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The best shapewear for every body that's affordable, sculpting and comfortable
These bodysuits, shorts and underwear are flattering and comfortable.
If you're counting down the minutes until you can peel off your shapewear at the end of the night, it's probably not doing its job. It has a long history of feeling overly constrictive – you know, corsets and waist trainers that pinch and prod and give you indigestion – but today's best shapewear is built with comfort in mind, designed to sculpt and smooth the body without feeling claustrophobic or painful.
"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," she says.
The best shapewear for 2026
You certainly don't need these undergarments to look good in your clothes, but if you like the extra smoothing they give or wear them to feel more confident, finding the right piece can make all the difference. Not sure when to begin? To give you a helping hand, we've rounded up the best shapewear brands and styles to shop right now. Here they are at a glance:
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Scroll on for our full reviews, along with expert advice from personal stylist Lauren Messiah and fashion stylist Meaghan O'Connor on what to look out for - and what to avoid.
Best Deal
Spanx Invisible Mid-Thigh Shorts
Pros
- Lightweight, airy material
- Stay-put waistband
- Smoothing compression
Cons
- No easy bathroom-access gusset
Spanx has been synonymous with shapewear ever since the company revolutionised modern-day shapewear in the early 2000s and it continues to offer top-performing pieces (although we think they've got comfier over time!).
These shorts are our top pick for anyone who wants no-frills shapewear that works. They hold you in without feeling too tight, restricting, or sweat-inducing. The material is also lightweight and the silicone waistband helps keep them in place. They do have a closed gusset so you'll have to spend a little longer in the loo!
Minimal seams mean they should remain invisible under clothes and they smooth all the right areas without pinching.
Key specifications
| Sizes | XS—3X |
|---|---|
| Colours | Champagne Beige, Very Black |
| Body materials | 57% elastane, 43% nylon |
M&S Firm Control Body Sculpt Seamless Vest
M&S Firm Control Body Sculpt Seamless Vest
Pros
- Non-padded
- Cool Comfort™ technology
Cons
- Only two colours
From M&S' chic new underwear range, this is a great alternative if you don't want to wear full-body shapewear. The non-padded vest will help shape the tummy and waist, while the seamless design means you won't see them through your clothes.
The vest also features Cool Comfort™ tech, which means you won't be sweating all day in it. You can also match the vest with the brand's No VPL Shaping Briefs for an invisible look under clothes.
Features at a Glance
| Sizes | xs-xl |
|---|---|
| Colours | Opal, black |
| Body materials | Polyamide, Elastane |
Shapermint Body Shaper Tummy Control Pants
Pros
- Versatile design
- No visible knicker lines
- Comfort and tummy control
Cons
- May be too much coverage for some
With a comfortable fit, as well as compression, you may even forget you're wearing these stomach control knickers. Easy to take on and off, without feeling constrictive, they're a great way to shape the tummy, without showing any knicker lines.
The material is soft, stretchy and durable, helping to create an hourglass shape while still being affordable.
Key specifications
| Sizes | S–4XL |
|---|---|
| Colours | 5 options |
| Materials | 90% nylon, 10% spandex |
Skims Seamless Sculpt Thong Bodysuit
Skims Seamless Sculpt Thong Bodysuit
Pros
- Waistline slimming
- Built-in cotton gusset with snaps
- Six nude options plus black
Cons
- Lighter colours are slightly see-through
- Can be tricky to get on at first
A viral hit on social media for its super slimming abilities, this best-selling bodysuit from Skims can be worn as shapewear under clothes or on its own as a top. The bodysuit is designed to help highlight your curves and create a flattering shape.
Although it looks very small as you take it out of the packaging, they're true to size (and comfy, albeit very snug!). The thong design keeps it hidden under clothes (although there's a brief version if you're not a thong fan) and there's no noticeable underwear line. The bodysuit also features adjustable straps and is available in six nude shades, plus black.
Key specifications
| Sizes | XXS–4X |
|---|---|
| Colours | 7 options |
| Body materials | 82% nylon, 18% elastane |
M&S Cool Comfort™ Seamless Bum Boosting Shorts
M&S Cool Comfort™ Seamless Bum Boosting Shorts
Pros
- Cool Comfort™ technology
- Removeable pads
Cons
- Only two colours
If you want a little shape towards the rear, these bum-boosting shorts come with removable pads that are designed to give you a subtle lift.
Perfect for accentuating your curves, the shorts come in two colours and are made with lightweight fabric that features the brand's breathable Cool Comfort™ technology, helping you stay fresh all day.
Key specifications
| Sizes | S - XL |
|---|---|
| Colours | Black and Rose Quartz |
| Materials | 90% polyamide, 10% elastane |
M&S Body Sculpt Seamless High Leg Shaping Body
M&S Body Sculpt Seamless High Leg Shaping Body
Pros
- Good value
- Targeted compression
- Comfortable for all-day wear
Cons
- No open gusset
If the Skims jumpsuit above feels too pricey and you don't want something quite as compressive, this M&S bodysuit bears a lot of similarities but is a more affordable £25 and still offers great support.
It still features targeted compression over the tummy and waist, while being comfortable to wear all day. It works as shapewear under clothes or doubles as a vest top.
Key specifications
| Sizes | XS - XL |
|---|---|
| Colours | Black and Opal |
| Body materials | 80% polyamide, 20% elastane (exclusive of trimmings), Gusset - 100% cotton |
Shapermint Scoop Neck Compression Cami
Pros
- Variety of nude shades and fun colour options
- Creates a flattering silhouette
- Stays put without rolling up
Cons
- Challenging to get on at first
This is a great everyday staple – it's comfortable, with a snug fit, but holds all the right areas in. With a flattering silhouette, it can be worn on its own or under clothes, thanks to its simple camisole design, which doesn't have any noticeable compression panels in the chest.
It comes in 14 colours, including neutrals to wear under clothes and standout shades to show off like dark pink or lavender.
Key specifications
| Sizes | S–4XL |
|---|---|
| Colours | 14 options |
| Body materials | 90% polyamide, 10% elastane |
Spanx Strapless Cupped Mid-Thigh Bodysuit
Pros
- Built-in underwire bra
- Easier to take off than other shapewear
- Open gusset
Cons
- Only fits up to a D-cup size
This Spanx bodysuit smooths everything from your bust to your thighs - and offers medium compression, so it's easy to slip on and take off. The built-in bra also has removable, adjustable and convertible straps so you can wear it under almost any outfit.
The straps can be used in a range of different configurations, and the lightly lined cups provide lift and support while looking natural. There's also an open gusset, so you don't have to take the whole bodysuit off to use the bathroom (smart). However, it only fits up to a D-cup size.
Key specifications
| Sizes | XS–XL |
|---|---|
| Colors | Champagne Beige, Black |
| Body materials | 51% elastane, 49% nylon |
John Lewis Smoothing Square Neck Slip Dress
John Lewis Smoothing Square Neck Slip Dress
Pros
- Square neck design
- Full body
Cons
- Won't work for strapless dresses
If you want to get into that LBD for a special occasion, this full-body slip will help to shape your tummy, waist and even your thighs.
Depending on your outfit, the dress comes in black, brown or almond, while its square neck design is flattering on the chest. Although the straps help it stay in place, it's not one to wear under a strapless design.
Key specifications
| Sizes | S - XL |
|---|---|
| Colours | Black, chocolate, almond |
| Materials | 76% polyamide, 24% elastane |
Honeylove SuperPower Short
Pros
- Targeted panels to highlight your figure
- Strong lower belly compression
- Flexible boning to prevent the shorts from rolling down
Cons
- The open gusset is too small
Designed to highlight your figure, these shorts from Honeylove (note, the matching bra is not included) have targeted compression panels to smooth your waistline, while offering support for your legs.
They also feature flexible boning on the sides to help keep them in place and for additional shaping. This style is available as shorts, briefs, a thong, or mini shorts (ideal for shorter dresses!) with seven colour options, so you're spoilt for choice.
Key specifications
| Sizes | XS–3X |
|---|---|
| Colours | 7 options |
| Body materials | 80% nylon, 20% elastane |
What to look for when shopping for the best shapewear
These days, shapewear comes in all shapes, sizes, colours, 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 favourite bra and/or underwear. Below, you'll find a breakdown of what we look for in the best quality shapewear for women. We also consulted personal stylist Lauren Messiah, fashion stylist Meaghan O'Connor and Kleinfeld Bridal director of alterations Tina Zimmerman on what to look out for.
Comfort
Shapewear comes in a variety of compression levels. Some are higher-compression, which provides the best shaping, while others offer lower compression for a smooth look and a comfortable feel.
Be sure to select the material and thickness based on your need, 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, O'Connor 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, opt for lightweight fabrics with minimal compression and features that suit your personal style.
Sizing
Never size down. Buying too small can squish your skin, be uncomfortable and minimise the smoothing effect, advises Zimmerman.
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 help them stay in place, typically lining the waist or the leg openings. Bodysuits are another great option for shapewear that won't roll down, as 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.
Is it better to size up or down in shapewear?
You should go with your regular dress 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.
As clothing sizing varies from brand to brand, make sure to look at the size chart closely.
Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.
Emma Seymour (she/her) is the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.
Sarah is our wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. She can be regularly found on a yoga mat or training for a run, so she knows what to look for when it comes to the best yoga leggings, hydration vests or running trainers. From fitness trackers to the best supplements, she also has extensive experience writing about the latest products and writing detailed honest reviews.
Prior to joining the GHI, Sarah was a freelance journalist for 10 years, specialising in health, fitness and travel for national newspapers and magazine. During her time at Women’s Health, she interviewed celebrities about their fitness routines, for the Telegraph she investigated the health risks of Lime Bikes and visited Thailand to look at the trend of longevity travel - while for the London Standard she wrote about topics including AI powered PTs and smart ice baths.
When she isn’t testing out the latest smart watches, lifting weights at the gym, or hopping on a flight, Sarah can be found running around South London or devouring the latest trending TV show.
