Why We Love It: Of the many bodysuits we put to the test, Skims’ Sculpting Bodysuit with Snaps is our top pick for an everyday style that offers just the right amount of smoothing and sculpting. Comfortable and lightweight, the compressive fabric smoothed out bumps, subtly cinched us at the waist, and looked seamless under our clothes. It maintained its integrity through multiple washes, and we noticed no changes in its fit or shape (though we did notice slight pilling on one occasion). That said, this bodysuit fits pretty tight and, at times, was a challenge to take off, so if you want something that feels a little less restrictive, consider sizing up.
Who It’s For: For light compression and sculpting, we think this is an effective bodysuit suitable for most body types, but we recommend sizing up if you have a longer torso or wider hips, as you may need a little more wiggle room around the legs and gusset. If unsure, we recommend taking measurements and following the brand’s size guide closely to find your perfect fit.
Material: Nylon, elastane | Size: XXS–4X | Colors: 10
Why We Love It: For a smoothing bodysuit that won’t break the bank, this cute lacey number from Bali is a must. It’s not as compressive and shaping as others on this list, but it does a good job of smoothing things out and holding everything in nicely. It’s not restrictive, and we found it easy and comfortable to wear (and just as easy to take on and off). Despite its light control, it still offered great support and stayed in place the whole time. And for the price, we were impressed with how well it held up after washing, showing no signs of wear or stretching.
Who It’s For: This bodysuit is best suited for those with rectangle and inverted triangle body types, as those of us with bigger hips and booties found it difficult to clasp. Keep in mind that it isn’t offered in sizes smaller than a 34B or larger than a 40DD, and because the bottom is a full brief, you may notice some VPLs depending on what you pair it with.
Material: Nylon, spandex | Size: 34B–40DD | Colors: 3
Styling Tip: After testing it in various sartorial situations, from under workwear and occasion-wear to wearing it alone as a top, we found it’s best treated as a cute, lingerie-inspired top with smoothing benefits rather than true shapewear.
Why We Love It: Of all the shorts we tested, this pair is our top choice due to its incredible shaping capabilities. It effectively smoothed out our natural dips, especially in the lower belly area, and nicely compressed and shaped our hips, butt, and thighs. Designed with boning and non-slip grips along the leg trim, it stayed in place throughout the day, and while on the tighter side, it was still pretty comfortable overall. (We must admit, it was a tad too tight for long periods of sitting and eating.) Bonus points for the cute lacy material—we wouldn’t mind if it poked out from under a skirt or dress since it doesn’t look like shapewear.
Who It’s For: If you’re looking for true shaping and contouring benefits, this pair will get the job done. The super inclusive size offering will fit a wide variety of body shapes and sizes, though it’s important to note that the high waist goes up quite high on petite heights or those with shorter torsos.
Material: Nylon, Lycra, spandex | Size: S–8X | Colors: 6
Why We Love It: You don’t have to spend much on good shapewear, and these thigh-saver shorts from Knix are the perfect example. The buttery-soft, second-skin-like material was super comfortable to wear, and we were impressed by how well it smoothed us out despite being so light and airy. These aren’t shorts that will give you any serious sculpting or slimming effect, but they’ll save your thighs from chafing while simultaneously holding everything in place. Overall, we found these shorts to be excellent quality for the price, remaining soft, stretchy, and smoothing after a handful of washes and wears.
Who It’s For: These shorts were a great fit for slender and hourglass body types, and we think the stretchy material would be comfortable on bodies of all shapes and sizes, especially given the inclusive size range. Also, the 4-inch length may not cover enough of the thighs on taller folks with longer legs, but it was the perfect length for mid and petite heights.
Material: Nylon, Lycra; cotton, spandex, carbon gusset | Size: XS–4XL | Colors: 6
Why We Love It: This high-waisted brief from Chantelle was our favorite of the bunch, not only for its tummy-smoothing and cinching abilities but also because it’s completely invisible underneath our clothes—a feat, considering it’s a brief and not a thong. While it fits pretty tight and requires a little work to get on, the level of compression and sculpting was truly impressive, and the seamless design ensured no digging throughout wear. The material is high-quality, sturdy, and durable, and it looked good as new after multiple wears and washes.
Who It’s For: This brief is a great option for anyone looking for tummy control who doesn’t want to wear shapewear on top of their underwear. We had pear and curvy body types take it or a spin, and they thought it was extremely effective at shaping, sculpting, and comfortably holding everything in—and we’d bet it’d do the same for those who hold their weight in their midsection and less curvy folks, too.
Material: Not listed | Size: XS–2XL | Colors: 2
Why We Love It: If you’re going to buy one thing from this list, let it be this strapless slip, which scored perfect 5s across the board. It’s slightly challenging to get on, but once it’s on, it’s on. It didn’t shift or roll down at all—impressive for a strapless top—and we were delightfully surprised at how comfortable it felt as it conformed to our bodies. It smoothed and shaped us and was completely invisible under clothing (the brand suggests it can be worn on its own, too). The sturdy, high-quality material is on the thicker side yet still feels lightweight and breathable, which is everything we want from shapewear.
Who It’s For: We tested this style on curvy body types and found it did an incredible job at smoothing and shaping, particularly around the hips, and we think it would be just as flattering on less curvy body types.
Material: Nylon, cotton, elastane | Size: XS–XL | Colors: 2
Why We Love It: This impressive little slip earned perfect scores for fit, comfort, and effectiveness. True to size, it provides a snug amount of compression that smooths out bumps and nicely shapes the figure without cutting or digging into the skin. It looks completely seamless under clothing and stays in place throughout the day. The fabric is super comfortable, breathable, and, in our opinion, comparable to some of the pricier names on this list. The only place we knocked off half a point was for the straps—they’re perfectly fine, but would be better if they provided a little more lift in the bust. Still, for less than $30, this slip is a total steal.
Who It’s For: We tested this slip on curvy bodies of different heights and were impressed all around, and we think it would flatter a range of body shapes thanks to its snug, form-fitting silhouette.
Material: Nylon, spandex | Size: XS–XL | Colors: 3
Why We Love It: Plus-size figures will appreciate the sculpting and compression this open-bust shaper provides from the torso down. The high level of compression is strong enough to create a smooth hourglass silhouette with no visible lumps or bumps under our clothes, and even though it fits on the tighter side, the fabric is super soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking (a major plus), making it decently comfortable. We did notice slight discomfort after six-plus hours of wear, but that was in no way a dealbreaker. It’s also virtually invisible under clothing, and the silky material allowed our clothing to slide right over it. Remember that this doesn’t have any sort of opening at the crotch, so you’ll need to take them down every time you use the bathroom, which some may find bothersome (though we found these relatively easy to get on and off).
Who It’s For: Those who’d like to see a slimming and shaping effect in the waist, butt, and thighs will appreciate the comfortable yet strong level of compression this shaper provides. We mentioned that it could become slightly uncomfortable after six hours of wear, but it’s a great option for weddings or other formal events where you’ll need shaping for a few hours.
Material: Nylon, spandex | Size: 14/16–34/36 | Colors: 2
Why We Love It: As any full-short bodysuit would be, this one is not the easiest to get on (and may require a bit of jumping), but once it’s on, it’s so comfortable. We really appreciated how thin the shorts are; they prevent chafing and, unlike others on the market, don’t leave us feeling like we’re wearing sausage casing. (And don’t worry, a gusset eyelet opening makes bathroom breaks easy). It has a smoothing and subtle slimming effect from the torso through the thighs, which made anything we wore over it look great (so long as we wore thicker straps). It also held up well after a few washes, maintaining its shape and light compression.
Who It’s For: Given the comfortable light compression the mid-length shorts provide, this is a great bodysuit for anyone looking to subtly shape or slim the hip and thigh areas. It was completely invisible under clothing and smoothed everything out along the hips, butt, and thighs (no VPLs here), so we’d recommend it for underneath your occasion-wear—it’s a little too complicated to wear every day. It’s also a great option if you prefer to wear your own tried-and-true bra.
Material: Nylon, elastane | Size: XS–3X regular and petite | Colors: 2
Why We Love It: This Honeylove bodysuit is particularly effective at smoothing out the lower belly area, especially for minimizing our “mom belly.” It won’t give you a dramatic transformation, but it provides adequate support that looks good both sitting and standing and stays put throughout wear. It was very comfortable overall and blended well under our clothing, including casual skirts and formal, floor-length dresses. We also appreciate that it comes in a few cut options, including a cami brief, a cami thong, a completely seamless tank, and a crossover style. Our only issue is the brief slightly digs around the leg openings, but we wonder if the thong bottom option would be a little less restricting.
Who It’s For: This is a great option for anyone looking for a smoothing bodysuit that targets the lower half of the torso. However, we found the leg openings to be slightly tight for pear shapes and that the cup sizing was a little off for larger busts—if either of these is true for you, we’d recommend sizing up.
Material: Nylon, spandex; cotton gusset | Size: XS–4X standard and petite | Colors: 7
Why We Love It: Simply put, these shorts are the key to looking snatched. We found that these had a great sculpting effect on the entire torso, hips, and booty area, cinching us nicely at the waist and smoothing out our hip dips. Designed with a super-high waist and boning throughout, these offer a pretty high level of compression—which may take some getting used to—and are virtually undetectable underneath clothes, even a bodycon Skims dress (which, alone, is pretty impressive). Plus, it features a pull-aside gusset, which makes bathroom breaks extra easy, requiring no fussing with snaps or undressing. We love this short in particular, but we’re also big fans of the rest of Honeylove’s SuperPower collection. The SuperPower Brief also ranked quite high on our list for its excellent compression and superior comfort.
Who It’s For: We tried this style on petite pear shapes and slim, athletic builds and found it effective on both (though the former could feel the boning dig into the hips slightly when sitting). Overall, we think this is a solid piece of shapewear that would work with most body types. If shorts aren’t your thing, we recommend trying the SuperPower Brief or the SuperPower Thong if you’re worried about VPLs.
Material: Nylon, spandex; cotton gusset | Size: XS–3X | Colors: 4
Why We Love It: We were impressed with just how well this open-bust, full-short bodysuit slimmed our midsection, giving us a smoother overall silhouette and showing no visible lines underneath our clothing. We were also surprised at how comfortable it felt on; the material is soft and stretchy, and while it took a little wriggling to get into, once on, we forgot we were wearing any shapewear at all. Also nice? It’s crotchless, so you won’t have to worry about baring it all in the bathroom.
Who It’s For: If you prefer the comfort and reliable fit of your bras, especially if you find that most shapewear doesn’t offer the level of support you need, this shaping singlet is for you. It does a great job smoothing and subtly slimming out the midsection, which can be especially flattering for apple and pear body types.
Material: Nylon, elastane; cotton gusset | Size: S–3XL | Colors: 2
Why We Love It: If you’re seeking next-level compression, this sheer bodysuit from Miraclesuit delivers. We were impressed by how smooth and toned it makes us look, and we think it’s a real confidence booster. The high-quality fabric is very sturdy and compressive, and it passed our durability tests with flying colors, maintaining its shape and compression level nicely after wearing and washing. Just keep in mind that it’s on the thicker side, which is great for shaping but may be a little too warm for summer heatwaves. If there’s one thing we could change, it would be to omit the boning by the gusset snaps, as it sometimes causes discomfort along the inner thighs.
Who It’s For: After testing this suit on multiple body types and sizes, we think it’s best suited for moderately curvy, hourglass to slim, athletic figures. The sizing is by band and cup, not alpha sizing, and we found that if you carry most of your weight in your hips and midsection, the bottom is a bit too tight. It generally runs on the smaller side, so we recommend thoroughly reading the brand size guide and reviews and, when in doubt, size up.
Material: Nylon, spandex, elastane | Size: 34–40 band; B–DD cup | Colors: 2
Why We Love It: While Shapermint lists these shorts as having a high level of compression, we found the compression to be on the lighter side—a perfect everyday short for smoothing out the belly, hips, and thighs. It was easily one of the most comfortable pairs of shorts we tried on; they’re not at all restrictive, but fit like a glove. They stayed in place nicely throughout wear with no roll-down whatsoever and were seamless underneath our clothes. They were also super easy to take on and off—an important feature since there’s no opening at the gusset—making them all the more suitable for every day.
Who It’s For: We found these shorts to be especially flattering on pear shapes since they do a great job smoothing out the lower regions of the torso, hips, and thighs. We wouldn’t rely on these for shaping or slimming, but they left us lump and bump-free and looked great under casual clothing like jeans. However, we do think there’s a possibility they would show with tighter clothing like a bodycon dress.
Material: Nylon, spandex | Size: XS/S–4XL | Colors: 4
Why We Love It: These super stretchy Spanx shorts have a barely there feel that’s perfect for everyday wear. They’re marketed as anti-chaffing and anti-panty-line shorts, not sculpting, but we were surprised to find that they provide subtle shaping and smoothing to the midsection and thighs (a nice bonus, if you ask us). More importantly, they’re so comfortable, so much so that we forgot we even had them on. In fact, those of us who were bodysuit enthusiasts now consider ourselves short converts.
Who It’s For: Those looking for light smoothing and chafing protection will love how effortless these shorts are. Given their lightweight, they’re a perfect addition to anyone’s summer wardrobe for extra protection under mini skirts and dresses. The stretchy material fits curvy and wide-hipped body types well, and we can see them fitting just as well on a range of other body types.
Material: Nylon, elastane; cotton-lined gusset | Size: One size (fits 0–12) | Colors: 3
Why We Love It: For a shaping bodysuit that’ll lay nicely under your strapless dresses (and just about anything else), this back-supporting style was our favorite. Designed with the brand’s innovative Back Magic, which features corset-like boning for back support, it did a nice job smoothing and defining our torsos, especially from waist to hip. It was surprisingly comfortable to wear for hours at a time (besides after a huge meal, but we expected that), and clasps at the gusset allow for easy maneuvering during bathroom breaks. Despite being sized by band and cup size, we were impressed by how well it fit in the waist and hip areas on several body types. Testers also appreciated the silicone grips along the bottom briefs, which prevented it from riding up or moving underneath our clothes. It’s also top-notch quality; it looks and fits like new after washing, with no changes in overall shape or level of compression.
Who It’s For: If you’re looking for full-torso smoothing and sculpting, this provides a medium amount of compression—it wasn’t overly dramatic, but it did make a noticeable difference in terms of slimming and cinching. However, it doesn’t come in the widest size range, and those with cup sizes smaller than a B or larger than a DD may struggle to find the right fit. We found the gusset to be a tad too short for some of us, which folks with longer torsos should note.
Material: Nylon, elastane | Size: 32–40 band; B–DD cup | Colors: 2
Why We Love It: If a dramatic hourglass figure is your M.O., you can’t go wrong with this contouring corset. It did an excellent job of cinching us in at the waist, very visibly shaping our torso while remaining as comfortable as a corset can be (it’s not uncomfortable, but you’ll notice it throughout the day). There are a lot of hooks, so make sure to pencil in some extra time to get it on, though we found it easy to take off. It isn’t seamless, so you’ll need to be conscious about what you wear it with; layered under anything too thin or fitted, it’ll show. We think it works better as a waist trainer than something you’d wear under a bodycon dress.
Who It’s For: This cincher is best suited for those with average to longer torsos—for those of us with shorter torsos, it was a little too long and slightly cut into our hips.
Material: Rubber, cotton | Size: XXS–3X | Colors: 2
Why We Love It: This Wacoal bodysuit provided a decent amount of shaping in the belly and hips and lifting around the bust without feeling overly constricting or compressive. It gave us a much smoother silhouette that was subtly slimmer and more trim, and our breasts were noticeably perkier. Besides the straps feeling slightly tight on some of us, it was pretty comfortable and invisible under our clothes, so long as we wore our correct size. If there were two things we could change, it would be to make the straps adjustable and for the gusset hooks to be a snap rather than a bra-like hook—we had our moments of struggle trying to re-hook them in the bathroom.
Who It’s For: We found that because this bodysuit uses bra sizing, it’s best fit for those with slimmer hourglass, rectangle, or inverted triangle figures—those of us who are wider on the bottom found that it was a tad too tight in the booty area, resulting in discomfort and VPLs, even when it fit us correctly at the bust. It’s also not offered in sizes below 34C, so it isn’t suitable for those with smaller chests.
Material: Nylon, spandex; cotton-lined gusset | Size: 34C–40DDD | Colors: 2
Why We Love It: During summer months, a compressive shapewear short that’s airy and breathable is a total game changer. Crafted from an ultralightweight mesh (akin to a pair of tights), these shorts left us noticeably more snatched and did a great job of smoothing things out underneath our clothes, making all of our outfits look amazing. All that’s to say, these fit on the tighter side, and despite the material being so thin and light, we were impressed by how strong, sturdy, and high-quality it is—they kept their shape and level of compression throughout the testing period.
Who It’s For: Anyone looking for a breathable shaping short will appreciate these shorts’ mesh construction. They run on the smaller side, so we recommend sizing up if you don’t want the fit to be too restrictive and to prevent them from riding up or rolling down.
Material: Polyamide, elastane | Size: XS–XL | Colors: 2
Why We Love It: These may be called the Butt Enhancing Short, but it does a great job enhancing our lower belly, hips, and thighs, too. In fact, we were more impressed with how we looked from the front than we did from the back! As with any compressive shapewear, this style is pretty tight, but we wouldn’t call it uncomfortable. They’re made from the quality Skims material we know and love: thick, sturdy, and great at holding everything in. Also nice? It features a gusset opening that makes bathroom breaks less of a hassle.
Who It’s For: This short is great for enhancing hourglass figures, but we did find that the waistband was a bit too tight and slightly rolled down for those of us who carry weight in our midsection—if the waistband were a tad higher, that would solve this issue.
Material: Nylon, spandex | Size: XXS–4X | Colors: 8
Why We Love It: For a seamless look and medium sculpting power, these mid-thigh shorts from Spanx are a solid choice. We felt smoothed, shaped, and confident while wearing them, and the level of compression held us in and hugged us in all the right places. We also appreciated how comfortable and breathable the material is. We noticed they slightly rolled down at the waist throughout the day, but the shorts stayed nicely in place for the most part.
Who It’s For: It contains extra material in the thighs to prevent chafing, making this a great option for summer, especially given how breathable the material is. It fits somewhat tight, so we recommend sizing up if you’re in between sizes or don’t want an overly constricting fit. Keep the mid-thigh length in mind, as they might peek out from underneath shorter dresses and skirts, especially if you’re petite.
Material: Nylon, elastane | Size: S–3X | Colors: 4
Why We Love It: Thongs. You either love ‘em or hate ‘em, but when it comes to preventing VPLs under your bodycon dresses, they are truly unmatched. This Commando thong is one of the more comfortable styles we tried on. The soft and breathable fabric provides an impressive amount of compression that smooths and shapes us while remaining completely invisible underneath our clothes. In fact, those of us who were former thong nonbelievers are already planning to buy more.
Who It’s For: Those of us with curves and smaller bottoms alike found this thong to be very comfortable. However, we think the waist could be slightly higher; it may not provide those with longer torsos the amount of coverage they’d like.
Material: Nylon, elastane | Size: XS–XL | Colors: 4
Why We Love It: This shaping brief from Wacoal fits like a cozy glove—tight, but not too tight. It efficiently smoothed things out, and we really appreciated the extra layer of compression over the tummy area, which helped us look flatter and more trim. Because it’s a brief, it provides more coverage than your average shapewear underwear (which are usually thongs), and we found that extra coverage gives us the confidence and security needed when wearing shorter dresses and skirts. The material is also top-notch. Despite being so thin and breathable, it’s durable and sturdy, and we saw no signs of wear, shrinking, or stretching after multiple uses and washes.
Who It’s For: If you’re not a fan of thong shapewear, this high-waisted brief is for you. While briefs are typically not as invisible under clothing as thongs, we were still impressed with how well this pair performed—we just wouldn’t recommend it underneath anything too tight.
Material: Polyamide, elastane | Size: S–XXL | Colors: 2
Why We Love It: This strappy slip is another style from Commando that ranked high on our list. Snug, secure, and seamless under clothing, it provides a moderate amount of shaping and smoothing without sacrificing comfort. Constructed in sleek microfiber with a comfy cotton lining, it’s oh-so breathable and lightweight, making it a perfect base layer for your summer event dresses—in fact, we think it’s comfortable enough for every day. Despite the material being so light, it still has impressive quality and looks as good as new after multiple wears and washes.
Who It’s For: We were impressed with how flattering this fit is on curvy body types, but we think it’s a great pick for most body types—though the size offering could be more inclusive. The length is slightly longer than most, and we found that it’s best paired with midi and maxi dresses for more petite people.
Material: Nylon, cotton, elastane | Size: XS–XL | Colors: 2
Why We Love It: When you want to look absolutely snatched underneath your wedding dress (or your wedding guest dress, or any formal attire for that matter), this underwire slip from Skims is a solid choice. From a shaping standpoint, this style is top-tier. It smooths everything from our back rolls to our stomachs and provides a sturdy amount of compression yet allows for plenty of movement and dancing. It’s on the pricier side, but given its outstanding quality, we think it’s a worthy investment for special events.
Who It’s For: We think this slip is best for curvier body types, like hourglasses and apples. Those of us with rectangle body shapes noticed it fit well in the hips but was slightly too large in the bust. However, it does accommodate larger cup sizes very well, including E cups, which can be a tough quality to find in slips.
Material: Polyamide, elastane | Size: XXS–4X | Colors: 6
What to Keep in Mid
- Function and Form: First and foremost, consider what area you’re looking to target and how you want to target it, which will determine the form and function of the shapewear you’ll need. “The form drives the silhouette and how the style is cut—for example, a bodysuit, high-waisted shorts, a tank—while the function determines its performance and the occasions worn, such as coverage, smoothing, and shaping,” explains Nordstrom Women’s Associate Fashion Director Linda Cui Zhang. “Make sure the shapewear targets the specific areas you want to enhance, whether it’s tummy, thighs, or overall body contouring to achieve the most flattering silhouette,” adds size-inclusive stylist Michaela Leitz.
- Level of Control: Shapewear comes in varying degrees of compression, from light to firm control, explains Leitz. “Choose based on your needs—light control for everyday smoothing or firmer control for special occasions that require more dramatic shaping,” she says.
- Fit and Size: While shapewear is meant to be snug to a degree, ensuring you have the right fit and size is paramount, says Leitz. “Shapewear that’s too tight can be uncomfortable and create unwanted bulges, while shapewear that’s too loose won’t provide the desired shaping effect. Always refer to size charts and consider trying different brands to find your perfect fit,” she says.
- Material: Look for comfortable fabrics that are breathable and not restricting, says Shapermint Brand Director Gabrielle Richards. “Nylon and spandex are key shapewear fabrics that deliver on stretch and flexibility, so you’ll feel comfortable all day long—plus, nylon has breathability and moisture-wicking properties perfect for warmer climates and for year-round use if you run hot,” she says. And if you’re planning to wear sans undies? “Look for a cotton gusset, which supports a balanced pH and overall more comfortable wear.” Ensure the material is high-quality, too, as this will help the product maintain shape after multiple washes and ensure longevity, adds Leitz.
- Garment: Consider what you’ll be wearing the shapewear under. “Different shapewear pieces work best for different garments,” explains HanesBrands Chief Design Officer of Global Innerwear Jane Newman. “For example, smoothing shorts, thigh slimmers, and booty-lift showers are perfect under dresses, skirts, and tight pants as they create the look of a smooth silhouette, while shaping panties and waist cinchers provide tummy-smoothing control and cinched waistlines ideal for special occasion wear. Bodysuits are perfect under dresses and as a smoothing layer under coordinates.”
Your Questions, Answered
How is shapewear supposed to fit?
No matter the level of compression your shapewear has, you should always feel comfortable in it,” says Newman. “It’s important to purchase shapewear that isn’t too tight, as that could actually have a reverse effect on the look you’re trying to achieve.” Instead, she recommends opting for something that holds you in but doesn’t roll, dig, or pinch your body. “Lean into your normal size, but you should be open to experimenting with various shapes and silhouettes to find the perfect level of support and comfort for you.” Most of all, it should imbue confidence when worn and feel snug and secure, adds Zhang.
Can you wear shapewear while pregnant?
Yes, you can wear shapewear while pregnant! “It’s recommended to wear maternity-specific shapewear that doesn’t have compression in the belly area, but instead smooths so it doesn’t cause discomfort,” says Richards. “Wearing regular shapewear without this detail could constrict the belly and irritate the skin.” Newman agrees, adding that your pre-pregnancy go-to shapewear may no longer be comfortable or ideal as your body is changing. Of course, always consult your doctor if you’re feeling unsure, she adds.
How do you choose the right shapewear for you?
First, you’ll want to pinpoint the specific areas you want to smooth or shape, says Richards. If it’s your torso area you’re looking to target, she recommends opting for a shaping cami to smooth out your midsection. “For your bottom, smoothing panties and butt-lifting shaper shorts are some choices available to add lifting and shaping to your thighs, legs, and booty,” she says. “Some of us would like support in multiple areas, so consider a full-body piece like a bodysuit if you want an all-over sleeker look—just ensure it has an easily accessible open for bathroom breaks, like a snap gusset.”
Once you know what style of shapewear will best suit your target areas, you’ll want to consider the level of compression you need. “Light control is perfect for everyday wear, while firm control can provide a more sculpted look for special occasions,” says Leitz.
Most importantly? Choose something comfortable. “A shapewear try-on rule of thumb: Channel the feeling of a hug over a squeeze,” says Zhang. “Prioritize form and function and the best fit for the outfit.” Leitz also recommends paying close attention to sizing. “Always refer to the brand’s size chart and, if in doubt, opt for a slightly larger size rather than squeezing into a small one.”
Can you wear shapewear every day?
Shapewear is perfectly fine to wear every day, so long as you keep a few factors in mind. “It’s essential to choose pieces that prioritize comfort and breathability,” says Leitz. “Look for lightweight, seamless options with moderate compression. It’s also crucial to give your body breaks and listen to how it responds; prolonged use of high-compression garments can sometimes cause discomfort.” She also recommends rotating your shapewear pieces to ensure you’re not consistently compressing the same areas. “This can help maintain circulation and skin health,” she says.
Why Shop With Us
Jenna Igneri is a freelance writer who has worked in fashion and beauty media for over a decade, with bylines in Refinery29, Byrdie, Who What Wear, The Zoe Report, Coveteur, and more. As someone whose job requires them to frequently attend formal dinners, cocktails, and fashion shows, she often relies on shapewear to give her an extra confidence boost under whatever she’s wearing and knows what features make shapewear good shapewear.
To put together this list, she compiled insights from InStyle’s in-house testers and read through online reviews to narrow down our top picks, and then consulted a team of shapewear experts—Linda Cui Zhang, Michaela Leitz, Gabrielle Richards, and Jane Newman—to share their insights and shopping tips.