These Tummy Control Underwear Can Minimize Your Waistline In A Jiffy

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Every great outfit starts with a solid foundation, and that solid foundation is your underwear, of course. There's no need to remind you that your body is perfect the way it is, but if you find yourself looking for some extra support in the midsection, a good pair of tummy control underwear could be your new best friend.

Donning the right pair of undies under a figure-hugging dress for a special occasion, or even just under your everyday work pants can be a major confidence booster, since they'll allow you to focus on the moment instead of on your waistline, says Women's Health executive fashion director Kristen Saladino. Tummy control underwear also have a smoothing effect under clothing, she adds, which is great if you're going for a more sculpted look, or just need seamless underwear that won't show through clothing.

Of course, there are tons of undie options out there, and comfort is key, so we sorted through hundreds of product descriptions and customer reviews, so you don't have to. We also consulted with fashion and textile experts to find the best options for tummy-smoothing breathable underwear for every body.

Ready to add some to your panty drawer? Here are the 18 best pairs of tummy control underwear you can shop right now in a range of price points, compression levels, and styles, according to style experts.

Mid-Waist Lace Hipster Panty

These lacy panties are hot and functional. They have a minimal amount of tummy control fabric that makes them comfortable for everyday wear. These panties come in three neutral colors and have pretty lace detailing on the back and along the sides.

Rave review: "Love this! I feel great when I wear it: the fabric is so comfortable and it fits every curve beautifully."

Shaping High-Waisted Brief (3-Pack)

This three-pack of high-waisted briefs has a cult-following. The undies are soft and breathable, and the waistband is just high enough to provide some support without suffocating you.

Rave Review: "Love the way it feels—not too tight or bothersome. I feel like I am wearing regular underwear, but knowing that my tummy is tuck[ed] in. Very comfortable. This is my second set."

Tummy Shapewear

It's no surprise that shapewear pioneer Spanx has some of the best tummy-control underwear. We love that this high-waisted number has a discrete thong style in the back, so you don't have to worry about panty lines.

Rave Review: "I bought these and OMG..... these were a game-changer—the material is breathable and not difficult to put on. The material goes all the way up to just below my breasts and makes my tummy flatter, accentuating the natural figure of the body."

Hi-Waist Boyshort Shapewear

These high-waisted boyshorts have a smoothing effect under any outfit. The waistband is compressive, but not restrictive, and it hits just under the bra for a seamless transition. The slightly longer boyshorts also provide a bit of extra coverage at the top of the thighs.

Rave Review: "Easy to get up and down. Doesn’t roll down. Stays in place better than any control top panties I’ve worn (and I’ve tried Yummie and Spanx). These are the best. Holds everything in and very flattering. Comfortable to wear."

Seamless Sculpt High-Waisted Brief

If you want to really cinch things in, go for this compressive high-waisted brief from Skims. It has the brand's highest degree of support and comes in 10 neutral shades to match a wide range of skin tones, and in an inclusive range of sizes, XXS to 4XL.

Rave Review: "This is for when you want some major smoothing/shaping. It’s hard to get on, but possible. I swear I looked two sizes smaller after I got it on..."

Zone Smoothing Thong

This thong is designed with compression specifically in a center panel over your lower belly. It's also designed with breathability and stretch in the fabric around your hips for added comfort and shaping in the right places.

Rave Review: "The belly still sticks out when I wear a cashmere/silk dress, and I use these to hold up the belly and it works great! Most importantly, it doesn't restrict you and you feel comfortable."

Ultralight Seamless Briefs

This is a pair of tummy-controlling underwear that you may just forget you have on. The compression is about as light as you can get, while still offering a smoothing effect so you can move with ease.

Rave Review: "These briefs are constructed with comfort and light control in mind. They are not binding like other briefs, and just give enough control to flatten my tummy."

Suit Your Fancy Plunge Thong Bodysuit

This one-piece underwear option is highly versatile and provides a smooth, seamless look from head to toe. The straps can be crossed or worn straight and the deep V back sits nicely under a dress.

Rave Review: "This is an effective piece of shapewear that looks really nice as well. The strap options are a great feature. My only criticism is the bra doesn't offer a ton of support."

Soft Contour High-Rise 7’’ Bike Shorts

These bike shorts are designed for "contouring," rather than shaping. They have more give and stretch than high-compression shapewear, but they're great for daily wear to prevent chafing under a skirt or to add an extra bit of smoothing under pants.

Rave Review: "These are FABULOUS. I'm 5'10", 180, and I have mostly XL and one L. I love the range of colors, too. They're the only ones I wear and wash...every week"

Vanishing Tummy High-Leg Brief

These soft, silky panties are made from a nylon/spandex blend with a 100 percent cotton gusset lining. The leg opening sits high on the thigh to allow for a wider range of motion and to prevent any seams from digging into the skin. These undies have a high waistband that does just as it promises—vanishes your tummy.

Rave Review: "Loving these panties!! Love the sticky silicone around the legs that prevents them from riding up your rear end. Want to throw out all my briefs and buy only Soma from now on."

InvisiWear High-Rise swimsuit Underwear

These undies are designed to smooth your belly and to move with you, whether you're at the gym or cozying up on the couch. The fabric wicks away sweat and dries quickly, which makes these lightweight panties great for travel, too.

Rave Review: "These are comfortable and absolutely do not show under leggings. Definitely recommend. I do feel like they run a little small. I sized up one size and am very happy I did."

Cotton Seamless Shaping Brief

These shaping briefs are 87 percent cotton, which is highly breathable and gentle on skin. The undies have a full-coverage back and a not-too-restrictive waistband that keeps things in place without uncomfortable cinching.

Rave Review: "This brief is so comfortable. Great shaping, fits great...I am very pleased with this brief."

Form Seamless Sculpt Brief

This high-waisted brief feels barely there, thanks to a seamless design and a super thin nylon/spandex blend that stretches to meet every curve without an indentation. It's available in sizes XS through XXL and two colors: black and tan.

Rave Review: "This underwear is very comfortable! It gives the perfect support to help flatten the abdominal area creating a seamless look. The material is so comfortable I would definitely recommend."

SuperPower Brief

These wildly popular briefs have thousands of five-star reviews. They offer maximum compression for smoothing and shaping over the belly and bum. With six color options and inclusive sizing from XS to XXXL, there's a Honeylove brief for every body and every outfit.

Rave Review: "[Holds] you in extremely well, creating a beautiful shape. Straps are included, but aren't needed. It does not roll at all. Helps your posture, but is not uncomfortable at all."

Silhouette Thong

Here's another pick from Honeylove because it's truly a fan favorite. This thong is Saladino's go-to pick when she's opting for tummy control underwear. "These panties hold you in all the right places. If you need some sucking-in, they do the job every time," she says. "Plus, they give you zero VPLs (visible panty lines), so you look sleek and feel confident in any outfit you're wearing."

Rave Review: "Amazing fit with gentle compression. Flattering under all clothing. Customer service is 5 ⭐️, quickly resolved issues and a misdelivered package."

Ribbed Seamless High Rise Hipster

This is a pair of tummy-control undies that you can wear every single day. Made from a seamless blend of modal and nylon, these hipsters sit comfortably on your hips without rolling up, bunching, or really making themselves known at all. A lightly compressive waistband provides tummy coverage.

Rave review: "I like these. They are so comfortable that you forget you're wearing them."

All Day Every Day High-Waisted Shaper Boyshort

If you're looking for a little additional shaping over the tops of the thighs, this high-waisted boyshort is a great choice that comes in sizes small through 4XL. Despite the moderate amount of compression, these shorts have a seamless design that disappears under clothing, and a comfy non-slip silicone waistband.

Rave Review: "I wear shapewear every single day, as I have a lot of loose skin from weight loss. Shapermint holds it all in snug so I can wear cute outfits and not worry about bulges and skin hanging out."

Cool Cotton High Rise Brief

These lace-trimmed briefs are made from highly breathable, cooling cotton that keeps you dry and fresh better than your standard cotton undies. They have a cute, lacy waistband that tucks your tummy in and won't roll or irritate the skin. And with six color options and sizes ranging from XS to XXL, these are a great option for most people.

Rave Review: "Love these panties. I’ve been getting wedgies all my life until I found Tommy John!"

How we chose the best tummy control underwear

For the past few months, Women’s Health editors, including our commerce editor Jasmine Gomez and contributor Lizzy Briskin, vetted the bestselling, top-rated tummy conytrol underwear. Our team consulted several style experts, and then evaluated thousands of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the best tummy control underwear for a wide range of needs and preferences.

Meet the experts

• Nina Vargas is a celebrity fashion stylist.

• Melony Huber is a textile expert, fashion buyer, and co-founder of La Peony.

• Chantelle Hartman Malarkey is a fashion expert and social media personality.

• Kristen Saladino is executive fashion director at Women's Health.

What should I look for when shopping for tummy control underwear?

Before you add a new pair of undies (or several) to your drawer, you'll want to consider a few key factors.

Design

Textile expert and fashion buyer Melony Huber typically chooses tummy-control underwear that's "high waisted, to not leave waist rolls, and brief-style to incorporate lifting of the butt, too!" Tummy control underwear is also available as thongs, swimsuits, hipsters, and even bodysuits. What you opt for is up to you.

But Saladino recommends always avoiding a visible panty line. When possible go for a seamless option, which will make the tummy control underwear undetectable. A visible panty line can throw off your outfit and pictures, if you plan to take any. She also recommends looking for panties that have a comfy waistband that doesn't roll down.

Fit

Huber emphasizes the importance of looking at the size range and overall fit. "You want to see how tight, fitted, and comfortable the tummy control underwear is," and choose a pair that meets your preferences. Some pairs offer far more coverage and compression than others. If you're concerned about feeling restricted all day, you may want a lighter, stretchier fabric, or a lower-waisted option. Saladino also recommends making comfort a priority. Ideally, you want something that holds you in without being so restricting that it feels uncomfortable or limits your movement.

Fabric and color options

Since you're buying a garment that will be worn directly on your skin all day, be sure to consider any sensitivities you may have to certain materials. You also want to make sure the fabric is breathable, says Saladino. This will help you avoid creating a sweaty environment down there, which isn't only uncomfortable but can create a breeding ground for bacteria.

Finally, if you're shopping for shapewear for a specific outfit, consider what you'll be wearing over the underwear to choose the appropriate color and shape.

Does tummy control underwear work?

The right pair of tummy control underwear "can smooth and support your stomach, define the natural shape of your waist, and provide a slimming effect," says Huber. An undergarment that hits you in all of the right places and is comfortable can be "a game changer for one's confidence and can help clothing to fit well without any bumps or rolls."

Can it give you the appearance of a flat stomach?

Yes, high-waisted underwear can help smooth and shape your stomach, which can be especially enticing in body-conscious clothing. "Tummy control underwear works by compressing and shaping the midsection and smoothing out any bulges or bumps," says celebrity stylist Nina Vargas. "The firm fabric creates a streamlined effect for a flatter, more sculpted appearance. They are magic workers and you can find the best silhouette for your personal needs!"

Read more about the best undergarments

Best Breathable Underwear | Best Seamless Underwear | Best Moisture-Wicking Underwear | Best Underwear For Workouts | Best Cotton Underwear For Women

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