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After having four kids, it feels like shapewear is the only way I can really get that snatched mid-section look I like. But tracking down the best shapewear isn’t the easiest undertaking. To help you find the best options to wear, we put more than two dozen pieces from a variety of brands (including highly-rated Amazon shapewear options) and tested them over the course of four weeks. We tried perennial favorites like Spanx to emerging options like Pinsy, to see how well each performed under various shirts and dress, and on both casual and formal occasions. And now—just in time for the Christmas party circuit—we’re ready to share the results. Pinsy makes some of the best shapewear out there. Their sculpting bodysuit is made of high-quality, breathable fabrics but has compressive panels that expertly contour your midsection. And they’re so discreet that you can even wear them on their own. (Truly!) But if you’re on the hunt for something else, we discovered some incredible options that stay in place and are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time, including shorts that may as well have superpowers.
Our favorite shapewear pieces
- Best Overall: Pinsy Butter Sculpt Tee Seamless Shapewear Bodysuit, $89
- Best Value: Shapermint High-Waisted Shaper Shorts, $28
- Best Bodysuit: Honeylove Liftwear Cami Bodysuit, $99
- Best Long-Sleeve Bodysuit: Popilush Shapewear Long-Sleeve Bodysuit, $69
- Best for Dresses: Maidenform Firm Control Tummy Shaping Multiway Thong Bodysuit, $70
- Best Plus-Size: Skims Underwire Thong Bodysuit, $120
- Best for Tummy Control: Honeylove SuperPower Shorts, $89
- Best on Amazon: Wacoal Red Carpet Bodysuit, $132
- Best Shorts: Spanx High-Waisted Mid-Thigh Short, $55
- Best Leggings: Shapermint Essentials High-Waisted Shaping Leggings, $60
- Best Butt-Lifting: Yitty Nearly Naked Ulta High Waist Booty Lift Short, $60
- Best Mid-Thigh Bodysuit: Skims Seamless Sculpt Mid-Thigh Shapewear Bodysuit, $74
See our full video shapewear reviews
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What to know about shapewear
How to find the best shapewear for your body
Shapewear is a type of undergarment designed to sculpt and contour the body, creating a smoother and more defined silhouette. It is made from elastic and compressive fabrics that provide support and shape to areas such as the waist, hips, thighs, and buttocks. Most intimates brands make various styles, including shaping bodysuits, tank tops, high-waist shorts, and shaping briefs, each targeting specific body parts. No matter which type you reach for, the purpose is to enhance the natural figure, boost confidence, and provide a seamless base for special occasion clothing (including wedding dresses) as well as everyday wear.
Shapewear is as unique as your body is, so it’s important to choose pieces that target your specific area of concern and offer the level of compression you’re after. The style you ultimately select also depends on what garment it’s intended to go under—for example, a camisole-style body suit wouldn’t work under a strapless dress but may work great with jeans and a tee and shorts might not work under a shorter cocktail dress but tend to be great for skirts. We also suggest targeting your regular size to keep you more comfortable during wear and prevent your body shaper from rolling down or digging in.
Yes, shapewear does work in terms of providing immediate visual results by smoothing out bulges and creating a more streamlined appearance. It can help clothes fit better and give the wearer a more toned and sculpted look. However, it’s important to note that shapewear is a temporary solution and does not lead to permanent body shaping. Additionally, choosing the right size and style of shapewear is crucial to ensure comfort and effectiveness.
Is it better to size up or down in shapewear?
The best way to approach sizing is to pick what’s true to size. Take a tape measure and measure your waist and hip to find your exact measurements. Sizing down can lead to uncomfortable bulging and digging, excessive tightness, and underwear or shorts that roll down. You might think that your shapewear won’t provide the slimming results you’re looking for if it’s too large, but staying true to size should still do the trick.
Can you wear shapewear while pregnant?
Wearing tight shapewear while pregnant is generally not recommended, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. As the body undergoes significant changes and the abdomen expands, it’s important to prioritize comfort and avoid any garments that may restrict blood flow or put pressure on the developing fetus. If you do want to wear shapewear, there are maternity specific options designed for pregnant women that offer gentle support and shaping without compression. These garments can provide some relief from back pain and help distribute the weight of the growing belly more evenly. It’s always best to consult with a health care provider before wearing shapewear during pregnancy.
When selecting the best shapewear pieces for our guide, we prioritized several key aspects to ensure that each item not only fits well but also meets the needs of diverse body types and preferences. Here’s what we focused on during our testing:
- Size Availability: We looked for shapewear that offers a broad range of sizes. It’s essential that every woman finds a piece that fits her body comfortably and correctly, so inclusivity in sizing was a top priority.
- Materials Used: The fabric of the shapewear is crucial for comfort and functionality. We selected pieces made from high-quality materials that provide both support and flexibility. Breathable fabrics that maintain their shape after washing were also a must.
- Type of Shapewear: Understanding that different occasions call for different types of support, we included a variety of shapewear styles in our testing. From full bodysuits to targeted options like high-waisted shorts and contouring panties, each type serves a specific purpose.
- Comfort and Fit: Comfort is key when it comes to shapewear. We tested for pieces that offer firm support without compromising on comfort, ensuring that they can be worn for extended periods without discomfort.
- Ease of Putting On and Taking Off: Shapewear should be straightforward to put on and remove. We considered the ease with which each piece could be worn and taken off, an important factor for everyday practicality.
- Functionality: Each piece of shapewear was assessed for its intended function—whether it’s a smoothing effect, shaping, lifting, or providing extra support. We looked for items that effectively fulfill their purpose without restricting movement.
By focusing on these elements, we aimed to recommend shapewear that not only looks good but feels great to wear, no matter the occasion.
To ensure our recommendations for the best shapewear are reliable and trustworthy, we scoured the most popular retailers for their bestsellers. We then poured through hundreds of user reviews to come up with a list of more than two dozen top-rated styles we thought were worth trying. Finally, we put each item to the test over the course of a six weeks, evaluating everything from material and fit to comfort.
- Wearing Duration: Each piece of shapewear was worn by our testers for a few hours to assess its comfort and functionality over time. This helped us determine if the shapewear remained supportive and comfortable or if it started to sag or pinch as the hours passed.
- Activity Testing: Our testers engaged in a variety of activities while wearing the shapewear to simulate real-life usage. This included walking around, climbing stairs, sitting for extended periods, and performing light exercises. The aim was to check the shapewear’s performance during movement and at rest.
- Fit and Comfort Assessment: Throughout the testing period, our testers evaluated the fit and comfort level of the shapewear. We paid close attention to whether the garments stayed in place or required frequent adjustments.
- Ease of Movement: It’s crucial that shapewear allows for freedom of movement without restriction. Our testers noted any instances of discomfort or limitation in movement during their normal daily activities.
- Practicality for Long-Term Wear: Since shapewear is often worn for long hours, we assessed how practical each piece was for all-day wear. This included evaluating breathability, moisture-wicking properties, and whether the shapewear maintained its shape and support throughout the day.
- Ease of Use: We also examined how easy it was to put on and take off each piece of shapewear. A good shapewear piece should be straightforward to use, without needing excessive effort to wear or remove.
By following this comprehensive testing methodology, we were able to identify the best shapewear options that provide both support and comfort, enhancing the wearer’s silhouette while ensuring they feel good throughout the day.
Original video by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
- What we love: Buttery-soft material; built-in chest support; can be worn on its own; hook-and-eye gusset that sits comfortably; comes in various necklines
- What could improve: The compressive fabric flattened our tester’s chest; doesn’t come in nude or white
- Available sizes: S–3X
- Fabrics: Proprietary Butter Sculpt fabric
- Colors: 5 options
- Great for: Wearing on its own or under T-shirts or sweaters
- Taking on and off: Pull-on style
It may be a little different from traditional shapewear, but I can’t tell you how much I love these bodysuits. I tried three different styles from Pinsy—this T-shirt, a tank, and a long-sleeve option—as well as at least 15 other styles from eight different shapewear brands, and I can unequivocally say this brand is my favorite. The tank is the most versatile, since it works with jeans and a tee, as well as many styles of dresses, but I really want to stress that this shapewear is made to be seen, so you can easily wear many of the brand’s styles, like this sculpted tee, on their own. I wore both the tank and the tee with jeans to two different events, and can’t count the number of compliments I got. Friends were, quite literally, *adding to cart* while we were chatting.
They do run on the smaller side. I’m generally a small, so I went with that size, and it looked so teeny-tiny, I wasn’t sure how I was going to get it on. But a little shimmying did the trick. The result was so smooth and sucked in. Even while sitting, I felt like things were nice and hugged in, thanks to the nearly invisible compressive details at the waist. It also has built-in support, so you don’t have to wear a bra. My biggest complaint is that the tank and the tee did flatten my chest a bit, and a bra would definitely show through the material. I did add pasties, though—just to avoid a nipply look.
Original image by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
Original image by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
Original video by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
- What we love: Size inclusive; machine washable; great postpartum option
- What could improve: The thicker fabric showed through jeans, specifically on the thighs
- Available sizes: S–4XL
- Fabrics: Nylon, spandex
- Colors: 5 options
- Great for: Wearing underneath dresses or skirts
- Taking on and off: Pull-on style
At less than $30, these shaping shorts offer one of the best overall values out there. We tried them over the course of four weeks, and found that they were one of the less compressive options but still had a high-waist band that offered enough contouring to lend a smoother look under dresses. (The fabric is a little thick, so we had trouble hiding these shorts under jeans.) We liked that there’s no struggle to slip these shorts on and they leave room for a full range of motion, so you can stay comfortable and move about as usual. They’re also more suitable for pregnant women, since they offer gentle support and shaping without true compression.
Our tester said the anti-slip design was one of the best of the bunch, too. “I’ve never been big on shapewear shorts, because I always felt like the top would roll down, but these stayed in place through a three-hour event.”
Original image by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
Original image by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
Original video by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
- What we love: Buttery soft fabric; molded cups with concealed underwire; adjustable straps
- What could improve: Stitching may show through form-fitting garments
- Available sizes: S–2XL
- Fabrics: Nylon, spandex
- Colors: 4 options
- Great for: Push-up support and shaping under dresses; jeans and a T-shirt
- Taking on and off: Pull-on style with snaps on the gusset
Though this style is highly versatile—it has detachable straps that allow you to wear it any which way—we found it best for dresses. While you can definitely wear it with jeans and a T-shirt, our tester noticed the stitching did show lines on more form-fitting shirts. “The material is buttery soft—one of the softest I tried—but still offers firm compression that gave me a sucked-in feel without being restrictive,” she said.
We also liked the support and shape the built-in bra lent, whether wearing the bodysuit with dresses and skirts or jeans. The thong bodysuit design also makes the style more suitable for options that tend to show visible panty lines. Our tester wore it with a silk skirt notorious for showing lines and said “it was almost as if I had nothing on underneath.”
Original image by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
Original image by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
Original video by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
- What we love: Supportive cups; ideal for larger busts; removable straps
- What could improve: Not ideal for smaller busts; hand-wash and line-dry only
- Available sizes: 34C–40DDD
- Fabrics: Nylon, spandex
- Colors: 2 options
- Great for: Push-up support and shaping under strapless gowns or tops
- Taking on and off: Hook-and-eye closures on the back top and gusset
Need shapewear for a special occasion? This bodysuit is different from others—in a great way that makes it more versatile—because it features a convertible design. You can wear it with the straps or you can wear it under off-shoulder and strapless pieces while providing a smooth, seamless look. You could even wear it with racerback styles. We tried it various ways over the course of four weeks, including under an everyday T-shirt and with a short cocktail dress. When worn strapless, we appreciated the silicone strips along the upper edges—it didn’t slip even when dancing.
Our tester, a size 34C, liked that the full-coverage underwire cups offered shaping properties that she said made her look more well-endowed than your average bra. It’s a great pick for women with larger busts, too, as the sizes go all the way up to a 40DD and has a wide, supportive band with three rows of hook-and-eye closures. Another standout feature? It has three rows of hook-and-eye closures on the gusset. “It didn’t dig in the same way other bodysuits—namely those with snaps—did.”
Original image by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
Original image by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
- What we love: Comfortable for all-day wear; provides a smooth silhouette; versatile styling options
- What could improve: The compressive style is a bit hard to get on
- Available sizes: S–4X
- Fabrics: Nylon, spandex
- Colors: 1 option
- Great for: Everyday wear; light workouts; wearing under jeans
- Taking on and off: Easy pull-on style with stretchy fabric
Designed to smooth and shape your figure, these leggings provide medium compression and a whole lot of comfort. The breathable, stretchy fabric ensures a snug fit that moves with you throughout the day, as does its high waistband. Whether you’re running errands or enjoying a casual outing, these tummy-control leggings are a versatile addition to your wardrobe. “I really loved wearing these under my jeans,” said our tester. “Not only did they offer compression that smoothed me from the waist down, but they also added some warmth on chillier days, which is a nice bonus.”
Our tester also wore the style on its own while working out, adding to the versatility of these shapewear leggings. “They were entirely squat-proof and didn’t have any irritating seams during a light weight-lifting workout and an easy jog.” Most importantly, these bad boys really snatch the waist. “I couldn’t believe the difference—my midsection is one area I tend to complain about, but I really felt like I was rocking an hourglass shape when I had these on.”
Original image by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
Original image by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
Best Butt-Lifting: Yitty Nearly Naked Ulta High Waist Booty Lift Short
Original video by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
- What we love: Silicone grippers to prevent rolling; compression all around with dedicated shaping panels in the back
- What could improve: A bit hard to pull on
- Available sizes: XS/S–5X
- Fabrics: Recycled nylon, nylon, elastane
- Colors: 5 options
- Great for: Shaping under skirts and dresses
- Taking on and off: Pull-on style
Lizzo’s shapewear, Yitty, is made from a thick nylon and elastane blend. These particular shaping shorts deliver great compression all around, but really shine in the back. The back has extra panels that encircle your butt to lift it up, providing a little lift in the booty that our tester said was subtle but flattering in a silk skirt. It would also be great for shaping under dresses or even jeans, but keep in mind that shaping shorts often show lines at the thighs—particularly if your jeans are on the tighter side.
Though they were a bit hard to put on, our tester said they were largely very comfortable. “I wore these out to dinner for a few hours, and felt confident in my outfit without feeling totally squeezed or pinched.” And while she appreciated that the pair has interlocking fabric at the gusset to get in and out of the bathroom without having to shimmy the whole thing on and off, we found that this type of closure isn’t nearly as convenient as snaps or hook-and-eye closure. This is, however, a cross-brand problem with shorts, so take it with a grain of salt.
Original image by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
Original image by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
Best Bodysuit: Honeylove Liftwear Cami Bodysuit
Original video by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
- What we love: Smooth, soft fabric; molded cups with thicker straps for more support up top; criss-cross panel design at the waist for a cinching effect; hook-and-eye closure gusset
- What could improve: Not ideal for jeans, since it shows VPLs
- Available sizes: XS–4X
- Fabrics: Nylon, spandex
- Colors: 7 options
- Great for: Shaping under dresses; jeans and a T-shirt
- Taking on and off: Pull-on style with hook-and-eye closures on the gusset
In tests, we found some bodysuits felt more like an extra layer than a second skin. But we loved Honeylove’s Cami Bodysuit, because it fell squarely into the latter camp. The soft, buttery fabric glides over the skin while offering a medium compression that’s effective yet comfortable enough for prolonged wear—like under a wedding guest dress or even under office wear. You could also wear the bodysuit with jeans and a tee, but we’re more inclined to recommend the brand’s Cami Thong Bodysuit for that, since this full-coverage option did show panty lines when our tester gave it a spin with denim.
The bodysuit really shines in the mid-section, where it has a criss-cross panel design that really cinches the waist to help give an hourglass look. We also like that the molded cups don’t have any underwire (more comfortable and more natural looking, IMO!), but do have relatively thick, supportive straps that would offer enough support for larger-chested women. And, by now you already know, I love that there’s a hook-and-eye closure on the gusset, making it easier to pop in and out of the bathroom. I also find this style more comfortable than snaps.
Original image by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
Original image by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
Original video by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
- What we love: Soft fabric; versatile option with multiple styling possibilities; medium compression is effective yet comfortable
- What could improve: The cups are a bit roomy
- Available sizes: XS-3XL
- Fabrics: Nylon, spandex
- Colors: 4 options
- Great for: Wearing on its own; shaping under jeans and a sweater or long sleeve dresses
- Taking on and off: Pull-on style with snaps on the gusset
Read the full article here
