The very best shapewear pieces to add to your underwear drawer, if you're in the shapewear "pro" camp
Even the best shapewear pieces remain a contentious issue, with many people regarding its very nature (i.e. something that alters your natural form) problematic, but we are of the firm opinion that its all about choice.
It goes without saying that no one should squeeze themselves into lycra, sculpting shorts/high-waisted shorts or bodies/bodysuits just because of the pressures to look a certain way in society, but we appreciate having the option of smoothing the surface beneath a silk slip dress, and if you do too then you're in the right place.
Far from frumpy or old-fashioned, shapewear encompasses everything from cami tops and thongs to full blown playsuit styles, skirts and slip dresses which are all designed to flatter every curve, make you feel confident, and follow your natural figure.
Ready to see for yourself? Skip straight to shopping here, or carry on reading below.
Best shapewear at a glance
- Best shapewear overall: Sculpting Short Mid Thigh with Open Gusset, £34, SKIMS
- Best value shapewear: Dorina Evelyn High Leg Shaping Thong, £10, ASOS
- Best tummy control shapewear: Light Control Seamless Waist Cincher, WAS £12 NOW £9.60, M&S
- Best bodysuit shapewear: Heist The Outer Shaping Bodysuit, £95, Net-A-Porter
- Best postpartum shapewear: Maternity Sculpting Bodysuit Mid Thigh, £62, SKIMS
Is it better to size up or down in shapewear?
To avoid your shapewear from rolling down or digging in, we recommend going for your usual dress size. If you're in between sizes then don't be afraid to try a couple on and go for whichever feels most comfortable, even if that's the bigger style, otherwise you'll find you have to constantly re-adjust it (which kind of defeats the point). 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.
How did we test the best shapewear?
Combining our expert knowledge on 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 our fair share of the best shapewear to know which brands are worth shouting about. Happy shopping!
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.
Which shapewear brand is best? Find 23 of our favourite styles below
Backless shapewear: Best shapewear for low-back dresses
Barely There Shapewear Low Back, £48, SKIMS
- Sizes available - XXS/XS, S/M, L/XL, 2X/3X, 4X/5X
- Shades available - 6 shades from Clay to Onyx
- Fabric - 60% Polyamide, 40% Elastane
What customers are saying: 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 smoothing but not extra control.
Shaping underwear: Shapewear thong
Dorina Evelyn High Leg Shaping Thong, £10, ASOS
- Sizes available - UK 8 - UK 26
- Shades available - Black, biscuit
- Fabric - 83% Polyester, 17% Elastane
What customers are saying: The high-cut leg combined with the thong back means your highly unlikely to get a VPL.
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.
What brand of SPANX do the Kardashians wear? SKIMS
Sculpting Short Mid Thigh With Open Gusset, £34, SKIMS
- Sizes available - XXS/XS, S/M, L/XL, 2X/3X, 4X/5X
- Shades available - 9 shades from Sand to Onyx
- Fabric - 78% Nylon, 22% Spandex
What customers are saying: 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.”
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.
Best high-rise shapewear: Kim Kardashian SKIMS
Sculpting Mid Waist Briefs, £32, SKIMS
- Sizes available - XXS/XS, S/M, L/XL, 2X/3X, 4X/5X
- Shades available - 9 shades from Sand to Onyx
- Fabric - 78% Nylon, 22% Spandex
What customers are saying: These briefs “hold everything in and are comfortable enough for wearing all day at the office. I feel so confident in them, would definitely recommend!”
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.
Best shapewear dress
Magisculpt Ella Lace Black Firm Control Multiway Slip, from £40, Simply Be
- Sizes available - 34D - 46DD
- Shades available - Black, white and blush
- Fabric - 58% polyamide, 40% elastane, 2% polyester
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.
Cons: It has underwire cups which might be a no-no for some people.
Save when you shop for the best shapewear with these Simply Be discount codes at checkout.
Best shapewear: the SPANX shorts
Spanx Power Shorts, £30, John Lewis
- Sizes available - Small, medium, large, extra large
- Shades available - Black, soft nude, brown, natural
- Fabric - 56% Nylon, 44% Spandex/Elastane
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: 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.
Best shapewear: the body
Firm Control Sheer Striped Wear Your Own Bra Body, WAS £25 NOW £20, M&S
- Sizes available - UK 8 - UK 24
- Shades available - Black, rose quartz
- Fabric - 61% polyamide, 39% elastane with a cotton gusset
What customers are saying: “This worked well for me . It 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.
Best shapewear from Marks and Spencer
Light Control Seamless Waist Cincher, WAS £12 NOW £9.60, Marks and Spencer
- Sizes available - Small, medium, large, extra large
- Shades available - Black, rose quartz
- Fabric - Polyamide, elastane, cotton
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.
Check out our M&S discount codes before your checkout with the best shapewear.
Best shapewear: the slip
Medium Control Secret Slimming Full Slip, WAS £29.50 NOW £23.60, M&S
- Sizes available - UK 8 - UK 24
- Shades available - Black, rose quartz
- Fabric - 63% polyamide, 37% elastane, (exclusive of trimmings)
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.
Best shaping underwear: hip control shapewear
Miraclesuit Comfort Leg Waistline Briefs, £37, John Lewis
- Sizes available - Small, medium, large, extra large, extra extra large
- Shades available - Black, nude
- Fabric - 84% Nylon, 16% Elastane
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.
Best shapewear for darker skin tones
Heist The Outer Shaping Bodysuit, £95, Net-A-Porter
- Sizes available - Extra small, small, medium, large, x-large
- Shades available - Light brown, black, beige
- Fabric - 74% polyamide, 26% elastane with a cotton lining
What customers are saying: The Outer bodysuit is made from lightweight stretch fabric for a second-skin fit and has strategic panels which are designed to shape and support your figure.
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.
Best shapewear: the skirt
Miraclesuit Shapewear High-Waist Slip, £53, Amazon
- Sizes available - Small, medium, large, x-large, x-x-large
- Shades available - Nude, black
- Fabric - Nylon, spandex, cotton
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.
Save when you shop for the best shapewear with these Amazon discount codes at checkout.
Maternity shapewear: Whole body shaper
Maternity Sculpting Bodysuit Mid Thigh, £64, SKIMS
- Sizes available - XXS/XS - XXXXL/XXXXXL
- Shades available - Several colours from Sand to Onyx
- Fabric - 78% nylon, 22% spandex
What customers are saying: They wish the gusset hole was bigger for easier use.
Pros: It features a non-compressive core that allows for a growing baby bump and full back coverage with added support.
Cons: It sells out on the reg'.
Affordable shapewear: Best shapewear under £20
ASOS DESIGN Shaping High Waist Seamless Short, £18, ASOS
- Sizes available - S, M, L
- Shades available - Beige, black, chocolate
- Fabric - 95% Polyamide, 5% Elastane
What customers are saying: “Does a really good job at smoothing any lump and bumps. Comes up really high under the boob so full coverage is nice. Was hoping for a bit more lift on the thigh part but does a good job.”
Pros: Its less than £20.
Cons: Larger sizes are selling out fast.
Save when you shop for the best shapewear with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
Best white shapewear/Bridal shapewear: V-neckline bodysuit
Modern Lace + Cotton Body, £70, Triumph
- Sizes available - 34B - 46D (DD sizes are available in 44, 42, 40, 38, 36 strap sizes)
- Shades available - White, neutral beige and black
- Fabric - 46% polyamide, 22% elastane, 32% cotton
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.
Shapewear thong
Cover Your Bases Thong 2-Pack, £38, Wonderbra
- Sizes available - S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Shades available - Black, transparent
- Fabric - 64% nylon, 21% spandex with a cotton gusset
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.
Best shapewear shaping shorts: the affordable choice
Firm Control High Waist Shorts, WAS £30 NOW £14, Boux Avenue
- Sizes available - UK 6 - UK 16
- Shades available - Black or nude
- Fabric - 64% polyamide 36% elastane
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.
Psst! Boux Avenue discount codes this way when you buy the best shapewear!
Best shapewear for dresses with thigh splits
- Sizes available - XXS/XS, S/M, L/XL, 2X/3X, 4X/5X
- Shades available - 9 shades from Sand to Onyx
- Fabric - 78% Nylon, 22% Spandex
What customers are saying: According to reviews, these shorts are great for wearing beneath dresses or skirts with a high-cut leg or side split.
Pros: Seamless makeup and a full surround gripped waistband to prevent rolling and cinch the waist. It's also available in left and right leg styles to suit your thigh split dress as needed.
Cons: Free shipping not included with a £42 spend.
Best Spanx control briefs with corset-like waist
Spanx Power Series Power Panties, £33, Very
- Sizes available - S, M, L, XL, 1XL, 2XL
- Shades available - Very black
- Fabric - 51% Nylon, 49% Spandex/Elastane
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 money on control pants with these Very retailer discounts.
Best shapewear: Shapewear tights
Tummy Control 20 Denier Tights, Black, £45, Wolford
- Sizes available - Small, medium, large
- Shades available - Black
- Fabric - 78% polyamide, 21% elastane, 1% cotton
What customers are saying: They hold their shape after washing, don't leave you feeling pinched and are certainly worth the higher price.
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.
Best shapewear bodysuit: the plunge-neck bodysuit
SPANX Suit Your Fancy Plunge Low-Back Mid-Thigh Bodysuit, £132, Harrods
- Sizes available - Extra small, small, medium, large, x-large
- Shades available - Very black, Champagne beige
- Fabric - Elastane and nylon
What customers are saying: The adjustable and convertible straps offer versatility, while sleek and invisible shaping fabric works to ensure you look and feel your best.
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.
Cons: Needs to be laid flat to dry.
Shapewear top: SKIMS sculpting light shapewear
SKIMS Contour Lift Tank, £78, Net-A-Porter
- Sizes available - XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL, XXXXL
- Shades available - Clay, Sienna, Cocoa, Onyx
- Fabric - 78% nylon, 22% spandex
What customers are saying: As this is new to SKIMS, there aren't any reviews as of yet.
Pros: It features a built-in bra with light padding, so you don't have to wear one beneath, and the straps are detachable so you can go strapless.
Cons: Not suitable for plunging necklines.
Save when you shop for the best shapewear with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
Best shapewear: one-piece thigh slimmer and tummy control
SPANX Open Bust Bodysuit, from £68.50, Amazon
- Sizes available - 36-40
- Shades available - Very black, beige
- Fabric - 80% Polyamide, 20% Elastane
What customers are saying: Apart from having to roll it down to go to the toilet, this bodysuit is “worth every penny.”
Pros: Open bust design makes this a great option for low-cut dresses.
Cons: It is tight to get on, so don't leave it till the last minute!
