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Wishing you looked better in your favorite dress? Wish you could snap your fingers and get rid of those lumpy areas that appear when you’re rocking your favorite blouse or jeans? Every fashion stylist will tell you the same thing:
You can drastically change your appearance just by wearing the right foundation garments.
Ready to look better and feel more confident in your clothes without having to shed a pound? Here are the seven best shapewear items to wear beneath any outfit.
What is Shapewear?
Shapewear is a category of undergarments designed to create a better silhouette beneath your clothing. It comes in a variety of silhouettes, such as bodysuits, briefs, shorts and slips.
Some people wear shapewear to smooth out lumps, bumps, and reduce the appearance of stubborn areas of fat. Some people wear it to completely alter the shape of their actual body.
Available in different fabrics and firmness for various levels of shaping, shapewear can transform your body a little or a lot, depending on what you’re looking for.
What to Look For in Shapewear
When shopping for shapewear, the first thing to consider is the level of compression you need. If you’re looking to simply smooth out a few lumps, look for shapewear with medium control. If you’re trying to change your figure or create a slimmer appearance, opt for firm control.
It’s also important to buy the right size. Shapewear is tight – it has to be in order to work. But buy a size too small, and it can actually be difficult to breathe. At the same time, buying a piece that’s too large won’t give you the full benefits. Make sure you buy the size you need!
Another thing to consider is the fabric. Synthetic fabrics aren’t breathable – they can make you hot and sweaty beneath your clothing. Cotton shapewear, on the other hand, is much more breathable (and a much better choice for wearing in the summer months).
You can buy shapewear to push up your bust, lift your butt, smooth your back, or compress your tummy. Whichever area of the body you want to address, you can be sure there is a piece of slimming shapewear out there to fix it!
Commando Classic Control Thong
If you’ve never worn shapewear before, a great place to start is with a panty. The Commando Classic Control Thong from Amazon features light compression to smooth out bumps without making you feel as if you’re suffocating.
This panty features a flattering high waist silhouette to smooth and flatten out your tummy and torso. It’s detailed with raw cut edges for a seamless finish and a thong back so you can wear it beneath your tightest pants and skirts.
Yummie Seamless Zoned Shaping Slip
Featuring firm compression, the Yummie Seamless Zoned Shaping Slip shapes the body through your torso and thighs. Perfect for wearing with a bodycon dress, this slip includes adjustable bra-friendly straps and a wire-free bust.
Afraid it’s going to ride up beneath the hem of your skirt? It won’t. This slip includes a silicone strip at the bottom that holds it in place on your legs.
Spanx Higher Power Short
Streamline your body from below your bust to your thighs with the Spanx Higher Power Short available on Amazon. This high waist short is lightweight and comfortable, perfect for wearing beneath short dresses, skirts, and pants.
The high waist silhouette helps to get rid of the dreaded muffin top, while the soft nylon fabric blend offers just the right amount of support and tummy control. It will smooth and shape your figure without squeezing as much as firm control shorts.
Spanx is known for making clothing that is comfortable all day, and these thigh slimmer control shapewear shorts are no exception.
Related: The Top 7 Women’s Workout Leggings
Va Bien Ultra Lift Plunge Satin Panel Bodysuit
Satin accents add a luxurious touch to the Va Bien Ultra Lift Plunge Satin Panel Bodysuit. Offering firm control and moderate coverage, this bodysuit does double duty by providing excellent bust support and flattening the tummy.
This bodysuit is detailed with convertible, removable straps to suit all sorts of necklines and sleeve lengths. This is a great shapewear piece for backless or strapless dresses that will still provide that hourglass shape.
It also includes light side and front boning for even better shaping. The smooth-edged bra cups make it perfect for wearing beneath even the tightest top or dress.
Maidenform Open Bust Body Shaper
With supportive straps and an open bust, the Maidenform Open Bust Bodyshaper can be worn with any bra. It provides ultra-firm control, making it ideal if you’re looking to smooth and sculpt your midsection, back, and waistline.
Have you worn shapewear before that’s made you feel hot and confined beneath your clothes? This body briefer is made from Cool Comfort® fabric, a lightweight nylon/spandex blend with a soft power mesh lining. The Maidenform body shaper comes in plus sizes, offers a hook and eye closure and has adjustable straps for all body types.
Commando Two-Faced Tech Control Slip
You’ll feel all smoothed out, but not all stuffed in, in the Commando Two-Faced Tech Control Slip. Spaghetti straps, a V-neckline, raw cut fabric and no underwire make it ideal for wearing beneath any dress.
This shapewear slip features a medium weight that offers support and gives you a smooth, flawless look under your clothes. It’s made from a nylon/cotton/spandex blend, making it a comfortable option even in warm weather. And a bonus, there will be no visible panty lines and has the look and feel of a camisole.
Spanx Suit Your Fancy Plunge Bodysuit
From your bust to your waist to your thighs, the Spanx Suit Your Fancy Plunge Bodysuit is a must-have for every night out. With a low front and a low back, this full-coverage bodysuit can be worn beneath the sexiest of dresses, including backless designs and plunging necklines.
Other features of this bodysuit include convertible straps, firm support, and a cling-free finish, so it doesn’t stick to your clothes. And when it’s time to hit the ladies room, don’t worry – this bodysuit includes an easy access gusset so you don’t have to completely take it off to use the loo.
What Shapewear is Best?
The shapewear that’s right for you all depends on what part of the body you’re looking to control and how much you’re trying to control it.
From high waist panties to slips to waist cinchers to full bodysuits, shapewear comes in just about every size and silhouette imaginable.
It may take a few tries to find the one that’s perfect for you but once you do, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
You might also be interested in: The 8 Most Comfortable Bras [And How They are Actually Supposed to Fit]
The 7 Best Shapewear for slimming your problem areas:
- Commando Classic Control Thong
- Yummie Seamless Zoned Shaping Slip
- Spanx Higher Power Short
- Va Bien Ultra Lift Plunge Satin Panel Bodysuit
- Maidenform Open Bust Body Shaper
- Commando Two-Faced Tech Control Slip
- Spanx Suit Your Fancy Plunge Bodysuit
Jessica Heston
view postJessica Heston
After 15 years in the fashion industry, this Philadelphia native ditched her corporate career to focus on writing full time. Jessica is a TV junkie, whiskey lover and true crime addict. She finds inspiration from Broadway musicals, Hitchcock films and The Beatles. She is happily married without children, which she credits as the reason for her professional success, youthful attitude and solid eight hours of sleep every night.
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