We all have everyday undergarment go-tos: comfy bralettes, seamless undies, performance sports bras. But for moments when you want extra support or smoothing, the best shapewear for women can make all the difference.
When should I wear shapewear?
When wearing special-occasion attire, many often consider a sculpting bodysuit or corset as a base layer. But day-to-day, a smoothing T-shirt bra or pair of compression shorts can be the ticket to making your outfit infinitely more comfortable and flattering. Similarly, high-rise thongs or shaping briefs can serve as a confidence boost beneath thin or body-skimming fabrics. What’s more, certain seamless or shaping bodysuits are quite versatile – you can style many designs with trousers, skirts, or shorts instead of a tank top or blouse.
Then, of course, there are those semi-sheer items in your wardrobe that can cause a bit of uncertainty. While you might not give a sheer dress another thought on a holiday, you undoubtedly think harder about it when it’s part of a typical outfit. Here, a second-skin slip, skirt, or camisole will instantly transform translucent tops, skirts, and blouses into something more demure. With shapewear styling hacks, you can make something you deemed only a cover-up a part of an outfit you can wear anywhere, plus instantly get a boost of confidence from the extra support.
How tight should shapewear fit?
In order to create that smooth, sculpted silhouette, shapewear needs be tight fitting (don’t be alarmed at how small the pieces look - they will stretch), however it shouldn’t cut-off circulation or leave red marks on your body. Different brands will offer different sizing, so while your usual size should suffice, we recommend trying on a range of sizes and shapes in order to find your perfect style.
Which body shaper brand is best?
Most underwear brands these days offer some form of shapewear, however there are some labels that have carved a niche for themselves in this category. Spanx is probably one of the best-known brands, prized for its classic sculpting shorts and smoothing underwear, meanwhile Skims and Nubian Skin are the newer names leading the way in more inclusive colour ranges. And then of course, you have the high-street classics, like M&S, that excel in more affordable shapewear, covering everything from slips to bodysuits.
No matter the outfit or occasion at hand, keep scrolling to discover the best shapewear for women, from bras, underwear, and slips to skirts, corsets, and more.
Vogue’s pick of the best shapewear at a glance:
- Best compression pants: Skims Everyday Sculpt High-Waist Briefs, £36
- Best leg-shaping shorts: Wacoal Fit And Lift Black Shaping Shorts, £70
- Best figure flattering bodysuit: Marks & Spencer Firm Control Sheer Stripe Bodysuit, £35
- Best body-skimming top: Hanro Satin-Trimmed Cotton Camisole, £34
- Best slip dress: Wolford Pure Slip Dress, £130
- Best soft-cup bra: Cosabella Evolution Stretch-Jersey Soft-Cup Bra, £72
- Best figure-framing corset: Spanx Under Sculpture High-Rise Control Shorts, £222
- Best under-skirt: Miraclesuit Hi Waist Slip, £55
Underwear
A pair of underwear made from compressive or sculpting fabric, be it a thong or brief, will create a smoothing effect throughout your stomach, hips, and waist. Ideal for high-waisted trousers and high-neck dresses.
Shorts
Whether for shaping, smoothing, or extra-layer security, a pair of compression shorts will lay well under dresses and skirts. Skims’s mid-thigh shorts have become a cult favourite among the fashion pack.
Bodysuits
Rather than fuss with both a bra and underwear, try a shapewear bodysuit for all-in-one ease. A real multi-tasker, you can layer a bodysuit under a sheer top, slip under a maxi dress or even wear alone as a top with high-waisted trousers.
Tops
A camisole or tank can comfortably smooth your shape without feeling as constricting as a bodysuit. What’s more, these offer more coverage beneath sheer fabrics. From Spanx’s simple tanks, to more structured styles from the likes of Maidenform, there are plenty of options to choose from.
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Spanx
Thinstincts Camisole Top
Slips
A slip is a versatile shapewear staple, whether you like extra coverage or smoothing under a dress. For a seamless look, opt for one in a silhouette that mirrors the shape of your garment, be it strapless, a U-neck, or a bustier design.
Bras
A comfortable way to smooth your silhouette beneath everyday staples like T-shirts and tanks? A soft-cup bra designed to flatter and shape.
Corsets
For more dramatic shaping through your waist, a corset is the ultimate way to accentuate curves. But worry not, these are nothing like the Victorian era’s restrictive constructions, rather you can expect comfortable silhouettes and modern, malleable fabrics.
Skirts
For separates or dresses that are sheer or fitted on the bottom, try a slip skirt for extra coverage and support. This is particularly useful for static fabrics or skirts that benefit with a smoother silhouette, such as slips.
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