You’re bound to have heard the word, but what exactly should you be looking for in the best shapewear? Well, shapewear actually encompasses quite a lot including figure-flattering knickers and leggings to bodysuits and vests. Typically available in black and nude, the idea is that they are effective at helping you to achieve a smooth silhouette under trousers, tops, your favourite dresses and more.
It can feel daunting entering the world of shapewear but we’re here to help you find the best shapewear pieces that will smooth out those lumps and bumps you might feel conscious of so that you look your best and feel confident.
The best shapewear at a glance
• Top pick: Hourglass Firm Tummy Control Wear Your Own Bra Slip - view on Pour Moi
• Best shapewear bodysuit: Gotoly Shapewear Bodysuit - view on Amazon UK
• Best shapewear slip dress: Medium Control Secret Slimming Full Slip, view on M&S
Regardless of your preferences, whether you want to slim your waist and hips, make that muffin top disappear or need some extra support for tummy control if you're concerned about the stomach area, we’ve rounded up the best shapewear brands that you need to know about.
The best shapewear for 2024
Top pick
www.pourmoi.co.uk
Our writer tried this on for size and, "Can confirm, the Hourglass Firm Control Wear Your Own Bra Slip definitely does the job. At first, it was tight to get on and I didn't think it would fit. But, once it went on, it smoothed out everything underneath my bodycon dress. I really love this slip dress. It's not at all uncomfortable to wear despite being form-fitting, either. A new favourite."
Pros
- Can wear your own bra
- Offers firm control
Cons
- Recommended that you size up
Best shapewear bodysuit
Composed of nylon and spandex, this slimming body shaper is made of quality high-elastic, soft, comfortable and breathable fabric. There's no chest pad so that you can wear your own bra as well as an adjustable crotch space design with adjustable hooks.
Customer review: "I wanted some shape-wear to wear under a dress. I was a little worried after reading all the reviews and sizing issues. I followed the instructions and ordered size large. I have 32 inch waist and 38 inch chest. The fit was perfect. It gives an ok level of support, and makes a much nicer line under clothes. You don’t need a bra with this shape-wear. It washes really nice and quick drying. It would look great with a skirt and you could even wear it without any top if you are brave enough. The support will never match that of Spanx, but it is a fraction of the price. Very happy with this purchase."
Pros
- Cheaper than Spanx and function similarly
- Don't need to wear a bra with it
Cons
- Not suitable for those with long torsos
Best shapewear slip dress
www.marksandspencer.com
With Secret Slimming technology, this ladies' full slip offers the ultimate lightweight supportive shapewear. Finishing just above the knee with non-wired support, it helps to create a streamlined look for your favourite outfits by sculpting and shaping your tummy, waist and hips, all while remaining completely invisible.
Customer review: "More structure than it appears online and smoothed out all my lumps and pumps without restriction. The material was soft to the size and sized correctly."
Pros
- Available in sizes 8 to 24
- Eliminates VPL
Cons
- Only two colours available
Best tummy control shapewear
With over 40,000 ratings, over half of which are five-star reviews, the SHAPERX Shapewear for Women Tummy Control bodysuit is a well-loved option as the best tummy control shapewear. It's available in 10 sizes and two colours.
Customer review: "It fits true to size so I would recommend ordering your actual size. I normally wear mediums but ordered a small. I'm 5'2, 139lbs and have a stomach after having a baby. I didn't initially think I would be able to wear the small. It was definitely tight and uncomfortable the 1st day but really pulled my stomach in. None of my other wraps work to give a flat look. By day 3 I was able to wear it all day comfortably. Best wrap for tummy control that doesn't poke out of your clothes."
Pros
- Extreme tummy control
- Helps push up bosoms
- Adjustable shoulder straps
Cons
- The seam between the lace and bottom edge of the garment doesn't have much elasticity
Recommended
Available in five different shades, the high waist design of these control pants eliminates those pesky muffin tops. There's a no-slip strip on the elastic waistband for a stay-put fit.
Customer review: "Fantastic item so comfy. I’m a larger lady and these were lovely to wear, didn’t roll down once and smoothed out my lumps and bumps. Wore under a fitted evening gown for a formal ball so ate, drank and danced all evening. Would definitely recommend."
Pros
- Holds in the waist and thighs effectively
- Slimming without being restrictive
Cons
- May need to replace yearly, not super long lasting
Best shapewear pack
www.marksandspencer.com
Ideal for smoothing and flattening as well as preventing chafing in hot weather, these mid-length shorts offer a comfortable finish in any outfit. Available in four different sizes.
Customer review: "This is my second set of these as I wanted to top up my current stash. They're absolutely brilliant for chub rub and super comfy, the material is light and doesn't feel like an extra layer when its already boiling hot. Come down to a perfect place on the thigh, not too low like some others i have that peek out the bottom of shorter dresses. Cant recommend them enough, i always reach for these in the summer above other more expensive types. Although i will say they don't do anything at all in terms of smoothing so that could possibly be a tad misleading."
Pros
- Eliminates chafing and static
- Made with responsibly-sourced cotton
Cons
- Smoothing element missing
Best seamless shapewear body
www.marksandspencer.com
At an amazing value, the Light Control Seamless Shaping Body by M&S boasts an unbeatable price. Crafted to effortlessly streamline the waist, stomach, and bust, this full-body shapewear offers everything you desire.
Customer review: "This body gives a decent bit of lift without having to wear a bra or having to have punishing elastic wrapped around your ribcage. I have something similar from a while ago but the fabric for this model is thinner, much less vice-like and more comfortable to wear. A good fit around the bottom."
Pros
- Breathable fabric infused with Special Cool Comfort™ technology
- Non-padded and non-wired
Cons
- Better at smoothing than shaping
- Only two colours
Best strapless shapewear
www.simplybe.co.uk
The MAGISCULPT Smoothing Medium Control Multiway Slip is the best strapless shapewear option, but you can do it with straps or without, meaning it's a very versatile item to have on hand. It has a medium level of control for smoothing out any lumps and bumps under your outfit.
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."
Pros
- Padded cups
- Can be worn with or without straps
Cons
- Only one colour to choose from
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, there are some websites and retailers that 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". 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.
Emily Gilbert has been a journalist since 2015 and has worked across a variety of specialist and lifestyle brands both in print and online where she has covered a wide range of topics from fitness to crafting to pets and interviewed celebrities such as the late, great Paul O'Grady and Bake Off's Prue Leith.