11 Best Shapewear Pieces That Actually Impressed Us

This open-bust bodysuit delivers full-body compression with just the right amount of stretch, so you can wear it comfortably for hours. It smooths the waist, hips, and thighs while giving a flattering lift to the rear. I love that the adjustable straps and zip closure make it easy to customize the fit—and simpler to get on and off than a more traditional bodysuit that requires a lot of shimmying. The open-bust design is a bonus, since you can wear your own bra.

The fabric is supportive yet breathable, holding everything in without feeling restrictive. Because of that, it’s become one of my favorite picks for weddings, holiday parties, or any occasion where I want a polished, streamlined look under a body-hugging dress.

Best High-Waisted Shaping Shorts: Shapellx Butt-Lifting High-Waist Shorts

• What we love: Very tight compression; lightweight and breathable; zippered crotch; great range of sizes
• What could improve: May be a bit restrictive for those who prefer light compression

When you really want to sculpt and define your shape, these waist-cinching shaping shorts from TikTok-famous Shapellx deliver. They offer the kind of firm, corset-like compression that dramatically smooths and snatches yet somehow still manages to feel surprisingly wearable. I was impressed by how strong the shaping power is for something you can comfortably sit, dance, or eat in.

The thoughtful design details also deserve credit. A zippered crotch makes bathroom trips so much easier than the usual overlapping panels or hook-and-eye setups, and while it’s undeniably structured, the layered construction and breathable nylon-spandex blend keep the garment from feeling suffocating.

Best on Amazon: Wacoal Red Carpet Bodysuit

• What we love: Supportive cups; ideal for larger busts; removable straps
• What could improve: Not ideal for smaller busts; hand-wash and line-dry only

Need shapewear for a special occasion? This bodysuit is different from others—in a great way that makes it more versatile—because it features a convertible design. You can wear it with the straps or under off-shoulder and strapless pieces while providing a smooth, seamless look. You could even wear it with racerback styles. We tried it various ways over the course of four weeks, including under an everyday T-shirt and with a short cocktail dress. When it was worn strapless, we appreciated the silicone strips along the upper edges—it didn’t slip even when dancing.

Our tester, a size 34C, liked that the full-coverage underwire cups offered shaping properties that she said made her look more well-endowed than your average bra. It’s a great pick for women with larger busts, too, as the sizes go all the way up to a 40DD and the style has a wide, supportive band with three rows of hook-and-eye closures. Another standout feature? It has three rows of hook-and-eye closures on the gusset. “It didn’t dig in the same way other bodysuits—namely those with snaps—did.”

Best Waist-Cincher: Miraclesuit Inches Off Waist Cincher

• What we love: Legs don’t roll; lightweight yet compressive fabric
• What could improve: Have to pull the whole thing down to use the bathroom