We Put Today’s Trending Plus-Size Shapewear to the Test—These 14 Are Clear Winners

Shapewear is never a necessity, but its ability to sculpt, smooth, and enhance our natural curves can make a world of difference for whatever we wear over it, be it a bodycon cocktail dress or our favorite pair of boyfriend jeans. “It’s all about boosting confidence and making your clothes fit better,” says size-inclusive stylist Michaela Leitz. When shopping for shapewear for plus-size figures, there are varying styles and levels of compression available to help enhance specific body types or areas, whether the desired result is lifting, smoothing, snatching, or a combination of the three.  To find the best plus-size shapewear, we tapped our editors to test today’s most popular styles and determine which ones are worthy of a purchase. We took dozens of styles for a spin, wearing them to the office, brunch, and formal events (and, on one occasion, a hike) to rate how well they smoothed and shaped our figures—and if they did so comfortably. We considered other factors, too, such as the fit's accuracy, how easy it is to get in and out of them, and how well the shape and compression held up through multiple wears and washes. We also had shapewear experts share their insights and tips for shopping the best styles based on your body type. Whether you’re in the market for a full-body shaper, a smoothing bodysuit, or sculpting shorts, keep reading for the best plus-size shapewear you can buy today. PHOTO: Lane Bryant Why We Love It: Of the many shapewear styles and types we tested, this open-bust thigh shaper was by far the most comfortable and provided the most compression. It gave us the hourglass figure we desired, smoothing out any lumps or bumps and boosting our confidence, and it was entirely invisible underneath our clothing. It’s crafted from a durable yet silky-soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking material that ensures we stay comfortable and allows our clothes to slide on seamlessly. You can expect it to fit pretty tight, but it wasn’t at all bothersome—only when we wore it for over six hours did we start to notice it. If there’s one thing we’d change, we’d add an opening at the gusset for easy bathroom breaks, but it was in no way a deal-breaker, given how easy it is to take off. Who It’s For: This is an excellent choice for all people with plus-size bodies (it comes in a wide range of sizes) looking for shapewear that provides great compression, slimming, and smoothing from the torso through the thighs. Just keep in mind that because it’s open-bust, you’ll still need to wear a bra for support in the bust area. Material: Nylon, spandex | Size: 14/16–34/36 PHOTO: InStyle PHOTO: InStyle PHOTO: InStyle PHOTO: Knix Why We Love It: We love how these Knix shorts fit; they do a great job smoothing out our figures without being restrictive. We felt tight and tucked in without the discomfort associated with more compressive styles, thanks in part to its ultralightweight material. It has a second-skin feel, allowing for plenty of breathability while still protecting from chafing and wardrobe malfunctions—plus, it’s completely seamless underneath clothing and stays in place throughout the day. Factor in the under-$40 price tag, and you really can’t go wrong.  Who It’s For: Anyone looking for everyday smoothing shorts will appreciate this style's comfort, quality, and affordability. At 4 inches long, these are on the shorter side, a plus for petite folks or anyone wearing a shorter skirt or dress. However, they won’t provide as much thigh-chafing protection as longer options. Material: Nylon, Lycra; cotton, spandex, carbon gusset | Size: XS–4XL PHOTO: Honeylove Why We Love It: Wanna look absolutely snatched? Try these shorts, stat. They have an excellent smoothing and slimming effect on the tummy area and nicely cinch us in at the waist. They made our booty and hips look great, too, even smoothing out our hip dips! The compressive material and sculpting boning do make these a bit tight, but we still found them to be pretty comfortable for the amount of shaping they provide. Plus, they’re completely invisible under clothing, even bodycon dresses, and have a pull-aside gusset for seamless bathroom breaks. We’re fans of the rest of Honeylove’s SuperPower collection, too, especially the SuperPower Brief, which offers the same great compression and sculpting yet gives our thighs a little more freedom.  Who It’s For: These are great shapewear shorts for anyone looking to smooth out the tummy region. After testing on a range of people, we think they’d work well with most body types, especially curvy. However, those of us with wider hips did notice the hip boning slightly dug in when we were sitting. If you prefer something with a little less coverage, we definitely recommend trying the SuperPower Brief, which also ranked high on our list. Material: Nylon, spandex; cotton gusset | Size: XS–3X PHOTO: Honeylove Why We Love It: For a “you, but smoother” fit, this bodysuit from Honeylove will hug your curves in all the right places and give you a sleeker-looking silhouette. The compression is somewhat firm yet still very comfortable, and it provides a decent amount of support. We thought it was particularly effective in the tummy area, smoothing out our “mom belly” and overall, we were impressed with how it made us look and feel. Our only qualm: We found that the brief bottom was noticeable under tighter clothing, but we think the thong option would be better at hiding VPLs (a.k.a. visible panty lines). Who It’s For: If you’re in the market for a bodysuit that provides everyday smoothing, particularly in the belly area, this is a solid option. It’s available in a few different styles, including a brief and a thong bottom, so you have options (we’d recommend the thong for tighter-fitting dresses and bottoms). We did notice the cups and the length run on the smaller side, however, so we do recommend sizing up if you have a larger bust or longer torso. Material: Nylon, spandex; cotton gusset | Size: XS–4X standard and petite PHOTO: Skims Why We Love It: We were impressed with how nicely this bodysuit cinched us at the waist and smoothed out our torsos without having a built-in corset or boning. Due to its level of compression, it does require a bit of work to get on, but it’s not so tight that we’d call it restrictive—in fact, we found the lightweight, seamless material to be super comfy. It’s also great quality, remaining just as compressive after multiple wears and washes. Bonus point for being virtually invisible underneath clothing, even though it has a brief bottom rather than the usual thong. Who It’s For: This is a great pick if you want subtle shaping and cinching that’s still comfortable enough for everyday wear. However, those of us with wider hips found that the bottom of the bodysuit fit on the tighter side and was, at times, hard to snap closed, so you may want to size up if you’re pear-shaped or carry most of your weight around the hips and thighs. Material: Nylon, elastane | Size: XXS–4X PHOTO: Miraclesuit Why We Love It: We tested a lot of bodysuits, and this one had the highest level of compression and shaping—it’s very firm but not uncomfortable. It effectively smooths everything out while shaping our figure in a way that leaves us looking slimmer and more toned, while the built-in underwire bra supports and lifts the bust. The thicker material feels high-quality and durable, and it held up after multiple wears and washes, though it might be a tad too warm on hot and humid days. It’s designed with a hook-and-eye opening at the gusset that makes bathroom breaks a breeze, though it’s worth noting that there’s also boning along the sides of the gusset, which some of us found somewhat bothersome after a while. Who It’s For: This bodysuit is a great choice for anyone looking for a truly shaping—not just smoothing—bodysuit. Just keep in mind that it’s sized by cup and band size, which makes finding the right size for your lower half a bit tough (as this area fits on the smaller side). If you’re unsure, we recommend thoroughly reading the brand’s size chart and, when in doubt, sizing up.  Material: Nylon, spandex; nylon, elastane gusset | Size: 34B–42DD PHOTO: InStyle PHOTO: InStyle PHOTO: InStyle PHOTO: Shapermint Why We Love It: For occasions you don’t want high-compression shaping and slimming, these shorts do a great job of smoothing out the waistline and thighs. They’re super comfortable, providing just the right amount of tightness (and built-in silicone grips) to stay securely in place all day long without restricting our movement whatsoever. What’s more, we found that they’re completely invisible under our clothing, giving us all the more reason to reach for these daily.  Who It’s For: These are great for anyone seeking an extra layer to wear under dresses, skirts, and pants. They won’t slim you down a size, but they make whatever you wear over them look so smooth. Material: Nylon, spandex | Size: XS/S–4XL PHOTO: InStyle PHOTO: InStyle PHOTO: InStyle PHOTO: SKIMS Why We Love It: These might be named the Butt Enhancing Short, but we were actually more impressed with how well it shaped and sculpted us in the front, effectively slimming our silhouette. Constructed with the sturdy and structured Skims material we all know and love, these provide a medium amount of compression that, while tight, isn’t overly restricting—we could sit, stand, and walk around in these with no problem. We think they’d be even better with a higher waist, but overall, these are a solid shaping option.  Who It’s For: These shorts do a great job at shaping and smoothing our curves and would be effective on most curvy body types. However, we do wish the waist was a bit higher; some of us felt that the waistband cut into our sides in a way that accentuated back rolls—something for those with longer torsos to keep in mind. Material: Nylon, spandex | Size: XS–4X PHOTO: Rago Why We Love It: These lacy shorts did a fab job at enhancing our natural curves, smoothing and shaping our hips, butt, thighs, and lower belly area thanks to extra-firm sculpting panels and boning. They also feature non-slip grips along the leg, ensuring they stay in place throughout wear. These fit quite tight—expected, given the high compression level—making them a better choice for event dressing rather than every day. (They weren’t the most comfortable for long periods of sitting and eating.) Who It’s For: Thanks to their inclusive size range, these shaping shorts will fit a wide variety of body types. The waist on these is quite high, which makes them a great choice for taller folks or those with longer torsos who have trouble finding a rise that doesn’t cut them off below the natural waistline. That said, those who are petite may find the waist to be a little too high.  Material: Nylon, Lycra | Size: S–8X PHOTO: InStyle PHOTO: InStyle PHOTO: InStyle PHOTO: Commando Why We Love It: For subtle smoothing and a lightweight feel, you can’t go wrong with these classic shorts from Commando. While we wouldn’t necessarily call them slimming, they nicely smooth out dimples and bumps around the stomach, hips, butt, and thighs, and because they’re not tight, we never felt like we were cut off around the thighs or waist. Made from a soft and silky stretch material, these have an incredibly comfortable second-skin feel that makes them a great pick for everyday wear.  Who It’s For: If you’re looking for a comfortable, basic pair of shorts that help smooth you out underneath clothing, we can’t recommend this option enough. They were completely invisible under event and night-out dresses, but it’s worth noting they were slightly visible when we layered them under jeans. Material: Nylon, elastane | Size: XS–3X PHOTO: SPANX Why We Love It: Consider these Spanx sculpting shorts your armor against chafing during hot, humid months. The padded panels along the inner thigh kept us free from irritation while hugging us in all the right places, leaving us smoothed, shaped, confident (and protected from any potential wardrobe malfunctions). They’re constructed from the comfortable and breathable sculpting material the brand is known for, holding everything in without feeling restrictive.  Who It’s For: These shorts are a comfortable option for anyone seeking a medium level of shaping during warmer months, thanks to their excellent anti-chafing abilities. To protect the thighs, these hit at the middle of the thigh, so they may be visible underneath miniskirts and dresses, especially if you’re on the petite side.  Material: Nylon, elastane | Size: S–3X PHOTO: InStyle PHOTO: InStyle PHOTO: InStyle PHOTO: Spanx Why We Love It: This Spanx bodysuit has 360-degree shaping benefits, smoothing you from the thighs and booty all the way to the waist and core. Its open-bust design leaves room for your favorite, most supportive bra, and its adjustable straps keep it fixed in place all day long. No rolling or shifting. “This is as comfortable as shapewear can be. It gives really solid compression, but it never felt like I couldn't breathe or sit. The fabric never made me overheat,” said our tester. With flexible boning and compression technology, this bodysuit smooths lumps, cinches the waist, and gives you an hourglass silhouette from the shoulders all the way down to the thighs. Most importantly, it feels good on your body from the moment you put it on. Who It’s For: Some shapewear targets certain areas—hips, thighs, waist, butt, or tummy, for example—but Spanx’s SuperSculpt TotalContour Open-Bust Mid-Thigh Bodysuit does it all (while still leaving room for you to wear your go-to bra). It’s perfect for mididresses, or anyone who wants to feel all-around support. Material: Nylon, Lycra, elastane | Size: XS–3X PHOTO: Amazon Why We Love It: For a full-body shapewear suit with shorts, we weren’t expecting this to be as comfortable as it is. Made from a soft and stretchy material, we found this singlet to be super comfy, even after all-day wear. Despite the thinness of the material, we found that it efficiently smoothed out our silhouette and even had a subtle slimming effect in the stomach area. We appreciated the fact that it was completely invisible under our clothes, too. The open bust allows you to wear your favorite tried-and-true bra and features a split gusset that makes bathroom breaks much less of a hassle. It held its shape and compression throughout the testing period, and though we were concerned the material would lose its buttery softness after a few washes, we were delighted to discover it didn’t.  Who It’s For: If you want full-body shapewear but prefer the comfort and support of a bra, this open-bust bodysuit with shorts is a great option. We tested this on curvier body types—hourglass and pear—and all found that it comfortably enhanced our natural shape (though it did take a little more effort to wriggle over the booty area). The shorts are also longer than what we’re used to, so keep this in mind if you’re on the petite side or plan to wear a shorter dress or skirt. Material: Nylon, elastane; cotton gusset | Size: S–3X PHOTO: Amazon Why We Love It: To achieve a true hourglass figure, you can’t go wrong with a waist cincher. This style very effectively pulled us in at the waist and provided beautiful shaping benefits. That said, it is a corset, so it’s meant to be tight and compressive, and its many, many hooks will require some effort to get it on and off. Even so, we still think it’s pretty comfortable for what it is—we even wore this one on a hike, just to be sure! Just keep in mind that it’s not at all seamless, so while it will create that desired hourglass silhouette underneath fitted clothing, the boning and closures will likely be visible under anything too tight or thin. Who It’s For: Given the three rows of hook-and-eye closures and the sheer amount of sizes offered, this cincher will fit many body types and sizes. However, we did find the length a little too long for anyone with a shorter torso—some of us felt the extra fabric cut into our thighs and booty whenever we sat. Material: Rubber, cotton | Size: XXS–3XL PHOTO: InStyle PHOTO: InStyle PHOTO: InStyle What to Keep in Mind Size and Fit: First and foremost, Leitz stresses the importance of choosing the right shapewear size. “This is vital—unlike your regular clothes, shapewear has to fit perfectly to do its job right and to be comfortable.” Finding the right size can be tricky, as shapewear sizing varies from brand to brand and won’t necessarily match up to your size in other garments, so it’s important to take your measurements and directly compare them to the brand’s size chart, says Leitz. “This way, you’ll ensure the shapewear fits just right, enhancing your natural curves while keeping you comfortable and supported all day.” Style: The style you choose will influence where your shapewear will, well, actually shape you. “Make sure you’re picking pieces that target specific areas, whether you want to smooth out your midsection or enhance those curves,” says Leitz. You should also consider what garment you’ll be wearing it under when deciding what style to buy, notes Heather Naughton, Vice President of Cacique Intimate Apparel. “If you’re wearing a strapless dress, for example, a high-waisted thigh shaper is a better option than a bodysuit with visible straps.” Compression and Support: When determining the level of compression and support you need, Shapermint Brand Director Gabrielle Richards says first to identify your main use cases. “For lounging or days, you need a little pick-me-up, your best bet is light or medium support shapewear, and if you work in an office with a dress code, a medium-support piece will help give your business separates a clean, tailored look.” She adds that pieces with stronger compression are better suited for evening and formal wear. “A nice medium-to-firm-support bodysuit will help you show off your shape in your evening dress, and if you’re going to a wedding or another affair that calls for glamor, you’ll appreciate the extra firming power that comes from heavy-duty shapewear pieces.”  Material: Your shapewear's material will greatly influence how comfortable it is—especially if it's hot and humid wherever you’re wearing it. “You’ll likely be more comfortable in shapewear that’s made with lighter-weight fabrics or fabrics designed to perform when it’s warm,” says Naughton. Look for breathable fabrics like cotton blends or moisture-wicking synthetics to keep things comfortable and irritation-free, adds Leitz. Your Questions, Answered Is it better to size up or down in shapewear? When shopping for shapewear, Naughton recommends choosing your actual size, even though you may feel inclined to size down for stronger compression. “Shapewear that is truly fit for you will ultimately be more comfortable, and you’ll achieve the level of smoothing support you’re looking for,” she says. “Whether you size up or down, your shapewear can still roll down as you move, and sizing down also presents additional fit challenges, too, namely becoming more constricting with time.” As mentioned above, it’s crucial to compare your exact measurements to the brand’s sizing chart, but when in doubt, you’re bound to be more comfortable sizing up than you would be sizing down, notes Richards.  What are the best shapewear styles for plus sizes? In general, your body shape will play a major role in the styles of shapewear you shop for. “The key to selecting the best shapewear for your body lies in understanding your unique shape and choosing pieces that enhance your natural curves,” says Richards. For hourglass body types, Leitz recommends high-waisted briefs and bodysuits to smooth out the waistline and enhance your natural curves without compressing the hips. “Look for designs with targeted control panels to keep that iconic silhouette intact.” For pear shapes, shapewear shorts and thigh shapers are a great choice. “They provide control from the waist to the thighs, smoothing out any unevenness and enhancing the hip area, creating a balanced look that draws attention to the waist.”  If you’re apple-shaped, camisoles and pieces that focus on the midsection will offer significant compression to define the waistline while supporting the bust, notes Leitz. “This creates a more defined silhouette and balances your proportions,” she says. If you’re shaped more triangular, consider bodysuits or full-body shapers. “These styles smooth out the entire torso and hips, evening out the proportions while offering comprehensive coverage and support, enhancing your natural shape and ensuring a sleek look under any outfit." Given the many options available today, there are styles out there that will enhance your shape, no matter your body type, says Richards. Why Shop With Us Jenna Igneri is a writer who has worked in fashion and beauty media for over a decade, with bylines in Refinery29, Byrdie, Who What Wear, The Zoe Report, Coveteur, and more. As someone whose job requires them to frequently attend formal dinners, cocktails, and fashion shows, she often relies on shapewear to give her an extra confidence boost under whatever she’s wearing and knows what features make shapewear good shapewear. To put together this list, she compiled insights from InStyle testers and read through online reviews to narrow down our top picks, and then consulted a team of shapewear experts to share their insights and shopping tips. The following experts spoke with InStyle for this story: Gabrielle Richards is the brand director for Shapermint.Michaela Leitz is a size-inclusive stylist.Heather Naughton is the vice president of Cacique Intimate Apparel.

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