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11 Best Shapewear Pieces for True Before and After Results 2025
After having four kids, I’ve learned that wearing the best shapewear can be the quickest way to get that smooth, snatched look I love—but finding the right pieces takes serious trial and error. Over the past year, I’ve been continuously testing all kinds of shapewear across dozens of brands, paying close attention to shaping power, fabric quality, how well pieces stay in place, and whether they’re comfortable enough to wear for hours (because no one wants to be counting down the minutes to take it off).
Honeylove is still a top contender in my book, but it’s not the only brand worth knowing about. TikTok-famous Shapellx has some surprisingly impressive options, while legacy brands like Spanx, Wacoal, and Maidenform continue to hold their ground. There’s also plenty of affordable Amazon shapewear worth a look, too.
And because every body is different and your needs can vary based on the outfit or occasion, I also tapped my network of women of all shapes and sizes to weigh in. Ahead, the best shapewear for women, from bodysuits and camis to slips, shorts, and more.
Our favorite shapewear pieces
Featured in this article
Yitty Nearly Naked Ultra High Waist Booty Lift Shorts
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To make sure these recommendations are truly worth your time and money, we didn’t just rely on bestsellers or online reviews. Over the past year, we’ve personally tested more than two dozen pieces of shapewear from dozens of brands, wearing them under everything from jeans and tees to cocktail dresses, paying close attention to the following attributes:
- Wearing duration: Each piece of shapewear was worn by our testers for a few hours to assess its comfort and functionality over time. This helped us determine if the shapewear remained supportive and comfortable or if it started to sag or pinch as the hours passed.
- Activity testing: Our testers engaged in a variety of activities while wearing the shapewear to simulate real-life usage. This included 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.
- Fit and comfort assessment: Throughout the testing period, our testers evaluated the fit and comfort level of the shapewear. We paid close attention to whether the garments stayed in place or required frequent adjustments.
- Ease of movement: It’s crucial that shapewear allows for freedom of movement without restriction. Our testers noted any instances of discomfort or limitation in movement during their normal daily activities.
- Practicality for long-term wear: Since shapewear is often worn for long hours, we assessed how practical each piece was for all-day wear. This included evaluating breathability, moisture-wicking properties, and whether the shapewear maintained its shape and support throughout the day.
- Ease of use: We also examined how easy it was to put on and take off each piece of shapewear. A good shapewear piece should be straightforward to use, without needing excessive effort to wear or remove.
By following this comprehensive testing methodology, we were able to identify the best shapewear options that provide both support and comfort, enhancing the wearer’s silhouette while ensuring they feel good throughout the day.
When selecting the best shapewear pieces for our guide, we prioritized several key aspects to ensure that each item not only fits well but also meets the needs of diverse body types and preferences. Here’s what we focused on during our testing:
- Size availability: We looked for shapewear that offers a broad range of sizes. It’s essential that every woman finds a piece that fits her body comfortably and correctly, so inclusivity in sizing was a top priority.
- Materials used: The fabric of the shapewear is crucial for comfort and functionality. We selected pieces made from high-quality materials that provide both support and flexibility. Breathable fabrics that maintain their shape after washing were also a must.
- Type of shapewear: Understanding that different occasions call for different types of support, we included a variety of shapewear styles in our testing. From full bodysuits to targeted options like high-waist shorts and contouring panties, each type serves a specific purpose.
- Comfort and fit: Comfort is key when it comes to shapewear. We tested for pieces that offer firm support without compromising on comfort, ensuring that they can be worn for extended periods without discomfort.
- Ease of putting on and taking off: Shapewear should be straightforward to put on and remove. We considered the ease with which each piece could be worn and taken off, an important factor for everyday practicality.
- 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.
By focusing on these elements, we aimed to recommend shapewear that not only looks good but feels great to wear, no matter the occasion.
Best Shapewear Overall: Honeylove SuperPower Shorts
Original video by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
- What we love: Silicone backing to keep it from rolling, plus comes with detachable straps for open bust style; crisscross sculpting panels for great waist shaping
- What could improve: Too long for shorter dresses
I tried these high-waist shaping shorts with a body-hugging dress I bought for a holiday party. I wasn’t sure I was going to keep the dress, because I didn’t love how it fit—my stomach looked like it was just kind of hanging out there—but these shorts instantly corrected my complaint. Like the brand’s beloved bodysuit, the SuperPower shorts have crisscross panels in the waist that really deliver on the promise to help suck things in and create more of an hourglass shape. It does also have supportive wire on the sides to help keep things squarely in place, but I found it a very comfortable option overall.
I particularly liked how well the shorts stayed in place. Not only does the pair have a silicone backing on the waist to keep it in place, but it also has detachable straps so you can wear the style more like an open-bust bodysuit. With this extra reinforcement, you can be sure the shorts aren’t going anywhere—even if you’re dancing the night away. My only complaint? These shorts are definitely on the longer side. At 5’7″, I’m relatively tall, and this pair was close to hitting my knees—not ideal for shorter dresses. If you want a more seamless silhouette, check out our list of best tummy-control underwear.
Best Value Shapewear: Shapermint High-Waist Shaper Shorts
Original video by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
- What we love: Size inclusive; machine washable; great postpartum option
- What could improve: The thicker fabric showed through jeans, specifically on the thighs
At less than $30, these shaping shorts offer one of the best overall values out there. We tried the thigh slimmers over the course of four weeks, and found that they were one of the less compressive options but still had a high-waist band that offered enough contouring to lend a smoother look under dresses. (The fabric is a little thick, so we had trouble hiding these shorts under jeans.) We liked that there’s no struggle to slip these shorts on and they leave room for a full range of motion, so you can stay comfortable and move about as usual. They’re also more suitable for pregnant women, since they offer gentle support and shaping without true compression.
Our tester said the anti-slip design was one of the best of the bunch, too. “I’ve never been big on shapewear shorts, because I always felt like the top would roll down, but these stayed in place through a three-hour event.”
Best Shapewear for Dresses: Maidenform Firm Control Tummy Shaping Multiway Thong Bodysuit
Original video by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
- What we love: Buttery soft fabric; molded cups with concealed underwire; adjustable straps
- What could improve: Stitching may show through form-fitting garments
Though this style is highly versatile—it has detachable straps that allow you to wear it any which way—we found it best for dresses. While you can definitely wear it with jeans and a T-shirt, our tester noticed the stitching did show lines on more form-fitting shirts. “The material is buttery soft—one of the softest I tried—but still offers extra firm compression that gave me a sucked-in feel without being restrictive,” she said.
We also liked the support and shape the built-in bra lent, whether wearing the bodysuit with dresses and skirts or jeans. The thong bodysuit design also makes the style more suitable for options that tend to show visible panty lines. Our tester wore it with a silk skirt notorious for showing lines and said “it was almost as if I had nothing on underneath.”
Best Butt-Lifting: Yitty Nearly Naked Ultra High Waist Booty Lift Shorts
Original video by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
- What we love: Silicone grippers to prevent rolling; compression all around with dedicated shaping panels in the back
- What could improve: A bit hard to pull on
Lizzo’s shapewear, Yitty, is made from a thick nylon and elastane blend. These particular shaping shorts deliver great compression all around but really shine in the back. The back has extra panels that encircle your butt to lift it up, providing a little lift in the booty that our tester said was subtle under a silk skirt. It would also be great for shaping under satin skirt or dresses or even jeans, but keep in mind that shaping shorts often show lines at the thighs—particularly if your jeans are on the tighter side.
Though they were a bit hard to put on, our tester said they were largely very comfortable. “I wore these out to dinner for a few hours, and felt confident in my outfit without feeling totally squeezed or pinched.” And while she appreciated that the pair has interlocking fabric at the gusset to get in and out of the bathroom without having to shimmy the whole thing on and off, we found that this type of closure isn’t nearly as convenient as snaps or hook-and-eye closure. This is, however, a cross-brand problem with shorts, so take it with a grain of salt.
Best Bodysuit: Honeylove Liftwear Cami Bodysuit
Original video by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
- What we love: Smooth, soft fabric; molded cups with thicker straps for more support up top; crisscross panel design at the waist for a cinching effect; hook-and-eye closure at the gusset
- What could improve: Not ideal for jeans, since it shows VPLs
In tests we found some bodysuits felt more like an extra layer than a second skin. But we loved Honeylove’s Cami Bodysuit, because it fell squarely into the latter camp. The soft, buttery fabric glides over the skin while offering a medium compression that’s effective yet comfortable enough for prolonged wear—like under a wedding guest dress or even under officewear. You could also wear the bodysuit with jeans and a tee, but we’re more inclined to recommend the brand’s Cami Thong Bodysuit for that, since this full-coverage option did show panty lines when our tester gave it a spin with denim.
The bodysuit really shines in the midsection, where it has a crisscross panel design that really cinches the waist to help give an hourglass look. We also like that the molded cups don’t have any underwire (more comfortable and more natural looking, IMO!) but do have relatively thick, supportive straps that would offer enough support for larger-chested women. And by now you already know, I love that there’s a hook-and-eye closure on the gusset, making it easier to pop in and out of the bathroom. I also find this style more comfortable than snaps.
Best Plus-Size Shapewear: Skims Underwire Thong Bodysuit
Original video by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
- What we love: Molded, padded cups to enhance the bust; great compression without feeling too restrictive; available in seven shades to match more skin tones
- What could improve: It would be nice to have fully detachable straps
Leave it to Skims to make a slimming bodysuit that gives you a whole lot of love in more than one area. I wore the bodysuit with my favorite tee—a stretchy option that doesn’t require a bra but leaves me looking a little bit flat and sometimes nipply—and appreciated the waist cinching. But I was really blown away by the lift and shaping it provided in the chest. I also wore this bodysuit with a dress and found it to be just as suitable for special occasions, delivering the same push-up effect in my V-neck dress.
Overall, the bodysuit does run a little on the small side—I had to shimmy and shake a bit to get this one on—so be mindful of that if your chest is on the very small or very large side. You may want to size up or down accordingly to get the right fit in the chest. And although the straps are adjustable (you can cross them in the back), I wish they were detachable. In both outfits, I felt like I had to push the straps to the side a bit (and continually check on them) to ensure they weren’t peeking out.
Best Shorts Shapewear: SpanxSclupt OnCore High-Waist Mid-Thigh Shorts
Original video by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
- What we love: Easy to slip on; available in regular and petite sizes up to 3X; one of the more comfortable styles while still offering compression
- What could improve: A bit long for shorter dresses; no silicone grippers
Spanx was the first shapewear I ever tried—and admittedly, it was the brand I gravitated toward until last year when I started experimenting with other labels. The brand is just so reliable, and its styles are some of the most comfortable options out there. I do find they’re not quite as compressive as some other brands’, but if you have an all-day event or don’t want to feel squeezed, Spanx is made for you.
Of the half-dozen styles I’ve tried from the brand, these shorts are—hands down—my favorite. They offer strong-to-medium compression in the thighs and the stomach, plus have dedicated panels in the back that give the booty a little lift. They’re also made of more breathable fabric, making them a good option for warmer months when you can barely stomach the thought of adding another layer to the mix but want shaping. Unfortunately, there isn’t any silicone on the waist, so I do find they are more prone to rolling than some other shorts I’ve tried and loved.
Best Shapewear on Amazon: Wacoal Red Carpet Bodysuit
Courtesy of brand
Original image by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
Original image by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
Wacoal Red Carpet Bodysuit
- What we love: Supportive cups; ideal for larger busts; removable straps
- What could improve: Not ideal for smaller busts; hand-wash and line-dry only
Need shapewear for a special occasion? This bodysuit is different from others—in a great way that makes it more versatile—because it features a convertible design. You can wear it with the straps or you can wear it under off-shoulder and strapless pieces while providing a smooth, seamless look. You could even wear it with racerback styles. We tried it various ways over the course of four weeks, including under an everyday T-shirt and with a short cocktail dress. When it was worn strapless, we appreciated the silicone strips along the upper edges—it didn’t slip even when dancing.
Our tester, a size 34C, liked that the full-coverage underwire cups offered shaping properties that she said made her look more well-endowed than your average bra. It’s a great pick for women with larger busts, too, as the sizes go all the way up to a 40DD and the style has a wide, supportive band with three rows of hook-and-eye closures. Another standout feature? It has three rows of hook-and-eye closures on the gusset. “It didn’t dig in the same way other bodysuits—namely those with snaps—did.”
Best Slip: Knix LuxeLift Slip
Courtesy of brand
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- What we love: Built-in bra with removable cups; lightweight and stretchy fabric; adjustable straps
- What could improve: Straps are a bit thick for some tank-style dresses
Made with Knix’s LuxeLift technology, this slip style offers built-in wireless support and a mid-thigh length that smooths your silhouette without feeling restrictive. The adjustable straps may be a bit thick for some tank dresses, but allow for a customizable fit and provide plenty of support for larger busts. We also like that the built-in bra includes removable cups for an adjustable level of padding.
I don’t always love slips, because I end up wearing three layers: a bra, the slip, and whatever dress I’m wearing on top. But this option’s built-in bra offers enough support to ditch that first layer. It’s also a lot less restrictive than your average bra. I also appreciated the lightweight, breathable fabric that feels less like traditional shapewear, offering plenty of stretch while still holding everything in place
Best Body Shaper: Shapellx Tummy Control Faja Body Shaper
Courtesy of brand
Original photo from Brigitt Earley testing SHAPELLX Tummy Control Faja Body Shaper
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SHAPELLX Tummy Control Faja Body Shaper
- What we love: Offers much stronger compression than most others we tried; zippered crotch;
- What could improve: A little complicated to get on; more restrictive than other styles
When you’re looking for serious midsection sculpting, this waist-cincher from TikTok-famous SHAPELLX nails it. It offers intense compression that pinches the waist, flattens the tummy, and lifts the butt all at the same time, thanks to strategically placed panels and built-in lift pads.
While it’s a bit tricky to shimmy on (and then zipper and fasten a hook-and-eye closure!), I was genuinely impressed by how much shaping power this open-bust shapewear provides. I also really appreciated the zippered crotch. Unlike overlapping designs that can get messy, the zipper makes bathroom visits much easier, which is hugely practical. And despite the high level of compression, the multiple layered panels combined with breathable nylon-spandex fabric make it surprisingly comfortable—great for an event like a wedding.
Best Tummy Control Underwear: Spanx SPANXshape Invisible Briefs
Courtesy of brand
Original photo from Malia Griggs testing Spanx Invisible Shaping Brief
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Spanx SPANXshape Invisible Briefs
- What we love: Full coverage; no-show; don’t ride up or roll down; very smoothing
- What could improve: Some testers said they were hard to pull on and off
