When it comes to sales of 'Brazilian waist cinchers' there's one little boutique on Rhode Island that seems to have cornered the market. Owned by a married couple, the Galapagos Boutique now sells Brazilian waist cinchers worldwide from their very successful website.

Where the 'Brazilian' part of the equation comes in, I'm not sure. The waist cinchers are actually made by the Squeem Corporation (founded six years ago) and based out of Orlando, Florida.

Squeem uses natural latex from the rubber trees of the Amazon. This latex is blended with other natural fibers to increase durability. They say that "our high quality products are made with rubber and cotton. The highly compressed rubber covered with the comfort of the cotton lining will help you reduce measures, reduce weight and correct posture. Our products can help you with some kinds of lower back pain and aid during childbirth recuperation (consult your doctor). You are going to obtain your best form, look better and feel better with the comfort of Squeem products."

So it seems the "Brazilian waist cinchers" aren't really from Brazil. (Just the rubber suppliers.) If anyone knows more about the background Brazilian origins of this lingerie brand, please comment below.

Update: JT knows a lot more about this. Here's what he has to say;

"Squeem (and Thibel and half a dozen other places) are importers. They are made in Sao Paulo Brazil by a company named "Esbelt" www.esbelt.com.br and have been made there for years. The all-rubber ones could be seen in clothing stores and even hardware stores in the Cuban areas of Miami in the early 80's. They can be bought now in numerous stores in Miami (virtually all in Latin American areas) and the various large flea markets on Hwy 123 (I think) east of the entrance to Disney world each have a booth in them with these products. There are similar products made in Cali, Colombia www.fajas-sejet.com."

JT, Thanks much for this info.