The best plus-size shapewear to define your curves

Because you deserve to feel your most confident.

best-plus-size-shapewear

by Samantha Price |
Updated on

It's safe to say that shapewear has come a long way in recent years, with some of the best shapewear now including plus-size shapewear in their lines. Thankfully, these support garments have taken on a new form, from something that changes your body shape, to enhancing the body shape that you already have. So, no more hiding those fabulous curves!

That means if you do count yourself as a plus-size woman, there are some brilliant shapewear pieces out there for you to add definition to your curves. Plus-size shapewear no longer means you have to be uncomfortable, or completely hide your body shape. Yes, there are pieces out there that can celebrate your body type and cater to your size, just like some of the best plus-sized dresses.

The best plus-size shapewear at a glance:

Top pick: Honeylove SuperPower Short - Buy now on Honeylove
Best plus-size shapewear for ratings: Shapermint Women's High Waisted Body Shaper Shorts -Buy now on Amazon UK
Best plus-size shapewear on a budget: Yours Curve Black Seamless Control High Waisted Shorts - Buy now on Yours

We don't blame you for wanting to feel supported when it comes to your underwear. So, if you want to feel as supported as you would with the best-plus sized bras, then plus-size shapewear is definitely for you. A top tip from us? Consider the control level. The higher level of control means the more supported you're going to feel. However, your shapewear should never cause discomfort. Shapewear should define your curves while aiming to smooth your figure under your clothes for a streamlined look.

Whether it's a tummy-control shapewear in the form of a pair of shapewear knickers or an easy to wear shapewear dress that simply skims your body, we've rounded up some of the best plus-size shapewear there is. Shop some of our top picks below, and read on for answers to some frequently asked questions.

Best plus-size shapewear to define your curves

Top pick

Honeylove SuperPower ShortHoneylove

With a range of sizes, colours and choices - including shorts, briefs and thongs - the Honeylove SuperPower Shorts are a firm favourite. With thousands of glowing reviews, the SuperPower Shorts offer a strong level of support with targeted compression to gently sculpt without squeezing. And, that's not to mention the breathable fabric that keeps you cool throughout the day. They're available to shop in sizes to 3XL, and come in a number of colours to choose from too.

Customer review: "I’ve tried so many shapewear and this one is by far the most confident I’ve felt wearing one. Super comfortable, no painful corset bones poking me, doesn’t roll up or down, improves my posture, amazing compression at the tummy area (which is my priority) and also no visible lines under my dress/pants! I would definitely buy this again in future if I need another one. And as a bonus, GREAT customer service!"

Pros

  • Sizes from XS to 3XL
  • Many different variations available
  • Offer a strong level of support

Cons

  • Thigh area could do with a little more stretch for one reviewer

Best plus-size shapewear for ratings

Shapermint Women's High Waisted Body Shaper ShortsShapermint
Price: £25.90

As the most highly-rated pair we could find, the Shapermint Women's High Waisted Body Shaper Shorts deserved a top spot on the list. Designed to be worn as a comfortable everyday pair that smooths out your silhouette under clothing, you'll feel instantly supported in this pair. We love that there's a range of inclusive nude sizes to shop, along with shorts available in sizes to 4XL.

Customer review: "Comfortable and pulls you in at all the right places. Quality material, comfortable and a good price."

Pros

  • Has over 40,000 reviews
  • Inclusive nude shades available
  • Sizes from S to 4XL

Cons

  • May come up small according to reviewers

Best plus-size shapewear on a budget

Yours Curve Black Seamless Control High Waisted ShortsYours Clothing

You can't argue with the price of these Curve Black Seamless Control High Waisted Shorts from Yours. Made with a firm control fit, soft stretch fabric and high elasticated waistband, they'll be your new favourite pair of shapewear shorts in no time. Reviewers loved that they were so reasonably priced - and that they didn't roll down throughout the day.

Customer review: "Excellent value for money. Good material that holds you in well. A battle to put on - though once on the shape they give you is excellent and they are light and easy/comfortable to wear - (no rolling down ladies when you sit down/get up)."

Pros

  • Excellent value for money
  • Available in black or beige
  • Sizes from 16-28

Cons

  • Slightly smaller fit for some reviewers

Best plus-size shapewear for tummy control

Spanx Super Firm Control Oncore High Waisted Mid Thigh ShortSpanx/Very

If you're a fan of Spanx, these Super Firm Control Oncore High Waisted Mid Thigh Shorts might just do the trick. Luckily, the 'soft nude' colourway is still in stock from sizes XL to 3XL, has a high support level and has great tummy control with its fully bonded front-panels. Prefer knickers? The Spanx Women's Higher Power Panties also have some great ratings on Amazon.

Customer review: "The Oncore High-Waisted Mid-Thigh Short is unlike anything I have used before. To begin, it stays in place. I used it a couple of times, and even after hours wearing it, I still felt comfortable and with everything where they should be. In addition, it is very breathable, really controls my belly and it is literally invisible. The second time I used it several people complimented me on my figure and it made me feel very confident and beautiful. It is a wonderful product and it fits my plus size body well. Highly recommended."

Pros

  • Sizes from S to 3XL
  • Available in black or beige
  • Bonded front-panels and side-panels for high support

Cons

  • Some reviewers said it could roll down

Best plus-size shapewear bodysuit

Shapermint Essentials All Day Every Day Scoop Neck BodysuitShapermint
Price: £23.99 (was £40)

shapermint.com

Shapermint also has a collection of size-inclusive bodysuits, and its All Day Every Day Scoop Neck Bodysuit provides effortless sculpting with a range up to a 4XL. Its comfortable fit means you can seamlessly layer it under jeans, dresses, and skirts for everyday wear. And, its seamless fabric and 360 tummy control create a smooth silhouette under clothing. We love this brand for plus-size shapewear.

Customer review: "I love the adjustable straps because I seem to need very short straps to be comfortable and feel supported. I love the navy color as well as the great quality of the wonderful fabric. I'm so glad this bodysuit was finally back in stock. It was worth the wait."

Pros

  • Many different colours to choose from
  • Has 360 tummy control
  • Sizes from S to 4XL

Cons

  • Would love to see more inclusive nude tones in the bodysuits

Best plus-size shapewear bodysuit with bra

MAGISCULPT Firm Control Ella Lace Blush BodyshaperMagisculpt/ Simply Be
Price: £38 (was £40)

www.simplybe.co.uk

Wanting to feel supported around the bust as well? MAGISCULPT's Firm Control Ella Lace Blush Bodyshaper is a pretty bodysuit that has built-in cups so you don't have to worry about a bra. Sizes span to 48C, and cups are non-padded yet underwired. The control level is medium to firm, so it's comfortable enough to wear while smoothing out any lumps and bumps.

Customer review: "This is very nice, quite pretty and ideal for under dresses for smoother finish also very comfortable to wear."

Pros

  • Gorgeous design with luxury lace panels
  • Sizes from 34C to 48C
  • Medium to firm control

Cons

  • May be long for petite women according to reviewers

Best plus-size shapewear bodysuit without bra

Maidenform Women's Take Inches Off Unitard BodysuitAmazon

Rrp: £68.00

Price: £27.95
Alternative retailers
Macy's$37.40View offer
Kohl's$54.40View offer

However, if you are looking to wear your own bra, then Maidenform's Take Inches Off Unitard Bodysuit is for you. This bodysuit allows you to wear your favourite bra while still covering your midriff, targeting areas like your stomach, waist, back and even the thighs. Reviewers loved the cool, breathable fabric and how comfortable they felt in this.

Customer review: "Fits tight - hard to get on but only takes a few seconds. Then your body looks great in all your clothes. Going to the loo is a challenge as it takes a minute to get off and on again but it's a small price to pay for a great figure. It's comfortable to wear. I think it's perfect in every way. It gives you a great shape and is convenient and comfortable in all aspects of its shape and design."

Pros

  • Sizes from S to 3XL
  • Available in black or beige
  • Smooths from the bra line to mid thigh

Cons

  • Difficult to get on according to some reviewers

Best plus-size shapewear slip dress

Marks & Spencer Body Define™ Firm Control Shaping SlipMarks & Spencer

Marks & Spencer's range of shapewear is perfect for wearing under an occasion dress. The new and improved fit of the Body Define™ Firm Control Shaping Slip cinches in the waist to give you that classic hourglass silhouette.

Customer review: "I have 3 different body define garments from 3 different places. The M&S one is superior by far. Straps are comfortable. Easy to pull on. Just right around the bust. Edging at the bottom of the garment to help stop it from riding up is the first I've had on any of the other garments. I will be buying this in the other colour."

Pros

  •  Sizes from 8-24
  • Available in black and beige
  • Cool Comfort™ technology

Cons

  • Can ride up a bit according to some reviewers

Best plus-size shapewear slip dress with bra

MAGISCULPT Medium Control Smoothing No VPL Multiway SlipMagisculpt/ JD Williams
Price: £25.20 (was £36)

www.jdwilliams.co.uk

This Medium Control Smoothing No VPL Multiway Slip from MAGISCULPT gives that streamlined look underneath your dresses. No more 'visible panty lines'! It has medium tummy control around the front panel, flattering built-in padded cups and can even be worn strapless. Watch your confidence skyrocket in this stunning shapewear slip.

Customer review: "Wonderful little shaper which gives you curves in all the right places while ironing out any lumps and bumps. Love the fact it stays in place too and doesn't keep sliding up."

Best plus-size shapewear knickers

Marks & Spencer 2pk Firm Control Full BriefsMarks & Spencer

M&S delivers once again, with the 2pk Firm Control Full Briefs being a highly-rated choice on the website. Made from ultra-light cotton fabric, these bestselling slimming knickers provide discreet support, shape your waistline and help to achieve a flattering hourglass figure all at once.

Customer review: "I have only tried these on and not actually worn them, but they felt comfortable and yet held everything in, giving me a better line in my dresses. I read the reviews online and bought a size larger than I usually wear."

Pros

  • Excellent value for money
  • Available in black, white or beige
  • Sizes from 8-24

Cons

  • Some reviewers were looking for firmer support

Best plus-size shapewear leggings

Spanx Medium Control Jean-ish Ankle LeggingsSpanx/ Simply Be
Price: £89
https://redirect.viglink.com?u=DEQQEhcKTBxETkIYRhVWW0tIVVxeTkBAXgBGVUAQHBdABQwcHQlWUlcYX0YNGlRdDVpWHg1VVVYNXVFH&key=d0dbd0c339565e753f633a021d364c3d&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&x=v1&prdId=9877497180&barcode=VABcVlUEWwACDQcBA1U%3D
Alternative retailers
ASOS$64.00View offer
Bloomingdale's$98.00View offer

A pair of black leggings can never go amiss in your wardrobe, and these Spanx Jean-ish Ankle Leggings are the ultimate pair for outfit building. With a slimming effect, these medium-control jean leggings have a built-in shaping panel around the tummy area for support. We love that they combine the comfort of a pair of leggings with the design elements of a stylish pair of jeans.

Customer review: "These Spanx leggings are super comfy and fit well in all the right places very happy with my purchase"

Pros

  • Built-in shaping panel for tummy control
  • Also available in white and blue denim
  • Sizes from M to 3X

Cons

  • Non-returnable unless faulty

FAQs: Best plus-size shapewear

What's the best plus-size shapewear for tummy control?

If you're looking for shapewear that specifically tackles the stomach area, you'll want to stick with tummy-control shapewear - preferably with a high level of control. Shapewear knickers, shorts and bodysuits tend to include stronger shaping panels around the tummy. Personally, we'd recommend the Spanx Super Firm Control Oncore High Waisted Mid Thigh Shorts if tummy-control shapewear is your main concern.

What undergarment is best for slimming?

If it's a general slimming effect you're looking for, a shapewear dress might be your best bet. These undergarments can be worn under your dress to give an overall 'slimming' appearance. Targeting the waist, back, hips (and sometimes the stomach), they'll 'smooth out' your figure.

Should you size up or down when buying shapewear?

While some shapewear will run tight, some might need sizing down to see a noticeable difference. Thankfully, some retailers will tell you whether the fit runs smaller, is true to size or runs bigger. Bravissimo suggests going for your 'regular size to avoid your shapewear rolling down or digging in'.
Additionally, to see how it might fit your clothing size, customer reviews can help. Find a reviewer who wears your size and see what they suggest about the fit for the best results.

Samantha Price is a contributing Commercial Content Writer at Yours. She's currently part of the Fashion, & Beauty team, covering content on fashion, beauty and wellness.

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