Fashion

Julie Kegels Wins the 2026 LVMH Prize for Young Designers

Business

Chloé, Canada Goose, Ralph Lauren and Others Set to Lose Millions in Harvey Nichols Wind-down

Sourcing Journal

Retail, Supply Chain Groups Urge Inclusion of Federal Organized Retail Crime Bill in Defense Spending Package

The 25 Best Shapewear Pieces for Women to Wear With Anything

From compression shorts to waist trainers, these are the latest shapewear garments on the market.

By Ashley Davis Plus Icon

Ashley Davis

Recent Articles by Ashley Davis

View All

April 7, 2022, 1:00pm

Skims shapewear models

Skims

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission.

While traditional women’s underwear provides basic modesty, contemporary shapewear puts in serious work — smoothing, lifting and shaping. Many shoppers are introduced to shapewear in the lead-up to a big event, like a wedding or formal occasion in which shapewear’s smoothing capabilities will best show off a bridal gown or slinky dress. e.

New mothers may also benefit from shapewear, with corset-like garments commonly referred to as “waist trainers” giving much-needed back support and even encouraging tummies to return to their pre-baby size.

But with more shapewear than ever available to shoppers, experts say that anyone can take advantage of the category’s figure-flattering possibilities. “Shapewear is no longer your grandma’s girdle,” says Nordstrom National Fit Director Liisa Thorson. “It has evolved to include sexy yet functional options for women to wear daily.”

Related Articles

Syrn

Interior Design

Inside Sydney Sweeney's New Syrn Lingerie Studio Designed by Kevin Klein Design

Christine Evanglista

Fashion Features

Evangelista Enters the Luxury Lingerie Market

She adds: “Shapewear can give a confidence boost, which is why so many people wear it. It not only gives a secure feeling, but offers a great silhouette and smooths out any lumps and bumps, which overall can make you look slimmer and prevent clothing from clinging in all the wrong places.”

You May Also Like

Net-a-Porter’s Senior Market Editor Libby Page agrees that “great shapewear can offer support without feeling restrictive,” noting that it can make people feel confident in their clothing, “particularly when they’re wearing slinkier silhouettes.”

Top Shapewear for Women

Below, see the 25 best shapewear garments from top shapewear brands that are super popular and highly reviewed.

Sign up for WWD’S The Essentialist newsletter to get the scoop on the best in beauty and style with in-depth reviews of exciting new releases and buyer’s guides to find the products you need to try ASAP.

Natori Plush High Waist Shaping Thong

Best Shapewear Underwear

Consider the Natori Plush high-waisted shaping thong a hybrid of shapewear and lingerie. The tummy-targeting panels give the benefits of the former, while sweet lace trim makes it feel more like the latter. The high-rise style stays in place with its silicone grip at the waist. Available in six sizes that fit a wide range of bodies, these give just the right amount of support to slim out one’s silhouette in a pencil skirt or favorite jeans. They’re available in black or a light beige and perfect for light tummy control.

Natori Plush High Waist Shaping Thong

Natori Plush High Waist Shaping Thong $48 Buy Now

Maidenform Firm Foundations Shapewear Leggings

Best Shapewear Leggings

Feel confident in your leggings with Maidenform’s Firm Foundations shapewear leggings. They’re not only intended for workouts; instead, they’re designed to be worn from day to night, from work to weekend plans. Full-length leggings offer extra support at the tummy, waist and butt. A waistband pocket stores essentials. Lightweight, breathable fabric will make these your go-to pair. They’ve earned hundreds of Amazon reviews and an average 4.5-star rating. One reviewer even called them “great post-surgery compression leggings.”

Maidenform Women's Firm Foundations Shapewear Leggings

Maidenform Firm Foundations Shapewear Leggings $23-$39 Buy Now

Ingrid & Isabel Maternity Shapewear Shorts

Best Maternity Shapewear

Ingrid & Isabel Maternity Shapewear shorts are the perfect go-with-everything closet staple to wear throughout pregnancy. The design is totally seamless to prevent itching or irritation. The stretchy material is intended to grow with moms’ baby bump, then smooth out with the belly postpartum. Since these shorts are geared toward changing bodies, they’re aren’t as restrictive as typical shapewear.“Since they are for pregnancy, they aren’t super super tight, but they will still smooth out your lines and give support,” one reviewer writes. The shorts are available in four sizes.

Ingrid & Isabel Maternity Shapewear Shorts

Ingrid & Isabel Maternity Shapewear Shorts $32 Buy Now

Spanx OnCore High Waist Mid-Thigh Shaper Shorts

Best Shapewear for Wedding Dresses

Keep your body looking streamlined and supported under any type of gown — whether strapless or off-the-shoulder, long or short — with the Spanx OnCore high-waisted mid-thigh Shaper shorts. They mold and compress the body from below the bust to mid-thigh. They’re powerful but lightweight, so they won’t heat you up while you’re dancing the night away. The perfect undergarments for a wedding dress, these sculpt the waist, tummy, hips, thighs and rear. The bonded tummy panel supports the abdominals. The side panels offer squeeze-free slimming and easy movement. Wear these when you want to feel snatched.

Spanx OnCore High Waist Mid-Thigh Shaper Shorts

Spanx OnCore High Waist Mid-Thigh Shaper Shorts $65-$162 Buy Now

Skims Seamless Sculpt Sculpting Bodysuit

Best Backless Shapewear

Skims’ Seamless Sculpt sculpting bodysuit is perfect for pairing with the low-back tops and dresses in your closet. The straps are adjustable so you can achieve the perfect fit. The seamless style features high-cut legs. It lifts the butt and compresses the tummy for a flattering effect. With support at the bust, this shapewear has you fully covered. It’s available in nine shades that suit a far wider range of skin tones than the typical beige and black. And, it fits sizes up to a 5XL.

Skims Seamless Sculpt Sculpting Bodysuit

Skims Seamless Sculpt Sculpting Bodysuit $62 Buy Now

Yummie Ruby Thong Bodysuit

Best Shapewear Bodysuit

The Yummie Ruby thong bodysuit offers light support that’s appropriate for daily wear, whether in the office or out to brunch with friends. It creates a figure-sculpting foundation that can be worn with or without a bra depending on the support you need. Available in fun stripes, or more basic white or black, it will look great worn under a blazer for your next meeting or with jeans on the weekend. The thong style doesn’t add any bulk underneath pants. It’s ideal for lightly targeting the tummy area and back fat.

Yummie Ruby Thong Bodysuit

Yummie Ruby Thong Bodysuit $15-$38 Buy Now

Commando Ultimate Opaque Control Top Tights

Best Shapewear Tights

Are your winter tights doing enough work? Commando’s Ultimate opaque control top tights don’t just shield your legs from cold temperatures and provide a flattering silhouette, they also shape your body. Get full leg coverage and tummy control with these must-own tights. The seamless top smooths without leaving any bumps or lines. They offer medium control for not just the tummy, but also the hips, thighs and bum. They’re available in three sizes, so you’ll want to snap up a few pairs to style them with all of your fall and winter skirts and dresses.

Commando Ultimate Opaque Control Top Tights

Commando Ultimate Opaque Control Top Tights $38 Buy Now

Honey Love SuperPower Thong

Best Shapewear for Waist and Tummy

The Honey Love SuperPower thong slims the entire midsection. The ultra-high waist silhouette smooths the waist and stomach, all the way up to the bust. The brand’s X-style compression binds and compresses without squeezing your curves. The thong panty means panty lines won’t be a problem. Wear this under a strapless dress at a formal event or under jeans and a sweater for an evening out. And, it even comes in plus sizes.

Honey Love SuperPower Thong

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Honey Love SuperPower Thong $79 Buy Now

Wolford Mat de Luxe Shapewear Bodysuit

Best Seamless Shapewear

The Wolford Mat de Luxe shapewear bodysuit offers sleek shaping. The seamless style allows the wearer to don their own bra for the perfect fit and can accommodate a low neckline top. Lightweight compression supports the tummy, hips and back. Adjustable straps allow for customizable support. Matte stretch jersey is lightweight, fitting like a second skin.

Wolford Mat de Luxe Shapewear Bodysuit

Wolford Mat de Luxe Shapewear Bodysuit $149 Buy Now

Natori Feathers High Waist Control Top Shaping Briefs

Best Tummy Control Shapewear

When it comes to creating a sleek, streamlined silhouette, let Natori do the heavy lifting with these Feathers high-waist control top shaping briefs. Boning provides the structure necessary for great tummy control. The high-rise gives coverage up to the waistline. The nylon/spandex mix sucks the stomach in for proper fit in your favorite outfit. It also features full coverage across the bum. Feather lace adds elegant detail that makes these brief some of the chicest shapewear around.

Natori Feathers High Waist Control Top Shaping Briefs

Natori Feathers High Waist Control Top Shaping Briefs $58 Buy Now

Free People Square Off Compression Tank

Best Shapewear Tank

The Free People Square Off compression tank is a real wardrobe game-changer. For some women, the medium support and thick fabric makes foregoing a bra a no-brainer. In white and black, it’s the perfect neutral tank to pair with jeans and a sweater for an easy daily uniform. The square-neck is ultra-flattering, and the wide straps are nice and supportive. This enhances your natural shape without heavy binding.

Free People Square Off Compression Tank

Free People Square Off Compression Tank $48 Buy Now

Maidenform Wear Your Own Bra Singlet

Best Shapewear for Thighs

The Maidenform Wear Your Own Bra singlet targets the tummy, hips and thighs. Subtle, adjustable shoulder straps provide overall lift, but this shapewear’s genius move is allowing you to wear your own bra for custom fit and support. 360-degree shaping means you look good from every angle without enduring any pinching or rubbing. The fabric is lightweight and moisture-wicking, plus anti-static and cling-free to go with every outfit. It’s earned rave Amazon feedback, with close to 5,000 4.5-star reviews.

Maidenform Wear Your Own Bra Singlet

Maidenform Wear Your Own Bra Singlet $23-$64 Buy Now

Spanx Suit Your Fancy Stretch Bodysuit

Best Full-Length Shapewear Bodysuit

The Spanx Suit Your Fancy stretch bodysuit provides cinching support to nearly every inch of your body from shoulder to ankle, with Spanx’s signature compression fabric streamlining your silhouette. Adjustable straps give a flattering lift. The front is open to accommodate low necklines or pair with your favorite bra for custom fit and support. Wear this under long gowns and maxi dresses. Pro tip: This will keep you warm at cold-weather formal events when worn underneath your favorite dress.

Spanx Suit Your Fancy Stretch Bodysuit

Spanx Suit Your Fancy Stretch Bodysuit $98 Buy Now

Shapermint High Waisted Body Shaper Shorts

Best Shapewear Shorts

The Shapermint high-waisted Body Shaper shorts are a bestseller in Amazon’s shapewear thigh-slimmers category. Available in a beige nude and black, they’re completely seamless and designed for everyday wear. There is coverage at every angle from tummy to thigh. They stay in place thanks to non-slip silicone that keeps them from rolling down. The high compression level creates a streamlined look.

Shapermint High Waisted Body Shaper Shorts

Shapermint High Waisted Body Shaper Shorts $50  $19-$23 Buy Now

JoyShaper Full Body Slip Shaper

Best Shapewear for a Dress

The JoyShaper full body slip Shaper is ideal for donning under a dress. Adjustable straps mean it can be adjusted to stay below the neckline of any garment. Opaque straps can also be swapped out for clear ones for extra invisibility. Entirely seamless, it even eliminates the need for you to wear a bra. Amazon reviewers say it “smooths everything out with a non-binding feeling.” It’s breathable and moisture-wicking. Get it in four different shades, with or without lace accents.

JOYSHAPER Full Body Slip Shaper

JoyShaper Full Body Slip Shaper $22 Buy Now

Skims Core Control Thong

Best Shapewear Thong

Skims’ Core Control thong is designed to be a wardrobe staple. The thong style smooths and tightly contours the abdomen, while guaranteeing no visible panty lines nor extra bulk. The supportive compressive fit extends just above the waist. It stays in place with a double waistband featuring a strip of silicone at the back. It’s available in sizes up to 5XL.

Skims Core Control Thong

Skims Core Control Thong $28 Buy Now

KeabBabies 3-in-1 Postpartum Belly Support Recovery Wrap

Best Postpartum Shapewear

Postpartum shapewear can be a great tool for new moms recovering from pregnancy and birth. KeabBabies 3-in-1 Postpartum Belly Support Recovery Wrap includes three different adjustable wraps designed to slowly aid a woman’s shrinking stomach. First, wear the stomach belt to reduce swelling, then add the waist belt for lumbar support after a week. Finally, add the pelvis belt seven to 12 weeks postpartum to help return hips to their pre-pregnancy state. The entire recovery wrap is soft and breathable, geared toward maintaining healthy posture and speeding up recovery from childbirth. Doctor-endorsed, it’s a cost-effective support aid.

KeabBabies 3 in 1 Postpartum Belly Support Recovery Wrap

KeabBabies 3 in 1 Postpartum Belly Support Recovery Wrap $25 Buy Now

Wolford Sheer Touch Shapewear Skirt

Best Sheer Shapewear

Wolford’s Sheer Touch skirt shows that shapewear can be chic. Sheer, stretchy fabric provides medium support. The high-rise cut has a wide, elasticized waistband that cinches the waist. The silky skirt has a seam-free hem and luxurious feel. Wear it for body smoothing effects under skirts and dresses.

Wolford Sheer Touch Shapewear Skirt

Wolford Sheer Touch Shapewear Skirt $130 Buy Now

SexyWG Waist Cincher Girdle Thong

Best Shapewear for Lower Belly Pooch

A versatile style to go under dresses, miniskirts or high-waisted pants, the SexyWG Waist Cincher Girdle thong provides lots of support and minimal coverage. It specifically targets the tummy, spanning the waistline to the lower belly. Built-in spiral steel boning is extra supportive to keep everything in place and promote good posture. The breathable fabric can be worn all day. Thousands of Amazon reviewers laud its slimming effects.

SEXYWG Waist Cincher Girdle Thong

SexyWG Waist Cincher Girdle Thong $5-$16 Buy Now

Spanx Under Sculpture High-Rise Control Shorts

Best Extreme Tummy Control Shapewear

Spanx Under Sculpture high-rise Control shorts give tons of support and tummy control. A corset-style waist sculpts the figure with fastenings at the front and back. Boning adds extra structure. Signature stretch-jersey streamlines the hips, bum and upper thighs. Don these for special events to make the most of an hourglass figure. It’s available in five sizes.

Spanx Under Sculpture High-Rise Control Shorts

Spanx Under Sculpture High-Rise Control Shorts $248 Buy Now

Belly Bandit Mother Tucker Corset

Best Postpartum Shapewear Corset

If you’re a mew mom looking to snap back sooner rather than later, the Belly Bandit Mother Tucker corset was made for you. It works double duty to slim the appearance of post-pregnancy tummy while aiding the body’s return to pre-pregnancy shape. Soft boning keeps the corset in place. The stretchy compression fabric helps suck in the stomach and streamline your silhouette under dresses and shirts. One Nordstrom.com reviewer said, “This corset gave me my waist back and more of an hourglass shape. I can even wear it while I’m nursing.” Be sure to order your pre-pregnancy size.

Belly Bandit Mother Tucker Corset

Belly Bandit Mother Tucker Corset $90 Buy Now

Nebility Butt Lifter Shapewear

Best Body Shapewear

The Nebility Butt Lifter shapewear is a top seller on Amazon with nearly 40,000 four-star reviews. Strategic support gives the wearer an hourglass figure. The breathable fabric is antibacterial, keeping you cool underneath dresses and workwear. The high-waist design boasts double tummy control. The style focuses on the entire mid-body, giving the derriere a major lift, too. Available in beige and black, it’s perfect for your next event.

Nebility Butt Lifter Shapewear

Nebility Butt Lifter Shapewear $17 Buy Now

Skims Stretch-Neoprene Waist Trainer

Best Waist Trainer Shapewear

The Skims stretch-neoprene waist trainer isn’t as restrictive as one might assume of a corset-like garment. This one utilizes thin stretch-neoprene for more give and comfort than the average waist trainer. A mesh liner makes the accessory breathable. It sculpts and naturally accentuates curves. Wear it under dresses or even under a t-shirt while running errands. Multiple hook-and-eye closures allow size adjustment. It’s available in sizes XXS to 4XL.

Skims Stretch-Neoprene Waist Trainer

Skims Stretch-Neoprene Waist Trainer $68 Buy Now

Spanx Thinstincts 2.0 High-Waisted Mid-Thigh Short

Best Lightweight Shapewear

There’s no need to sweat in your shapewear with Spanx’s Thinstincts 2.0 high-waisted mid-thigh short. It uses printed technology to deliver targeted control in a single lightweight layer. These mid-thigh shorts target the tummy and thighs with wrap-around support. An ultra-high-waist hits just below the bust. Best of all, these are some of the lightest and most breathable shapewear styles available, ideal for wearing under your daily outfits.

Spanx Thinstincts 2.0 High-Waisted Mid-Thigh Short

Spanx Thinstincts 2.0 High-Waisted Mid-Thigh Short $72 Buy Now

Types of shapewear

There are several key items that comprise the ideal shapewear wardrobe, many of which meet different needs.

What to look for to find the best shapewear for your needs

Thorson says finding the best shapewear today hinges on compression level.

Beyond compression level, Thorson advises buying the correct size. When it comes to shapewear, smaller is generally better. “Shapewear will stretch out, so it needs to fit snugly when you purchase it,” Thorson says.

Spandex, modal and nylon are key materials to look for in shapewear, Thorson says, with lots of garments including silicone for grip, too.

Several brands are leading the way in shapewear, now. For the last two decades, Spanx has been the top brand in shapewear innovation, and still produces consistently great products. Newer brands on the block are Honey Love, Commando, Wolford and Heist, to name a few.

Brands like Skims have championed being size and skin tone-inclusive, offering sizes up to 5X and neutral colors that go far beyond the basic beige and black hues. “It has been great to see a more diverse offering catered to different skin tones and wider sizing options in recent seasons, from brands including Heist, Skims and Commando,” Page says.

And while shapewear has typically been no frills, some labels are making garments as appealing as lingerie. “Brands like Honey Love are really disrupting the shapewear industry by having products that are super sexy and functional,” Thorson notes.

How long should shapewear last?

According to Thorson, shapewear’s longevity depends upon how often you’re wearing it. “If you wear shapewear every day, it will last a few months,” she says. “If you wear it once a week or less, it should last a year or more.”

Taking proper care of shapewear garments will help to keep their stretch, making them last longer over time.

How to clean and take the best care of your shapewear

Lots of shapewear on the above list can be washed in the machine. However, hand washing is typically more gentle on items and will help them last longer.

Thorson advises to wash shapewear by hand with warm water and a fabric wash or mild shampoo, rinse it well and then hang it to dry. Those short on time or who don’t have the motivation to hand wash pieces “can also put them in the washing machine using a gentle cycle and lingerie bag,” she says.

If you’re using a machine, wash your shapewear on cold as you would other delicates, and hang styles to dry so they aren’t stretched out.

Meet the experts

Liisa Thorson is Nordstrom’s national fit director.

Libby Page is the senior market editor at luxury retailer Net-A-Porter, where works with the company’s buyers to bring shoppers the latest trends in clothing, shoes and accessories.

Tags

Newsletters

Sign up for WWD news straight to your inbox every day

Sign up

WWD Recommends

Ferran Torres

Ferran Torres Talks World Cup and That Hat

Most Popular

WWD

Get all the top news stories and alerts straight to your inbox.

Enter your Email

Sign Up Sign Up

By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. // This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.