The Best Shapewear for Comfort and Support

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

Though shapewear is certainly not necessary — and has evolved past the days of existing to hide insecurities and alter your body — it can still provide smooth capabilities under clothing and help you feel more comfortable. "Shapewear should enhance your figure, and if it fits well, it should really feel like your own skin," says Tina Zimmerman, Kleinfeld Bridal's director of alterations. Gone are the days of hyper-restrictive styles: "You should be able to bend and move, and if you can’t breathe, it’s not the right fit for you."

The apparel experts and fiber scientists in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab regularly test undergarments of all kinds, stretching across bras, pantyhose, swimwear and even period underwear. When it comes to shapewear, we consider the fabrics, styles and special features, then try them in real life to make sure they fit well and feel good. The picks ahead are either top-tested styles or recommendations from professional bridal alterers and fashion stylists.

Our top picks:

You can read more about how we test shapewear along with shopping tips from our experts at the end of this article, but first, here's everything you need to know about the best shapewear for every occasion. And if you're looking for extended sizing, check out our picks for the best plus-size shapewear.

Higher Power Shorts

This do-it-all style shapes your thighs, butt and hips with extra emphasis on the tummy. Tested by our Textiles Lab experts, the higher rise is designed to erase any "muffin top" issues, and its no-slip waistband helps it stay in place. The best part is you can wear it all day: The lightweight, seamless fabric offers a medium firmness, so it'll smooth without feeling like you can't breathe, according to our clothing pros. Fashion stylist Meaghan O'Connor also keeps this shapewear piece in her own repertoire.

Sizes: S-3X | Colors: 4 shades

Maidenform Flexees Shapewear Hi-Waist Brief

If you're looking for tummy control but don't need thigh coverage, this high-rise brief has firm control around the tummy and a silicone waistband to help keep it in place. It's designed to smooth bulges and create the illusion of hourglass curves. Online reviewers love its stay-in-place fit: "I LOVE the slightly rubbery threads around the top," says one Amazon reviewer. "This does not roll over even if you slouch. "

Sizes: S-XXL | Colors: 3 shades

Back Magic Extra Firm Torsette Thigh Slimmer

Combining firm compression with stay-in place benefits, this style has adjustable straps and full-coverage throughout the torso, hips, butt and thighs. Our pros were impressed by its all-over smoothing capabilities, including panels at the midsection that give extra support for the tummy. Though the straps may be limiting for certain outfits, the design allows you to wear your own bra and is cut low enough to wear under a variety of tops and dresses.

Sizes: S-3X | Colors: Black or nude

Scoop Neck Compression Cami

A discreet top that easily layers under everyday clothing, this cami offers smoothing capabilities without feeling like you're wearing constricting shapewear. It's Amazon's bestselling shapewear top and online reviewers consistently call it flattering, with one noting, "I hardly wear any shapewear but this is something I could see myself wearing everyday for support." Our pros also love how it's not too pricey and comes in several colors and plus sizes.

Sizes: S-4X | Colors: 4 shades

Sculpt Mid-Waist Thong

For a versatile piece that you can wear under any type of garment, this sculpting thong has a high-rise fit to smooth tummy bulges along with high leg rises to avoid panty lines. The SKIMS brand is a staple among both Messiah and O'Connor along with GH editors that love the color and size range. "I’m able to find undergarments and shapewear that are the perfect 'nude' for me, which a lot of companies don't offer," noted one staffer. Our pros also found the pieces to be breathable, making them suitable for all-day wearing.

Sizes: XXS-4X | Colors: 10 shades

Lace 'N Smooth Body Briefer

This one-piece holds everything in comfortably and stays in place better than sectional shapewear. Our Lab experts were impressed by the light lining around the cups, which means you won't need your own bra. The lace pattern looks nice, but the brand also claims it makes the style more breathable. Plus, with the bottom closure, you can use the restroom without dressing down to your birthday suit.

Sizes: 34B-40DD | Colors: 4 shades

OnCore Mid-Thigh Short

Whether for a special occasion or everyday wear, shapewear under dresses should be able to smooth bulges without being visible. Our Lab experts found that these shorts in particular are the perfect balance of lightweight and sculpting, noting that they were slimming without feeling too constricting. They also provide great coverage without being too high at the torso or too long on the thighs. A GH editor who owns them noted that they're also great for layering under skirts and pants.

Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: 5 shades

Perfect Waist Contouring Cincher

This heavy-hitter Brazilian brand offers a more corset-like fit that works best for special occasions and on-camera work, according to personal stylist Messiah. Our Textiles Lab experts like that the structured boning and smoothing fabric work together to give you a curved shape. It may look like an old-school corset, but the hook-closure up the middle lets you adjust the fit to your liking. It's designed for everyone but is loved by postpartum women who want abdominal support.

Shortee Back-Smoothing Bra

Some bras create unwanted lines and bulges, but this style has back-smoothing fabric to get rid of so-called bra-induced "back fat." When we evaluated this bra in our Textiles Lab, consumer testers said it was comfortable, supportive and looked great under clothing. One D-cup tester even says it was the best-fitting bra she's ever owned!

Sizes: XS-1X, with cup sizes AA-E | Colors: Black or nude

Tame Your Tummy Shaping Lace With Cool Comfort Briefs

These briefs are more subtle than most shapewear; in fact, they're like regular underwear with a higher rise to specifically target the butt, waist and tummy. Though the design is more minimal than other shapewear, it still offers firm compression for smoothing capabilities. It also uses moisture-wicking fabric, making it ideal for summer or anyone that's prone to sweating in shapewear.

Sizes: S-XXL | Colors: 13 shades

Butt Enhancing Shaper Shorts

If you're looking to target your backside, these shorts are specifically designed to lift and accentuate your butt. There's a ruched seam in the back that helps define the shape, while firm compressing at the thighs helps smooth. Online reviewers were blown away, saying they fit just like biking shorts yet actually live up to their claims.

Sizes: XXS-4X | Colors: 4 shades

Sculpting Thong Bodysuit

With the shaping benefits of a bodysuit — and without annoying pantylines — this thong style is Amazon's bestselling shapewear bodysuit. The fabric is lightweight and stretchy, yet has firm compression to smooth around the midsection. It also helps lift your bust and its thin straps are discreet enough to wear under most clothing. One online reviewer described it as "buttery soft," while another said "this bodysuit doesn't ride up."

Sizes: XXS-5XL | Colors: 5 shades

Suit Your Fancy Cupped Mid-Thigh Bodysuit

Not only does this style smooth everything from your bust through your thighs, it's also surprisingly versatile and convenient. For starters, it's easy to slip on and take off, unlike other shapewear that can be more of a struggle. It also has removable straps that are both adjustable and convertible so you can wear it under almost any outfit. One GH staffer added, "I love that you don't have to worry about clips or anything when you need to use the loo, thanks to the 'easy access gusset.'"

Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: Black or beige

The Original

Our style pros love how Thigh Society has proven its commitment to size inclusivity, offering styles in sizes up to 6X. These shorts in particular are comfy and soft, plus they come in three lengths with options for sheer and opaque coverage, which can even be worn on their own. Besides smoothing under clothing, the brand notes that they can help prevent chafing.

Sizes: XS-6X | Colors: 4 shades

Cacique Open-Bust Thigh Shaper

Designed specifically for plus sizes, this seamless style has firm control throughout the torso and thighs. It's open-bust design means it has straps for stay-in-place power while allowing you to wear your preferred bra. A favorite piece of O'Connor's, its contours provide an invisible layer of control under any outfit, and the adjustable straps make sure you have a comfy fit.

Sizes: 14-36 | Colors: Black or Café

Reach Arm Slimming Shaper

Shapewear doesn't have to be just for your mid-section and bottom. This compression garment is smoothing under long-sleeve tops and dresses. It's thin enough that it'll fit under layers and is designed to help with sagging skin and reduce that annoying jiggling. The style is one piece and goes on just like a bolero, so you don't have to worry about the sleeves rolling down. "It is helping me with a shoulder injury," noted one Amazon reviewer. "The compression is soothing."

Sizes: S-Q2 (equivalent to dress sizes 4-20) | Colors: Black or nude

Two-Faced Tech Control Strapless Slip

Featuring a bandeau-style top and a smooth microfiber material for the slip, this style is perfect for layering under strapless dresses without feeling constricted. Though the fabric itself is firm, it's not as compressive as other shapewear. Just keep in mind that it may not work as well under low cut tops.

Sizes: S-L | Colors: Black or nude

LuxeLift Tank

If you typically wear an everyday layering tank, this one's for you. You can throw on this style under tops to slim and smooth, but it won't feel as constricting as regular shapewear. It's designed with increased compression at the midsection and is made to fit up to a G cup bra without compressing your bust. "I love it and wear it at home on the weekend and also as a layer under sweaters to work instead of wearing an actual bra," says a Knix reviewer.

Classic Control Thong

If you’re looking for just shapewear underwear, Commando panties are very supportive, according to Zimmerman. The Classic Control Thong features a seamless design that is virtually invisible under dresses, with a light compression in the hips.

Bounceback Post Pregnancy Tummy Transformer

Our Textiles experts were impressed by the wide coverage that smooths without being uncomfortable, great for new moms who recently had a C-section or for new moms who are recovering from giving birth. It's seamless, so it won't feel irritating against your skin. One Destination maternity reviewer says, "Everything fit great and is so soft. The bounce back feels so good on my stomach." Even if you didn't just have a baby, this panel can give you shaping benefits without needing a full-on contraption.

How we chose the best shapewear

The fiber scientists in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab have been testing shapewear for the past 15 years. Analysts consider the materials, coverage and any special features, plus we try out styles in real life to see which ones feel comfortable and have the best appearance on a variety of body types.

We also consulted additional style and clothing experts, including personal stylist Lauren Messiah, fashion stylist Meaghan O'Connor and Kleinfeld Bridal Director of Alterations Tina Zimmerman.

How to choose the best shapewear for you

These days, shapewear for women comes in all shapes, sizes, colors and cuts, so whether you're shopping for your wedding or an everyday staple, there's something out there for you that can even replace your favorite bra and/or underwear. Here's what we look for in good shapewear for women:

✔️ Comfort: Not all shapewear is created equal: Some shapewear have higher compression levels than others, so be sure to select the material and its thickness based on your wants, says stylist and podcast host O'Connor. Her advice: "Keep a lookout for pieces that are designed to stay in place." Ideally, shapewear shouldn't roll down or limit your circulation — you should be able to breathe and eat!

✔️ Type: If you want extreme tummy control and contour, you should look for shapewear with mid-to-high level compression, she says. Looking for some control but mostly to just smooth your silhouette and enhance your outfit? Opt for pieces that focus less on compression and more on smoothing, so that you maintain comfort and keep your shape. Or if you're looking for shapewear as a modesty piece like skirt slips, find lightweight fabrics with minimal compression and features that work for your personal style.

✔️ Sizing: Never size down. Buying too small can squish your skin and cause unwanted bulges, advises Zimmerman. Most of us don't wear the same clothes all the time, and that should go for shapewear as well, says O'Connor. Consider shapewear as you would your other intimate apparel pieces, and it will be clear that variation in style makes for easier dressing!

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Lexie Sachs is the Executive Director of the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she has been overseeing the testing of all apparel for over a decade. Lexie has extensively tested dozens of shapewear styles both in the Lab and in real life settings, and regularly evaluates similar categories including the best bras, best slimming swimsuits and more.

Jacqueline Saguin keeps her finger on the pulse of fashion, from testing viral social media products to anticipating buying trends. She began her career in the style and beauty reviews realm and writes about products through a personal lens. She regularly collaborates with the GH Textiles Lab to put together product reviews on the very best clothing and accessories out there, according to consumer and Lab testing.

You Might Also Like

• 67 Best Gifts for Women That'll Make Her Smile

• The Best Pillows for Every Type of Sleeper