affirming garments including binders and tucking bottoms.
These garments are designed to help trans, non-binary, gender-fluid, gender non-conforming communities, and people of all feel gender identities affirmed in their clothing, and their body, as they move through the world in the way that makes them feel like their authentic selves.
The line is called “Your Skin,” which is set to be released sometime this summer. Like the Yitty Shapewear line launched last year, Your Skin will be available through Fabletics, in a wide range of sizing options. In an instagram live video, Lizzo shared why creating this line was so important to her.
“People are looking for something they can’t find,” she explains in the video. “I was taking meetings with people that didn’t believe that this was a necessary category (of shapewear) and I said it’s even more of a reason to do something about this! People are still buying girdles, and they don’t need to go through the torture that they’re putting themselves through.”
Shaheem Anderson, one of the models in the campaign, wrote in an instagram post:
“How cool that FINALLY a mainstream brand like Yitty will be selling BINDERS & TUCKING BOTTOMS!!! It’s one thing to be included in a campaign, but to be in a campaign that could potentially make a difference in someone’s life and affirm how they feel on the inside means the world!”
The announcement has been met with a flood of positive feedback. Several trans and non-binary social media users have responded to the campaign, sharing the reasons they look forward to trying the products.
Your song “My skin” saved my life many years ago. I’m grateful that your music continues to heal me through my transition. Accessibility saves lives. This is what it means to be an ally.
“I’m not the girl I was or used to be, bitch I might be better!”
Trans rights!
— (((anxious M))) (@KuzyBeCackling) March 30, 2023
In another instagram post, Lizzo shares, “I’ve watched countless videos of people crafting their own garments to wrap or tuck their bodies so their body can truly feel like theirs. I’ve heard people talk about their preference of wanting to be fluid in how they want to present their bodies depending on their mood or style of clothing. And I wanted to help. Your feedback is not only valuable but a necessity to us. Because we do this for You. Every Damn Body. Xoxo Lizzo”
Gender-confirming undergarment or clothing reconstructions have informally existed for a long time. Practices like binding, packing, tucking, or padding can help people adjust their appearance to match their gender expression. However, most of these practices are uncomfortable, and sometimes dangerous, to use for long periods of time. Having products that can be purchased just for this purpose opens doors of possibility (and comfort) for thousands of trans or non-binary people.
All photos courtesy of Yitty
