21 Best Shapewear Pieces To Shop Right Now

By Georgia Trodd

Despite the fact that even the best shapewear pieces remain a contentious issue, we are of the firm opinion that its all about choice.

It goes without saying that no one should squeeze themselves into a pair of sculpting shorts or a Lycra bodysuit because of the societal pressures to look a certain way, and we're the first to agree that shapewear's nature (i.e. something that alters your natural form) is problematic, but we appreciate having the option. Sometimes we just want a smooth surface beneath our favourite silk slip dresses, and if you do too then you're in the right place.

“Shaping products should make you feel good from within,” says Wolford's Chief Commercial Officer Silvia Azzali. “We believe that its just as important as your outerwear,” which is why the brand has such an esteemed line-up of different styles.

Yep, far from frumpy or old-fashioned, shapewear encompasses everything from cami tops and thongs to full blown playsuit styles, skirts and slip dresses these days, and they're all designed to flatter every curve, make you feel confident, and follow your natural figure. As for when you should wear it? Silvia says; “In short, shapewear should be used when you want additional support. It's always best to look for shapewear after you've decided on your outfit, rather than the other way round, as the type of underwear you'll need will depend on the style you plan on wearing. For example, figure hugging dresses will be elevated by shapewear, while a low-cut neckline may require a specific style of shaping bra or body.”

Ready to see for yourself? Skip straight to shopping here, or carry on reading below.

“When it comes to a general size down/size up rule, it sounds cliché, but everyone is different,” says Silvia. “All of our product has incredible stretch and so many people can naturally feel they need to size down to harness on the toning properties of our shapewear. However, those with the smallest waist size but a long torso may find they need to size up for maximum comfort, and vice versa. A lot of our styles also incorporate bra cups to create the perfect décolleté, so this is important to try too.”

Shapewear is not meant to restrict your movements or breathing either, by the way, so make sure you can function in it normally before committing to the purchase. According to Silvia, it “should delicately sit and sculpt the curves of the silhouette whilst contouring, but above all, it should fit comfortably. Any item of shapewear should never cut into you, and fitted shapewear should be discreet under slim-fitting clothing and feel secure, not compromising on freedom of movement.”

Combining our expert knowledge in functional fashion – including which brands are worth spending your money on and what trends are living up to the hype – with customer reviews and data on what you’ve been searching for, we’ve curated what we feel is a selection of the best shapewear on the market. We’ve rifled through the good and the bad so you don’t have to, and have paid particular attention to specifics like cost, fabrics, sustainability and wearability in order to narrow it down. Our aim is to find you pieces which will last, and, as a team of 30+ here at GLAMOUR HQ, we’ve tried and tested our fair share of the best shapewear to know which brands are worth shouting about. See our thoughts and reviews below.

After more lingerie content? Shop the best push-up bras, invisible bras and seamless underwear. For more from GLAMOUR UK's Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.

Seamless Sculpt Mid Thigh Short with Open Gusset

Why we love them: These shorts are a trending bestseller at SKIMS for a reason. They “accentuate the butt” and the “high waist and inner rubber lining is perfection.” – Sophie Cockett, Senior European Commerce Editor.

Pros: Waist grip band prevent rolling and provides an extra cinched look. Great for chafing, too.

Cons: You'll have to pay a shipping fee on returns.

Firm Control Sheer Striped Wear Your Own Bra Body

What customers are saying: “This worked well for me. It flattened and smoothed out the lumps and bumps under a special dress I had bought for a wedding. It was comfortable which I did not expect!”

Pros: It's designed to be used with your own bra which is ideal for buyers with bigger busts.

Cons: Gusset poppers can dig into your thighs slightly after extended wear.

Dorina Evelyn High Leg Shaping Thong

What customers are saying: The high-cut leg combined with the thong back means your highly unlikely to get a VPL from your undies/undergarments.

Pros: Its currently available in all sizes in both colours - go, go, go!

Cons: Only comes in two colours.

Save when you shop for the best shapewear with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.

Miraclesuit Comfort Leg Waistline Briefs

What customers are saying: These shaping briefs offer extra support around the hip and tummy area, thanks to the spandex-like material. They are “comfortable yet shaping where required.”

Pros: Flexible leg openings make these control briefs comfier for all day use, especially when moving.

Cons: Hand wash only.

Save when you shop for the best shapewear with these John Lewis discount codes at checkout.

By Meg Walters

By Hayley Spencer

By Gabi Thorne

Heist The Outer Shaping Bodysuit

What customers are saying: There currently aren't any reviews for this product.

Pros: The brand worked with 100k different women to establish a more inclusive shade range for their shapewear.

Cons: An extra-large size only extends to a 29.1 inch waist. It's not a thong bodysuit.

Save when you shop for the best shapewear with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.

Medium Control Secret Slimming Full Slip

What customers are saying: This slip was of “good quality and comfortable to wear,” but some people “would've preferred the front to have been cut slightly lower.”

Pros: It's non-padded so if you'd rather wear your own bra underneath you can.

Cons: Has a relatively high back, so won't be suitable for low-cut dresses.

Save when you shop for the best shapewear with these Marks & Spencer retailer discount codes at checkout.

Mat de Luxe Forming Body

Why we love it: “I hate the look of too many straps personally, so the fact that this shaping body has an integrated bra – which means you don't have to wear your own – is heaven-sent.” – Georgia Trodd, Commerce Writer.

Pros: You could get away with wearing it as a top as well as shapewear. It's matte so doesn't have that swimsuit sheen.

Cons: Hand wash only.

Light Control Seamless Waist Cincher

What customers are saying: The thick material of this piece of shapewear makes it more appropriate for winter, but it means it stays put and does the job of ‘cinching’.

Pros: M&S' Cool Comfort technology ensures that the shapewear remains breathable no matter the weather.

Cons: Not enough inclusive shades for darker skin tones.

Save when you shop for the best shapewear with these Marks & Spencer discount codes at checkout.

By Meg Walters

By Hayley Spencer

By Gabi Thorne

SPANX Power Shorts

What customers are saying: People “found this product gave an excellent profile, no bumps to be seen and gave a good appearance under fitted dresses.”

Pros: Full coverage design means no VPL and provides targeted support for bottom and thighs.

Cons: Shorts may be too long for some mini dresses.

Save when you shop for the best shapewear with these John Lewis discount codes at checkout.

Magisculpt Ella Lace Black Firm Control Multiway Slip

What customers are saying: There are currently no reviews for this item.

Pros: It's targeted to smooth your waist, tummy, bum and hips for an all-round seamless appearance, it's comfy, and it has adjustable straps or can be worn strapless.

Cons: It has underwire cups which might be a no-no for some people.

Barely There Shapewear Low Back Shorts

Why we love them: “These shorts are so lightweight they don't feel like they're going to do much (if anything) for you, but you'll be pleasantly surprised at just how smoothing they actually are. The lower back makes them ideal for backless dresses or clothes with cut-outs, so they're a mainstay for me.” – Georgia Trodd, Commerce Writer.

It really smooths you out without rolling down, and “is so light yet has so much compression.”

Pros: Has a super deep low back making it an ideal pick for an awkward cocktail dress.

Cons: Only provides ultra light support. Not necessarily a con, but perhaps better for buyers not used to shapewear or, equally, buyers who just need a smoothing effect.

Spanx Power Series Power Panties

What customers are saying: A few reviews have deemed these as one of the only pairs that don't roll down at all; “These are true to size, great quality and stay put!”

Pros: Designed to be comfortable enough to wear all day.

Cons: Ruching detail over the bottom area may be visible through thin fabrics.

Save when you shop for the best shapewear with these Very discount codes at checkout.

By Meg Walters

By Hayley Spencer

By Gabi Thorne

Firm Control High Waist Shorts

What customers are saying: Size up as these are super tight but “worth it for the price!”

Pros: Has the functionality in the gusset for you to go to the toilet without removing the shorts.

Cons: Won't include free delivery on items under £40.

Save when you shop for the best shapewear with these Boux Avenue discount codes at checkout.

Cover Your Bases Thong 2-Pack

What customers are saying: There are currently no reviews for this item.

Pros: Seams have been flattened to ensure that nothing shows through to your outfit. Yep, no panty lines.

Cons: Can't be dried on a radiator.

Modern Lace + Cotton Body

What customers are saying: This bodysuit is naturally supportive with an extra high shaping effect courtesy of firm fabric.

Pros: Oeko-Tex® certified and the brand doesn't use a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach with the built-in bra.

Cons: Wide shoulder straps mean it'll likely be visible beneath most strappy tops, dresses etc.

Miraclesuit Shapewear High-Waist Slip

What customers are saying: One reviewer said that this slip is “one of the best purchases I've made.” The sticky silicone strips around the hems mean it stays put. Magic.

Pros: A mesh panel over the lower back ensure the shapewear is breathable, especially during the warmer months.

Cons: Takes a little bit of wriggling to get on.

By Meg Walters

By Hayley Spencer

By Gabi Thorne

Solution Short #2

Why we love it: “I don't know what I did before discovering these one-legged shapewear shorts. When you're wearing a dress with a leg split, you automatically assume you can't wear anything beneath it or you risk flashing it, but not anymore. And if the split is on the other side? Fear not, auntie Kim has got you covered there too with the Solution Short #1.” – Georgia Trodd, Commerce Writer.

Pros: Seamless makeup and a full surround gripped waistband to prevent rolling and cinch the waist.

Cons: Free shipping not included with a £42 spend.

SPANX Suit Your Fancy Plunge Low-Back Mid-Thigh Bodysuit

Why we love it: “The adjustable and convertible straps offer versatility, while sleek and invisible shaping fabric works to ensure you look and feel your best. That open-bust plunge neckline? Foolproof for low-cut dresses and tops.” – Georgia Trodd, Commerce Writer.

Pros: Five-way convertible straps, open gusset and a plunging neckline all work in your favour. It's especially good under dresses for special occasions (red carpet anyone?).

Cons: Needs to be laid flat to dry.

Seamless Sculpt Mid Waist Briefs

Why we love them: These briefs “hold everything in and are stretchy and comfortable enough for wearing all day at the office. I feel so confident in them, would definitely recommend!” – Lucy Smith, Commerce Writer.

Pros: These have the best size range we've come across, and you can buy matching SKIMS bras, bralettes and socks.

Cons: They're imported, so aren't eco-friendly from a travel miles perspective.

Tummy Control 20 Denier Tights

Why we love them: “They hold their shape after washing, don't leave you feeling pinched and are certainly worth the higher price.” –Sophie Cockett, Senior European Commerce Editor.

Pros: A reinforced toe ensures the tights will last for several wears.

Cons: Only 20 denier, so perhaps not warm enough for the winter months.

By Meg Walters

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By Laura Hampson