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The 20 Best Shapewear Pieces for Women for Any Occasion

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Shapewear is the holy grail for women who want a little extra support when showing off killer curves.

The shapewear possibilities are endless these days and no two pieces are the same, but what option will work best for you and your body? The best shapewear varies based on event, how much support you want and, obviously, what you’re wearing.

We’re doing a deep dive and uncovering the shapewear you absolutely need in your life. From asymmetrical cuts (for those dresses and skirts with high slits) to compressive high-waisted shorts that’ll help avoid seam lines while you rock that mini dress, we’ve got the goods.

Here, the 20 best shapewear pieces to smooth and sculpt underneath your outfit.

1 spanx oncore
Spanx

1. spanx Oncore High-waisted Mid-thigh Short

Best overall

These sculpting shorts have front paneling to help smooth your tummy and give you the highest level of compression. They hug all the right places and won’t squish your butt down. The top seam is sturdy and won’t roll when you sit either.

2 spanx bodysuit
Spanx

2. spanx Suit Your Fancy Strapless Cupped Panty Bodysuit

Best for wedding dresses

Slide this baby underneath your wedding dress for the ultimate smoothing effect. It comes with removeable straps and it has built-in bra cups so you don’t have to deal with another undergarment piece under your dress.

3 skims
Skims

3. skims Solution Short #2

Best for high slits

If your dress has a high slit, you don’t want people seeing your shapewear underneath. This short has one leg covered and leaves the other free so you can get rid of the stress of tucking your shorts. It has a high waist and sheer back for breathability and lighter support. Does your outfit have a slit on the left side? Don’t worry, grab the Solution Short #1 instead.

4 yummie shorts
Yummie

4. yummie Cotton Seamless Shaping Short

Best shorts

Sometimes all you need is a pair of shaping shorts under your outfit to give you the compression you need (and an extra boost of confidence.) This high-waisted pair has extra tummy control at the band with medium compression around the back and legs.

5 skims bodysuit
Skims

5. skims Sculpting Bodysuit With Snaps

Best bodysuit

This bodysuit has all the bells and whistles from belly control to butt lifting. Available in nine nude shades, you’ll be able to find one that will blend with your skin tone.

6 yummie tank
Yummie

6. yummie Pearl Yummie Tummie 3-panel Shaping Tank

Best tank top

This one has firm compression and temperature-control fabric to absorb excess heat when you’re hot and to release it back to you when you’re cold. The hourglass compression midsection will keep your belly smooth and supported.

7 skims thong
Skims

7. skims Core Control Thong

Best underwear

Shapewear gives optimal support and compression for your belly but not much else. The thong will help you avoid any panty lines and the high waist will hit just below your bra.

8 bare necessities
Bare Necessities

8. bare Necessities Va Bien Firm Control Bodysuit

Best for low cut tops

No more tape or avoiding plunging necklines in fear of not being able to wear a bra because this bodysuit has you covered (literally). The bodysuit has core control, boning and the bra is underwired with padding to lift and support your chest while leaving the center bare.

9 bare necessities
Bare Necessities

9. bare Necessities Pour Moi Opulence Bodysuit

Best lingerie

This sultry option has a lingerie appeal with lacey details on the cups and midsection of the bodysuit. You can even wear this one with a pair of jeans for a sexy going out look.

10 jockey target
Target

10. jockey Generation Women’s Slip

Best slip

Throw this on under a dress for a super sleek smoothing effect. This is also great for a dress that is more sheer to offer you some coverage. Plus, it’s so comfy you could even wear it alone to bed.

11 skims
Skims

11. skims Fits Everybody Slip Dress

Best for dresses

This slip will fit well under a tight dress to smooth the areas you need. It has adjustable straps and is available in nine nude colors and six seasonal shades for something more fun.

12 spanx
Spanx

12. spanx Skinny Britches Mid-thigh Short

Best sheer

A sheer option is great for all-day wear because of the incredible breathability. These ones are basically seamless so you can avoid any lines under tight outfits.

13 knix
Knix

13. knix Luxelift Bodysuit

Best for lighter tummy control

The material on this bodysuit is buttery smooth and feels so comfy for all-day wear. It lifts your chest without any underwire (yes you heard that right) and the fabric effortlessly sculpts your shape to wear alone or under something else.

14 assets
Target

14. assets By Spanx Thintuition High-waist Shaping Thigh Slimmer

Best Value

This affordable pair of shapewear shorts checks all the boxes for comfort and compression. They hit mid-thigh and sit just below your bra for a near full body fit.

15 spanx thong
Spanx

15. spanx Suit Your Fancy High-waisted Thong

Best thong shapewear

Throwing on this basic high-waisted piece will keep you super snug without compressing your butt too. It smooths your tummy and sides in a comfortable and lightweight way (AKA you can breathe).

16 spanx
Bare Necessities

16. spanx Oncore Firm Control Mid-thigh Shaper

Best seamless

These Spanx have no bottom or side seams for a smooth and natural effect under your clothes making it look (and feel) like you aren’t wearing any at all. They also have belly paneling to offer extra support to your midriff.

17 spanx
Spanx

17. spanx Higher Power Short

Most comfortable

Lightweight, seam-free and soft fabric, that’s my kind of shapewear. These slide on easy and will keep you secure and comfortable all day with the lighter to medium compression.

18 knix
Knix

18. knix High-rise Shaper Brief

Best Briefs

Are briefs more your speed? This high-waisted pair has a smooth edge to avoid panty lines and they lift your bum for a more toned look, too. Who needs squats?

19 leonisa
Amazon

19. leonisa Seamless Maternity Support Panty

Best Maternity

These maternity panties give your body and belly great support for a more comfortable feel under your clothes. The midsection is lighter for breathability for your stomach to avoid extra sweating.

20 commando
Nordstrom

20. commando Perfect Control Faux Leather Leggings

Best Sculpting Leggings

Just looking for a pair of leggings that sculpt? These faux leather ones are super cute for an edgy flare and they shape your legs and waist for a smooth and toned look.



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Commerce Editor

  • Covers commerce content, including personal and collaborative reviews and product roundups across beauty, home, fashion and family verticals
  • More than 5 years of professional experience in journalism
  • Studied journalism at Duquesne University