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VettedFashion
Aemilia Madden Contributor Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.
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Natasha Silva-Jelly Contributor Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.
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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).
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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
MOST POPULAR
Kim Kardashian’s extremely popular line of shapewear is thoughtfully designed to shape a variety of body types. These sculpting shorts, made of nylon and spandex, are seamless so they won’t roll up or create folds. With nine color options available, Skims speaks to a wider range of “nude” skin tones than many other brands. This all-in-one bodysuit is great for its lightweight compression and curve-defining sculpting.
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Best Tummy-Control Shapewear
Underwear That Smooths Your Midsection
If you’re looking for a higher-rise through the stomach, Spanx has styles that reach all the way to sit just below the bra, smoothing over much of your midsection. The single layer fabric is breathable but still functional so you’ll feel supported, too.
Best Shapewear For Plus Sizes
Fit-Tested For Comfort
Grammy Award-winning Lizzo’s size-inclusive shapewear brand Yitty is specifically for plus-sized women. Sizes range from 6X to XS, and the line of tops, bottoms, bras and bodysuits have innovative fabrics, stylish shapes and bold colors and prints. Designed to smooth and hug your curves thanks to light compression, this thong bodysuit has reinforced shoulder straps for comfort, three-way stitching to support your bust and adjustable snap closures for convenience when taking it on and off.
Best Shapewear For Wedding Dress
Compression With A Touch Of Lace
On your wedding day you’ll want to layer something under your gown that can not only smooth and shape, but makes you feel beautiful. This lace design from Shapellx has racked up more than 500 positive reviews for its compression properties that don’t sacrifice style. On your wedding day, opt for a nude or white iteration, although you may want to have one for everyday wear, too.
Best Body Shaper
Adjustable Straps For A Perfect Fit
The best bodysuit is one that is minimal, comfortable and unfussy. You don’t want to fidget with any part of your shapewear all night long. This all-in-one option offers a moderate amount of compression and has a built-in bra and adjustable straps so you can switch up the length depending on your outfit needs.
Best Shapewear Tank Top
Keeps You Cool And Supported
For layering tanks that offers support and control, Yummie has a variety of versatile options. This camisole, for example, has adjustable straps that convert from straight to racerback style so you can pair it with different dresses. Plus, Yummie works with materials that are temperature-regulating but stretchy with light control so you can wear them comfortably alone or under other layers.
Best Shapewear For Tummy And Waist
Breathable For All-Day Wear
Best Shapewear Shorts
Sculpting From Your Waist To Mid-Thigh
Spanx is the brand that helped launch the shapewear space, and remains a favorite for its simple, smart designs. If you want your shapewear to extend through mid-thigh, try these shorts. The double layer fabric offers extra smoothing, and if you want an extra lift through the butt, you can wear them with pads.
Best Shapewear Briefs
Seamless For An Invisible Effect
A pair of high-waist briefs may not have been on your shopping list before, but this style from Heist offers both a firm fit and the adaptability to work with whatever outfit you may need it for. The clothing edges are also seam free, so you won’t have to worry about lines when wearing tight clothes.
Best Shapewear For Lower Belly
Control Without Being Constrictive
Some shapewear focuses specially on the lower stomach area, helping to sculpt and control without being restricting. Ashley Stewart specializes in seamless, plus-size styles that hug your body comfortably without rolling or cutting into your skin.
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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Hanes
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Hanes
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Vince Camuto
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Third Love
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Zulily
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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
About Shapewear
As an enthusiast and expert in the fashion industry, I have a deep understanding of shapewear and its evolving trends. I keep up with the latest developments and innovations in the industry, including the rise of women-owned brands and the increasing diversity in shapewear offerings to cater to different body shapes and sizes.
I am well-versed in the best shapewear brands, their unique selling points, and the specific features that make them stand out in the market. Additionally, I am knowledgeable about the factors to consider when shopping for shapewear, such as comfort, coverage, color options, and materials.
Best Shapewear Concepts
Shapewear Industry Growth: The shapewear industry is expected to be a $4 billion industry by 2028, indicating its significant growth and popularity among consumers [[1]].
Evolution of Shapewear Designs: Modern shapewear designs are less restrictive than traditional girdles and cater to a wider range of body shapes and sizes [[1]].
Women-Owned Brands: The rise of women-owned brands, such as Kim Kardashian's Skims, has contributed to the modernization of shapewear and its appeal to a diverse customer base [[1]].
Versatile Shapewear: Many shapewear pieces can be worn as separates for day and night, offering versatility beyond their traditional use as undergarments [[1]].
Best Shapewear Products: The article highlights several best shapewear products in different categories, including bodysuits, thongs, tank tops, shorts, briefs, and leggings, each catering to specific shaping needs and preferences [[1]].
Key Shapewear Brands: The article mentions popular shapewear brands such as Skims, Spanx, Yitty by Lizzo, Shapellx, Wacoal, Yummie, Maidenform, Heist Studios, Ashley Stewart, Spanx, and Lively, showcasing the diversity of brands in the market [[1]].
Factors to Consider When Shopping for Shapewear: The article provides insights into important considerations when shopping for shapewear, including comfort, coverage, color options, and materials [[1]].
Shapewear FAQs: The article addresses common questions about shapewear, including its purpose, the best types for different needs, and recommendations for the best shapewear brands [[1]].
Conclusion
I am well-equipped to provide comprehensive information and insights on shapewear, including the latest trends, best products, and considerations for consumers looking to make informed purchasing decisions. If you have any specific questions or need further details on any aspect of shapewear, feel free to ask!
