The 17 Best Shapewear Options for Confidence in Every Outfit
Updated: Jul. 05, 2023
No matter what you're wearing, there's shapewear for it.
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Shapewear gets a bad rap. The perfect bra or bralette can make us feel our best, but shapewear often falls short, causing discomfort, inconvenience, and occasionally even more lumps and bumps than we had to begin with. However, just like the magic of a wire-free bra, a great piece of shapewear will change everything you thought you knew about the undergarment category. It’s especially true for plus-size shapewear and finding shapewear for a specific dress.
“My take on shapewear is that it’s up to you how you shape your body,” says Kimmay Caldwell, an undergarment educator and the founder of Hurray Kimmay. “It’s like if you wear makeup or not. If you wear a bra or not. You can shape and present your body in whatever way you want.”
What to look for in a piece of shapewear
“There are so many different types of shapewear that people can buy today,” says Suzanne Macbale, founder and CEO of LoveSuze and former associate VP of Design for Victoria’s Secret. “Some shapewear pieces enhance the butt or suck in the stomach, while others smooth out skin or slim thighs. When buying shapewear, it is important to know what area you want to address and to try it on.”
Macbale notes that size is one of the most critical elements to getting shapewear right. You’ll also want to pay attention to the material and weight of the garment. “Thinner shapewear is great for smoothing out skin beneath a tight dress,” says Macbale. “Heavily weighted shapewear is beneficial if you have an area that needs extra control; however, be sure to examine how the edges finish and that they don’t roll.” A strong, quality elastic band can prevent rolling and keep your shapewear in place all night. Or, you could choose shapewear that can’t roll, such as a bodysuit.
How we chose the best shapewear options
Each of the pieces on this list comes from a brand that our experts recommend, has an average of 4.5 stars or higher on Amazon, has a series of positive reviews, or is routinely referred to as the best in its shapewear category.
Once you’ve chosen your shapewear essentials, you’ll want to round out your undergarments collection with the best Nordstrom shapewear and the best sports bras.
Best shapewear bra
Honeylove Silhouette Bra
A shapewear bra is ideal for smoothing the back and breasts in a way that’s comfortable enough for everyday wear. This one features a hook and eye closure, wireless cups, and adjustable straps. Velvet piping on the sides and center panel provide extra reinforcement that takes the place of underwire. “Bought this looking for a happy medium between sports bras and classic underwire bras,” writes one reviewer. “It honestly fits so well, and looks very good under t-shirts/clothes without any gapping or weird lines.” We recommend wearing it underneath sweaters, T-shirts, and button-downs to elevate your everyday attire.
Notable Features:
- Soft velvety feel
- Wireless cups
- Great side support
Best shapewear bodysuit
Honeylove Tank Bodysuit
Another winner from Honeylove, this bodysuit features 360-degree smoothing through bonded compression, an underwire-free bust, and wide straps that won’t dig. The gusset is adjustable so you can fit it perfectly to the length of your torso. Plus, it’s stylish enough to wear without a top covering it. Reviewer Yesenia C. recommends pairing it with a jacket, and adds, “I don’t feel any pinching or tugging anywhere and it’s so easy to put on and take off.”
Notable features:
- Stylish design
- Hook-and-eye gusset
- Lump-free smoothing
Best shapewear panty
Wacoal Beyond Naked High Waist Shaping Brief
A high-waisted panty is the best shapewear to start with if you’re new to the category. This one can be worn under dresses or high-waisted skirts and smoothes the tummy and butt areas. Reviewers note that the top stays put (a.k.a., no need to worry about that dreaded muffin-top) and that the raw-cut edges disappear under clothing.
Notable Features:
- Invisible raw cut edges
- Strong top elastic
- Smooths tummy and butt areas
Best shapewear tank
Maidenform Women’s Light Tummy-Control Comfort Devotion Camisole
A shapewear camisole is the easiest way to smooth the back and tummy areas. This one from Maidenform, one of Caldwell’s favorite brands for affordable pieces, features a two-ply midsection area and a one-ply bust. It’s comfy enough to wear every day while still allowing you to feel smoothed and supported. Wear it under a sweater, cardigan, or blazer for a simple shapewear solution that doubles as a closet staple.
Notable Features:
- Available in sizes S to 2XL
- Comfortable, light shaping for every day
- Doesn’t look like shapewear
Best butt lifter shorts
Leonisa Women’s Light Tummy-Control High-Waist Faja Thigh-Slimmer
This piece of shapewear—another one of Caldwell’s favorites—lifts the bum while allowing it to keep its natural shape. The shorts smooth the tummy, back, and thighs and go up to the bra line to prevent spillover bumps. The garment has a wide underbust band to prevent it from rolling down. “This really shapes me so nicely and makes my bum look lifted,” writes one reviewer. “I find some shapewear is so tight it makes your bum look flat, but not this one.”
Notable Features:
- Available in sizes XS to XXX-Large
- Allows for a natural shape
- High waist to smooth upper abdomen
Best shapewear thong
Third Love Sculpt Thong
A shapewear thong is a necessity for your collection of best shapewear for every day. You can wear one under skirts, dresses, and even jeans or trousers. This one is made with a lightweight, breathable construction using a nylon-spandex blend. The edges lay flat, so it stays concealed. Yet another dependable product from ThirdLove.
Notable Features:
- High waist
- Breathable material
- Machine washable
Best shapewear slip
Top Model Dress Shaper
The easiest way to prevent your shapewear from rolling down is by wearing a full-body piece. This slip dress option from Simone Perele smooths the tummy, underarms, back, and butt. You can wear your own bra underneath for maximum support. The brand is one of Caldwell’s favorites. “A lot of people want to feel sexy when they’re going out in their shapewear and the designs are often blah,” she says. With lace trim, you can feel good about wearing this piece under your favorite classic dress.
Notable Features:
- Smooths the tummy, back, underarms, and butt
- Lace triangle conceals bra closure
- Wear your own bra
Best shapewear waist cincher
Miraclesuit Extra Firm Control Waist Cincher
A waist cincher is a simple way to look more put-together. It’s one of the more compressive types of shapewear, trimming inches off the waist with boning and panels. This one goes from the hips to the bust line to eliminate spillover. It has a hook-and-eye front closure for easy on and off. “I have tried every waist cincher known to man over the past year or two,” writes one five-star reviewer. “This one does the job! It really flattens your tummy, defines your waist, and supports your back all while being as comfortable as you could expect this kind of shapewear to be.” P.S. If you like this, you might also want to check out our tummy-control Miraclesuit swimwear review.
Notable Features:
- Machine washable
- Front hook and eye closure
- Trims inches off midsection
Best shapewear long-line bra
Dominique Ariel Seamless Longline Bra
A longline bra smooths the mid-section and back and gives strapless shapewear more support (like a strapless bra you won’t have to yank up) . Caldwell thinks Dominique’s options are some of the best shapewear she’s seen. This one offers lightly padded cups, side boning, and a three-column, eight-row hook and eye back closure. “I wore this under my bridesmaid dress and it held me up for hours—even through three hours of dancing,” writes one reviewer. “It’s extremely comfortable too.”
Notable Features:
- Adjustable, removable straps
- Strapless, low-back design
- Built-in underwire bra
Best shapewear shorts
SKIMS Sculpting Above the Knee with Open Gusset
Shapewear shorts are one of the most popular forms of shapewear for a reason. They work perfectly under dresses, skirts, and trousers. This pick from Kim Kardashian’s shapewear brand SKIMS features an above-knee hem, seamless construction, and silicone waist grip to prevent rolling. It’s available in sizes XXS to 5X. (Want more shorts? We tried these butt-lifting workout shorts.)
Notable Features:
- Available in sizes XXS to 5X
- Available in nine nude tones
- Machine washable
Best shapewear leggings
Look at Me Now High-Waist Seamless Legging
Our favorite thing about shapewear leggings is their versatility. You can wear them under work dresses or trousers or as pants on their own. Spanx’s options have achieved cult status. The high-waisted, seamless Look at Me Now shorts offer tummy and butt control. The seamless design means you don’t have to worry about acquiring a camel toe or having fabric dig into your skin.
Notable Features:
- No center seam
- Smooths tummy and legs
- High waist
Best open-bust shapewear
Rago Wear Your Own Bra Full Body Briefer
Rago is another one of Caldwell’s favorite brands. She calls this full body briefer “old-fashioned looking 1950s shapewear,” and says “the size range is unbelievable.” This suspender piece smooths the tummy, butt, and back. Plus, you can wear your own bra.
Notable Features:
- Machine washable
- Wear your own bra
- Made in USA
Best maternity shapewear
Spanx Mama Short
It might take some creativity to dream up a pregnancy Halloween costume, but you don’t have to ditch shapewear for the next nine months. Spanx’s Mama Short smooths the tummy and thighs and supports your bump so you feel secure. The garment has a non-compression belly band that grows with you and a cotton gusset to eliminate panty lines. Our favorite part? It provides lower back support.
Notable Features:
- Non-compression belly band
- Machine washable
- Provides lower back support
Best strapless bra shapewear
Wacoal Red Carpet Medium Control Convertible Bodysuit
Just because shapewear tends to be heavier doesn’t mean it needs straps to stay up. Wacoal’s Red Carpet option features seamless, foam loaned cups and a hook-and-eye gusset for accessibility. There are removable, adjustable straps included, making it the ultimate multi-use piece. “I like this bodysuit very much,” writes one reviewer. “It’s not so tight that it bothers you but still gives smooth control under a fancy dress.”
Notable Features:
- Open gusset
- Adjustable, removable straps
- Medium control compression
Best built-in bra shapewear
Wacoal Visual Effects Underwire Shaping Bodysuit
Don’t want to deal with the bulkiness of wearing a bra underneath your shapewear? Choose a piece with built-in support. This one from Wacoal has an underwire and full-coverage cups, plus medium-control compression through the tummy and back area. It comes in sizes 34C to 40DDD. “I’ve lost count of the body shapers I have tried on, purchased, rejected, and returned over the years. This one is the best I have found,” writes one reviewer. “The body is smooth with just enough stretch to be comfortable, but firm enough to make a difference in one’s shape.”
Notable Features:
- Available up to size 40DDD
- Built-in bra
- Medium-control compression
Best plunge bra shapewear
Spanx Suit Your Fancy Plunge Low-Back Thong Bodysuit
Feel confident in your deepest cut dresses with a low-plunge bodysuit. The one from the shapewear experts at Spanx comes with a thong design to avoid panty lines. There are adjustable, convertible straps so you can wear it traditionally, or as a criss-cross, halter, narrow back, and racerback.
Notable Features:
- Machine washable
- Low neck and back
- Adjustable, convertible straps
Best shapewear bodysuit with shorts
SKIMS Sculpting Bodysuit Mid-Thigh with Open Gusset
A bodysuit with shorts is one of the best shapewear pieces for versatility and all-over compression. It holds in the tummy, butt, back, chest, and thighs. This one features a seamless construction for invisible wear, plus an open gusset for convenience. The adjustable straps ensure you get a supportive fit. As with every SKIMS piece, it comes in an inclusive size range from XXS to 5X. The brand recommends sizing down if you plan to use it for everyday wear.
Notable Features:
- Machine washable
- Adjustable straps
- Available in sizes XXS to 5X
Next, check out the best plus-size shapewear for women, according to online reviews.
Sources:
- Kimmay Caldwell, an undergarment educator and founder of Hurray Kimmay
- Suzanne Macbale, founder & CEO of LoveSuze and former Associate VP of Design for Victoria’s Secret
Originally Published: November 29, 2021
