The Best Shapewear For All Your Needs, From Sculpting Bodysuits To Smoothing Tank Tops (2024)

If you’ve spent any time searching for the best shapewear, you’re not alone: The popularity of sculpting bodysuits, tank tops, boyshorts and leggings is on the rise (so much so that, by 2028, shapewear is expected to be a $4 billion industry). The category has skyrocketed, in part, because the designs are less restrictive than the girdles of the past, and now speak more broadly to different body shapes and sizes. Women-owned brands, such as Kim Kardashian’s Skims, are part of this shift into the modern era and the best shapewear doesn’t even have to hide under your clothes—many of the versatile pieces can be worn as separates for day and night, too.

Whether you’re considering your first piece of shapewear or you already have a drawer full of options, we found the best items in the category—from curve-enhancing bodysuits to tummy-controlling briefs. Here are the essentials to consider below. (When you’re done here, we also researched the best bras and underwear for women).

Shop The Best Shapewear

• Best Overall Shapewear: Skims Seamless Sculpt Low Back Bodysuit With Hosiery Leg
• Best Tummy-Control Shapewear: Assets By Spanx Flawless Finish High-Waist Shaping Thong
• Best Shapewear For Plus-Sizes: Yitty By Lizzo Nearly Naked Shaping Thong Bodysuit
• Best Shapewear For Wedding Dress: Shapellx AirSlim Lace Smooth Firm Control Full Body Shaper
• Best Body Shaper: Wacoal Try a Little Slenderness Shaping Bodysuit
• Best Shapewear Tank Top: Yummie Seamlessly Shaped Convertible Camisole
• Best Shapewear For Tummy And Waist: Maidenform Tame Your Tummy Boyshort
• Best Shapewear Shorts: Spanx Suit Your Fancy Booty Booster Mid-Thigh
• Best Shapewear Briefs: Heist Studios The High Waist Contour Brief
• Best Shapewear For Lower Belly: Ashley Stewart Plus Size Seamless High Waist Shaping Control Lightweight Brief Panty
• Best Shaping Leggings: Shapermint High Waisted Medium Compression Leggings
• Best Lightweight Shapewear: Lively The All-Day Bodysuit

Best Shapewear Overall

Essential Bodysuit In Diverse Nude Tones

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Best Tummy-Control Shapewear

Underwear That Smooths Your Midsection

Best Shapewear For Plus Sizes

Fit-Tested For Comfort

Best Shapewear For Wedding Dress

Compression With A Touch Of Lace

Best Body Shaper

Adjustable Straps For A Perfect Fit

Best Shapewear Tank Top

Keeps You Cool And Supported

Best Shapewear For Tummy And Waist

Breathable For All-Day Wear

Best Shapewear Shorts

Sculpting From Your Waist To Mid-Thigh

Best Shapewear Briefs

Seamless For An Invisible Effect

Best Shapewear For Lower Belly

Control Without Being Constrictive

Best Shapewear Leggings

Compression From Waist Down

Best Shapewear For Lightweight Smoothing

Great For Layering Or Wearing On Its Own

What to Consider When Shopping For Shapewear

• Comfort: Shapewear is a style essential that’s no longer suffocating. “The materials are soft, lightweight and supportive,” says New-York based fashion stylist Beckie Klein. The best pieces should “fit well and make you feel comfortable and confident so you can wear them for hours.” In warmer weather, go for breathable separates in single layered fabrics, such as sculpting shorts and high-rise tummy-controlling briefs. Or consider Yummie, a brand that combines compression with skin-cooling fabrics. Stick to your normal dress or bra size for the best fit. Resist the urge to go down a size assuming this will make you look tighter or give you extra support, as this will only make things overly constricting and dig into your skin.
• Coverage: For a smoothing effect, New-York based stylist Samantha Brown looks for seamless coverage. “Make sure your shapewear doesn’t cut into your skin or have bulky hardware since this may prove uncomfortable, unflattering and reveal bumps,” she says. “I always recommend that clients create a shapewear wardrobe for all different outfits and occasions.” To that end, Brown invests in tummy-controlling briefs, sculpting shorts, unfussy tanks with built-in cups and adjustable straps as well as compression tights for everyday wear. For a smooth, streamlined silhouette in formalwear, she recommends full bodysuits, slips and dresses that target larger surface areas when you want maximum coverage.
• Color: Shapewear comes in many forms and hues, and finding a nude that matches your skin tone is easier thanks to modern brands such as Skims that provide more diverse shade ranges. “Having a basic black option is also a good idea, as it seamlessly layers under darker fabrics,” says Brown. If showing off your shapewear is part of your look, experiment with different colors—just make sure these pieces still offer style and support.
• Materials: Choosing the right materials and thickness matter in the search for the best shapewear. Nylon and spandex tend to deliver the most stretch, support and smoothing but there are also great cotton and microfiber options that wick moisture from the skin. Also look for mesh paneling to add breathability and microfibers to fight odor. Beyond materials, the design is essential for comfort. “Shapewear should have good hold, but should also feel soft and stretchy on the skin,” says Brown. Steer clear of “trims that will cut into you or excessive boning as these details can create an uncomfortable fit.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Shapewear

What Does Shapewear Do?

Shapewear should smooth out lumps and bumps, make your clothes hang better and also provide lift and support, says Brown. “Some shapewear pieces are designed to help lift the bust and butt and smooth and control certain areas to create a flattering silhouette,” she says. “It works best under clingy clothes and to create smoothness when wearing silks, sheer fabrics and knits.”

What Type Of Shapewear Is Best?

It really depends on the outfit, the season and your body type. “If you want to control, compress and contour your tummy area, go for sculpting shorts or tummy-control briefs,” says Klein. “If you want to support and lift your butt, consider a high-waist shaping thong.” For those who want tummy and butt coverage along with lift for the bust, an all-day bodysuit or tank with adjustable straps and in-built bra cups are versatile options.

What Are The Best Shapewear Brands?

There are so many great shapewear brands now, the best advice is to seek out those that specialize in new silhouettes, high-tech materials and diverse shades and sizing. While Skims is out to make shapewear more inclusive for all, Spanx has long been a tried-and-true favorite for their ultra-supportive and comprehensive styles. Yummie is changing the game with their temperature-regulating technology and Lively has mastered simple, stylish shapewear that’s almost too good to hide under your clothes—their bodysuits can double as tops to pair with jeans. Beyond the brands that top our list, Brown also likes Cupid Intimates. “Their shapewear is luxurious and still has a romantic appeal,” she says. “The styles are thinner and breathable so they don’t feel constricting.” For those with a smaller bust, Klein loves Wear Pepper, a brand that specializes in shapewear for AA to B cup sizes.

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