We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Style Fashion The 14 Shapewear Pieces We Love The Most Whether you’re looking to smooth, shape, or sculpt, shapewear is the wardrobe ally you need. By Sharon Brandwein Sharon Brandwein Sharon Brandwein is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and a freelance writer. She specializes in parenting, health, and of course, all things sleep. Sharon’s work has also appeared on ABC News, USAToday, Parents, and Forbes. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Published on July 30, 2024 In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews The Bottom Line Tips for Choosing Questions and Answers Why Trust Southern Living Southern Living / Marcus Millan Corsetry and waist-cinching—precursors of modern-day shapewear have been around since the 16th century. Our guess is that they’ve stood the test of time because they work. And while most women associate shapewear with pinching, squeezing, overheating, and other forms of discomfort, we’ve come a long way since lace-ups and whalebones. Bra expert and author of The Bra Book, Jene Luciani Sena, says “Shapewear is not just meant to squeeze you so you look smaller (although some very high compression pieces can make you look one to two sizes smaller). It’s also useful for creating the smoothest appearance possible under all your clothing. What it can’t do is change the shape of your body.” Ultimately, she says, “It’s essentially a tool to emphasize your best assets and just make your overall look a little ‘cleaner.’ We want to work with what we got and love what we have! Not change or restrict it.” For those searching for shapewear that does any or all of the above, here are some of our favorites across categories. Our Top Picks Best Tummy-Control Shapewear: Maidenform Ultra-Firm Control Waist Cincher at Amazon ($20) Jump to Review Best Shapewear Bodysuit: Honeylove Cami Bodysuit at Nordstrom ($99) Jump to Review Best Shapewear Shorts: Commando Classic Control Short at Amazon ($57) Jump to Review Best Shapewear Top: Shapermint Essentials All Day Every Day Scoop Neck Compression Cami at Amazon ($24) Jump to Review Best Everyday Shapewear: Spanx Fit-to-You Superlight Smoothing Mid-Thigh Short at Nordstrom (See Price) Jump to Review Best Shapewear for Dresses: Yummie Bustless Zoned Shaping Slip at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best Strapless Shapewear Bodysuit: Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless Shaping Bodysuit at Amazon ($132) Jump to Review Best Seamless Shapewear: Skims Seamless Sculpt Mid-Waist Thong at Skims.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Targeted Compression Shapewear: Honeylove SuperPower Brief at Nordstrom ($84) Jump to Review Best Ultra-High Waist Shapewear: Naomi and Nicole Hi-Waist Thigh Slimmer at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best Tummy-Control Shapewear Maidenform Ultra-Firm Control Waist Cincher Amazon View On Amazon $20 View On Maidenform.com View On Onehanesplace.com What’s Great About It Hook-and-eye closure makes it easy to put on Ultra-firm tummy control Waist cinching What Could Be Better Boning may be uncomfortable In this 21st-century iteration of the traditional corset, Maidenform gifts us ultra-firm tummy control and waist cinching for a curvy hourglass look under our clothes. And unlike some shapewear pieces that include a free workout while getting dressed, this waist cincher is comfortable and easy to put on, courtesy of a center hook-and-eye closure. Flexible boning keeps the waist cincher in place (though some might still find it uncomfortable). The nylon/spandex fabrication is cool, comfortable, and moisture wicking. And for a final feather in its cap, the soft, jacquard microfiber fabric has a feminine, floral pattern. Sizes: S–3XL | Colors: 4 | Material: Nylon, spandex | Compression: Ultra-firm Best Shapewear Bodysuit Honeylove Cami Bodysuit Honeylove View On Nordstrom $99 View On Honeylove.com $99 View On Barenecessities.com What’s Great About It Feels comfortable while it smooths No underwires Adjustable straps can go from crisscross to racerback What Could Be Better Not completely seamless A relative newcomer to the shapewear game, Honeylove is amassing quite the following. With a commitment to deliver shapewear that blends comfort, effectiveness, and style, the brand seems to do just that with a Cami Bodysuit that offers sculpting compression and “bust-to-booty” smoothing that stays put. This bodysuit provides lift without underwires, a wedgie-free bottom, and adjustable straps that can keep up with outfit changes, going from crisscross to racerback when you need them to. This bodysuit seems to be a fan favorite, but we should note they’re not totally seamless, something to keep in mind when donning that silk dress. Sizes: XS–4X | Colors: 8 | Material: Nylon, spandex, cotton | Compression: Strong support Best Shapewear Shorts Commando Classic Control Short Commando View On Amazon $57 View On Nordstrom $58 View On Wearcommando.com What’s Great About It No panty lines Plenty of coverage Comfortable enough to wear all day What Could Be Better Light compression may not be enough for some Made with raw-cut European microfiber, these shorts have a “butter-like” texture that smoothes without visible panty lines and bulges. They’re shorts, so you’ll find plenty of coverage and smoothing from waist to thigh. And while you’ll find light to moderate compression, they’re a comfortable weight for all-day wear—not too thin and not too heavy. The TLDR: They’re seamless and so lightweight you’ll forget you’re even wearing them. Sizes: XS–3X | Colors: 4 | Material: European microfiber | Compression: Light to moderate Best Shapewear Top Shapermint Essentials All Day Every Day Scoop Neck Compression Cami Amazon View On Amazon $24 View On Nordstrom $24 View On Shapermint.com What’s Great About It Provides tummy and muffin-top control Has enough support to make it a one-and-done shapewear solution Lightweight and breathable What Could Be Better May be challenging to put on and take off Perfect for layering, adding some coverage, or smoothing your curves under your favorite sweater, Shapermint’s Essentials All Day Every Day Scoop Neck Cami is a winner. With 360-degree tummy control, it effectively eliminates muffin tops and love handles, plus it offers plenty of support, so you can wear it with or without a bra. This cami doesn’t roll when you sit, and it’s still lightweight and breathable enough for all-day comfort. Designed to accommodate all body types, it’s not easy to put on and take off, and there are even instructions for getting it on. Hint: It’s not over your head. Sizes: S–4XL | Colors: 10 | Material: Nylon, spandex | Compression: Medium Best Everyday Shapewear Spanx Fit-to-You Superlight Smoothing Mid-Thigh Short Zappos View On Nordstrom View On Spanx $28 View On Zappos $36 What’s Great About It Lightweight and comfortable enough for everyday Anti-chafing No visible panty lines What Could Be Better Doesn’t offer firm support Shapewear isn’t just for wearing under dresses when you’re attending a wedding or your high school reunion. Find one that’s comfortable enough, like Spanx’s Everyday Shorts, and you can smooth and shape every day of the week. These shorts are super light, anti-chafing, and designed to retain their shape with a 400% stretch fabric. Anyone looking for firm control won’t find it here. But, those opting for this daily wear foundation piece will find them soft, breathable, and visible panty line (VPL) free. Die-hard Spanx fans may be happy to know these shorts pair perfectly with the brand’s best-selling Bra-llelujah bras, available in five colors. Sizes: OS | Colors: 4 | Material: Nylon, elastane, cotton | Compression: Superlight Best Shapewear for Dresses Yummie Bustless Zoned Shaping Slip Yummie View On Amazon View On Yummie.com View On Shopbop.com What’s Great About It Makes a great layer under your favorite LBD Comfortable enough for everyday wear Has silicone at the hem to prevent rolling What Could Be Better Not the easiest to get on and off With firm control that sculpts, smooths, and shapes, this shapewear slip by Yummie is a must-have foundation piece for dresses and skirts. It features an open bust (so you can wear your favorite bra) and zoned shaping that targets trouble spots. Adjustable straps, coverage from tummy to thigh, and silicone at the hem to prevent rolling round out a nice list of features. And while you might reserve this one to wear under your favorite wedding guest dress, it's comfortable enough for everyday wear. We should note that this slip checks a lot of boxes, but an easy on and off isn't one of them, as you have to put it on from the bottom up. Sizes: S/M–L/XL | Colors: 2 | Material: Nylon, spandex | Compression: Firm Best Strapless Shapewear Bodysuit Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless Shaping Bodysuit Bare Necessities View On Amazon $132 View On Nordstrom $132 View On Barenecessities.com What’s Great About It Offers firm control Easy to put on and take off Adjustable hook-and-eye gusset What Could Be Better Lining on the bottom is a little bulky Not seamless Strapless dresses need proper support, and Wacoal’s Red Carpet Shaping Bodysuit offers plenty of it. Combining the brand’s best-selling strapless bra with a body briefer, this one-and-done bodysuit works to shape the body smoothly. A hook-and-eye back closure makes it easy to put on and take off (no shimmying necessary), and it’s made with an adjustable hook-and-eye gusset, so you can go to the bathroom without having to get undressed. Other great features include full coverage cups, medical-grade silicone along the neckline and back, and a set of straps so you can convert it to a traditional bra, as well as halter, crisscross, and one-shoulder styles. One notable drawback of this bodysuit is that it’s not seamless, so you might see panty lines peek through lighter-weight dress fabrics. Sizes: 34C–40G | Colors: 2 | Material: Nylon, spandex | Compression: Firm Best Seamless Shapewear Skims Seamless Sculpt Mid-Waist Thong Skims View On Skims.com What’s Great About It Offers firm, targeted support Has a wide cotton gusset Wide range of sizes What Could Be Better Rolling from the waist may be an issue Looking to keep panty lines under control? This seamless mid-waist thong by Skims should do the trick. This thong does everything you’d expect from your shapewear—without the panty lines. It’s designed with a wide cotton gusset for added coverage, breathability, and firm targeted compression that shapes and sculpts your tummy and waist. It hits at mid-waist, and the underband has interior silicone that helps prevent rolling, though it may still be an issue. Unlike many of the shapewear pieces on our list, this seamless thong is available in nine colors and a broad range of sizes ranging from XXS to 4X. Sizes: XXS–4X | Colors: 9 | Material: Nylon,spandex | Compression: Strong Best Targeted Compression Shapewear Honeylove SuperPower Brief Nordstrom View On Nordstrom $84 View On Honeylove.com $84 View On Barenecessities.com $84 What’s Great About It Provides support around the midsection Sculpts and smooths Flexible boning keeps it in place What Could Be Better Pricey for a brief shaper For those who need a little extra help, Honeylove has devised a clever solution—a midweight brief that offers targeted compression. Just as you’d expect from your shapewear, this brief sculpts and smooths in all the right places. What you won’t expect is that this brief elegantly skips the visible panty lines, and flexible boning keeps the garment from rolling down. Sizes: XS–3X | Colors: 6 | Material: Nylon, spandex, cotton | Compression: Strong Best Ultra-High Waist Shapewear Naomi and Nicole Hi-Waist Thigh Slimmer Amazon View On Amazon View On Kohls.com $52 What’s Great About It Delivers firm control from waist to thigh Hides muffin tops Legs don’t ride up What Could Be Better May not work with high slits or shorter skirts With coverage that extends from your high waist to mid-thigh, Naomi and Nicole’s waist slimmer does an excellent job of banishing muffin tops. These shorts also feature the brand’s Back Magic flexible stays, which contour your waist and back while providing back support. Those concerned about tummy control will find it here, too, with compression that’s firm but not restricting or uncomfortable. And while shorts are notorious for bulging and rolling, these shorts are finished with Naomi and Nicole’s Wonderful Edge: their patented silicone edge around leg openings that don’t ride up or leave lines. Sizes: S–3X Plus | Colors: 3 | Material: Nylon, elastane | Compression: Firm Best Plus-Size Shapewear Lane Bryant Open-Bust Thigh Shaper Lane Bryant View On Lanebryant.com What’s Great About It Can be worn with your favorite bra Offers firm support Mesh panel adds a sleek touch What Could Be Better Split gusset may not work as intended With firm control from the torso through mid-thigh, Lane Bryant’s open-bust thigh shaper hits our list as the best plus-size shapewear. Like other open-bust options, the straps are adjustable, and you can wear this one with your favorite bra to customize your look. This shaper is seamless; it contours without flattening, and the sheer illusion mesh panel adds a sleek touch. If this one is on your shortlist, just note that it’s only available in two colors, black and cafe, and sizes range from 14/16 to 34/36. We’ll add that this shaper features a split gusset to accommodate bathroom breaks, but it’s a toss-up in terms of usefulness and practicality. Sizes: 14/16–34/36 | Colors: 2 | Material: Nylon, spandex | Compression: Firm Best Petite Shapewear Spanx Thinstincts 2.0 High-Waisted Mid-Thigh Short Nordstrom View On Nordstrom $72 View On Spanx $72 View On Macy's $72 What’s Great About It Provides lightweight control Offers 360 degrees of targeted compression No-slip silicone waistband prevents rolling down What Could Be Better It’s not seamless, so leg lines may show Petite gals looking for tummy control will find it with Spanx’s Invisible Shaping High-Waisted Mid-Thigh Short. Designed with the brand’s Printed Power shaping technology, these shorts pair lightweight coverage with targeted core compression panels that wrap around your sides for 360 degrees of shaping and sculpting. Free-cut hems prevent uncomfortable digging and eliminate bulky lines, and the no-slip silicone grip waistband prevents rolling. Incidentally, long-time fans of Spanx may know this one from its previous name—Thinstincts 2.0. Sizes: XSS–3X | Colors: 4 | Material: Nylon, elastane, cotton | Compression: Lightweight Best Shapewear Underwear Felina Seamless Shapewear Brief Walmart View On Amazon $15 View On Walmart $15 View On Felina.com What’s Great About It Comfortable knit waist panel Full coverage Seamless finish Available in seven colors What Could Be Better Waist may roll down For those looking for a one-and-done shapewear piece, Felina’s Fusion Seamless Shapewear Brief is a fantastic way to keep it simple. Designed with a smart knit waist panel that provides 360-degree smoothing, these full-coverage briefs smooth and shape without the discomfort and bulk of elastic. They’re medium control briefs with an ultra-high waistband that cinches at the waist and a seamless finish that disappears under your clothing. While the waist may stay up for some, it also can be prone to rolling down. Unlike many of the entries on our list, which only come in a handful of colors, these briefs are available in seven elegant colors for exceptional skin-tone matching, and sizes run from small to 3X. Sizes: S–3X | Colors: 7 | Material: Nylon, spandex | Compression: Medium Best Shapewear Slip Commando Two-Faced Tech Full Slip Amazon View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Zappos $128 What’s Great About It Offers medium compression Sleek enough to go unnoticed under a tight dress Won’t ride up What Could Be Better Pricey While shorts and briefs can work under everything, shapewear slips are a sleek option for dresses and skirts. Not only can they shape and smooth, but they’re also great for an extra layer of coverage. The sleek microfiber construction of Commando’s Two-Faced slip (so named because of its two-faced tech fabric) doesn’t add any unwanted bulk, and while it provides enough shaping for a tight dress, the slip does not ride up with movement. In terms of how much compression you can expect, this slip offers light-to-moderate compression, and coverage is bust to mid-thigh. Just keep in mind that it’s pretty pricey compared to briefs and shorts that may accomplish that same thing. Sizes: XS–XL | Colors: 2 | Material: Nylon, cotton, elastane | Compression: Medium The Bottom Line We suspect that tummy control is what starts our love-hate relationship with shapewear. So, to eliminate the latter, Maidenform’s Ultra-Firm Control Waist Cincher is our top pick. With flexible boning, a hook-and-eye closure, this waist cincher is an excellent option for nipping love handles in the bud. The nylon-spandex fabrication is cool and comfortable enough for all-day wear, and the jacquard fabric is pretty enough to show off. Those looking for more comprehensive coverage will likely find it with Honeylove’s Cami Bodysuit. It offers comfortable smoothing that doesn’t move, pinch, or wedge. Tips for Choosing the Right Shapewear Size While some women prefer to size down in shapewear, Angelica Melendez, chief product officer at Felina, doesn’t recommend that “since doing so may cause rolling of the waistband and digging in the leg openings.” Instead, Melendez says your shapewear size should match your clothing size. For additional guidance on fit, she says, “Some shapewear styles, especially in seamless constructions, run and look small to a first-time consumer. So, look at reviews and check whether the style (and brand runs true to size).” Finally, she says, “If it is not powerful enough, look for a style in a higher compression level rather than size down.” Compression According to Melendez, one of the biggest misconceptions about shapewear is that it is constrictive, but she begs to differ. “Most modern shapewear is comfortable and is built to move with you throughout the day,” she says. Adding that “There are many levels of compression in shapewear. Melendez says we can find options from everyday wear to shaping and sculpting pieces for more visible results. The latter is more 'occasion wear,' but they typically provide the most transformative results.” Luciani Sena notes, “There are three levels: light, medium, and firm. Light is for just smoothing, medium control provides some smoothing and shaping, and firm control is what you’re looking for if you want to look one to two sizes smaller.” Materials Luciani Sena tells us, “Most, if not all, shapewear is microfiber. It’s wicking and has lots of stretch.” The difference in shapewear pieces is that some microfiber is more nylon (softness) and less lycra/spandex or vice versa.” In terms of what contributes to control, Luciani Sena says, “A higher spandex content is what gives you that firmer compression.” Noting that “traditional materials like wire and bones are being updated with more flexible and comfortable versions for all-day wear, Melendez says, “shapewear has always been a category that utilizes the latest innovations in construction. These items may appear traditional, but it takes a lot of ingenuity to shape, lift, and sculpt.” Adding that “Shapewear is evolving, she says circular knitting machines create seamless options, there are performance micros that feel like a second skin, and we are finally starting to see beautiful, breathable cottons enter the marketplace.” Target Area “Although shapewear can be life-altering for some, you need to be knowledgeable about what solutions you are seeking,” says Melendez. “You need to know your body type and what areas of your body you want to define or target.” For example, she says, “A high-waist style is great for someone who is more athletic in build or carries their weight in their middle. An at-waist style is better for someone who has an hourglass or a high waist-to-hip ratio. If you are looking for thigh smoothing, wear a midthigh short that covers more of the area than a brief or a boy short would.” And while tummy control is on most of our checklists, Melendez urges shoppers to consider their build here as well. There’s a big difference between the outcome with a smoothing waistband and a piece that offers lower belly control and shaping. Luciani Sena adds, “Shapewear, in theory, is based on target areas.” So, if you’re looking to slim your tummy, hips, and thighs, a bike short style should top your shortlist. Meanwhile, a bodysuit is likely a better bet for those seeking tummy control and keeping back fat in check. Ease Of Use Another deal-breaker for many is the ease of use issues that seem inherent to shapewear. Those issues typically start with getting the piece on (some require shimmying), rolling, and going to the bathroom without breaking a sweat. So be sure to look for construction details that minimize or even eliminate these annoyances. For example, while Maidenform’s Ultra-Firm Control Waist Cincher offers excellent tummy control, it’s designed with a hook-and-eye closure, so no shimmying is required. Similarly, Wacoal’s Red Carpet Shaping Bodysuit features a hook-and-eye closure at the gusset, so you don’t have to get undressed just to use the facilities. Luciani Sena adds, “Lots of people have issues with shapewear rolling, be it the legs rolling up or the garment rolling down at the waist.” To sidestep this particular annoyance, she suggests “Looking for styles that hook to your bra or those that have a silicone lining (like around the thigh) that should deter rolling.” Questions and Answers Should you wear shapewear every day? While she notes that shapewear is usually reserved for when “your outfit requires more polish and refinement, and sculpting is typically reserved for special occasions and events, including red carpet entrances,” Melendez says it’s really a matter of personal preference. Similarly, Luciani Sena adds that “you can absolutely wear it every day if you’re comfortable doing so.” Is it better to size up or down in shapewear? “There’s a rumor you should always size down for a tighter [shapewear] fit,” says Luciani Sena. “But it’s not about the size—it’s about the compression level. No matter how small you go, a light compression shaper isn’t going to give you that tight feeling. It’s all about the fabric and what it’s designed to do. You should shop for shapewear based on your normal size.” What can you wear shapewear under? While most people reserve their shapewear for formal events or whenever they have the opportunity to break out their favorite little black dress, Melendez says shapewear can be worn under anything. Noting that most people reach for shapewear when they wear something fitted or body-hugging, Melendez says shapewear can also “provide smoothing and hold to loose, drapey garments.” Why Trust Southern Living This article was written by Sharon Brandwein, Certified Sleep Science Coach and freelance commerce writer. Over the last five years, Sharon has written product reviews and roundups for a variety of online publishers. To curate this list of the best shapewear, Sharon sorted through contenders based on the features and benefits of each, ultimately narrowing the list down to the top picks you see here. For expert input, Sharon spoke to Bra expert and author of The Bra Book, Jene Luciani Sena, and Angelica Melendez, chief product officer at Felina. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit