After having four children, shapewear often feels like the only solution for achieving the smooth, defined midsection I prefer. However, finding the most effective shapewear is no simple task. To simplify your search, I put over two dozen pieces from well-known lingerie brands—including top-rated options from Amazon—to the test over a four-week period. I evaluated everything from established favorites like Spanx to newer contenders such as Pinsy, assessing their performance under different outfits and for a range of events, from casual to formal. I also gathered insights from my network of women with diverse body types to include their perspectives. Now, just as the holiday party season kicks into high gear, I’m prepared to reveal my findings.
Pinty’s sculpting bodysuit is a standout in the shapewear world, crafted from high-quality, breathable fabrics with compressive panels that beautifully contour your midsection, so seamlessly you could even wear it on its own – seriously! But beyond this gem, we’ve unearthed some other incredible options that promise to stay put and feel comfortable all day long, including shorts with almost magical shaping powers.
On Amazon, you can find the Pinsy Shapewear Shaping Lace Shapewear Bodysuit for $94.00, boasting a 4.3-star rating from 17 reviews, all from the brand Pinsy.
Our top shapewear choices were judged on factors like size inclusivity, the quality of materials, overall comfort, and how well they retain their shape and support over time, because we know the fabric is key to feeling good and functioning well, so every selected piece uses premium materials offering both support and flexibility, with breathable, stretchy fabrics that wash beautifully and provide a snug fit that moves with you.
Comfort is absolutely paramount when it comes to shapewear, which is why we specifically looked for pieces offering firm support without ever feeling restrictive, ensuring you can wear them comfortably for hours on end, paying close attention to breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities essential for long wear, and we also factored in how easy they are to put on and take off, because practical everyday wear means a hassle-free experience.
When it comes to functionality, each piece of shapewear was assessed for its intended function—whether it’s a smoothing effect, shaping, lifting, or providing extra support. We looked for items that effectively fulfill their purpose without restricting movement. Our testers engaged in various activities while wearing the shapewear to simulate real-life usage, including walking around, climbing stairs, sitting for extended periods, and performing light exercises. The aim was to check the shapewear’s performance during movement and at rest, ensuring it remains supportive and comfortable or if it starts to sag or pinch as the hours passed.
By zeroing in on these important elements, our goal was to recommend shapewear that not only enhances your look but also feels amazing to wear, no matter the occasion, and in our extensive search for the best shapewear, we prioritized several key aspects to make sure each item fits perfectly and caters to a wide range of body types and personal preferences.
When it comes to shapewear, real-world testing and genuine reviews are key in finding the perfect fit for our diverse bodies and dynamic lifestyles. Our exploration of the best shapewear pieces isn’t just about listing items; it’s about sharing the experiences and insights that help the modern individual make informed choices. Whether you’re attending a glamorous event or just want to feel more confident in your everyday wear, our top picks have something for everyone.
One standout option is the Pinsy Butter Sculpt Tee Seamless Shapewear Bodysuit, which has taken the shapewear world by storm with its “buttery-soft material” and “built-in chest support.” This bodysuit transcends typical shapewear functionality by being fashionably versatile enough to “be worn on its own.” Our tester found it to be a favorite due to its “nearly invisible compressive details at the waist.” However, the one shortfall is that the compressive fabric might “flatten the chest a bit,” making it less ideal for those seeking a more pronounced bust line.
For those looking for excellent value, the Shapermint High-Waisted Shaper Shorts are a fantastic choice, offering affordability and a wide range of sizes up to 4XL; these shorts provide gentle contouring without feeling overly restrictive, making them a ‘great postpartum option,’ as one user put it, and their design ensures they ‘stay in place through a three-hour event,’ with our tester praising the ‘anti-slip design,’ even though the slightly thicker fabric might be noticeable under very tight jeans, it’s absolutely perfect for pairing with skirts and dresses.
Product on Amazon: SHAPERMINT High Waisted Body Shaper Shorts Shapewear for Women Tummy Control Thigh Slimming Technology
Price: $28.99
Rating: 4.0 with 71,428 ratings
Brand: SHAPERMINT
Maidenform’s Firm Control Tummy Shaping Multiway Thong Bodysuit makes our list for its versatility and luxurious feel. With “molded cups with concealed underwire” and “adjustable straps,” it’s tailored for both comfort and function. While ideal for dresses, the bodysuit’s stitching might “show through form-fitting garments,” so it’s best paired with styles that can accommodate some seam lines. Feedback from our tester highlights its “buttery soft” fabric, and how “it was almost as if I had nothing on underneath” when worn with a silk skirt.
The Maidenform Women’s Shapewear Tummy Control Thong Bodysuit, which includes a built-in balconette underwire bra that cleverly converts to strapless, is available on Amazon for $69.00 and has a rating of 3.7 stars based on 29 reviews, from the brand MAIDENFORM.
For Amazon aficionados, the Wacoal Red Carpet Bodysuit delivers with its convertible design, offering “supportive cups” and “removable straps.” This bodysuit is a go-to for larger busts, offering sizes up to 40DDD. Our size 34C tester found the “full-coverage underwire cups” enhanced her silhouette, deeming it “ideal for larger busts.” While it’s not the most convenient for smaller busts, its reliability for strapless dresses and tops makes it a worthy contender in the shapewear arena.
Product on Amazon: Wacoal Women’s Perfect Primer Underwire Bra
Price: $70.00
Rating: 4.4 with 2,772 ratings
Brand: Wacoal
Shapermint Essentials High-Waisted Shaping Leggings are the epitome of comfort and versatility. These leggings provide “medium compression,” which is ideal for a variety of activities, from “running errands” to “light workouts.” Our tester praised how the “stretchy fabric” fit snugly and added warmth on “chillier days,” making it an excellent all-season choice.
Yitty Nearly Naked Ulta High Waist Booty Lift Short is another fantastic option for those looking to add a little lift. With “silicone grippers” to prevent rolling, and “dedicated shaping panels” for the back, it delivers subtle enhancement and support. Although they can be slightly challenging to put on, these shorts are “very comfortable” for prolonged wear. Our tester appreciated the “interlocking fabric at the gusset,” which simplifies bathroom breaks compared to other shorts.
You can also find the YITTY Women’s Nearly Naked Shapewear High Waist Short, offering medium compression, on Amazon for just $15.99, holding a 4.0-star rating from 21 customer reviews, all from the brand YITTY.
Rounding out our stellar selection is the Honeylove Liftwear Cami Bodysuit, celebrated for its ‘smooth, soft fabric’ and innovative ‘criss-cross panel design’ that masterfully cinches the waist, making it an ideal choice for anyone desiring a bodysuit that delivers both excellent support and a sleek, polished silhouette, and while no shapewear is truly perfect, the Honeylove bodysuit comes remarkably close with its superb blend of comfort, style, and functionality, positioning it as a top recommendation.
When selecting the ideal shapewear, it’s essential to prioritize your specific needs—whether that’s strong control, comfortable flexibility, or just a subtle enhancement. The right garment can do more than reshape your figure; it can elevate your confidence. Our carefully selected list is designed to provide choices for a variety of desires and requirements, helping you feel both empowered and beautiful in whatever you choose. Through our testing, we’ve witnessed how the perfect shapewear can create a remarkable difference, offering that extra boost of assurance for any event.
