Shapewear reviews that will help you to find the best solutions to any underwear issue.
Every woman should have a selection of shapewear in her underwear drawer for smoothing, lifting and cinching in all the right places, creating a seamless base for outfits. These key shapewear pieces have been tried, tested and given the thumbs-up by online shoppers in detailed shapewear reviews.
There's a staggering number of shapewear options online nowadays, from tummy-flatteners and the best bras and bodices for uplifting boobs to the best leggings for busting cellulite. So, we sifted through online reviews to find you the top-rated pieces from shapewear brands, so you can find the best shapewear and right underwear pieces for you, with a little help from women who’ve already invested in the pieces themselves.
Shapewear is having a moment. While the use of these clever undergarments has long been a stylist’s failsafe, shapewear options such as smoothing bodysuits and supportive tights have been receiving a lot of good press, thanks to the likes of the Duchess of Cambridge, after her stylist let slip that the right shapewear is the reason behind her always-streamlined silhouette – and how she avoids any embarrassing wardrobe malfunctions.
Long gone are the misconceptions that shapewear is some thinly veiled torture device, dramatically changing your shape while forsaking all notions of comfort. With these flattering shapewear buys, that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, shapewear should slip on easily and fit like a dream, leaving you feeling both confident and comfortable.
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How to choose the right shapewear piece for you
There are a few vital things you need to consider before choosing the right shapewear for you, as well as shapewear reviews: What is your desired outcome and what area do you want to enhance?
Is your outcome to lift your bust, cinch your waist, flatten your tummy, enhance your bum – or perhaps all of the above? Most of us will look to invest in a shapewear item when we’ve an outfit that accentuates a particular part of the body. A backless dress will require discreet support for the bust, while a clingy fabric calls for a streamlined silhouette. Ensure you have your outfit of choice with you when you shop for your shapewear, or order a number of options online, so you can see how the underwear works with your chosen garments.
It's also worth thinking about whether you want to choose a style with a built-in bra, or whether you have one that you would prefer to wear for the occasion (if you want some tips on how to measure your bra size, we have a guide. It's worth knowing you've got this right before attempting to find the right shapewear).
To get down to the nitty-gritty of shapewear shopping, we asked an expert. Katie Weir, underwear expert and “bra whisperer” for Curvy Kate, advises you consider the following points before shopping for shapewear:
- Always start your foundations with a great-fitting bra, as this will lift and sculpt your bust. You may even find this adds an extra few inches to your torso, which will elongate your silhouette.
- Don’t size up; stick to your base brief size, as this will allow the right amount of hold.
- Opt for a fine-knit sculpting brief or short – the finer the knit, the firmer the hold and the less bulk it adds to your frame.
- To ensure a streamlined look, find shapewear briefs that are long in the torso and can be tucked into the band of your bra.
- Ensure your shapewear is breathable!
The best shapewear you can buy right now, according to reviews
This is the best shapewear out there, tried and tested by women like you, who want the best results, for the best price. We’ve scoured through hundreds of products and selected only those with glowing write-ups to ensure our guide showcases the very best shapewear options on the high street.
1. Miraclesuit High Waisted Slip
The best shapewear for most people
Specifications:
- Size range: S-XXL
- Shapewear type: Front: 84% nylon, 16% elastane. Back & Reinforcement: 82% nylon, 18% elastane. Gusset: 92% cotton, 8% elastane
- Control level: Firm
- Bra type: N/A
- Shapewear solution: Whole body
- Washing instructions: Hand wash
BUY NOW:Miraclesuit High Waisted Slip
For
- Comfortable and elegant
- Stays put
- Whole-body control
Against
- Limited range of colours
This has to be one of the sexiest pieces on shapewear we’ve seen, with an elegant design and glowing customer reviews.
What the reviews say:
“The thought of having to wear a control-lingerie item has long been a dread, but I was pleasantly surprised and it worked, which is fabulous.”
“Excellent fit and perfect under my floaty (wedding guest) outfit. It doesn’t ride up or sag once in place. I suspect it might be warm on a hot day, but I’ll risk it.”
“This item is amazing quality and so comfortable once on. I wore it underneath a very fitted dress and it really slimmed my tummy area and stayed in position all night – I couldn't feel that I was wearing it. Absolutely fantastic, and looks and feels very expensive – worth every penny!”
2. Leonisa Slimming Braless Body Shaper in Boyshort
The best premium shapewear
Specifications:
- Size range: XS-4XL
- Material: 82% polyamide, 18% elastane
- Shapewear type:Body shaper
- Control level: Firm
- Shapewear solution: Whole body
- Washing instructions: Hand wash
BUY NOW:Leonisa Slimming Braless Body Shaper in Boyshort
For
- Excellent control
- Versatile strap options
- Bum-lifting
Against
- No bust support
- High price point
Is it possible to slim your waist and hips without flattening your bum? It might be slightly pricier, but this zip-up bodysuit has received rave reviews from almost all of its critics.
What the reviews say:
“A marvellous shaper that controls where I need it to – in the abdomen and lifts my rear – plus I don't feel like I'm drowning in it. I love it!”
“I never write product reviews, but I couldn’t help myself after wearing this garment! I had a tummy tuck about six weeks ago and I started wearing this two weeks out. It's the perfect amount of compression and is comfortable enough to wear 24/7. Don't try to size down on it or you'll never be able to zip it up.”
“The compression body shaper was exactly what I was looking for after having a tummy tuck. The size chart was right on. The garment is comfortable and is very sturdy. I love it and will be back to order another one as my body continues to recover from surgery and gets smaller.”
3. John Lewis & Partners 100 Denier Body Shaper Opaque Leggings
The best budget shapewear
Specifications:
- Size range: S-XL
- Shapewear type: Leggings
- Control level: Medium
- Bra type: N/A
- Shapewear solution: Legs and bottom
- Washing instructions: Machine wash
BUY NOW:John Lewis & Partners 100 Denier Body Shaper Opaque Leggings
For
- Great value for money
- Comfortable and soft
- Aids circulation
Against
- Long fit
Support tights that will tone the hips and thighs, but don't resemble surgical stockings? We're in.
What the reviews say:
“I’ve been buying these for years and they’re fabulous footless tights. The best out there and well worth the money!”
“Bought instead of leggings, as I hate the baggy knees you get with leggings, and these tights are good quality, and nice and thick. Buy your size, as I sized up, which I usually do to make sure they’re opaque, but I didn’t need to.”
“I’ve now purchased several pairs of these footless tights and they are comfortable, durable and wash really well.”
4. Maidenform Comfort Endlessly Smooth Firm Control Slip
The best shapewear for all-over control
Specifications:
- Size range: 34C-38D
- Material: 74% polyamide, 26% elastane
- Shapewear type: Slip
- Control level: Firm
- Shapewear solution: Whole body
- Washing instructions: Hand wash
BUY NOW:Maidenform Comfort Endlessly Smooth Firm Control Slip
For
- Full-body streamlining
- Flawless foundation
Against
- High price point
- Limited size range
If you’re after a minimal-effort, budget shapewear option, this may not be the product for you. But if you want an all-singing, all-dancing, multi-tasking piece of underwear kit, you’re exactly where you need to be. Shoppers loved how this multiway slip took care of every undergarment concern, from lifting the bust to smoothing the tummy area. This piece was particularly popular with mature brides, who commented that it gave them an extra confidence boost on their big day.
What the reviews say:
“Perfect! Shapewear that smooths and is comfortable! The hook and eye gusset is also perfect – saves the danger of popper fastening popping open! I was nervous about sizing, but my usual size was perfect fit.”
“Brought to wear under wedding dress as an older bride – love the fact it is one-piece and holds all the wobbly bits to a smooth contour.”
“Very comfortable to wear and gives a great result beneath a close-fitting dress. Would definitely recommend. Bought it when it was reduced. The original price would have put me off buying it.”
5. Marks & Spencer Cool Comfort™ Anti-chafing Shorts
The best shapewear for thighs and bum
Specifications:
- Size range: 8-22
- Material: 82% polyamide, 18% elastane
- Shapewear type: Shorts
- Control Level: Light
- Bra Type: N/A
- Shapewear Solution: Thighs and bum
- Washing Instructions: Machine wash
BUY NOW:Marks & Spencer Cool Comfort™ Anti-chafing Shorts
For
- Anti-chafing and smoothing
- Lightweight
- Wide size range
Against
- Limited support
A smoothing pair of shorts that’s the ideal choice for hot weather.
What the reviews say:
“Lovely thick waistline that sits nice and low on me. Thin stretchy fabric, really smooth and flattering under clothes.”
“These are brilliant when in a hot country/weather. I got them to wear with dresses – perfect! Plenty of give in them, no bulge marks or anything.”
“They’re so stretchy and comfortable, they don’t roll up or down and, best of all, they don’t make you sweat. I purchased three pairs already, but think I’m going to get more!”
If you have a piece of shapewear you love, which you think our readers should know about, let us know on our Facebook page.
We’d love to hear from you!
