We all have everyday underwear go-tos: comfy bralettes, soft cotton undies, and high-impact performance sports bras. But for moments when you want a little extra support or smoothing, expertly -designed and thoughtfully constructed shapewear can make all the difference.
Historically, shapewear has a bit of a bad rap. A quick ask around the office brought up familiar grievances: claustrophobic, wedgie-inducing cuts, pieces that ride up or roll down, and designs that pose challenges when needing the loo. Thankfully, there are a handful of brands that are changing the conversation, which members of the team swear by. Whether used on set or in everyday life, these styles are less about sucking everything in and more about enhancing and supporting the body while still allowing it to move, breathe, and feel like itself.
Genuinely good shapewear offers quick solutions to a variety of undergarment conundrums. Whether you’re seeking subtle smoothing beneath a silk slip dress or dependable support for a more structured look, the right pieces can transform how clothes sit and feel. From sculpting bodysuits to seamless bras, these are the unsung heroes – designed to be invisible – that will make a great outfit even better.
The key is knowing what you actually want your shapewear to do. A high-waisted brief can provide a little extra smoothing beneath trousers or a close-fitting skirt, while a bodysuit can create a seamless foundation beneath everything from tailoring to a slinky evening dress. There are also styles designed with specific support in mind, offering a little more lift through the bust, smoothing around the midsection or creating a clean line beneath clingier fabrics. Fundamentally, the best shapewear shouldn’t feel like an endurance exercise. If you’re constantly adjusting it, struggling to sit comfortably or counting the minutes until you can take it off, it probably isn’t the right piece.
Good shapewear is about giving you options – helping clothes fall as intended, providing support where you want it and, most importantly, allowing you to get on with your day without thinking about what you’re wearing underneath.
’s editors weigh in on the tried-and-tested shapewear pieces to add to your collection now.
Best for wearing under dresses:
“I’d say these are a stylist’s most failsafe shapewear piece. They smooth and soften where needed,” says associate fashion editor, Charlotte Rutter. Designed with targeted compression panels, they offer firm yet flexible support throughout the core without feeling overly restrictive. The high-waisted cut ensures a seamless finish, making them a reliable go-to for both event dressing and everyday wear. They come in sizes XS-XL at most retailers, but also have extended sizing via spanx.com.
Best for full-body support:
M&S Body Sculpt Firm Control Seamless All-in-One
Body Sculpt Firm Control Seamless All-in-One
“I picked up a shaping bodysuit from M&S, and since that day, I’ve never looked back. Less about sucking in and more about letting the dress do its thing without sticking to my body lotion, the material is buttery soft, doesn’t make you feel like a sausage’s innards and can be worn all night without pinching, digging or leaving marks on your body. I’ve recommended to friends, made them take mine for special events, and essentially become the town crier for the affordable shapewear line,” says ’s beauty and wellness editor, Morgan Fargo. The all-in-one comes in five different shades and goes up to a size XL.
Best briefs for seamless everyday wear:
Chantelle Soft Stretch Smooth Briefs
“I swear by Chantelle – in my opinion, the brand does the best seamless pants,” says fashion assistant, Lois Adeoshun. With styles ranging from thongs to full briefs, these ultra-stretchy, one-size-fits-all designs adapt to your shape without digging in or shifting throughout the day. Their breathable and barely-there feel makes them ideal for daily wear, delivering a smooth, invisible finish under all clothing.
Best bra for wearing under anything:
Intimissimi Ultralight Microfibre Balconette Bra
“An invisible T-shirt bra is one of my most-used pieces in my kit; you never know when it will come in handy,” says Charlotte. Lightweight yet supportive, this style disappears under even the most delicate fabrics. The microfibre finish ensures a second-skin feel, while the balconette shape offers a natural lift that works across a variety of necklines. The bra comes in sizes 32D-44B and is available in seven different shades.
Best for seamless body sculpting:
Skims Seamless Sculpt Ruched Stretch-Woven Body
“I’ve already waxed lyrical about Skims’ underrated bra offering, but shapewear is, of course, what the Kim K-founded brand is best known for. I’ve worn my Skims bodysuit countless times when I want a bias-cut dress to run smoothly against my body. Once I’ve clawed my way into this bodysuit (which is, admittedly, the hard bit), its gathered panels nip and tuck in all the right places, but move with the body, meaning it remains comfortable all day long. With by far the broadest size range on the market, from XXS-XXXXL, there’s a Skims bodysuit for everyone,” says contributing shopping writer, Augustine Hammond.
Shop other styles…
Soft Stretch Smooth V-Neck Crop Top
Body Invisibles Shaping Plunge Body
When should I wear shapewear?
It’s perhaps most common to reach for shapewear when dressing for a formal event. A sculpting corset or bodysuit can help dresses to sit smoothly or drape over the body in the desired way and, in some cases, can even work towards improving your posture.
For everyday wear, a pair of seamless briefs is ideal under trousers and skirts made from tight or lightweight materials. Likewise, a seamless bra is a wise choice for when you want to avoid obvious straps and textured materials being seen under fitted tops.
How tight should shapewear fit?
If you’ve ever witnessed shapewear off the body, then you will be aware of how alarmingly small it can look. While different brands and products vary in this department, the fact of the matter is that most garments will look small and feel tight – especially on the first couple of wears. Fear not, as this is in order for the compression and lifting properties to work effectively. That said, after a few wears, good quality shapewear will retain its compression but loosen ever-so-slightly in any places that need a little more wiggle room – just like a good bra, it should mould to your body over time. If your shapewear feels at all painful or leaves red marks, then you will likely need to size up – we recommend reading product descriptions and trying on a range of pieces to find a level of compression that works for you and makes you feel your best.
Is it better to size up or down in shapewear?
The best brands should fit true to size. Keeping in mind that shapewear is supposed to fit tighter than everyday attire, we recommend reading product descriptions carefully so you can understand how the product is designed and which areas it should feel tighter or looser in. If you can, it’s best to try a couple of sizes on with the outfit you are planning to wear, and make sure to refer to the brand’s sizing chart to ensure the best fit for your body type.