Introduction
Let’s reframe the conversation around shapewear. For too long, it’s been seen as something to “fix” or “hide” our bodies. We see it differently. The right piece of shapewear is a tool of empowerment—a secret weapon in your wardrobe that helps your favorite dress hang perfectly, smooths your silhouette, and gives you that extra boost of confidence to own any room you walk into.
But the wrong shapewear? It’s a nightmare of rolling waistbands, constricted breathing, and constant adjustments. That’s why we’ve done the work for you. We’ve researched the market, read hundreds of reviews, and identified the best plus-size bodysuits and shapewear that deliver on their promises.
This guide is dedicated to finding you a piece that is not only effective but also comfortable enough to wear for hours. Get ready to discover the secret to a flawless silhouette.
Our Top Shapewear Picks at a Glance
Product Name | Best For | Compression Level |
1. Spanx OnCore High-Waisted Short | Overall Power & Smoothing | Firm |
2. Skims Sculpting Bodysuit | Everyday Sculpting & Comfort | Medium |
3. Shapellx CoreSculpt™ Bodysuit | Maximum Tummy Control | Very Firm |
4. Honeylove SuperPower Short | No-Roll Waistband | Firm |
5. Maidenform WYOB Romper | Versatility (Use Your Own Bra) | Medium |
6. Yitty Nearly Naked Shaping Thong | Light Smoothing (No Thighs) | Light |
In-Depth Shapewear Reviews
1. Spanx OnCore High-Waisted Mid-Thigh Short
When you think of shapewear, you think of Spanx. The OnCore High-Waisted Short is their powerhouse product for a reason. Made from a lightweight but incredibly powerful fabric, this piece offers serious, surgical-level smoothing and sculpting from your torso all the way down to your mid-thigh. It’s the piece you reach for when you have a big event and want a truly flawless finish under a fitted dress or gown.
Who is this perfect for? The woman who wants maximum, all-over smoothing for a special occasion and is looking for a trusted, high-performance brand.
- Key Features: Fully-bonded front panels for tummy flattening, edge-bonded sides for comfortable squeezing, booty-enhancing pockets to prevent “uni-butt”.
- Pros: Delivers dramatic smoothing and sculpting results, high-waisted design stays in place, excellent quality and durability.
- Cons: Very firm compression can feel restrictive for all-day wear, can be a workout to get on.
2. Skims Sculpting Bodysuit with Snaps
Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS has taken the shapewear world by storm, and the Sculpting Bodysuit is a hero product. Its strength lies in its fabric, which is buttery soft yet provides impressive medium compression that smooths without feeling suffocating. It’s designed for everyday wear, enhancing your natural curves rather than completely altering them. The wide range of skin-toned “nude” shades is also a major plus, making it truly inclusive.
Who is this perfect for? The modern woman looking for comfortable, everyday shapewear that feels like a second skin and comes in a color that truly matches her tone.
- Key Features: Soft, breathable fabric, snap gusset for convenience, adjustable straps, targeted compression panels.
- Pros: Exceptionally comfortable for a sculpting garment, excellent range of inclusive colors and sizes, smooths without flattening.
- Cons: Sizing can run small (many recommend sizing up), medium compression may not be enough for very formal events.
3. Shapellx CoreSculpt™ Tummy-Control Bodysuit
For those who want the next level of tummy control, Shapellx delivers. This is not a gentle smoother; this is a powerful shaping tool. The CoreSculpt™ Bodysuit often features multiple layers of fabric over the abdomen, sometimes with adjustable hook-and-eye closures, similar to a waist trainer. It’s designed to significantly cinch the waist and flatten the tummy, creating a dramatic hourglass silhouette.
Who is this perfect for? The woman seeking maximum, focused compression on her midsection for a high-impact, sculpted look.
- Key Features: Very firm tummy control panels, often with hook-and-eye closures, adjustable straps, open-bust or built-in bra designs.
- Pros: Provides significant waist-cinching and tummy flattening, durable construction, creates a noticeable hourglass shape.
- Cons: Can be very restrictive and not intended for all-day comfort, may be visible under thinner fabrics.
4. Honeylove SuperPower Short
The single biggest complaint about high-waisted shapewear is that it rolls down. Honeylove was built around solving this exact problem. Their SuperPower Short features flexible, boning-like structures (called “SoftFlex”) in the side seams of the waistband, which absolutely prevent it from rolling or bunching. It combines this brilliant feature with targeted compression panels that smooth the tummy and thighs while leaving space for your natural curves.
Who is this perfect for? Anyone whose primary frustration with shapewear is the dreaded waistband roll-down. It’s perfect for active events where you’ll be sitting, standing, and dancing.
- Key Features: Anti-roll “SoftFlex” boning in the waistband, targeted compression panels, bathroom-friendly gusset opening.
- Pros: The no-roll waistband is a genuine game-changer, provides firm but comfortable compression, excellent construction quality.
- Cons: Higher price point, boning may be noticeable to some.
5. Maidenform Flexees Wear Your Own Bra (WYOB) Romper
Why compromise on the support of your favorite bra? The “Wear Your Own Bra” (WYOB) design is brilliant in its simplicity. This all-in-one romper from Maidenform allows you to pair the powerful smoothing of a bodysuit with the perfect fit and support of your best bra (like one from our Best Bras list!). It provides medium, comfortable control for the tummy, waist, and thighs.
Who is this perfect for? The woman with a larger bust who doesn’t want to rely on the questionable support of a built-in shelf bra and prefers the lift of her own trusted underwire bra.
- Key Features: Open-bust (WYOB) design, adjustable straps, hook-and-eye gusset, all-over medium smoothing.
- Pros: Lets you get a perfect fit by using your own bra, provides a seamless all-in-one solution, great value for the price.
- Cons: You need to wear two garments (bra + romper), might not be ideal for very high necklines.
6. Yitty Nearly Naked Shaping Thong Bodysuit
Created by the music icon Lizzo, Yitty is all about body positivity and confidence. The Nearly Naked collection is designed for light, everyday smoothing, not aggressive compression. This thong-back bodysuit is perfect for when you want to smooth your torso and waist under pants, jeans, or a dress where you don’t want visible panty lines (VPL). It’s the ideal entry-level piece of shapewear.
Who is this perfect for? The woman who wants light smoothing for her torso without any compression on her thighs or bottom, and wants to avoid VPL.
- Key Features: Light compression fabric, thong back, snap gusset, available in bold colors and prints.
- Pros: Very comfortable and breathable, eliminates panty lines, fun and stylish designs.
- Cons: Only provides light smoothing, offers no thigh shaping.
How to Choose Your Perfect Shapewear
- Know Your Compression Level: Light for everyday smoothing, Medium for enhancing curves, and Firm for significant sculpting on special occasions.
- Choose the Right Style: Mid-thigh shorts are best for dresses to prevent chafing. Briefs or thongs are for wearing under pants. WYOB (Wear Your Own Bra) styles are best for larger busts.
- The Secret to Avoiding ‘Roll-Down’: Look for silicone grips on the waistband or designs with built-in boning, like the Honeylove. And never, ever size down—it’s the number one cause of rolling!