We are always on the hunt for comfortable yet supportive shapewear, with the most popular styles being shapewear bodysuits and shorts.
While some may choose shapewear to cinch in their tummy, others may wear it for slimmer-looking thighs, or simply for a smoother silhouette and to enhance certain assets.
There are plenty of brands to shop online and in-store for those looking for tummy control shapewear or shapewear shorts. M&S, Spanx, Skims, John Lewis and other lingerie labels offer multiple styles.
While some may be looking for knicker designs with high-waisted detail to provide waist support, others may be in need of longer designs, corsets or thongs with a tummy control element, depending on their outfit.
There has been a surge in sales for shorts to combat thigh chafing too, and those opting for maxi dresses can also get their hands on longer-leg versions to shop.
How to wear shapewear
Shapewear can be worn underneath dresses, skirts, shorts and trousers for enhancing your figure, tucking in your stomach and smoothing out any bumps. HELLO!'s Director of Lifestyle & Commerce Leanne Bayley relies on shapewear for special occasions: "There's a time and a place for shapewear and I've worn various styles over the years - especially on nights out or red carpet events. I just find that there are some dresses that hang better when I'm wearing shapewear underneath. I also walk with improved posture! Ultimately, my confidence is dramatically improved when I'm wearing shapewear."
What are the best shapewear brands?
Spanx is probably one of the first names that spring to mind when it comes to shapewear, and the brand is a great option when shopping for comfortable and effective shapewear with positive reviews.
Kim Kardashian's Skims has also made its way to the forefront of the most popular shapewear brands. Several Skims products have gone viral since the brand's launch in 2019, and the products offer a huge selection when it comes to inclusive shade options and sizes.
How we chose the best shapewear
- Price: We've selected shapewear in a range of price points for every budget, ranging from £18 to £90.
- Quality: While we haven't tried all of the shapewear in the list, we've only selected products from brands trusted by the HELLO! team, with verified positive customer reviews.
- Inclusivity: Fashion moves fast, but all of the products selected in this edit are in stock in almost every size, and we've added some plus-size options to the mix, too.
Best shapewear for tummy: bodysuits & tummy control
M&S Body Define™ Firm Control Wear Your Own Bra Bodysuit
Editor's Note:
M&S is known for its super comfortable underwear, whether it is their no-VPL knickers, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s collections, or the brand’s shapewear. All designs are lightweight, supportive and practical, but also affordable.
The Firm Control bodysuit is intended to flatten your stomach and create a smooth silhouette under clothing. It dips below the chest so that you can wear your own bra and features sheer striped inserts for a flattering finish.
Skims Mid Thigh Bodysuit
Editor's Note:
Skims has quickly become one of the most popular brands for shapewear. Whether you need stomach control, seamless underwear, a comfortable thong, or a full bodysuit, Kim Kardashian has created quite the assortment.
The Skims Seamless Sculpt Mid-Thigh Bodysuit sculpting bodysuit was trending on its release, and the shapewear has recently been updated for an even better fit. The mid-thigh design features strong compression to target the tummy, waist, and legs, with butt-enhancing pockets for a lifted look.
Finished with a wide crotch for extra coverage, a cotton gusset, and front pique stitching along the front and sides for added support on the bust, the Skims one-piece has so much support for the whole body. The bodysuit comes in nine colours ranging from XXS to XL with 10 shades to choose from.
John Lewis Rae Firm Control Briefs
Editor's Note:
John Lewis stocks a wide variety of underwear, including shapewear, and multiple options for tummy control. Whether you are looking for briefs, high-rise knickers, shorts, thongs, or multipacks, you can stock up all of your essentials.
The Rae Firrm Control Briefs feature firming tummy control for a smoothing effect across the stomach, as well as a cotton gusset for added comfort. The sheer strap detailing on the leg line provides coverage whilst being thin enough to avoid VPL.
SPANX Oncore Stretch-Jersey Body
Editor's Note:
Spanx is a leading brand when it comes to shopping for shapewear items, and one we have all ventured to when in need of something to flatter our figures. Spanx has a wide variety of shapes, cuts and styles, as well as colours to suit everyone's needs.
The Spanx Oncore Body features an open bust so that you can wear your own bra, a stretchy fit for comfort and a slip opening at the gusset. The shapewear has been designed to flatten the appearance of your stomach.
Pour Moi Definitions Shapewear Tummy Control Multiway Strapless Body
Editor's Note:
Pour Moi has an impressive array of shapewear items to target the stomach, legs, bust and more. You'll find everything from structuring bandeau bodysuits to low-rise back designs, plus shorts.
Pour Moi's shaping bodysuit features an underwire with moulded cups and a hook and eye back fastening. The smoothing finish has been designed for sculpting beneath dresses, and the removable straps make it ideal to wear with any outfit.
Wolford Tummy Control 20 Denier Tights
Editor's Note:
Wolford has multiple shapewear items to shop online, from knickers, thongs and shorts, to bodysuits, control skirts and dresses. But a pair of tights are one of the easiest ways to subtly smooth your figure.
The brand's tummy control tights come with opaque attached underwear with a lace design, and a soft knitted waistband. The shaping fit enhances the waist whilst the shaping panties work to bring in the stomach.
Best shapewear shorts
Chantelle Soft Stretch Short Briefs
Editor's Note:
Chantelle is one of the longest-standing lingerie brands on the market. From the sexy lace bras to the comfy soft stretch designs, they cater for everyone's needs.
The high-rise woven shorts come in one size, adapting to the body for a custom fit. The elasticated waistband is designed for comfort whilst still being supportive, with bonded seams and smooth leg openings. The shorts come down to the thigh which eliminates visible pant lines, and the fit is suitable for wearing beneath skirts, dresses and trousers.
John Lewis Seamfree High Waist Shorts
Editor's Note:
John Lewis stocks a variety of shapewear brands, as well as its own range, shoppers can find Spanx, Chantelle, Miraclesuit and many more. From shapewear slip dresses, shapewear underwear, or shapewear leggings, John Lewis has all bases covered.
These Seamfree High Waist Shorts are designed to create a smooth silhouette from the stomach to the thigh, with a stretchy fit for comfort and a super soft feel.
M&S Magicwear™ Waist Cincher & Thigh Slimmer
Editor's Note:
M&S has so many flattering shapewear pieces, from shorts to bodysuits, briefs and more. These waist-cinching shorts are designed to lift and shape your silhouette.
Lightweight yet supportive, they have a smooth finish and feature flattering tummy control technology, as well as added stretch for ultimate comfort and easy movement. The addition of Marks & Spencer's signature moisture-wicking Cool Comfort™ technology also helps to keep you cool all day long.
FALKE Women's Thigh Shapewear
Editor's Note:
Falke's thigh shapewear has been described as 'triple action against cellulite', which is ideal for those who are conscious of their body and looking to create a smooth silhouette. The Cellulite Control Panties come in a variety of sizes, including some half sizes so you can be sure to find the perfect fit and support.
