Shapewear has become a staple in many wardrobes, providing body support, smoothing effects, and a boost of confidence. These underwears are designed to create a sleek, streamlined silhouette under clothing by providing varying degrees of compression and support to different parts of the body, such as the waist, hips, thighs, and bust. Whether you’re aiming to enhance your curves, achieve a seamless look under a tight dress, or simply feel more comfortable in your clothes, the right shapewear can make all the difference.
If you are in the category of people who still think shapewear is constrictive, uncomfortable, and difficult to breathe in, you might be wearing the wrong type. While shapewear has a history that includes corsets and waist trainers that pinch and prod, modern designs are much more innovative, sculpting and smoothing the body without causing discomfort. Today’s shapewear is constructed to be comfortable enough for everyday wear, and many brands have made their lines more inclusive, offering fits for different body types and a range of skin-tone shades.
The shapewear market is also more competitive than ever, with brands like SKIMS, founded by Kim Kardashian, rivaling Spanx, and others like Maidenform, Bali and Shapermint offering various options. Whether you choose bodysuits or other versions of shapewear, they should enhance your figure and, if they fit well, should feel like a second skin. To help you find the best options, here are 15 of the best shapewear bodysuits you can buy right now.
Skims Sculpting Brief Bodysuit
This shapewear is rated “strong” on the brand’s support scale, which goes from ultralight to extra-strong. It’s suggested to size up for comfort or stick to the usual size for more shaping.
The bodysuit runs small but stretches a lot, even though it looks tiny at first. It shapes curves comfortably and has a cheekier cut that enhances the butt. It can be worn without underwear, and sizing up helps it stay in place. Unlike traditional shapewear, it looks like a skin-colored leotard, and all of that, just for $70.
+Body by Julia Haart Powersuit
The Powersuit from +Body by Julia Haart gives you a more bespoke fit than other popular bodysuits, thanks to a material called “Powerbond 2.0.” The Powersuit is easier to put on and has a structure that provides firm support. It is available up to size XXXL, though the larger sizes tend to sell out quickly, and offers a range of cup sizes from A to F.
Wacoal Visual Effects Bodysuit
The Visual Effects Bodysuit is considered one of the best bodysuits available., though it doesn’t have a wider size range. This bodysuit includes a built-in minimizer bra that lifts and reduces the breast without causing discomfort. It doesn’t feel like wearing a tight corset; instead, it provides shaping while working harmoniously with the body.
Spanx Suit Your Fancy Plunge Low-Back Mid-Thigh Bodysuit
When shapewear is mentioned, Spanx often comes to mind. The company initially gained popularity for its bodysuits, which were among the few comfortable shapewear options available.
This particular bodysuit features deep plunges in both the front and back, making it suitable for low-cut necklines and backless dresses while still smoothing the waist and lower back. The bodysuit feels similar to an all-over sports bra with consistent compression. Adjustments may be needed for the right fit: although it includes padded cups, cup sizes cannot be chosen. Some tweaking of the straps and cup position may be necessary to achieve the desired support.
For women with larger busts, it might not offer sufficient support due to its plunging design. In such cases, a different bodysuit that allows for the use of a personal bra might be a better option.
Spanx OnCore Open Bust Mid-Thigh Shaper Bodysuit
For women who prefer to wear their own bra, an open-bust bodysuit is a good option. The OnCore from Spanx effectively hides the outline of a bra, curving around the cups and coming up high on the sides and back to prevent any hint of band or bulge from a hook-and-eye closure.
It offers torso and thigh sculpting similar to another style but feels lighter and more breathable, even though it’s made from the same stretchy nylon and elastane blend. The fabric is not as thick in this version. Since the bodysuit provides full coverage from under the bust to the middle of the thighs, it might become a bit tiresome to wear for a whole day.
However, the fabric is very smooth and comfortable enough that it won’t feel like something to remove immediately. There is also a panty version of the bodysuit, which some clients prefer for a similar shaping effect with less material.
Commando Two-Faced Tech Control Full Slip
Commando’s underwear is known for its true-to-the-name, gone-commando fit. The slip has been worn once under a dress with a full skirt and was impressively invisible. The material is slinky microfiber on the outside and comfortable cotton on the inside, giving it the “two-faced” title.
Customers appreciate the seamlessness of the slip, which is “basically undetectable to the eye” and very comfortable. Because the slip is only lightly lined and doesn’t have cups or an underwire, wearing a bra with it might be necessary, but this can vary depending on cup size and the desired look.
Rago Hi Waisted Long Leg Shaper Shapewear
The best shaping shorts are from Rago, offering a wide range of sizes from small to 8X. The brand’s bodysuit is praised for its proper garment construction and its benefits for the female form.
These shorts are high-waisted, with shaping panels and contour bands for optimal support. They feature flat seams that don’t show under clothes, a split crotch for convenience, and grippy lace leg holes that stay in place.
Knix Thigh Saver Short – 6″
These lighter and thinner shorts from a start-up undergarment maker are recommended for preventing thigh chafing. They are lightweight, helping to avoid sweat. Many users find them so comfortable that they feel like wearing nothing and consider them a game changer.
The High Rise Shaper Shorts, similar to the Thigh Saver but with a super-high cut starting right under the bra, are also popular. They leave no noticeable stomach lines and are comfortable enough to forget they are being worn.
Spanx Seamless Power Sculpting Mid-Thigh
The Spanx Seamless Power Sculpting Mid-Thigh Short doesn’t cause visible panty lines, can be worn without underwear, and has a non-digging waistband. The brand’s higher-waisted Seamless Power Sculpting High-Waisted Mid-Thigh Short, which costs slightly more, is also recommended.
These shorts don’t feel like a heavy extra layer and are breathable and comfortable throughout the day. They smooth out the form without altering it. Another popular option is from Spanx’s diffusion collection, Assets, which is considered essential for preventing thigh chafing.
Commando Zone Smoothing High Waist Briefs
Shaping underwear often creates unwanted lines with many seams and panels. However, this pair is described as “relatively seamless” even with its brief cut. It has discreet panels throughout that help contour the body. Made from soft microfiber fabric, it is comfortable enough to wear all day without complaint. It provides noticeable results with minimal effort.
Shapermint Essentials Scoop Neck Cami
This newer shapewear brand has become well-known for its camisoles. The camisole allows for braless wear, similar to a great bralette. It provides a snug feel, placing it between a 1 and a 2 on the comfort-and-shaping scale. While it may not be ideal under something overly formfitting, it works well with a dress that has to drape, lying flat against the body for added security.
Unlike many shaping tops that tend to roll up at the waist, this one stays put through sitting and standing without the need for constant adjustments. It’s important to double-check measurements before purchasing, as the cami runs small, and sizing up is recommended for those between sizes.
Yummie Shaping Tank
Yummie is well-known for its soft, yet fitted tanks. This particular tank features two inner panels that can be moved to the front or back to smooth desired areas. It can also be reversed to change the neckline from a scoop neck to a V-neck.
It is especially useful under sheath dresses and blouses and works well under clingy sweaters. The tank can even be worn on its own with a nice pair of trousers. When wearing any shaping tank, it’s best to step into the garment and shimmy it up rather than putting it on like a normal top.
TC Strapless Shaper Bodysuit
This strapless bodysuit from TC Fine Intimates is recommended as a “perfect foundation” that smooths the stomach, waist, and back while fitting different necklines with its sweetheart shape. It has been used for formal events like awards shows. The bodysuit size is selected based on bra size, ranging from 32B to 40C.
Labeled as “extra firm,” it features underwire cups and stays for back support, so it may feel tight at first. However, it is considered suitable for formal events where a polished look is desired. The bodysuit also comes with a set of bra straps for added versatility and support when needed.
Bali Lace ‘N Smooth Built-in Body Shaper
For those who want the lacy look of the higher-end bodysuit without spending a lot, this option is available at an affordable price on Amazon, depending on the size. It comes highly recommended for its “fit, form, fabric, and fashion.”
The bodysuit features peekaboo lace that is described as “very sexy” while also being slimming and flattering. Also, the lace adds some breathability, and the built-in underwire bra offers good support.
Miraclesuit Sexy Sheer Extra Firm Control Bodysuit
For women seeking advanced compression, this sheer bodysuit provides impressive results. It smooths and tones the body effectively, boosting confidence. The high-quality fabric is sturdy and compressive, maintaining its shape and compression level well after multiple wears and washes. However, it is on the thicker side, which may be too warm for hot summer days.
One potential drawback is the boning near the gusset snaps, which can sometimes cause discomfort along the inner thighs. This bodysuit is best suited for moderately curvy to slim, athletic figures. As it generally runs small, it’s advisable to consult the size guide and reviews and consider sizing up if unsure.
Photo: Instagram.com/try.fitshape