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Smooth lines, confident curves AND comfort? It’s all possible with the right shapewear. From sculpting bodysuits to shapewear shorts, shop top picks here.
Sick of feeling flabby in your favourite outfits?
Whether a figment of your imagination or not, how you feel in your clothes makes a big difference to your day-to-day confidence. And, when a special occasion comes around, the last thing you want is to feel less than phenomenal.
And that’s where shapewear comes in.
From helping with tummy control to providing extra shape and support to problem areas (think your butt, thighs and chicken wings — we all have them) and hiding dreaded panty lines, the best shapewear not only boosts your confidence but is comfortable too.
So, join the millions of women worldwide and invest in some of your own.
Check out the best shapewear in the UK
The best shapewear shortsBest shapewear for tummy and waist
Our round-up of the best women’s shapewear
Whether you're after shapewear shorts for thigh slimming, waist cinchers or full body-shaping enhancers, our list has got you covered.
Let’s get stuck in, so to speak.
The best shapewear shorts
Photo: John Lewis
Tessa Light Control Thigh Slimmer Shorts
Also available in beige
Specifications
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Material: Polyamide, elastane and cotton
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Machine washable? Yes
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Size range: Size 8-18
If your tum, bum and thighs are your areas of concern, high-rise sculpting shorts are your best bet.
And if you’re after something that offers smoothing support whilst remaining comfortable all day, these Tessa Slimmer Shorts could be for you.
This pair of soft, stretchable shorts provides a smooth and seamless look that will enhance the fit of any of your outfits.
High-waisted for a sleek silhouette, these shorts comfortably shape and adjust to your midriff and thighs, giving you that flawless look you've always desired.
Designed to be worn under all kinds of attire, they offer a confidence-boosting aesthetic and comfort throughout the day. Customers have also appreciated that these shorts hold up perfectly (none of that annoying rolling down), with the bonus of drying quickly after washing.
Photo: John Lewis
Spanx Higher Power Shorts
You save £17.50 (50%)£35
Available in four shades
Specifications
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Material: Nylon and spandex/elastane blend
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Machine washable? Yes
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Size range: S to 3XL
Designed with form-flattering precision, the Spanx Higher Power shorts are your go-to solution for a seamlessly streamlined silhouette.
Crafted to stun, they provide firm control in all the right places, designed specifically to target the stomach and thighs. These shorts offer a 360-degree support system, releasing gradually for superior comfort and unrestricted movement.
A standout feature is the ultra-high waist design which efficiently manages any concerns of a muffin top, helping to bring out the best in your figure. Complementing this is an innovative no-slip strip at the waistband, ensuring a secure fit throughout the day or night.
With standout reviews, users continue to rave about how these shorts bring a boost of confidence with every wear. As one happy customer put it, ‘they pull everything in but are super comfortable, staying in place at the bra line all night.’ Others stress their concealed power, saying they ‘work miracles to hide insecurities, making you feel confident and enhancing the fit of clothes.’
Please excuse us while we add a pair to our cart…
Best shapewear for tummy and waist
Photo: John Lewis
Miraclesuit Waist Cincher
Specifications
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Material: Nylon, elastane
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Machine washable? No, handwash only
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Size range: S to 2XL
The Miraclesuit Waist Cincher is a powerful undergarment designed to target the waist and tummy areas, promising a drastic shaping effect.
While featuring a structured boning to enhance your waist shape, this product does allow for some freedom of movement thanks to its stretch side panels.
In fact, one reviewer found that she could comfortably wear the cincher all day, observing a notable flattening effect on her stomach. Another benefitted from being able to confidently adorn their favourite dresses again, without the worry of a protruding tummy.
So if tummy control is your primary concern, this cincher could be up there as your best shapewear option.
Hot tip: As this garment offers extra firm control, the manufacturer recommends sizing up if you're not used to such intensive compression.
Photo: Simply Be
Magisculpt Light Control Black Bodyshaper
Specifications
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Material: Polyamide, elastane, cotton
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Machine washable? No, handwash
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Size range: Band sizes 28-48, cup sizes AA-K
This body shaper could be your secret to a perfect silhouette for any and all occasions. Perfect beneath dresses, skirts, high-waisted trousers, bridal gowns and more, it’s been celebrated by customers for providing not just a lovely fit but comfort akin to wearing a swimming suit.
Constructed with non-padded, underwired cups, it offers maximum comfort and support for your bust. This practicality extends to the easy and fuss-free hook and eye fastening at the back, as well as a popper fastening on the gusset — so no need to take the whole thing off when nature calls.
For a contoured, slimming and smoothing effect from your bust to your butt, this affordable shapewear garment ticks all boxes.
Photo: Selfridges
SKIMS Sculpt Ruched Stretch-Woven Body
Specifications
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Material: Nylon, elastane
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Machine washable? Yes
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Size range: 2XS-4XL
If anyone knows anything about shapewear, it’s red carpet extraordinaire, Kim Kardashian. So it’s hardly surprising that her brand, SKIMS, features in our round-up.
If a sleek and contoured silhouette is what you’re after, look no further than the Sculpt Ruched Stretch-Woven Bodysuit.
Made from 78% nylon and 22% elastane, this bodywear offers a beautiful fit with a seamless design, ensuring you stay comfortable while looking chic thanks to the lack of any VPL (visible panty line). The soft, stretchy material contours to your body, shaping and defining your form without compromising on comfort.
Adjustable straps allow for further personalisation to not only ensure a perfect fit but also ensure this style readily caters to women of all proportions. Add to this the range of colours available, and one can’t help but be impressed by Kardashian’s commitment to inclusivity.
But be mindful — we’re not the only ones with eyes on this shapewear. SKIMS styles sell out fast, so if you want yours, make sure to act now.
Hot tip: This sculpting bodysuit also comes in a handy open-bust design, so you can wear your own bra (contoured or otherwise) with the garment.
Photo: Net-A-Porter
SKIMS Seamless Sculpt Stretch-Woven Slip Dress
Specifications
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Material: Nylon, elastane
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Machine washable? Yes
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Size range: 2XS-4XL
Similar in style and fit to SKIMS’ above bodysuit, we love this Slip Dress option for wearing beneath – you guessed it — dresses and skirts.
Again designed with adjustable straps and a scoop neck, and made from the brand’s strong compression fabric, this slip offers a smoothing, flattering look that doesn't compromise on comfort.
Another detail we appreciate about this garment is its pique stitching along the centre front and sides. This innovative design detail adds a visually appealing element and contours to your body, offering a subtly sculpted look without the constraint of traditional shapewear.
Perfect for a casual day out or a night on the town, this slip dress will soon become a go-to piece in your wardrobe.
Photo: Simply Be
Magisculpt Ella Blush Lace Firm Control Anti Chafing Thighshaper
Specifications
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Material: Polyamide, elastane, polyester and cotton
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Machine washable? Yes
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Size range: 12-30
Based on the bestselling Ella range, this firm control tummy and thigh shaper is a must-have for any woman seeking a smooth silhouette for specific occasions.
Designed to effectively sculpt and shape your bum, hips and thighs, the pretty centre front lace panel also adds an elegant touch, making this more than just a functional piece.
According to one satisfied customer, it's the first pair of shapewear they've bought that fits so well. Another user, who bought it for a wedding, confirmed it did its job to perfection. It provided a fantastic fit and gave firm control, enhancing her confidence significantly.
And, thanks to its leg length, it prevents any uncomfortable thigh chafing to boot.
Best option for bums and hips
Photo: Simply Be
Magisculpt 3 Pack Midi Control Briefs
Three pack includes black, white and almond pair
Specifications
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Material: Polyamide, elastane, cotton
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Machine washable? Yes
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Size range: 12-28
The Magisculpt Control Briefs are built to enhance your curves with their firm control technology, whilst striking the perfect balance between support and femininity.
Providing smoothing support across your tum and hips, as well as full bum coverage (with a bit of lift!), these briefs work hard whilst remaining discreet.
Delighted customers rave about their longevity, withstanding countless washes over the years without compromising their texture or fit.
Photo: Honeylove
Honeylove Superpower Brief
Specifications
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Material: Nylon, spandex, cotton
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Machine washable? Yes
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Size range: XS- 3XL
They say you get what you pay for. And, whilst sometimes there are workarounds, in the case of ultra-firming and sculpting Superpower Briefs from Honeylove — it stands true.
Whilst these briefs may be more pricey than alternatives on this list, boy do they do their job.
Offering high compression across the waist thanks to their flexible boning, as well as smoothing of the hips and glutes, these briefs sit just beneath the bust — eradicating fears of muffin tops and VPL. Plus, they’re sweat-wicking and are available in six colours, accommodating an array of skin tones and preferences.
Between their posture support, targeted compression, smoothing and no roll-down claims, these Superpower Briefs are a no-brainer for anyone seeking support they can rely on.
This notion is seconded by customers, with one review stating: ‘These are by far, the best on the market. They smooth, shape, and DO NOT roll down no matter what. They are invisible under clothing and simply amazing.’
Photo: Boux Avenue
Bonded High-Waisted Briefs
Specifications
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Material: Polyamide, elastane, cotton
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Machine washable? Yes
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Size ranges: 6-18
If VPL is your primary concern, then rest assured — these seamless microfibre high-waisted briefs have you covered.
Available in black and an almond colour across a range of sizes, these briefs are designed to sit above your belly button and provide full bum coverage — encompassing those classic problem areas.
Whilst they may not provide the strongest contouring, they’re comfortable to wear all day and are perfect for providing a smooth finish beneath fitted dresses and skirts.
So, what is the best shapewear brand?
The best brand will depend on your individual requirements — both in terms of your body shape, areas of concern and the outfit you intend to wear your shapewear with.
That said, after considering the vast market, three brands and products stand out to us:
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Spanx Higher Power Shorts: Potentially one of the best Spanx products on the market, these shorts offer great tummy control and thigh shaping, stay put and in place and manage to remain comfortable for daily wear.
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Honeylove Superpower Brief: The clue is in the name when it comes to these knickers. They’re powerful. With their innovative design, intensive and targeted compression and solid hold on your buttocks, you’ll feel secure and in control from the moment they’re in place.
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SKIMS Sculpt Ruched Stretch-Woven Body: There’s a reason SKIMS products sell like hotcakes. And it’s not just because of their Kardashian association. These products are super soft, comfortable, compressive and contouring and they accommodate a wide range of body shapes and skin tones.
Whatever garment you choose, we hope you experience the confidence boost you were after and enjoy yourself!