When you find a great outfit, you want to make sure it fits your body in all the right places. What you wear underneath can make a big difference. That’s where the best shapewear comes in. Shapewear can hide those problem areas and accentuate your curves. There are many different types of shapewear styles specifically designed to smooth and contour your thighs, tummy, hips and chest.
After all, it’s important to feel confident in your clothing. However, it’s tough to stay self-confident if you are concerned about body image. According to a recent survey of 2,000 Americans, about half (51%) also feel they’ve experienced body shame due to their weight, most commonly from a friend (51%), partner or spouse (46%), family member (45%), or doctor (40%). Respondents also reveal that they’ve felt as if they have no willpower (60%), that it’s their fault (55%), and that they’re lazy (52%) as a result of body shaming.
Another study focuses on adolescent body image issues. It finds that ditching social media can “significantly” improve a teenager’s body image. That’s according to researchers working with the American Psychological Association. Results show teens and young adults feel far better about their weight and looks when they cut their screen time in half for just three weeks. Regardless of gender, the team says the rapid intervention brings significant improvements in distressed youth who excessively scroll through their mobile devices.
StudyFinds knows it can be overwhelming to shop for shapewear. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top five brands from ten expert websites to find the best shapewear to compliment your style. As always, we’d like to see your own recommendations in the comments below!
The List: Best Shapewear Brands, According to Experts
1. SKIMS
This brand is known for being size inclusive, which earns it major points with reviewers. New York Magazine calls SKIMS Sculpting Bodysuit With Snaps ‘Best Overall’ adding, “several stylists recommended Kim Kardashian’s Skims as a solid, budget-friendly option. Reminiscent of a one-piece swimsuit, this bodysuit comes in a wide size range — from XXS to 5X — and nine different skin-tone shades.”
The Sculpting Bodysuit With Snaps also gets high marks from Byrdie, noting “the material is extremely stretchy, and, despite its thinness, it’s surprisingly durable, too. It features adjustable straps, a snap closure at the bottom, and pockets for the bust and booty, which help to define those areas.”
Country Living spotlights SKIMS Sculpting Short Mid-Thigh with Open Gusset pointing out, “it’s a versatile piece that works under any sort of garment, as it smooths your thighs and enhances your natural figure. One thing worth noting is that the SKIMS site recommends sizing up if you prefer everyday wear.”
2. SPANX
Another well-known shapewear brand that reviewers love? SPANX. The brand’s Thinstincts 2.0 Mid-Thigh Short gets high praise as “a classic silhouette that is excellent for travel, as it’s made from a comfortable, ultra-lightweight fabric. It’s the most fundamental version of shapewear: slip it on and you’ll have guaranteed coverage and smoothing from the torso down to the mid-thigh,” according to Travel+Leisure.
Good Housekeeping gives SPANX Higher Power Shorts the ‘Best Overall’ crown, adding “the higher rise is designed to erase any ‘muffin top’ issues, and its no-slip waistband helps it stay in place. The best part is you can wear it all day: The lightweight, seamless fabric offers a medium firmness, so it’ll smooth without feeling like you can’t breathe, according to our clothing pros.”
The fashion experts at Glamour spotlight the brand’s Look at Me Now High-Waist Seamless Leggings, noting they “come in different lengths, and this high-waist version is a fan favorite. They can be paired with anything in your closet—from T-shirts to chunky knits—and work as well for a day full of errands as they do a night out on the town.”
3. Maidenform
This brand has been part of the underwear industry for a century, producing quality, affordable undergarments for generations. Their shapewear is no different. Forbes points out, Maidenform’s Tame Your Tummy Boyshort features mesh paneling that “helps to smooth and cinch through the midsection while the longer leg offers extra control for your thighs as well.”
“The Flexees Easy Up from Maidenform is a two-in-one slip that shapes the back and waist. Because of its elasticity, the strap can be worn strapless or in a crisscross pattern,” according to Textile Learner.
Maidenform’s Shapewear Hi-Waist “has firm control around the tummy and a silicone waistband to help keep it in place. It’s designed to smooth bulges and create the illusion of hourglass curves,” suggests Country Living, which gives Maidenform ‘Best Value Shapewear’ accolades.
4. Commando
Commando prides itself on being a shapewear brand that fits like you are wearing nothing at all, aka ‘going commando’. The brand’s Classic Control Briefs “are made to be lightweight while managing to keep you smoothed out underneath your clothes,” notes Glamour.
InStyle calls the Classic Control Short by Commando ‘Best Seamless,’ as they “focus on the lower half of your body by smoothing out the stomach, hips, butt, and thighs so that tighter-fitting garments feel more comfortable. From waist to thighs, you’ll find no seams closing out the ends, but rather raw-cut edges without elastic, trim, or taping to deliver a smooth finish.”
New York Magazine points out Commando’s Two-Faced Tech Control Full Slip adding, “the piece’s name comes from its tech-y material, which includes microfiber on one side and cotton on the other, and is designed to offer moderate compression that doesn’t squeeze you in.”
5. Honeylove
Last but not least, is the trendy shapewear brand, Honeylove. “Searches for shapewear brand Honeylove are still trending, and this high-waist brief is a great example why. The mesh brief, available in eight sizes (up to 3X), is thoughtfully designed: Its high compression is targeted at the waist, and the boning gives enough contour and hold but is flexible enough not to be restrictive,” according to Today.
Byrdie notes, Honeylove’s SuperPower Short “snatch the waist, smooth bumps, and provide significant support without being bulky underneath garments or super stiff. The shorts are a bit too long to accommodate a lot of mini skirts and dresses, but they’re perfect if you plan on pairing them with a midi or maxi dress.”
“The distinguishing feature of Honeylove’s shapewear is that it’s designed to stay put, so you can rest assured it won’t roll down underneath your dress. For that reason, this is an excellent choice for weddings and formal occasions where you’ll have limited opportunities to excuse yourself for an outfit check. It’s available in five different colorways and bottom styles, so there is something to suit everyone,” adds Travel+Leisure, which calls the SuperPower Short ‘Best For Weddings’.
You might also be interested in:
- Best Women’s Bras
- Best Athletic Clothing Brands
- Best Bathing Suits for Women
- Best Walking Shoes for Women
Sources:
- New York Magazine
- Byrdie
- Country Living
- Travel+Leisure
- Good Housekeeping
- Glamour
- Forbes
- Textile Learner
- InStyle
- Today
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.