We all have everyday undergarment go-tos: comfy bralettes, soft cotton undies, performance sports bras. But for moments when you want extra support or smoothing, expertly-designed shapewear can make all the difference.
Elevate your wardrobe with the best shapewear for women in 2025. Whether you’re seeking extra support for special occasions or for everyday comfort, our curated selection offers the perfect solution. From sculpting bodysuits to seamless bras, these pieces provide the ideal foundation for any outfit. High-rise thongs and shaping briefs bring confidence to body-skimming fabrics, helping you feel your best, while versatile bodysuits can be styled with trousers or skirts. No matter the outfit or occasion at hand, keep scrolling to discover the best shapewear for women; from bras to underwear; slips to skirts, corsets and more.
Jump to: When should I wear shapewear? | How tight should shapewear fit? | Is it better to size up or down in shapewear? | Which body shaper brand is best? | What is the best shapewear that actually works?
Vogue’s pick of the best shapewear at a glance:
Bodysuits
If you haven’t already added a bodysuit to your arsenal, then let this be your sign to get stocked-up. Perfect as an extra layer or a comfortable alternative to a bra, a well-made bodysuit can do more than simply sculpt. While offerings from Spanx and M&S are ideal under-layers, styles from Wolford and Skims can be dressed up and worn as sleek outer-layers.
Underwear
While a VPL isn’t the end of the world, it’s nice to know it can be avoided when desired. When worn under a pair of tailored trousers or a silky skirt, the pair of seamless underwear sits flat against the skin and allows your clothes to move freely against the fabric, making them ideal for everyday dressing. Compression underwear, however, comes into its own when more formal (or form-fitting) attire is on the agenda, creating a smooth line around the hips, stomach and waist so tighter clothing can sit more comfortably on the body.
Shorts
Not only do shorts cinch, shape and smooth, but they can also act as a security layer when you want to wear something that’s at risk of riding up. Choose between M&S’s ultra high-waist pair that come all the way up to the bust and secures the entire body, or opt for Skims’s mid-legth shorts – a favourite among the fashion pack.
Tops
Offering coverage beneath sheer fabrics or lightly smoothing your figure without constricting, these tank tops are the more casual version of shapewear that can make all the difference to your enjoyment of getting dressed. Opt for Hanro for silky smooth textures, or choose Spanx if you’re looking to sculpt.
Slips
Top tip? Select your slip depending on the shape of your top-layer garment. Be it scoop-neck, strapless or something with a lower cut, watch your ensemble transform once you find the matching silhouette. And, if you love your slip so much that you want to wear it as a dress, then don’t let anyone stop you.
Bras
Of course, comfort is key when it comes to bras, which is why we’ve selected the below brands that all come up trumps for designs that don’t dig in and won’t leave you with red marks at the end of the day. Or, if you’re looking for something more specific, then take a look at our deep dive into the best bras for women.
Corsets
Helping to accentuate the waist and flatter curves, a corset can be your helping hand in creating a dramatic silhouette for a show-stopping look. For a touch of boudoir glamour, look to Agent Provocateur, or for more malleable fabrics, look to Skims, Spanx and Miraclesuit. We assure you, these are all a far cry from the restrictive constructions of the Victorian era.
Skirts
In the era of naked dresses and sheer skirts, sometimes an added layer will help you make the most of your more daring pieces. Form-fitting dresses and skirts can also benefit from the magical smoothing effect that our edit of skirts possesses.
When should I wear shapewear?
When wearing special-occasion attire, many often consider a sculpting bodysuit or corset as a base layer. But day-to-day, a smoothing T-shirt bra or pair of compression shorts can be the ticket to making your outfit infinitely more comfortable and flattering. Similarly, high-rise thongs or shaping briefs can serve as a confidence boost beneath thin or body-skimming fabrics. What’s more, certain seamless or shaping bodysuits are quite versatile – you can style many designs with trousers, skirts, or shorts instead of a tank top or blouse.
Then, of course, there are those semi-sheer items in your wardrobe that can cause a bit of uncertainty. While you might not give a sheer dress another thought on a holiday, you undoubtedly think harder about it when it’s part of a typical outfit. Here, a second-skin slip, skirt, or camisole will instantly transform translucent tops, skirts, and blouses into something more demure. With shapewear styling hacks, you can make something you deemed only a cover-up a part of an outfit you can wear anywhere, plus instantly get a boost of confidence from the extra support.
How tight should shapewear fit?
In order to create that smooth, sculpted silhouette, shapewear needs be tight fitting (don’t be alarmed at how small the pieces look – they will stretch), however it shouldn’t cut off circulation or leave red marks on your body. Different brands will offer different sizing, so while your usual size should suffice, we recommend trying on a range of sizes and shapes in order to find your perfect style.
Is it better to size up or down in shapewear?
When choosing shapewear, it’s generally recommended to select your true size rather than sizing up or down. Sizing down can lead to discomfort and restrict movement, while sizing up may not provide the desired shaping effect. The best shapewear for women is designed to fit snugly and comfortably; enhancing your natural shape without causing discomfort. Always refer to the brand’s sizing chart to ensure the best fit for your body type.
Which body shaper brand is best?
Most underwear brands these days offer some form of shapewear, however there are some labels that have carved a niche for themselves in this category. Spanx is probably one of the best-known brands, prized for its classic sculpting shorts and smoothing underwear, meanwhile Skims and Nubian Skin are leading the way in more inclusive ranges. And then of course, you have the high-street classics, like M&S, that excel in more affordable shapewear; covering everything from slips to bodysuits.
What is the best shapewear that actually works?
The best shapewear that actually works delivers a balance of comfort, support, and effective shaping. Look for products made from high-quality materials with features like seamless construction and targeted compression zones. Spanx, Skims, and Maidenform are known for their reliable performance and ability to enhance a silhouette while remaining comfortable for extended wear. Remember that the aim of shapewear is to make you feel confident, so try it on with your outfit of choice to see how it makes you feel.
