Finding the best shapewear can be a tricky task, luckily, I’m here to help. The base to so many great outfits, finding the perfect shapewear can not only transform your wardrobe, but also give you a confidence boost in unison. If you thought that solution underwear was reserved for special occasions only – perhaps you’ve got a wedding coming up, you’re a bride-to-be, or you love to wear them on a night out – there are so many shapewear items that can work as part of your everyday uniform, too.
Whether you want to cinch in your waist to make sure you can zip up your favourite date night dress, you’re keen to smooth your thighs underneath lightweight spring trousers, or you want to add a sculpting effect all-over, I’ve found the shapewear to suit your needs. Heck, I’ve even found a pair of M&S shorts with removable padding that’ll make you look like you’ve been doing extra squats at the gym. No matter if you want to enhance, smooth, cinch, shape or define, you’re bound to find ‘the one’ when it comes to shapewear. And as a fashion editor of more than 12 years, I’ve tried and tested my fair share of different shapewear styles – from slips and bodysuits to briefs and shorts.
Kim Kardashian’s brand, Skims, is the destination for high compression pieces that will hold you in and boost your assets, while Next has a slip dress that allows you to wear your own bra underneath so you can effortlessly smooth your silhouette with the comfort of your own bra and pants. When it comes to that tricky halterneck or plunge dress you want to wear for a night out, the Spanx shorts bodysuit is here to solve quite literally any wardrobe dilemma – trust me, I’ve put it through its paces for several different occasions and outfits. In fact, I’ve put all of these shapewear pieces to the test – the result? A selection of the best shapewear pieces that will make you feel your very best self.
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The best shapewear pieces for 2026 are:
- Best overall – Dorina shaping bodysuit: £32, Amazon.co.uk
- Best budget option – Simiya shapewear underpants: £10.95, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for smoothing your stomach – Next firm tummy control wear your own bra slip: £19, Next.co.uk
- Best for bum boosting – M&S cool comfort seamless bum boosting shorts: £15, Marksandspencer.com
- Best for tricky outfits – Spanx plunge low-back mid-thigh bodysuit: £105.60, Johnlewis.com
How I tested
Like your everyday comfy briefs and a good well-fitting bra, shapewear is an important part of most people’s lingerie drawers. But with so many different outfit solution styles to choose from, how do you know which ones are the best? This is where I come in. Over the course of a few weeks, I tried so many different shapewear styles – from the most popular (hello, Skims and M&S) to the lesser-known brands such as Dorina, wearing each style multiple times for different occasions and with different outfits. After thinking about the shaping result, materials, how they fared against wash instructions as well as how they made me feel when I wore them, I’ve now created an edit of the 12 best shapewear styles that I believe are the best for all different body areas.
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Dorina shaping bodysuit
Best: shapewear overall
Size range: 34-42 back and A-E cup
Colours available: Black or beige
Material: 79 per cent polyamide, 17 per cent elastane and 4 per cent polyester
Why we love it
- Feels so comfortable yet sculpting
- Seamless under outfits
- No need to wear own bra or pants
Take note
- Back measurements is in EU sizing so make sure to check guide to get correct size
I would say that this is the shapewear solution to suit pretty much any outfit. Although wearing your own bra underneath can sometimes be a good thing, I prefer having less layers to struggle out of at the end of the night. This one-piece feels just like a swimsuit, with its stretchy, smooth material reminding me of my favorite one. Easy to step into (or put over your head, as it has snaps at the crotch), as soon as I put it on I felt like the lumps and bumps around my tummy area were smoother. It has a medium to firm hold but not in a restrictive way, so it’s one you could easily get away with wearing as part of your everyday outfits, too. And I can confirm the high leg means it doesn’t dig in at all.
For the smooth cup bra, it was true to size and thanks to the padding it added a slight boost to my boobs. It also has a quadruple clasp at the back so it’s easy to adjust during your cycle and the straps are removable, so I liked the look of it underneath a bandeau dress. My only issue would be the hole at the back under the strap is quite big, and as someone who is a bit self conscious about my back, I would have preferred this to be more covered. With that being said, though, my whole torso just felt so supported, smoothed and slightly snatched around the waist, so this is something I would definitely wear on heavy rotation. Plus, the price point is so good for such an amazing addition to your lingerie edit.
Buy now £32, Amazon.co.uk
Simiya shapewear underpants
Best: budget shapewear
Size range: S-3XL
Colours available: Black, beige, white
Material: 91 per cent nylon, 9 per cent elastane
Why we love it
- Supportive but comfortable
- Good size range
- Won’t roll down
Take note
- Hand wash only
Like most women, a great pair of shapewear pants are an important part of my underwear drawer. The thing is, though, it can be so tricky to find the perfect ones, can’t it? Some are too high up, some too low and some just roll down as soon as you move – which is why I love this pair that even Goldilocks would be proud of, as they’re just right. Designed to fit high up on the waist, I love how they didn’t leave much of a gap between my pants and my bra, making my tummy and waist feel so supported.
The clever criss-cross design is what I believe makes these shapewear briefs different from all the other pairs I’ve tried. It felt like they cinched in my waist slightly, they skimmed over any belly bulges that I’m less confident about and the couple of inches of boning on the waist really helped to hold me in at all the right places. I also liked how the lightweight mesh material is super stretchy and breathable so it doesn’t feel like an extra layer of clothing when you’re wearing them. You can see a slight VPL with these – as they’re a full brief style – but this didn’t bother me too much.
Buy now £10.95, Amazon.co.uk
M&S cool comfort seamless bum boosting shorts
Best: bum boosting shapewear
Size range: S-XL
Colours available: Black, rose quartz
Material: 90 per cent polyamide, 10 per cent elastane
Why we love it
- Can wear with or without padding
- Smoothing for lower half
- Instantly fuller bum cheeks
Take note
- Make sure pads don’t sit too low down or can look strange
I’m not going to lie, when I first put these ones on, I did feel a bit ridiculous, as they noticeably made my bum look bigger. But, this is of course what they’re supposed to do, so I soon embraced the new look. Similar to how you can boost your breasts with a push-up bra, this is the equivalent for bum cheeks. The padded super squishy cups makes them appear not only fuller, but more perky by sitting quite high up. The shorts pull into place really easily, and I appreciated how the longer leg design also helps to smooth the thighs and tummy slightly at the same time, thanks to the medium/firm compression.
The pads are removable, so this is the trickiest part about this shapewear. Although it makes it easier to wash (remove them to help them keep their shape), it does take a bit of readjusting to make sure they sit where your bum would naturally look fuller. I found they looked a bit too low down and therefore slightly unnatural, but after adjusting once I got my jeans on, they felt just right. Plus, when I wore them on a night out, they weren’t as noticeable as I thought they would be (it wasn’t all eyes on my bum when I walked in like I thought) but they did gain some compliments from my friends who thought I had been upping my squats at the gym.
Buy now £15, Marksandspencer.com
Spanx plunge low-back mid-thigh bodysuit
Best: shapewear for tricky outfits
Size range: XS-XL
Colours available: Black, champagne, linen, cafe au lait
Material: 51 per cent elastane, 49 per cent nylon
Why we love it
- Will work with practically any outfit
- Don’t have to wear a bra
- Multiway straps
- Removable back strap
Take note
- Can’t shop by bra size
If you’re keen to just add one shapewear item to your lingerie collection, I would say this is ‘the one’. As an all-rounder that offers a wardrobe solution for pretty much any outfit, it’s the one-piece that will work whether you’ve got a dress with a plunge front, a low back or even backless. And it’s all thanks to the plethora of multiway functions this Spanx bodysuit has built in.
The super-stretchy suit with all over compression feels instantly smoothing on the thighs, tummy and waist without feeling like it’s too tight on your curves. The bra cups are slightly padded so they offer a bit of lift, and my only issue with this one piece is that you can’t shop it by bra size – this didn’t stop it fitting perfectly, though, as there’s a guide on the website to help you pick which size (XS-XL) would suit different cup and back band sizes. With the straps able to be readjusted and styled five different ways (including off all together for strapless outfits), it basically works with your wardrobe no matter what you wear. Plus, it has an opening at the gusset so it’s easy to go to the toilet without having to wriggle out of it on a night out.
The only other thing to consider is the price point. As the most expensive item I tried, I know it’s quite a lot to spend on shapewear but I do think the amount of different ways you can wear it makes it worth it.
Buy now £105.61, Johnlewis.com
ShaperX shapewear bodysuit
Best: shapewear for a cinched waist
Size range: XXS-4XL
Colours available: Black, brown, beige, mauve, pink, purple
Material: 89 per cent nylon, 11 per cent elastane
Why we love it
- Brief or thong styles available
- Sculpting material
- Inclusive size range
Take note
- Thong style can dig in slightly near bum
- Sizes are estimates, so can be hard to choose the right option
Firstly, don’t be put off by how this shapewear bodysuit looks once you take it out of the packet. The high compression means it’s super stretchy, so while it looks so small, it can easily be pulled on and doesn’t feel uncomfortable to wear. What I loved most about this one is how it can easily be styled as a top. Over your everyday bra, or without, it’s one of those strappy bodysuits that looks so good worn with jeans or a skirt and instantly gives that smooth silhouette around the tummy and waist – thanks to the poppers at the crotch keeping it in place as you move.
With adjustable straps, it’s perfect if you have bigger boobs or a longer torso to adjust accordingly. I wore the thong style, and while it did dig in slightly, it wouldn’t be an issue on a night out or when you’re out to dinner and I preferred the higher cut leg that made it invisible even under tight dresses.
Buy now £24.64, Amazon.co.uk
Heist sculpt perforated outer bodysuit
Best: shapewear for waist and stomach contouring
Size range: 8-22
Colours available: Black, almond
Material: 80 per cent polyamide, 20 per cent elastane
Why we love it
- Extra firm control
- Breathable design
Take note
- Limited colours
- Expensive
With high compression, this is one of those shapewear styles you’ll struggle to get into – but once it’s on, you’ll appreciate the firm control. The built-in cups aren’t padded or lined, so they’re perfect to wear without a bra, or over your usual style without adding any extra bulk if you have a bigger chest. The stomach area of this one is so strong, it’s hard to even stretch to put on, but don’t worry, there’s a lighter material over your boobs or bum so it won’t flatten any of your curves. The thing is, though, because the material is different, it did create a slight indent on the bum where the material is thicker and I also found this on the hips.
Although it’s tight in the middle section, it has little airholes all the way down to make the material breathable and I loved how sleek it felt underneath more fitted dresses and even jeans. Overall, I get why people rate Heist shapewear.
Buy now £74.2, Heist-studios.com
John Lewis smoothing slip dress
Best: shapewear for a slightly smoothed silhouette
Size range: S-XL
Colours available: Black, almond, chocolate
Material: 76 per cent nylon, 24 per cent elastane
Why we love it
- Flattering neckline
- Super soft and stretchy
Take note
- Light control
- Straps aren't adjustable
As one of the stretchiest shapewear pieces I tried out, this is the one you’ll want to get if you’re after a light smoothing layer to go over your underwear and under your outfits. I’m a size 10 and wore a medium, due to the stretchiness, however, you could definitely size down to make it tighter and more sculpting.
The square-neck slip dress with thicker straps means you can’t see your bra straps underneath (something I always find important with tops and dresses in general). The mini length also makes it perfect to wear under another mini dress, but also a midi or a maxi. I wore it to work underneath a fitted shirt dress and I liked how it just smoothed out my silhouette without trying to boost or make any part look smaller than it is. It made me feel slightly more confident just by having it on, but I wouldn’t say it’s one to opt for if you’re wanting to have high compression or a noticeably different silhouette.
Buy now £32, Johnlewis.com
Skims seamless sculpt brief bodysuit
Best: seamless bodysuit
Size range: XXS - 4X
Colours available: Six skin tone shades and black
Material: 82 per cent nylon / 18 per cent elastane
Why we love it
- Super cinching
- Seamless under clothes
- Incredible size range
Take note
- Sizing runs very small so hard to get it on and off
Kim Kardashian’s shapewear brand is renowned for having some of the best styles around, so I’m always keen to try them out to see if they really are that good. And I can confirm, they are. If you’re after maximum sculpting and cinching in a way that can actually look like you’ve lost a dress size, this is the one to go for. But there’s a few things to note.
I’m a size 10 and I went one size up and tried a medium (it’s supposed to be the equivalent of a UK 12-14) but they run really small. I could barely get into this as it’s such high compression, so I would advise even going two sizes up if you want to make it a bit more comfy to wear for longer periods of time. The higher cut pant style is seamless under clothes and, as someone who has a longer torso, I appreciated the adjustable straps for this one. The ruched detail at the front is also really flattering on the chest if you don’t plan on wearing a bra but it did squash my boobs as it’s firm fitting so I preferred it with a bra underneath.
Buy now £78, Selfridges.com
Pour Moi underwired bodyshaper
Best: underwired bodysuit
Size range: 32-38 back and D-J cup
Colours available: Black or beige
Material: 89 per cent polyamide, 3 per cent viscose, 7 per cent elastane and 1 per cent polyester
Why we love it
- Prettier than some shapewear
- Perfect for those with bigger cup sizes
- Easy to put on
Take note
- Not as high compression as some styles out there
Bridging the gap between lingerie and shapewear, this all-in-one bodyshaper by Pour Moi is one of the prettier options to add to your collection. Removing the need to think about which pants or bra to put on, simply slip on this one piece and it’ll give you a little boost in all the right places. I loved how the cups of the bra are underwired but not padded, so the sheer lace detail keeps this item still feeling a bit sexy underneath clothes. And, being specifically made for larger cup sizes (D-J), the coverage is full, so it will keep your assets firmly in place.
The lace detail is also on the hips which offers a really pretty finish and, although I liked the look of it, it’s a heavier lace so not as soft and comfy as I would have hoped for. When it comes to compression, I would say it’s light to medium but it still gives you that smooth appearance that you want from a body.
Buy now £50, Marksandspencer.com
Next firm tummy control wear your own bra slip
Best: shapewear for tummy control
Size range: UK 8-20
Colours available: Black or beige
Material: 89 per cent polyamide and 11 per cent elastane
Why we love it
- High compression
- Can wear own bra
- Smooths over waist, tummy, thighs and bum
Take note
- Straps aren’t adjustable
- Sizing is between sizes so trickier to know which one to get
I’ve tried so many different types of shapewear for different needs, but I would say this slip is one of the best. Feeling similar to a bandage dress that you have to work your way into, once you put the straps over your shoulders you instantly feel secure. The best part about this one is that it sits underneath your bra, so you can wear your favourite style. Because of the positioning of the slip, it always makes your bra sit slightly higher up, giving a lift and push-up effect.
This slip offered all-over smoothing. It has high compression so it cinches in the waist, glides over the tummy and thighs and although still tight around the bum, it still makes it appear lifted rather than squashed. The only negative is that although the short length makes it work under any dress type, it did ride up slightly as I danced.
Buy now £19, Next.co.uk
John Lewis smoothing long sleeve bodysuit
Best: shapewear to smooth arms
Size range: S-XL
Colours available: Brown, black and beige
Material: 76 per cent polyamide and 24 per cent elastane
Why we love it
- Great to smooth arms
- Soft and comfy to wear
- Can be styled as a top
Take note
- Low compression so doesn’t cinch that much
My arms aren’t an area I’m most confident about, so I love that this bodysuit from John Lewis has long sleeves. As soon as I unwrapped it I noticed the incredibly soft material that is very stretchy considering it’s made with a high percentage of elastane. Buttery soft, it’s as comfortable to wear as it looks.
With snaps at the crotch, it’s easiest to undo them and pull the bodysuit on over your head. It offers light compression, providing a gentle smoothing effect on the arms, upper body, and slightly on the bum. If you want to feel cinched then this isn’t the one to go for but it’s the ideal option if you’re looking for a smoothing style top to wear without VPL under skirts and wide-leg trousers. It’s basically a more affordable option of the Skims styles.
Buy now £29, Johnlewis.com
Simply Be magisculpt tummy control high waist lace briefs
Best: everyday shapewear
Size range: UK 10-26
Colours: Two pack with beige and blush
Material: 87% polyamide, 13% elastane
Why we love it
- Full coverage brief style
- Can have one on and one in the wash
- Pretty lace design
Take note
- Can roll down slightly
Sometimes it can just be nice for your everyday briefs to give you that little extra confidence boost, and this Magisculpt pair does just that. The first thing I noticed was how soft and silky the material is – including the lace, there’s nothing worse than itchy detailing – so I instantly liked them. They have a double layer at the front to help smooth the belly area but I did find the elasticated waist dug in slightly at the top, so it wasn’t as smoothing as some pairs I’ve tried. They’re also supposed to be firm in terms of control but I would definitely say Magisculpt pants are medium compared to other brands such as Skims, which are far more snatched.
The lace detailing adds a slightly less fuller brief shape, so I think it feels less Bridget Jones-style than a lot of shaping briefs. They were super comfy throughout the day, even when just worn in the office, and although they did roll down slightly while I was sitting at my desk, this is expected with a higher waist pair.
Buy now £22.4, Simplybe.co.uk
Your questions about shapewear answered
What is the best shapewear?
The Dorina shaping bodysuit takes the top spot, as I found it was the shapewear solution to suit pretty much any outfit. Easy to step into, it’s smoothing without being too restrictive – the one-piece wonder feels similar to a swimsuit to wear. Alternatively, if you’re working with a particularly tricky outfit or have a bigger budget, look no further than the Spanx plunge low-back thigh bodysuit. It’ll keep you feeling snatched while still going unseen thanks to the clever multiway design.
How I tested shapewear
I tested all the shapewear pieces over the course of several weeks, looking for their most important criteria, including:
How to choose the best shapewear for your body
The right shapewear depends on why you want to wear it. If you’re looking for something to wear every day, briefs are a great way to give a bit of stomach control and shape your bum for a sleek look. High-waist briefs are also ideal if you’re looking for that little bit more stomach control and a discreet cinch at the waist.
Bodysuits are a versatile option if you don’t want to hide your shapewear, as they can be worn under outfits or with jeans for a stylish underwear-is-outerwear look. While you want to create a smooth silhouette by wearing your shapewear, you’re not going to be confident if you aren’t comfortable.
Should I get a smaller or bigger size for ultimate coverage?
If you’re between sizes – a size medium waist and a size large hips, for example – it is recommended to choose a seamless product. The usual advice is to size based on your largest measurement, and if you prefer a more relaxed fit, size up.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Harriet Davey is a fashion editor, stylist and writer with years of experience covering wardrobe staples and fashion trends. Her work has included hand-picking fashion edits for major fashion publications, interviewing celebrities for their style takes, and much more. This expertise means Harriet knows which shapewear works well beneath certain pieces of clothing, from jackets to women’s sunglasses. For this review, Harriet has only included pieces worth a spot in your underwear rotation.
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