The Best Shapewear Basics and How to Wear Them for Spring, According to Style Experts

Erika Reals
·8 min read

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We’re dropping the 4-1-1 on shapewear styling, fitting, and pairing

Shapewear has come a long way since our moms and grandmothers bought their first pair of Spanx at the local shopping mall. While it historically had a reputation for being restrictive and uncomfortable, today’s generation of shapewear just may be able to convert your hesitations into veneration, thanks in part to Kim Kardashian’s Skims, which repositioned shapewear to be as vital as the curves themselves, and Spanx, which has brought shaping benefits to other types of clothing, even (gasp!) its crowd-favorite pull-on jeans.

Since shapewear is a type of technical clothing, there is much to learn before blindly buying a piece online and crossing your fingers that it works with your summer dress collection. To save you from buyer’s remorse (and pesky online returns), we tapped two celebrity stylists and a shapewear professional to spill their secrets on one of the most misunderstood genres of clothing.

Whether you’re looking to smooth, sculpt, control, tone, or conceal, shapewear is all about enhancing your natural curves. But like anything else in your closet, it’s important to prioritize what makes you feel confident, especially as warmer months approach (and which typically come with shorter, tighter clothing).

Below, we break down shapewear essentials, explain how to wear them for spring, and share styling tips from our experts.

Shapewear Essentials

Brief Bodysuits

If you foresee fitted dresses in your spring wardrobe rotation, then a classic shaping bodysuit, like this one from Honeylove, is all you need. This type of shapewear is designed to smooth out the midsection and lift and support your bust — the main contentions when it comes to a bodycon silhouette. 

It’s also important to check that the bodysuit hides unwanted VPL (a.k.a. visible panty lines), since they may be more obvious in this type of dress. If that’s a concern — and you aren’t worried about shaping or smoothing your buttocks — you can opt for a thong version instead.

“I have tried them all, and I like the Honeylove line,” says Guadara. “They are priced right, really do the job well, and most importantly, make you feel like you're wearing second skin.”

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"“Growing up, my mom only wore a brand called Lady Marlene, and according to her, none of the brands today can even compare, but I beg to differ. Today not only do women want to look good on the outside, but it's all about feeling comfortable — and not like they are wearing an extra garment.” — celebrity stylist Soneca Guadara
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Mid-Thigh Bodysuits

Guadara is personally a fan of a mid-thigh bodysuit. “It pretty much sculpts your midsection, smooths your thighs, and the smoothing fabric eliminates back bulges,” she tells PEOPLE. “You can purchase one that has a low back or ones that have an open bust, so you can pair it with your [own] bra.”

This type of bodysuit is one of the most versatile shapewear pieces, but we favor it for shorter dresses since it helps keep everything PG underneath (consider the windy outdoor conditions you may find yourself in this season). Just ensure the shorts aren’t longer than the actual dress to avoid a fashion faux pas.

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Shaping Camis

Guadara suggests a shaping tank if you’re needing something that “cinches everything in” — especially for any tight-fitting blouses you may have hanging in your closet. When buying shaping camis, first consider the neckline, which should match your top: V-neck, scoop neck, and plunging are all variations you’ll find on the virtual racks.

Another quality to consider in shaping tanks (and any shapewear, for that matter) is the compression level. Lighter compression, like in the Spanx Socialight Cami, is typically more comfortable for everyday or all-day wear, while extra firm compression offers a higher dose of shaping and support.  Cami Raymond, senior design director at Ruby Ribbon, recommends choosing “a compression level that provides the desired effect without sacrificing comfort.”

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Shaping Briefs

After a fresh dose of spring cleaning, there’s a chance you rediscovered a treasure trove of shorts that have been buried under sweatpants for the past nine months (not speaking from experience or anything!).

Slipping into shorts after living in the latter doesn’t sound all too appealing, but that’s where shaping briefs come in: These high-waisted Shapermint briefs provide tummy control and cinch the waist, all while acting as a barrier between your skin and the rough feel of denim. Many shaping briefs today are actually quite comfortable and breathable, which is imperative for participating in just about any summer activity.

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"“My job is to make my clients feel like the best version of themselves, wearing shapewear or not. I don’t push for it if they don’t want it, but I think it’s absolutely fine if it makes someone feel more confident about their body.” — celebrity stylist Carolina Orrico
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Shaping Shorts

Spanx shaping shorts were iconic when the brand launched in 2000, and they are still iconic today. While there are plenty of variations to sample in 2024, the brand’s Invisible Shaping shorts do it all: They conceal panty lines, provide medium compression, have an ultra-thin breathable fabric, and offer targeted tummy control and side support.

While briefs may seem like the clear everyday shapewear choice, shorts offer something they can’t: a solution to chafing. For this reason, wearing shorts (rather than briefs) with pencil skirts and longer dresses is a gamechanger, especially in the upcoming warmer months.

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Low-Back Bodysuits

It can be difficult finding bust support for back-baring wedding guest dresses, especially if you’re not keen on sticky bra cups or adhesives. This Skims low-back bodysuit can be a suitable alternative. The seamless construction makes it practically invisible under clothing and the shaping effects smooth everything out from bust to thigh. Both are benefits that backless bras or sticky cups can’t bring to the table.

Skims also has some of the most extensive offerings when it comes to nude tones and size range — qualities appreciated by shoppers and stylists alike.

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Strapless Bodysuits

“Now that spring is upon us and summer right behind, I recommend my clients purchase a strapless one-piece bodysuit with or without thigh coverage,” says Guadara. “They will look great under a strapless dress or a halter dress.”

Strapless bodysuits are essentially a must-have for the season, because they are so versatile. This cupped strapless bodysuit from Spanx, for example, has convertible straps that you can wear five ways — coming in handy for virtually any spring or summer event that calls for a dress, romper, or jumpsuit.

Pro Tip: “Opt for nude or skin-toned shapewear to minimize visibility under light-colored or sheer dresses,” Raymond says.

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Shapewear Fabrics 101 with Ruby Ribbon’s Senior Design Director Cami Raymond

As a technical clothing category, the materials that comprise a shapewear piece are as important, or perhaps more important, than the style itself. We tapped Cami Raymond, senior design director at Ruby Ribbon, to talk about the common fabrics found in shapewear and the functions of each. The most popular shapewear materials are nylon, spandex, and silicone, which she breaks down below.

  • Nylon: Nylon is a popular material for shapewear due to its stretchability and durability. It provides excellent support and shaping while remaining lightweight and breathable. Nylon shapewear often has a smooth texture, making it ideal for wearing under fitted clothing.

  • Spandex (Lycra, Elastane): Spandex is known for its exceptional stretchiness, which allows shapewear to conform closely to the body. It provides targeted compression and smooths out “problem areas,” all while creating a streamlined silhouette. Shapewear with a higher spandex content offers more significant shaping and support.

  • Silicone: Silicone grippers or bands are often used in the waistbands or leg openings of shapewear to prevent rolling or slipping. They help keep the garment in place, ensuring a smooth and seamless appearance under clothing.



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