The 9 types of body shapers everyone needs
Confused about the different types of body shapers? These smooth operators are the ultimate confidence boosters

By Charlie Bell
We all know a decent set of underwear helps lay the foundations for our favourite outfits, but sometimes we needed an extra dose of help from some of the best types of body shapers, too.
Investing in the best shapewear is a great way to streamline your silhouette and enhance your natural curves. Whether you want to avoid a VPL or smooth out a tummy, it can help you look and feel your absolute best.
And it’s come a long way from barely breathable corsets – a good piece of shapewear should be supportive and comfortable, and not leave you desperate to get it off at the end of the night.
Which body shaper should I choose?
It all depends on the occasion, the outfit and what areas you’re looking to smooth and lift. There’s a plethora of products to choose from, including bodysuits, tights, slips and knickers. Some offer light flattening, while others give firmer control.
“The most common type of shapewear is high-waisted shaping knickers, which are great for eliminating VPL under clothes and smoothing out the tummy and hip area. These are great for all shapes and sizes, and a key piece for your lingerie drawer,” says Lucy Ensum, garment technologist at Figleaves.
If you’re looking for an everyday piece, you probably want to go for something lighter, so it’s more comfortable and breathable, whereas if it’s a special occasion, you can handle something a little firmer.
“For those wanting more support and shaping, bodies and slips work fabulously. Like most shapewear, these come in varying levels of control and firmness, allowing you to choose the level that is right for you,” says Lucy.
9 types of body shapers you need in your lingerie drawer
Whether you want to give your party dress a boost or are looking for an everyday lift, we’ve scoured the shops for the best shapewear for every shape, size and budget.
The shaping briefs
Spanx Everyday Shaping Panties Brief
Best for smoothing tummy
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The full slip
M&S Medium Control Secret Slimming Full Slip
Best all-rounder
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The smoothing body
Figleaves Smoothing Body
Best for everyday wear
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The cycling shorts
Matalan Control Cycling Short
Best budget buy
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The ultimate slimmer
Maidenform Ultimate Slimmer Body
Best for special occasions
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The support tights
Wolford Velvet 66 Leg Support Tights
Best for shaping the legs
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The waist cincher
Heist The High Waist
Best for slimming
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The leg shaper
Wacoal Fit & Lift High Waist Long Leg Shaper
Best for a bum lift
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The shaping vest
Triumph Trendy Sensation Shapewear Vest
Best for layering
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
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