Looking for the best shapewear? Here are 19 stylist-approved picks
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If you're anything like me, the thought of wearing shapewear probably doesn't bring you much joy. Shapewear usually calls for a lot of squeezing, tugging and struggling, but it doesn't have to be that way. Nowadays, there are tons of modern options on the market that hug in all the right places and make you feel confident in your own skin.
In an effort to help you narrow down your search for the best shapewear that's worth the price tag, Shop TODAY chatted with a handful of style experts to get the scoop on the best options in the industry. Plus, they gave us a little insight into why shapewear is worth investing in!
"The secret to dressing is in the shapewear. Once you achieve the perfect silhouette with shapewear as your foundation, the rest is easy," said celebrity stylist Avo Yermagyan. "There is something special about feeling secure in your undergarments and knowing that it is there working for you to smooth out any trouble areas."
So if you're looking to make your favorite pieces look even better, it might be time to upgrade your shapewear.
"I believe that shapewear is an investment because it just makes any piece of clothing that looks good then look great," said celebrity stylist Micah McDonald, who has worked alongside his styling partner Wayman Bannerman since 2013. Their client list includes Regina King, Cindy Crawford and Tessa Thompson.
To shop this article by category, simply click on each link below:
Best high-waist shorts shapewear
1. Spanx Thinstincts 2.0 High-Waisted Short
Spanx Thinstincts 2.0 High-Waisted Short
Spanx Thinstincts 2.0 High-Waisted Short $72.00 at Amazon
Spanx Thinstincts 2.0 High-Waisted Short $72.00 at Spanx
Spanx Thinstincts 2.0 High-Waisted Short $72.00 at Zappos
“Sometimes shapewear can be so constricting — I’ve worn shapewear that makes me feel like I might pass out because it is so sausage-casing and tight, but (Spanx) really mastered the textile (for these),” said style expert Lindsay Albanese, who was a professional stylist for 18 years. "These truly feel like a second skin, while also giving you that smoothing support that you need."
The Spanx Thinstincts 2.0 High-Waisted Shorts come in four different shades, including beige, tan, extra tan and dark brown.
2. Skims High-Waist Bonded Shorts
Skims High-Waist Bonded Shorts
The Skims High-Waist Bonded Shorts are designed to smooth your thighs, shape your butt and tightly contour your core. It has a buttery, bonded construction that makes this piece a staple for enhancing and contouring your body's natural shape.
“Some shorts go right up under the bust, but these actually hit right at the smallest part of the waist. This shapewear really creates that indent to make that teeny tiny waist and help support that hourglass figure,” McDonald said.
Best shapewear underwear
1. Maidenform Shapewear Firm Control High-Waist Brief
Maidenform Shapewear Firm Control High-Waist Brief
Maidenform Shapewear Firm Control High-Waist Brief $19.10 at Zappos
Maidenform Shapewear Firm Control High-Waist Brief $24.00 at Kohl's
Maidenform Shapewear Firm Control High-Waist Brief $24.00 at Bare Necessities
“The Maidenform Shapewear Firm Control High-Waist Briefs are really, really great,” McDonald told us. “What I love about it is it scoops out a little to glide along the natural lines of a woman's ribcage and goes right under the bust. It has a front panel that (has) extra technology to hold the front down and contours the sides for that smooth hourglass figure."
These Maidenform briefs are available in black, white and beige, and come in a variety of sizes.
2. Spanx Oncore Mid-Thigh Short
Spanx Oncore Mid-Thigh Short
Spanx Oncore Mid-Thigh Short $64.00 at Amazon
Spanx Oncore Mid-Thigh Short $64.00 at Spanx
Spanx Oncore Mid-Thigh Short $64.00 at Macy's
To avoid panty-lines altogether, Albanese recommends going for these Spanx Oncore Mid-Thigh Shorts instead of traditional shapewear briefs.
“Biker shorts will add additional smoothing so you don’t have those lumps and lines that are caused by your underwear,” she told us.
Best shapewear bras
1. Spanx Bra-Llelujah! Full-Coverage Bra
Spanx Bra-Llelujah! Full-Coverage Bra
Spanx Bra-Llelujah! Full-Coverage Bra $68.00 at Amazon
Spanx Bra-Llelujah! Full-Coverage Bra $68.00 at Spanx
Spanx Bra-Llelujah! Full-Coverage Bra $68.00 at Macy's
Albanese called the Spanx Bra-Llelujah Bra “the sweatpants of bras.”
“It’s the most comfortable bra that I’ve ever worn that isn’t a sports bra!” Albanese said. “The reason being that the band that goes around your bust is made out of hosiery material, so you’re getting that really comfortable fit that molds to your figure without digging into it.”
2. Skims Cotton Underwire Bra
Skims Cotton Underwire Bra
Skims Cotton Underwire Bra $44.00 at SKIMS
“The Skims Cotton Bra is extremely comfortable and I love the fact that the armhole is cut higher. So if you ever feel like a bra cuts you to where you have some spillage in the back or right under the arm because the armhole is cut so high, it smooths, controls and holds all that in," McDonald said. "It shapes really nicely and it's also seamless.”
This product comes in fun colors like lavender and light green, but it's also offered in neutrals like white and black.
Best shapewear tank tops
1. Ruby Ribbon Lace Full Support Cami
Ruby Ribbon Lace Full Support Cami
Ruby Ribbon Lace Full Support Cami $84.00 at Ruby Ribbon
This shapewear tank top is great for layering and it comes with a built-in bra.
“It’s a snug, smooth fit in a very satiny material, so when you layer it under a tank or shirt, it doesn’t cling to anything," Albanese said.
2. Spanx In & Out Cami
Spanx In & Out Cami
“It's a nice seamless shapewear tank top that just kind of fits and glides under everything,” McDonald said. “(It has a) four-way stretch and has good compression to it that makes you feel like you're not wearing shapewear, but it definitely shapes, conforms and gives hold.”
Best full-bodysuit shapewear
1. Skims Sculpting Bodysuit
Skims Sculpting Bodysuit
McDonald loves the Skims Sculpting Bodysuit because it promotes women's natural shape instead of flattening it.
“It really focuses on that hip-to-waist ratio and really achieving the thinnest waist,” McDonald said. “We find with a lot of other shapewear that it just tends to kind of flatten everything and we're a big component of embracing your curves and molding and shaping your natural figure. We just believe that the Skims cut of the actual garments allows for that.”
2. Spanx Spotlight On Lace Panty Bodysuit
Spanx Spotlight On Lace Panty Bodysuit
Spanx Spotlight On Lace Panty Bodysuit $78.00 at Spanx
Spanx Spotlight On Lace Panty Bodysuit $78.00 at Nordstrom
Spanx Spotlight On Lace Panty Bodysuit $78.00 at Bloomingdale's
For a versatile full bodysuit shapewear option that you can rock on its own, consider this Spanx recommendation from Albanese.
“I love that this full bodysuit is all lace and it’s so beautifully designed. It can be worn under things and can be worn on its own as a ready-to-wear piece," Albanese raved. "It’s probably made not to be seen but I also think it would be great to worn alone — under a jacket or a blazer."
Best open-bust bodysuit shapewear
1. Spanx Open-Bust Mid-Thigh Bodysuit
Spanx Open-Bust Mid-Thigh Bodysuit
Spanx Open-Bust Mid-Thigh Bodysuit $49.99 at Spanx
Spanx Open-Bust Mid-Thigh Bodysuit $35.99 at Bare Necessities
If you’re in the market for a shapewear bodysuit, consider an open-bust design for more flexibility.
“I always prefer an open-bust bodysuit over a bodysuit that has the bust built-in because I feel like it’s more versatile and allows you to customize,” Albanese said. “If you buy an open-bust bodysuit, you’re more limited as to the neckline that you choose to wear.”
2. Maidenform Open-Bust Bodysuit
Maidenform Open Bust Bodysuit
Maidenform Open Bust Bodysuit $28.89 at Zappos
Maidenform Open Bust Bodysuit $42.75 at Kohl's
Maidenform Open Bust Bodysuit $29.50 at Maidenform
"The Maidenform Open-Bust Bodysuit gives full-back technology that really conforms and holds the back in so there's no bra indents and no spillage, which is really nice,” McDonald said.
It's available in both beige and black — making it easy to pair with any outfit in your wardrobe.
Best shapewear slips
1. Yummie 3-in-1 Shaping Slip
Yummie 3-in-1 Shaping Slip
Yummie 3-in-1 Shaping Slip $78.00 at Amazon
Yummie 3-in-1 Shaping Slip $24.00 at Yummie
Yummie 3-in-1 Shaping Slip $78.00 at Bare Necessities
Shapewear Slips are a great way to add more dimension to a dress or tunic. This one from Yummie includes adjustable inner panels that can be worn three ways — at the front, back or all around. They give varying compression depending on where the panels are placed.
“This is an open-bust slip, so it’s great for versatility,” Albanese said. “It’s also form-fitting so it gives you that shapewear functionality, and it’s also great for summer dresses that can be a little sheer.”
2. Skims Sheer Sculpt Slip
Skims Sheer Sculpt Slip
Skims Sheer Sculpt Slip $68.00 at SKIMS
McDonald raved about this Skims slip for its semi-sheer material.
“You feel sexy and you don’t feel like you’re wearing shapewear, but don’t be fooled by the sheer material — it has a serious hold and it already has a great cut to it,” McDonald said. “It is $68, but the material holds up and it also comes in an open bust, so it's worth it."
Best shapewear leggings
1. Everlane The Perform Legging
Everlane The Perform Legging
Everlane The Perform Legging $58.00 at Everlane
“These leggings are flexible, stretchy and not constricting," Albanese said. "Sometimes leggings can be so athletic that they can feel too tight. These feel athletic but are still comfortable."
While black leggings are always a good classic to have on hand, these Everlane leggings also come in green, gray, burnt orange and more.
2. Skims Solutionwear Tight
Skims Solutionwear Tight
Skims Solutionwear Tight $64.00 at SKIMS
The Skims Solutionwear Tights are another good option if you're looking for something with a high-rise waistband.
“The top of the waist is cut slimmer to indent at the top of a woman's waist — the smallest part of a woman's high-waist body,” McDonald said. “They already have some type of shape to them and your body really just cores into that shape.”
3. WVVYPower Mesh Side Panel 7/8 Legging
WVVYPower Mesh Side Panel 7/8 Legging
WVVYPower Mesh Side Panel 7/8 Legging $48.00 at HSN
Albanese also recommended these WVVPower Mesh Side Panel 7/8 Leggings for their seamless, everyday fit.
"I love the contour seams. They’re really flattering to your figure and they also have a reinforced waistband that molds and smooths," Albanese explained. "It kind of holds and hugs the waist without digging in and causing a muffin top.”
Best shapewear tights
1. Hanes Girl-Short Tummy-Control Pantyhose
Hanes Girl-Short Tummy-Control Pantyhose
Hanes Girl-Short Tummy-Control Pantyhose $12.00 at Macy's
Hanes Girl-Short Tummy-Control Pantyhose $9.00 at Hanes
Fall and winter will be here before you know it — and you'll need a good pair of tights for all those cute flowy dresses. If you're looking to find your new go-to pair, Albanese highly recommends the Hanes Girl-Short Tummy-Control Pantyhose.
“I live in these Hanes tights,” Albanese said. “I love these because not only do they have a tummy-control feature but they’re also run-resistant. The three most annoying things about tights are that they dig in at the waist, sag at the crotch or they run easily, so it’s great that these are run-resistant and you also get the benefits of that tummy-control as well."
2. Spanx Tight-End Tights
Spanx Tight-End Tights
Spanx Tight-End Tights $38.00 at Amazon
Spanx Tight-End Tights $38.00 at Spanx
Spanx Tight-End Tights $38.00 at Zappos
The Spanx Tight-End Tights would also be a great addition to your cold-weather wardrobe.
"Spanx High-Waist Tights are amazing,” McDonald said. “They’re a compression tight with stockings underneath and they're so smooth and comfortable. You feel like (you're) just wearing a regular pair of tights but (they) have really great hold.”
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