Shapewear has long been the quiet hero of wardrobes everywhere, yet mention the word and many still picture outdated Bridget Jones-style knickers or those dreaded “nanna” briefs. It’s time to retire those clichés.
The Best Shapewear, According To marie claire
- Best Shapewear Short: Nancy Ganz Body Light Shaper Short, $39.95
- Best Shapewear Bodysuit: Skims Sculpt Thong Bodysuit, $173
- Best Shapewear Underwear: Spanx Undie-Tectable Thong, $59
- Best Shapewear Bra: Nala Support Wirefree Bralette, $59
- Best Shapewear Slip: Commando Featherlight Mesh Slip, $240
Stylists know the truth: shapewear is a game-changer. It smooths natural curves, boosts confidence, and offers comfort and support beneath everything—from your casual weekend wear to show-stopping evening gowns.
This isn’t just a secret weapon for everyday women; icons like Beyoncé, Kaley Cuoco, and Chrissy Teigen swear by it.
Meanwhile, the Kardashians have redefined shapewear and waist trainers, turning them into bold, statement-making pieces that reign supreme on social feeds.
But here’s the thing—shapewear isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why we’ve curated the very best styles to suit every shape and need, so you can find your perfect fit.
The Best Shapewear Shorts
Designed to smooth, sculpt, and remain invisible under any outfit, a quality pair of shapewear does far more than simply hold everything in. Trusted classics from Spanx and Nancy Ganz deliver reliable support for everyday wear, while modern designs introduce versatile styling options that go beyond basic shaping.
SKIMS
Mid Thigh Short
NANCY GANZ
Body Light Shaper Short
SPANX
Everyday Seamless Shaping Shorty
SPANX
Suit Your Fancy Low-Back Mid-Thigh shorts
The Best Shapewear Bodysuits
A shapewear bodysuit does more than simply streamline your silhouette—it contours, supports, and disappears effortlessly under clothing. Perfect for layering or wearing solo with high-waisted trousers or skirts, it creates a sleek, polished look every time.
NANCY GANZ
Body Define Strapless Bodysuit
SKIMS
Core Sculpt Underwire Bodysuit
SKIMS
Core Sculpt Plunge Thong Bodysuit
ROSIE
ContourWear Body
The Best Shapewear Underwear
These shapewear picks go beyond simple smoothing—they sculpt, support, and stay invisible under just about anything. Whether layered beneath a body-hugging dress or your everyday denim, they deliver a seamless finish and all-day comfort without sacrificing shape. For added contouring, opt for high-waisted styles, or choose lightweight, barely-there designs for a sleek, second-skin feel.
SPANX
Supersmooth Undie-tectable Thong
M&S
Body Define Firm Control No VPL Full Briefs
SKIMS
Soft Smoothing Seamless Boy Short
COMMANDO
Classic Control Brief
The Best Shapewear Bras
Combining a seamless finish with reliable support, shapewear bras are built for all-day comfort without compromising on shape. Opt for plunge styles to stay hidden under low necklines, or choose wireless designs that offer natural contouring and remain completely invisible under any outfit.
HONEYLOVE
CrossOver Bra
SKIMS
Seamless Sculpt Bralette
SPANX
Bra-llelujah! Lightly Lined Bralette
NALA
Support Wirefree Bralette
The Best Shapewear Slips
Shapewear slips offer a smooth silhouette with gentle support, all while remaining invisible beneath your favourite dresses. Perfect for layering under sheer or form-fitting outfits, they stay in place without riding up throughout the day. Choose full-length styles for seamless, all-over smoothing, or go for shorter cuts that pair perfectly with mini and midi hemlines.
M&S COLLECTION
Firm Control Secret Slimming™ Full Slip
HEIST
Contour Seamless Slip
COMMANDO
Featherlight Mesh Slip
AMBRA
Powerlite Slip
The Best Shapewear Corsets
Crafted to sculpt and define, shapewear corsets are designed to enhance your curves and create a cinched, hourglass silhouette. Ideal under occasionwear, they offer both form and function. Opt for traditional boned styles for structured support, or choose modern, flexible designs that contour seamlessly while still delivering a snatched finish.
SKIMS
Core Sculpt Waist Cincher Thong
MIRACLESUIT SHAPEWEAR
Inches Off Waist Cincher
SPANX
Suit Your Fancy-Waist Cincher
SKIMS
Waist Trainer
When deciding whether you should size up, down, or stick with your usual size, it’s best to consult the brand’s recommendations. Some styles offer firm compression, and brands may suggest sizing up if you wish to have a more subtle compression (SKIMS is particularly good at providing these recommendations), and likewise, others may suggest sizing down for a firmer hold. Shapewear is designed to smooth the body, not to make you lose weight, so buying a size smaller than you would usually wear could result in discomfort, bulging and cutting into your skin at the seams. With that in mind, if in doubt, stick with your usual dress size when purchasing.
From celebrity-founded (yes, we’re looking at you, SKIMS) to long-time, trusted labels, these are the best shapewear brands you need to know about:
SKIMS
Nancy Ganz
Simone Pérèle
SPANX
