Comfortable Shapewear Does Exist...Trust Us, We Tested 27 Different Styles. (2024)

Spanx is credited with popularizing shapewear today. This do-it-all style shapes your thighs, butt and hips with extra emphasis on the tummy. Tested by our Textiles Lab experts, the higher rise is designed to minimize any "muffin top," 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. "I always wear these shorts to weddings as they stay hidden while smoothing any lumps," noted one GH editor. Fashion stylist Meaghan O'Connor also keeps this shapewear piece in her own repertoire. Because these have a super high waisted fit, some petite online reviewers noted they rolled down a bit.

Best for: Versatile shapewear for many occasions

Sizes: S-3X | Colors: 6 shades | Materials: 100% Nylon

Starting at just $25, this affordable shapewear from Shapermint impressed our textiles pros and consumer testers. Fitting like high-waisted briefs, this style offers snug compression with minimal seams — no more panty lines! In our Lab, the shapewear maintained its shape in our stretch recovery tests.

This style of shapewear was a "game-changer" for many of our testers. One reported, "It was incredibly simple, comfortable, and honestly I forgot I was wearing it, which has never been the case before." Wearing it during her everyday routine and to a wedding, she said, "It worked great under multiple articles of clothing." Another tester added that the "fabric was buttery soft and seamless." All testers agreed that this style is great for tummy control and it's easy to take on and off without feeling overly constrictive.

Best for: Lower belly slimming with comfortable fit

Sizes: S-4X | Colors: 5 shades | Materials: 90% Nylon, 10% Spandex

If you're looking for tummy control but don't need thigh coverage, this high-rise Maidenform brief has firm control around the tummy and a silicone waistband to help keep it in place. It's designed to smooth bulges and create hourglass curves. We appreciate that it features a cotton gusset too.

Online reviewers love its stay-in-place fit: "I LOVE the slightly rubbery threads around the top," says one Amazon reviewer. "This does not roll over even if you slouch." Plus, this style is currently on sale, starting at just $20!

Best for: Lower belly slimming underwear

Sizes: S-3X | Colors: 3 shades | Materials: 70% Nylon, 30% Elastane

Viral on TikTok for good reason, this best-selling bodysuit from Skims can be worn as shapewear under clothes or on its own as a top. With slimming compression along the waist, this bodysuit has a thong design to stay hidden under clothes. We appreciate that it has a cotton gusset and adjustable straps too.

Testers reported that they noticed a "smoother waistline and flatter tummy" while wearing this bodysuit. Liking this bodysuit's targeted compression, one tester said, "It didn't make me look flat like other shapewear bodysuits I've tried." Although it looks small out of the packaging, testers reported that it ran true to size with some opting to size up if they have a larger bust. It's available in 13 shades, including ten nude color options, but the lighter colors are a bit see-through if you plan to go bra-less.

Best for: Shapewear you can wear on its own

Sizes: XXS-4X | Colors: 13 shades | Body materials: 78% Nylon, 22% Spandex

RELATED: Skims Review: We Tried the Viral Brand to See What's Worth Buying

With tummy shaping and a built-in wire-free bra, this full-coverage shapewear from Wacoal is surprisingly lightweight. It features bonded edges for a sleek, hidden look under clothes. Combining comfort with smoothing capabilities, this bodysuit smooths the waist and tummy with a breathable feel. We appreciate that it has a cotton gusset lining and adjustable straps.

"It was also extremely comfortable — more comfortable than any shapewear I've ever worn," reported one satisfied tester. "I even fell asleep wearing it one night after a long day!" Testers gave perfect scores for fit, reporting that this style runs true to size. The hook-and-eye closure in the crotch made it easy to go to the bathroom, according to testers. Calling the fabric "smooth" and "cool to the touch," testers loved this bodysuit's feel and found it comfy enough to wear on hot summer days. It received lower appearance scores from testers, saying "it's not the sexiest style."

Best for: Lightweight, full-coverage support

Sizes: 34-40 band sizes and C-DDD cup sizes | Colors: 2 shades | Body materials: 65% Nylon, 35% Spandex/Elastane

Yitty shapewear doesn't forget the booty! These short have targeted compression panels for butt shaping and lifting. The snug, ribbed waistband panel offers some compression for a bit of tummy control. There are silicone grips along the waistband to prevent slipping or rolling down, keeping them secure. The brand also offers a matching bra top too.

Receiving high marks for comfort, testers praised these shorts' comfy fit with one saying they "felt very comfortable for all day and night wear." Testers appreciated the longer inseam that prevents chafing, making them great to wear under dresses and in summer months. "I liked that it went a bit higher than my natural waist, so it didn't squeeze the fat just above my waist and make a shelf," reported one tester.

Best for: Booty shaping and lift

Sizes: XS-5X | Colors: 18 shades | Body materials: 52% Recycled Nylon/34% Nylon/14% Elastane

Combining firm compression with stay-in-place benefits, this Miraclesuit style has adjustable straps and full coverage throughout the torso, hips, butt and thighs. We were impressed by its all-over smoothing capabilities thanks to panels at the midsection that give extra support for the tummy. Though the straps may be limiting for certain outfits, the design allows you to wear your own bra and is cut low enough to wear under a variety of tops and dresses.

Because you can wear your own bra with this shapewear, it's a great option for wearers with large busts. One online reviewer reported she had "no side boob bulge," when wearing this bodysuit. Online reviewers appreciated the pee slot, but a few commented that it was tough to use because of the snug fit. "I love the smoothing effect it has all the way up the back," said another reviewer. "No bra lines!"

Best for: Full body slimming effects and you can wear your own bra

Sizes: S-3X | Colors: 2 shades | Body materials: Nylon,Spandex, Elastane

Offering smoothing capabilities without feeling like you're wearing constricting shapewear, this Shapermint cami is a great everyday staple. It's Amazon's bestselling shapewear top with over 21,000 online reviews — after testing this top in our Lab, we agree that it's a worthwhile buy.

All testers reported that they would continue wearing this cami as it was comfortable while staying in place without rolling or shifting. "This [top] created a very flattering silhouette," reported one tester who said she wore this top regularly to the office. "Even though it was snug, it was pretty comfortable." Some testers found it challenging to get on at first because of its snug fit. Calling it "extremely comfortable," one tester reported that it "held my stomach area in well."

Best for: Everyday slimming top to wear on its own

Sizes: S-4X | Colors: 11 shades | Materials: 90% Nylon, 10% Spandex

Made with a super lightweight material, these thin, breathable shorts are ideal to wear every day. With a seamless design, these shorts are totally invisible under dresses, skirts and pants too. They have a cotton gusset built-in as they're designed to be worn sans underwear. The brand also sells leakproof shapewear to wear during your cycle.

Testers reported that wearing these shorts as underwear was a comfortable way to have a bit of slimming and shaping while preventing panty lines. "I like the thin material and light support it provided," said one tester. "I also liked that it stayed in place unlike many others I tried." One tester loved wearing these shorts under a silk dress as they smoothed her midsection and stayed hidden even with unforgiving fabric. Another tester added, "It provided light support that did not rise on my thighs or roll down my belly." When asked what her favorite thing about this shapewear was, one tester said, "They don't roll down, they don't roll up, and they're invisible."

Best for: Smoothing shorts for lightweight coverage

Sizes: XXS-XXXXL | Colors: 6 shades | Body materials: 77% Nylon, 23% Lycra Xtra Life

For a versatile piece that you can wear under any type of garment, this sculpting thong has a high-rise fit to smooth the tummy along with high leg rises to avoid panty lines. The SKIMS brand is a staple for both Messiah and O'Connor along with GH editors who love the color and size ranges. "I’m able to find undergarments and shapewear that are the perfect 'nude' for me, which a lot of companies don't offer," noted one staffer. We also found the pieces to be breathable, making them suitable for all-day wear. Some online reviewers wish the cotton gusset was wider.

Best for: Comfortable compression that stays hidden

Sizes: XXS-4X | Colors: 9 shades | Body materials: 78% Nylon, 22% Spandex

While most shapewear can feel drab and unattractive, this sexy bodysuit from Bali is made entirely of lace. It comfortably smoothes and stays in place better than sectional shapewear. We were impressed by the light lining around the cups, which means you won't need a separate bra. The lace is not only more attractive than traditional shapewear materials but also more breathable. Note that this style is available in more minimal sizing compared to other shapewear picks.

Bali bras were top performers in our latest bra test. Although we haven't tested this style yet, it has thousands of rave online reviews. One online reviewer said, "It is perfect to smooth out the lumps and bumps, highlighting the curves and giving me a very nice shape." Another reviewer commented, "I wear it when I want to look my best."

Best for: A sexy look with smoothing capabilities

Sizes: 34-40 band sizes and B-DD cup sizes | Colors: 3 shades | Body materials: 72% Nylon, 28% Spandex

Some bras create unwanted lines and bulges, but this style from Shapeez has back-smoothing fabric that minimizes this effect. With a full coverage back, you can easily adjust the straps in the front. It features light foam padding and an underwire for natural shaping.

When we evaluated this bra in our Textiles Lab, consumer testers said it was comfortable, supportive and looked great under clothing. "I really liked the smoothing material on the back: no more straps digging into me," reported one tester. One D-cup tester even said, "This is the best fitting and most comfortable bra I have ever worn." Loving its smoothing effect, one tester noted, "[I] did not see bra line or any bulges in back area." Some testers found the underwire to dig in a little.

Best for: Smooth back with no bra bulges

Sizes: 34-40 band sizes and B-DD cup sizes | Colors: 3 shades | Body materials: 72% Nylon, 28% Spandex

Not only does this Spanx style smooth everything from your bust to your thighs, but it's also surprisingly versatile. For starters, it's easy to slip on and take off, unlike other shapewear that can be more of a struggle. It also has removable straps that are both adjustable and convertible so you can wear it under almost any outfit. One GH staffer added, "I love that you don't have to worry about clips or anything when you need to use the loo, thanks to the 'easy access gusset.'"

Best for: Strapless dresses

Sizes:XS-XL | Colors: 2 shades | Body materials: 51% Elastane, 49% Nylon

Designed specifically for plus sizes, this Lane Bryant seamless style has firm control throughout the torso and thighs. Its open-bust design means it has straps for stay-in-place power while allowing you to wear your preferred bra. This pick has sheer, mesh panels for added breathability and a sexy look.

A favorite piece of O'Connor's, its contours provide an invisible layer of control under any outfit, and the adjustable straps make sure you have a comfy fit. "Great for shaping and smoothing," said one online reviewer. Another added that it's "easy to put on and take off, and very comfortable."

Best for: Plus size wearers as it starts at a size 12

Sizes: 12-36 | Colors: 2 shades | Body materials: Nylon/spandex

Mid-thigh shapewear bodysuits provide ultimate coverage and shaping to enhance your figure up top and bottom. This pick from Honeylove has targeted compression panels to smooth your waistline while offering lift up top and support for your legs. Featuring an open gusset, you don't have to take off the whole bodysuit to use the bathroom. It's available in two shades, beige and black.

With a perfect score for support, testers agreed that this bodysuit held them in while also feeling comfortable and not too sweaty. "I felt very shaped and supported in this shapewear," reported one tester. She even said it "made a notable difference in how my body appeared in some dresses." Because of the low back and lower neckline, testers liked that even though this shapewear offered a lot of coverage, it still stayed hidden under a variety of different outfits. Some testers wish it offered more tummy compression while being less snug in the bust and hips.

Best for: Full coverage, including thighs, while staying hidden under clothes

Sizes: XS-3X | Colors: 2 shades | Body materials: 64% Nylon, 36% Spandex

The fiber scientists in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab have been testing shapewear for the past 15 years. We test each style in our Lab and send it to consumer testers with a range of body shapes to get real-life wear feedback. Here are the main considerations we took into account when testing shapewear:

✔️ Stretch recovery: We stretch the shapewear a set amount and then see if it will return to its original shape. Because shapewear is made with stretchy materials, it must maintain its shape after you wear it over and over.

✔️ Comfortable fit: To ensure you're not counting down the seconds until you can take it off, we prioritized our testers' feedback on comfort and fit to find the most comfortable styles.

✔️ Shaping, slimming and smoothing effects: Testers gave extensive feedback on noticeable effects when wearing the shapewear to determine which styles are best suited for different purposes.

We also consulted additional style and clothing experts, including personal stylist Lauren Messiah, fashion stylist Meaghan O'Connor and Kleinfeld Bridal Director of Alterations Tina Zimmerman.

These days, shapewear comes in all shapes, sizes, colors and cuts, so whether you're shopping for your wedding or an everyday staple, there's something out there for you that can even replace your favorite bra and/or underwear. Here's what we look for in good shapewear for women:

✔️ Comfort: Not all shapewear is created equal: Some shapewear has higher compression levels, so be sure to select the material and thickness based on your wants, says stylist and podcast host O'Connor. Her advice: "Keep a lookout for pieces that are designed to stay in place." Ideally, shapewear shouldn't roll down or limit your circulation — you should be able to breathe, sit and eat comfortably!

✔️ Type: If you want extreme tummy control and contour, look for shapewear with mid- to high-level compression, she says. Looking for some control but mostly to just smooth your silhouette and enhance your outfit? Opt for pieces that focus less on compression and more on smoothing, so that you maintain comfort and keep your shape. Or if you're looking for shapewear as a modesty piece like a skirt slip, find lightweight fabrics with minimal compression and features that work for your personal style.

✔️ Sizing: Never size down. Buying too small can squish your skin and cause unwanted bulges, advises Zimmerman. Most of us don't wear the same clothes all the time, and that should go for shapewear as well, says O'Connor. Consider shapewear as you would your other intimate apparel pieces, and it will be clear that variation in style makes for easier dressing!

Which shapewear brand is best?

In our tests, we have found Spanx and Skims to be the most popular brands that performed well in our tests. For more affordable options, we were impressed by the offerings from Maidenform and Shapermint.

Is it better to size up or size down in shapewear?

You should go with your regular size in shapewear. Like any piece of apparel, sizing varies from brand to brand, so make sure to look at the size chart closely. Many shapewear styles are designed to be very compressive, so some testers preferred to size up for a more comfortable fit with less slimming.

How do you keep shapewear from rolling down?

If your shapewear tends to roll down, you may be wearing the wrong size. Shapewear that's too tight or too big will roll down more than styles that fit properly. You can also look for styles with silicone grips that can help it stay in place. Bodysuits are another great option for shapewear that won't roll down.

Which shapewear is best for slimming, especially lower belly?

For lower belly pooch slimming, look for shapewear that has targeted compression around the tummy. Shapewear shorts and underwear tend to be the best at smoothing the waistline and tummy area. While you won't want to wear it for too long, higher compression styles will create a more noticeable difference in appearance.

Lexie Sachs is the Executive Director of the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she has been overseeing the testing of all apparel for over a decade. Lexie has extensively tested dozens of shapewear styles both in the Lab and in real-life settings and regularly evaluates similar categories including the best bras, best slimming swimsuits and more.

Emma Seymour is the senior textiles product analyst at Good Housekeeping where she has led testing for all types of intimates products, like the above shapewear, bras and underwear. Since 2018, she has been a leading fit expert, writing articles about how to measure yourself at home and finding your best bra size.

Aidan Collins and Rachael Chen conducted recent shapewear Lab testing to update this story.