The Best Shapewear That Actually Feels Comfortable
We enlisted 80 different women to test these picks, ranging from size XS to 3XL.
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After attending 10 weddings this year, I’ve become well versed in the powers of shapewear for both increasing my confidence and decreasing my ability to breathe—the right pair makes all the difference. To find the best shapewear that sculpts and smooths while staying invisible, the fiber scientists in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab and I recently tested 27 different styles (including shorts, bodysuits, underwear, and more) in our Lab and had 80 consumer testers from size XS to 3XL share their feedback on what worked and what didn’t.
Our top picks:
- Best overall: SPANX Invisible Mid-Thigh Shorts
- Best value: Maidenform Flexees Shapewear Hi-Waist Brief
- Most comfortable: Shapermint Body Shaper Tummy Control Panty
- Best bodysuit: Skims Seamless Sculpt Thong Bodysuit
Best Deal
Pros
- Lightweight, airy material is comfortable even in summer
- Stay-put waistband doesn't roll down
- Smoothing compression
Cons
- No easy bathroom-access gusset
BEST FOR: Someone who wants no-frills shapewear that works
These SPANX shorts are effortlessly simple with a comfortable fit that you can wear everywhere from the office to weddings. "The shorts did not pinch and were very comfortable—some shapewear can dig or make you appear lumpy and this one did not,” shared one consumer tester. I liked the snug fit that visibly smoothed my waistline. The sleek fabric stayed perfectly hidden under my clothes without feeling sweaty.
✔️ "I liked that it held me in but didn't feel constricting and that the legs of the shorts didn't roll up on my thighs," noted one tester. To keep the shorts securely in place, this pair is designed with silicone grips on the waistband. The shapewear also features a cotton lining in the crotch, so you can wear this pair without underwear.
✔️ It features a smooth design with minimal seams to stay hidden under snug clothing. The hems and flat seams help prevent any visible panty lines, so it's great to wear under tight-fitting clothes.
✔️There isn't a bathroom-access opening, so you'll need to pull these down when using the restroom. While this pair is tougher to pee in than other pairs of shapewear, one tester reported that she was able to slide off and pull the shorts back on without a hitch.
✔️ "The shapewear was also very lightweight and comfortable for hot summer weather,” shared one tester who applauded the lightweight, breathable material. "This holds but doesn't feel as tight, restricting, or sweat-inducing as my other shapewear," noted another tester.
Pros
- Versatile design works with different types of clothes
- High marks for comfort and tummy control
Cons
- Some testers reported damaged packages
BEST FOR: Creating an hourglass silhouette at an affordable price
Starting at less than $25, these budget-friendly and best-selling shaping panties from Shapermint have a comfortable, stretchy fit. If you are new to shapewear, I recommend starting with this pair because it fits just like regular underwear and isn’t too compressive.
✔️ Testers applauded its comfortable fit that didn't sacrifice compression. One reported, "It was incredibly simple, comfortable, and honestly I forgot I was wearing it, which has never been the case before." All testers agreed that this style is great for tummy control without panty lines and said it's easy to take on and off without feeling overly constrictive.
✔️ The material is impressively soft while still being durable. "The fabric was buttery soft and seamless," reported one tester. In our Lab evaluations, the shapewear successfully maintained its shape in our stretch recovery tests. On the downside, some testers reported damaged packages, but they were pleased with the shapewear overall.
✔️ It has a basic yet versatile design. This style of shapewear was a game-changer for many of our testers. After wearing it during her everyday routine and to a wedding, one tester said, "It worked great under multiple articles of clothing."
Pros
- High compression around the tummy
- Silicone along the waistband to prevent rolling down
- Affordable price
Cons
- Seams may be visible through sheer fabrics or snug garments
BEST FOR: Lower belly slimming with a comfortable fit
If you're looking for tummy control but don't need additional thigh coverage, this Maidenform high-rise brief is an ideal pick. Though it only comes in two colors, it's available in sizes S–3X.
✔️ It has firm control around the tummy. When I tried this pair on, I immediately noticed the snug tummy control without it feeling too restrictive.
✔️ The waistband stayed put when I wore this pair to an all-day wedding. As a bridesmaid in my friend’s wedding, I wore this pair of shapewear all day and loved that the waistband stayed in place. It features small pieces of silicone that help prevent it from rolling down.
✔️The bottom seam was a bit bulky and was visible through some sheer fabrics. Because the seams don’t lay flat, it may be visible through thinner fabrics or very snug clothes.
Pros
- Waistline slimming
- Snaps in the crotch for easy bathroom access
- Six nude options plus black
Cons
- Lighter colors are a bit see-through
BEST FOR: Wearing on its own or under sheer tops
My waist never looked smaller than when I wore this SKIMS bodysuit. The bodysuit looked incredibly small right out of the packaging, but it was easier to put on than I expected. I found it too snug to wear all day and prefer more coverage up top.
✔️ It highlights your curves to create a flattering shape. Consumer testers appreciated the bodysuit's shaping capabilities with one saying she noticed a "smoother waistline and flatter tummy" while wearing it. Liking this garment's targeted compression, one tester said, "It didn't make me look flat like other shapewear bodysuits I've tried." Although it looks small at first, testers reported that it ran true to size with some opting to size up if they had a larger bust.
✔️ The thong design keeps it hidden under clothes—there's no noticeable underwear line. The bodysuit also features adjustable straps for a proper fit up top, which one tester with a long torso appreciated. Because of the cotton lining, you can wear this pair without underwear and there are snaps at the crotch, so you don't have to wriggle in and out of it to use the restroom.
✔️ The bodysuit is available in six nude shades to match your skin tone if you want to wear it under clothes, as well as black. Testers found that the lighter colors are a bit see-through if you plan to go bra-less, but the black proved to be opaque.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Skims
Pros
- Variety of nude shades and fun color options
- Creates a flattering silhouette, according to testers
- Stays put without rolling up
Cons
- Challenging to get on at first, according to testers
BEST FOR: Everyday slimming top that can be worn on its own
This Shapermint cami does double duty as both a tank top and shapewear that’s great for casual wear. And after testing this top in our Lab, we agree that it's a worthwhile buy for under $30.
✔️ It's a great everyday staple because it offers smoothing capabilities without really feeling like you're wearing constricting shapewear. Some consumer testers found it challenging to get on at first because of its snug fit but they called it comfy once it was on. Describing it as "extremely comfortable," one tester said that it "held my stomach area in well."
✔️"This [top] created a very flattering silhouette," reported one tester who said she wore this camisole regularly to the office. "Even though it was snug, it was pretty comfortable." All testers reported that they would continue wearing this cami since it was comfortable and stayed in place.
✔️ It can be worn on its own or under clothes, thanks to its simple camisole design without noticeable compression panels in the chest. "I appreciate that the tank was the perfect length and was long enough to not roll up or shift," said one tester. It comes in 14 colors, including neutrals to wear under clothes and standout shades like dark pink or lavender.
Pros
- Targeted panels to highlight your figure
- Strong lower belly compression
- Flexible boning to prevent the shorts from rolling down
Cons
- Testers said the open gusset was too small
BEST FOR: Lower belly compression
These shorts from Honeylove are designed to stay in place with smart compression panels, side boning, and silicone grips. If you hate when shapewear shorts roll up, this is the pair for you.
✔️ "[It] made a notable difference in how my body appeared in some dresses,” shared one tester. Designed to highlight your figure, these shorts (the matching bra is not included) from Honeylove has targeted compression panels to smooth your waistline, while offering support for your legs. "I felt very shaped and supported in this shapewear," reported one consumer tester. It provides high compression, so some testers preferred to size up for a more comfortable fit.
✔️ It features flexible boning on the sides to help keep the shorts in place and for additional shaping. "The extra support from structures on the sides definitely gave it a bit more shape instead of just being one tight piece of fabric," noted one tester. This style is available as shorts, briefs, a thong, or mini "girl" shorts (ideal for shorter dresses!) with seven color options.
✔️ Testers gave a similar style from the brand a perfect score for support: They said that it held them in and felt comfortable without feeling sweaty. "The shapewear definitely did its job, I was SNATCHED," said one tester. "It was really comfortable to wear as well!" An opening in the crotch means you don't have to take off the shorts to use the bathroom, but testers found the opening to be too small.
Pros
- Built-in underwire bra
- Easier to take off than other shapewear in our tests
- Opening to easily go to the bathroom
Cons
- Only fits up to a D-cup size
BEST FOR: Pairing with strapless, halter, one-shoulder, and cross-back tops and dresses
Struggling with what to wear under your bridesmaids dress? This SPANX bodysuit smooths everything from your bust to your thighs while being impressively versatile with optional convertible straps and a lower cut back.
✔️ Because of the strapless design, it's ideal to wear to weddings and other formal events. It offers medium compression, so it's easy to slip on and take off, unlike other shapewear that can be more of a struggle. For more support up top, we also like the plunging version with built-in straps.
✔️ Its built-in bra also has removable straps that are both adjustable and convertible so you can wear it under almost any outfit. The straps can function in a variety of configurations—from crossed in the back to a halter design. The lightly lined cups provide lift and support while looking natural. It will fit up to a D-cup size, so know that it's not suitable for women with larger cup sizes.
✔️ "I love that you don't have to worry about clips or anything when you need to use the bathroom," said a tester. Because it has an opening in the crotch, there’s no need to pull it down.
Other shapewear we tested:
Shorts & underwear
SPANX Higher Power Short: Testers loved the comfortable fit of these shorts, but online reviewers said they ripped easily.
Knix Shortie Thigh Saver: Testers reported that they didn’t offer enough compression. They liked the lightweight coverage though.
YITTY Nearly Naked High Waist Short: They’re sold in a great size-inclusive range, however testers were split on the fit: Some found them too tight, others too loose.
Yummie Ultralight Shaping Short: Testers liked the breathable, lightweight feel, but reported that it rolled up on their thighs and didn't stay put during all-day wear.
Commando Zone Smoothing Brief: Multiple testers had fit issues and found them to bunch throughout the day. A few testers liked the simple design that smoothed out lumps.
Bodysuits & tank tops
Honeylove Low-Back Bodysuit: Consumer testers found it to offer too much coverage, but applauded its compressive fit.
Wacoal Elevated Allure Bodysuit: If you want a full-coverage bodysuit, this is a nice pick, though most testers preferred a less "frumpy" look.
Bali Lace Body Shaper: Testers were mixed on the lace material: Some found it comfy and breathable, while others found it odd for shapewear.
Evelyn and Bobbie Defy Bra Tank: Testers loved the supportive cups, ideal for anyone with larger cup sizes. However, they didn't like that the wide straps were visible under most clothes, making it tough to style.
How we test shapewear for women
The fiber scientists in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab have been testing shapewear for the past 15 years. Our latest test included over 80 different consumer testers with a range of body shapes and sizes trying out 27 different styles, including bodysuits, underwear, tanks, and shorts. For this roundup, we utilized data from Lab and consumer testing, and we considered online retailer reviews on popular picks.
Here are the main considerations we took into account when testing and reviewing the shapewear:
Stretch recovery: We stretch the shapewear a set amount and then see if it will return to its original shape. Because shapewear is made with stretchy materials, it must maintain its shape after you wear it over and over.
Comfortable fit: To ensure you're not counting down the seconds until you can take it off, we prioritized our consumer testers' feedback on comfort and fit to find the most comfortable styles. Our recent test included testers who wear women's sizes XS–3XL.
Shaping, slimming, and smoothing effects: Consumer testers gave extensive feedback on noticeable effects when wearing the shapewear to determine which styles are best suited for different purposes.
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.
What to look for when shopping for the best shapewear
These days, shapewear comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, and cuts, so whether you're shopping for a special occasion or an everyday staple, there's bound to be something out there for you. Some shapewear can even replace your favorite bra and/or underwear. Here's what we look for in the best quality shapewear for women:
✔️ Comfort: Shapewear comes in a variety of compression levels. Some are higher compression, which provides the best shaping, while others offer lower compression for light smoothing with a comfortable feel. Be sure to select the material and 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, sit, and eat comfortably.
✔️ Type: If you want extreme tummy control and contouring, opt for shapewear with mid- to high-level compression, she says. If you're looking for some control but mostly want to smooth your silhouette and enhance your outfit, select 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 a skirt slip, opt for 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.
What is the best shapewear that actually works?
In our tests, we have found Spanx and Skims to be the most popular brands that performed well in our tests. For more affordable options, we were impressed by the offerings from Maidenform and Shapermint.
Is it better to size up or down in shapewear?
You should go with your regular apparel size when buying shapewear. If you usually wear a size Medium in underwear and a Large in bodysuits, you should choose the same sizes for underwear and bodysuit shapewear pieces.
Like any piece of apparel, sizing varies from brand to brand, so make sure to look at the size chart closely. Many shapewear styles are designed to be very compressive, so some testers actually preferred to size up for a more comfortable fit that was a bit less slimming.
How do you keep shapewear from rolling down?
If your shapewear tends to roll down, you may be wearing the wrong size. Shapewear that's too tight or too big will roll down more than styles that fit properly. You can also look for styles with silicone grips that can help it stay in place, typically lining the waist or the leg openings. Bodysuits are another great option for shapewear that won't roll down, since the straps keep it secure.
Which shapewear is best for slimming, especially the lower belly?
For lower belly slimming, look for shapewear that has targeted compression around the tummy. Shapewear shorts and underwear tend to be the best at smoothing the waistline and tummy area. While you won't want to wear it for too long, high-compression styles will create a more noticeable difference in appearance. Maidenform Flexees Shapewear Hi-Waist Brief excelled in our tests for offering snug lower belly compression.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Emma Seymour is the associate Textiles Lab director at Good Housekeeping where she has led testing for all types of intimates products, including shapewear, bras, and underwear. Since 2018, she has been a leading fit expert, writing articles about how to measure yourself at home and finding your best bra size. She updated the story based on new testing data and feedback.
Aidan Collins and Rachael Chen conducted our most recent shapewear test in the Textiles Lab to update this story.
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