The Best Shapewear to Add to Your Packing List, Tested by Our Editors

I’ve been searching for a good pair of sculpting shorts for years. Usually, they either squeeze my legs too tight or the waistband slides down after five minutes. Yitty’s Nearly Naked high-waist short might just be the best pair I’ve ever tried. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy this sculpting short was to slip on. It smoothed out my stomach and thighs without digging in or squeezing me too tight. The material is perfectly stretchy and feels lightweight and breathable, which I really appreciate when I wear this underneath summer wedding guest dresses. The top of the short has a thick, compression waistband that helps it work its smoothing magic without sliding down. I wore this pair recently underneath a dress for a christening and it was comfortable enough to keep on all day while doing the trick of smoothing and sculpting. Best of all, I feel like I can actually take a deep breath and forget I even have these on—not something I can say for all shapewear.

Pros: Breathable material, moisture-wicking fabric, sizes range from XS–5XL
Cons: Runs a little bit small; size up if you’re in between sizes

When it comes to compression, Skims’ shapewear really stands out. These sculpting mid-thigh shorts really sucked in my thighs and stomach. Like all things Skims, the seamless fabric is super smooth and soft, and there’s an impressive range of sizes and colorways available. My one gripe here with these shorts is that they are very tight. Of course that’s kind of the point—after all, they are designed to provide maximum compression—but these felt less forgiving than other shapewear I’ve tried. It also took me a minute or two to get these on, which is something worth considering when you have a dress on and need to go to the restroom. If you’re looking for maximum compression for a tight dress, this pair is for you. But if you’re prioritizing comfort and want something a little bit more wearable for every day, these might not be for you (or size up for a little bit more breathing room).

Pros: Unseen underneath dresses, smooth fabric, inclusive sizing
Cons: Runs small; feels very tight on the skin compared to other pieces I tested

If you’re looking for a combination of core control, butt lifting, and leg sculpting, Yitty’s Nearly Naked Booty Lift short is a strong contender. While the other sculpting shorts we tested provide decent tummy compression, this pair is super high-waisted, offering support all the way up your torso. “This pair doesn’t roll down at the top or up on the legs, and there aren’t any visible lines,” says travel bookings editor Jamie Spain. That’s all thanks to the silicone gripper around the waistband that keeps it in place and the thoughtfully designed inseam that prevents rolling at the thighs. The other stand-out feature here is the unique design around the back that helps lift and shape the butt. Spain also appreciates that this pair smoothes the stomach, butt, and thighs without being too restrictive, making it more wearable for casual settings. It’s worth noting that you can’t wear this pair with mini dresses or dresses with a very low back.

Pros: Moisture-wicking, bathroom-friendly open gusset, waistband doesn’t roll down
Cons: Doesn’t cinch the waist very much

“When I first took this out of the package, I thought there was no way it was going to fit—it looks teensy,” says associate commerce director Madison Flager. “And while it definitely takes some elbow grease to put it on, it’s actually way stretchier and more comfortable than I would’ve guessed (though for less of a workout getting into it, I’d recommend sizing up).” For all-around support underneath a long gown, we recommend going for a sculpting bodysuit like this seamless style from Skims. Not only does it offer compression around the thighs and core, it also acts as your built-in bra. “It offers great compression around the waist and smooths you out under a dress or a top and a skirt,” says Flager. “I haven’t had any issues with the legs rolling up, and the chest area offers a solid amount of support, even if you have a larger chest.” It’s available in several colorways, from sand to onyx, and sizes from 2XS–4XL.

Pros: Adjustable straps, bathroom-friendly open gusset
Cons: Takes some work to get on

This was the very first piece of shapewear I got my hands on a few years ago—and it’s still one of my most-worn bodysuits. Skim’s viral Seamless Sculpt bodysuit earns our stamp of approval for its seriously impressive core compression. It cinches in your waist perfectly without feeling like you’re wearing a tight, restrictive corset. I wear this underneath tight dresses when I want something that smoothes the tummy area and works as a bra, too. It offers pretty good support in the chest area without the bulkiness of a bra. My favorite thing about this bodysuit, though, and what has made it a bestseller for Skims, is its versatility. Yes, it’s shapewear, but I love wearing it as a tank top tucked into a pair of jeans or shorts. On its own, it doesn’t really look like shapewear and acts like any other bodysuit, but with lots of added benefits. Another big pro: When it’s not on your body, it’s pretty tiny, meaning you can slip it into your carry-on and forget it’s there.

Pros: Can be worn on its own, adjustable straps, cotton gusset with a snap closure
Cons: The brief may show some underwear lines depending on what bottoms you have on

Not every piece of formalwear calls for full-on shapewear. I was looking for a seamless thong I could wear under white linen skirts, dresses, or anything that tends to be a tiny bit see-through and Spanx’s SuperSmooth Essential thong really delivered. The material is buttery smooth and has held up well after several rounds in the washing machine (I let it air dry). It’s pretty high-waisted, allowing for this barely-there piece of underwear to actually provide a little bit of tummy support and compression. Choose from a selection of neutral hues, including Champagne beige, smoke, navy, and black.

Pros: Light support, seamless, breathable
Cons: Limited support compared to other shapewear

A smoothing thong is a nice option that can be worn with everything from backless dresses to mini skirts. Spanx’s Supersmooth line of underwear is super lightweight, breathable, and elastic-free. For a little bit more core control than Spanx’s Essential thong, go for the Undie-tectable option. “These are a great everyday piece of shapewear for a little bit of coverage around your lower midsection without a hint of discomfort,” says Flager. “I’ve worn them under dresses, skirts, and high-waisted trousers, and am a big fan.” The high-waisted thong lands just below your belly button, so you’re getting plenty of tummy support. “They’re super comfortable, come in a ton of colors, and don’t leave any lines under clothing,” says Flager. “As the directions say, be sure to hang dry them to make the shape last longer.”

Pros: Light compression, no panty lines, pretty affordable
Cons: Limited shaping compared to other pieces

I don’t always want to wear a bra, but sometimes I need a little something. Gatherall’s nipple covers really are my secret weapon when I don’t want to—or can’t—wear a bra. I wear these with backless dresses, strapless gowns, tube tops, see-through bodysuits, you name it. Unlike other nipple covers I’ve tried, these actually stay on even as I start sweating and they don’t irritate my skin when I take them off at the end of the night. The adhesive silicone covers are thick around the center for ample coverage and thin toward the edges for a seamless look. Plus, they can actually be worn again and again. Gatherall recommends wearing these washable, reusable covers up to 30 times, but I think I may have worn mine even more than that—and they are still going strong.

Pros: Waterproof and sweat-proof; washable and reusable up to 30 times; comes in a compact, packable tube
Cons: Provides light coverage, but not much support

“At first, I was a bit hesitant about how this Spanx slip dress was going to fit,” says commerce writer Jessica Chapel. “Feeling confident, I hard-launched this bad boy on a sweaty day of exploring the streets of New Orleans—and to my surprise it worked well with my body.” Whether you’re looking for something to later under semi-sheer dresses or a breathable mini to wear on warm weather trips, Spanx’s Supersmooth slip has you covered. “This stretchy, quick-drying slip has a super-soft microfabric that kept me cool and comfortable, even in the dewy humidity of New Orleans,” says Chapel. “And while it has adjustable straps, they don’t dig into your shoulders, unlike plenty of other tight slips and tanks I’ve owned before.” Its versatility makes it a great base layer for any summer outfit. Chapel did note that it took a few wears to fully break in and it was a little bit tight at first. After a few wears and a round in the washing machine, it fits just right.

Pros: Gentle compression, adjustable straps, versatile look
Cons: Straps can be a little tricky to adjust

When we heard Yitty had a convertible shapewear dress that can be worn five different ways, we knew we had to try it. “When I slipped into this dress, it felt like a second skin—smooth, sculpting, and surprisingly breathable,” says commerce writer Paris Wilson. “The fabric is buttery smooth and molds to my body in the most flattering way—it’s got that sculpted, snatched look without sacrificing comfort.” Best of all, the dress’s convertible straps can be switched and worn a handful of ways. “I love the versatility of the convertible straps; being able to switch up the style makes it feel like you’re really getting your money’s worth, making it a staple for your capsule wardrobe.”

Pros: Versatile, breathable, comes in many different colorways
Cons: If you’re in between sizes, you might find it a bit snug, especially around the chest. And while the compression is great for shaping, it can be a bit warm in hotter weather.