14 Best Plus Size Shapewear of 2023, Tested & Reviewed

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They will hug you in all the right places.

A strong foundation for your outfits is key to feeling confident, and the best plus-size shapewear is precisely that: a base layer that enhances whatever you want to wear. Like the journey to selecting the right T-shirt bra or everyday underwear, tracking down the best plus-size shapewear can be challenging. But keeping the following details in mind can make the process a little more enjoyable (and lead you to some life-changing new underpinnings).

"We think of great plus-size shapewear in three segments: solution, fabric, and fit," says Kara Lacayo, vice president of design for Lizzo's shapewear line, YITTY. "The perfect shapewear piece for extended sizing, or any size, is solution oriented. Our team designs products with specific features to obtain a desired solution. We do that with targeted zoning, compression, and lifting features. Then, we focus on fabric selection, as that is the most important element of any shapewear piece outside of the fit."

Shapewear pieces you'll want to pull on more than once share a few essential qualities, from shorts to slips to bodysuits. The top-rated and best-tested shapewear always has compression for a smoothing effect and paneling to support (but not squish) your features in the process. "If your everyday shapewear is too uncomfortable to wear for more than six to eight hours, then it may be too snug," Lacayo tells BAZAAR. "However, compression will vary for everyone. For example, a snug fit for one person may be the perfect fit for another."

You'll also want to look for pieces that contour to your shape and that other shoppers say are comfortable—if you feel squeezed or notice the waistband rolling down, you're in the wrong size (or the wrong product). Breathability is also crucial: Shapewear gets up close and personal with your skin, and you'll want to feel fresh while wearing it.

While plus-size shapewear options abound, you've got to start somewhere, which in Lacayo's opinion, should be a bodysuit. "Our Nearly Naked Shaping Thong Bodysuit is multi-faceted [with] the benefits of our viral Nearly Naked Midi Bra combined with our popular Nearly Naked High Waist Thong," she shares. "Or choose our Nearly Naked Shaping Mid Thigh Bodysuit, which is the ultimate of versatility [combining] our Nearly Naked Midi Bra and our Ultra High Waist Short, which provides targeted shaping and lift all around."

Whether you gravitate toward suit sets and chunky sneakers or spring dresses and sandals, getting dressed is better all around with the best plus-size shapewear close by. Ahead, we've compiled a mix of bodysuits, slips, and thigh shapers that will help you feel your best.

If you want to get near-infinite outfits from your shapewear, you'll want to try these shorts by Shapermint. One of the top-rated pairs on our list, these shorts have an extra-high rise for smoothing the midsection that reviewers say doesn't roll down—ever. They also have control with a bit of stretch, so you won't feel constricted while wearing them.

Sizes: XS–4XL

What reviewers are saying: "I wouldn't normally tell people I have shapewear on. BUT this particular product is too good to NOT share. In fact, I posted a part-way-on and fully on side-by-side photo in a group of women I'm in on social media because I was so pleased—and I had 70 'likes/loves' and 40 people commenting— either with their same love for the product or expressing interest in trying it out!I bought this knowing I'll be attending and in a couple of weddings this summer. The product arrived 10 days after placing the order.. it gives me the confidence I've been looking for!"

You may have seen this bodysuit making the rounds on TikTok. It has strong, smoothing fabric that accentuates your waist and supports your chest.

Sizes: XXS–5XWhat reviewers are saying: "An amazing piece of foundation wear. I removed a star only because it's kind of difficult to put on, but once it's on, it smooths out everything. I would recommend sizing up if you have a size C or D bosom for adequate coverage."

Shapewear that squishes your chest and squeezes your thighs is a thing of the past. This shaping bodysuit hugs your torso and legs but has an open bust so you can wear your favorite bras with it.

Sizes: 14–36

What reviewers are saying: "I bought this originally in 2020 and have officially worn it out. I wear it daily with my work clothes. It smooths and is effective. It's a strong hold but not suffocating. The cut in the middle for pee breaks is a life saver! 100% recommend."

Spanx has a reputation for hardworking shapewear. These high-waist shorts live up to the hype with sculpting panels and invisible seams. These are some of Spanx's most compressive shorts, so consider going a size up if you're between sizes.

Sizes: XS–3X

What reviewers are saying: "This garment provides excellent shaping in all the right areas. It's also the only shaper I own that's comfortable to wear all day long. It seems a little uncomfortable at first, but then it kind of molds to your body (or perhaps it's the other way around). I was a little worried about how it would wash, but I've washed it several times now on gentle cycle in cold water without problem. Now that we've had a bit of hot weather, I can also say that it seems to breathe better than most shapers, so it's a tad warm to wear but not hot."

Currently, Yitty offers two compression levels, with more to come: the Smoothed Reality collection, a light compression support designed to smooth out bumps or dimples, and Nearly Naked, a medium compression support that shapes a desired toned appearance.

This bodysuit does a little bit of everything. It lifts your butt and supports your chest, while the four-way stretch fabric keeps you entirely comfortable. The open-back design also means wearing it under low-cut dresses and full-coverage separates.

Sizes: XS/S–3X/4X

What reviewers are saying: "SNATCHED is all I have to say. I can still breathe and I feel amazing in it."

Look no further than this brief by Commando for light compression. The smoothing effect is real, and the airy fabric? *Chef's kiss* So breathable.

Sizes: XS–3X

What reviewers are saying: "The fabric is so thin yet it smooths beautifully. I also like the fact that the openings for the legs are not so tight as to leave red marks on my skin after wearing the control brief for a few hours. I would definitely buy this product again."

This compression tank with boning for shaping and support won't dig into your shoulders and sculpt that waist beautifully.

Sizes: XS–3X

What reviewers are saying: "I LOVE the Boldness Tank! The corseted construction holds in my waist and the quality of the material is perfect. The way the tank support my breasts is pure magic! No underwire! It’s so comfortable. I am a customer for life, Honeylove!"

Staying cool is critical in the heat. If more compressive fabrics feel a little uncomfy on hot days, these airy and moisture-wicking shorts will prevent chafing, coming in nine different colors and three lengths.

Sizes: XS–6XL

What reviewers are saying: "I loved these. I wore them at night with my nightgown, and stayed cool and dry the whole night. Usually I sweat a lot. So I love these so much that I've ordered two more pairs. No rolling up at the legs or waist. These are just the best!!"

Wear this half slip by Spanx underneath any fitted skirts and dresses. It has no-slip technology that will mold to your body and stay in place. Reviewers add that it's a reliable choice for formal events, particularly weddings.

Sizes: XS–2X

What reviewers are saying: "I wore it under my skin-tight wedding dress (a little see-through), and it looked like it was part of it. Very comfortable and did not roll up or down."

Slips are usually concealed under another dress. This style from Shapellx, however, can be an outfit all by itself—at least according to reviewers who've tested it—the dress nips in at the waist and smooths throughout.

Sizes: XS–4XWhat reviewers are saying: "Love the fit of this dress. I was a little apprehensive on what size to order due my body shape. I ended up ordering an XL/2X. Let me just say, this dress fit me in all of the right places, very giving material."

This moisture-wicking, antimicrobial design is a winner when seeking a seamless everyday thong with comfortable support.

Sizes: XL–5X

What reviewers are saying: "These are the perfect underwear to wear with fitted dressed and even jeans. Super flattering."

When you're wearing longer dresses and want to reduce chafing, a capri with medium compression is a reviewer-approved solution. These also have support through the tummy area to shape your midsection.

Sizes: XL–3X

What reviewers are saying: "Finally a shaper that goes below my knee! Most shapers stop above my knee, happy to find one that goes beyond the knee. The stomach has plenty of support, however I wish the whole shaper was a little tighter."

Shapewear for your arms? Yes, indeed. This pullover silhouette, crafted from light compression fabric, gently smooths and is perfect under long-sleeve tops and dresses.

Sizes: XXS–4X

What reviewers are saying: "Super fun, unique item. Looks great with a fun bra, shapes arms well."

Looking for a pair of high-waisted briefs? These bottoms have just the right amount of medium compression and are available in two colors.

Sizes: 1X–4X

What reviewers are saying: "Surprising support! It is a challenge to find moderate support shapewear in my size that doesn't cut off circulation. This brief is just right!"

Always wear your true size when shopping for shapewear. The reason? Shapewear garments are engineered to contour to your natural figure. If you're squeezing into a smaller size, you'll be uncomfortably constricted; if you go up a size, you may experience waistbands that roll down or straps that fall.

The shapewear that will be most effective for you depends on two factors: the garments you're wearing and the level of comfort you want to feel. If you prefer more coverage from your shapewear, you can try a bodysuit from Yitty or Skims that shapes through the torso and the upper legs. If you're aiming for more support around your midsection, a high-waist short from Honeylove or Spanx may be your best option. Always make sure your shapewear doesn't limit your movement or uncomfortably pinch your skin—if you immediately feel like peeling it off, it's not the best piece for you.

For more than 150 years, Harper’s BAZAAR has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in fashion by working with the world’s leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.

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