As a corset, this option functions more as a waist-trainer than shapewear, but it effectively cinches your body into an hourglass figure. Getting through the many tiny clasps at the front is a bit of a hassle, but once accomplished, we found the corset to sit snug along our stomachs and work exceptionally well in highlighting our waist and hips. We found that even our girls get a gentle push-up effect when combined with a bra. What We Love: The support around your chest is fantastic, and the crotch portion has a clasp closure, rather than a clip closure. Not only was the cup size correct, but the extra strong compression made her figure look more toned. The tightness makes it a little difficult to slip in and out of at first, though, which initially turned us off a bit to the piece, but once we had it on, though, we found it to be surprisingly comfortable. It also stays in place all day, and we didn’t tug at it constantly. We also liked the elastic around the leg holes to keep the hemline in place, which helped the briefs fit to not ride up as we wore it.

Shapewear should be an invisible layer that helps you feel like your best self, which is why we recommend adding a seamless piece to your collection. These shaping shorts from Commando focus on the lower half of your body by smoothing out the stomach, hips, butt, and thighs so that tighter-fitting garments feel more comfortable. From waist to thighs, you’ll find no seams closing out the ends, but rather raw-cut edges without elastic, trim, or taping to deliver a smooth finish. It feels much less firm than many other bodysuits on this list with only a compression level of one. But it did even out our skin enough to give us an overall sleek look, sans bumps and ripples. We found it very easy to slip in and out of, with a snap closure for easy access as well when going to the bathroom. Made of the softest, lightweight rayon material, this knee-length dress will become one of your go-to pieces on days when you want to look put-together (and stay cool) on hot days. The A-line skirt is super flowy, and the built-in shelf bra is made of cooling mesh and has removable cups. Plus, the camisole-inspired straps are adjustable. It comes in a few heathered shades, like gray and blue.

This minimalist dress has been making its rounds on TikTok for being an excellent alternative to the often sold-out Skims dress in a similar style — only this one has full built-in shapewear bodysuit beneath the soft, sleek outer layer, which includes a bra with removable padding. The bodysuit also has thigh-length shorts, double-layer panels for gentle compression around the core, and a crotch opening for easy bathroom trips. Choose from an array of styles, including maxis with spaghetti straps, long-sleeved minis, and more.

Helpful review: “perfect for summer days when you have 5 minutes to get dressed. throw on underwear. throw on the dress and done. i love that the built in bra has the padding sewn into place so you don’t have to futz with it after washing.” While not for everybody, this bodysuit works exceptionally well for women with larger chests. Our editor, who finds it near-impossible to find shapewear that accommodates her DD+ breasts, loved this piece the most out of all the ones she tested. The cup and band measurements make it easier to find your exact fit, too. Shapewear is more snug than wearing a slip undergarment, because it serves a different purpose. Sapna Palep, CEO of lingerie brand Journelle, explains that shapewear should “hold you in, add coverage and support or smooth you out. It is not really designed to make you several sizes smaller, but it can make you appear smoother.” For this reason, shapewear should never feel too tight, cut off your circulation, or feel highly uncomfortable. We wrote out the compression level on each of the options, but even with a high compression level of three, like the Spanx Ahhh-llelujah 'Fit to You' Everyday Short, you should still be able to move around and sit down easily. The aim of shapewear is to “make you feel more confident in whatever you wear,” says Palep, not restrict you in any way.

Our built-in short is seamlessly integrated into all our skirts to lightly smooth and shape you while preventing thigh chaffing. We loved how this shapewear evened out our bodies to create a smooth figure, but more than that, we adored how near-invisible it felt once on. We practically forgot we had it on thanks to the extremely comfortable fabric. The only reminder of its existence was that the shorts tended to show from underneath a mini dress as they are a bit long. And going to the bathroom requires a bit of patience with this one; the crotch does have two flaps that can be pushed aside when you have to go. But unless you are extremely skilled at maneuvering through this opening, you will be required to take the whole piece off to use the toilet, which can be a major hassle. We had rather mixed feelings about this, as it took some patience and practice to use the opening flaps. We almost preferred taking the whole thing off, however time-consuming, just to not ruin the shapewear in the process of using the toilet.

If you have a formal event or work party coming up and you want to look flawless in a dress, the Built-In 360° Contour Midi Shaping Dress is just what you need. The design features 360-degree waist-taming power as well as stretchy compression fabric that smooths the tummy and hips. Made to adjust to your body perfectly. What We Love: They have very minimal contouring effect, and can be worn daily for some smoothing effect. What We Love: This option smoothes out any small bumps to create a singular line from waist to legs. Antoinnette E. This tank top exceeded all my expectations. This will be a great travel piece to take on cruises or to wear on an airplane! I'm a 42DD so anytime I can eliminate a bra is a plus for me! Helpful review: “Super soft and comfortable, built in bra with removable pads is just enough support for a casual day out, and it does not wrinkle in a suit case. Love it!”

We’ve discussed this sculpting bodysuit many times in the past, even naming it the best shapewear that Skims has to offer, which, for a shapewear-heavy brand, that’s a tough feat. The number one rule in choosing the right shapewear for you, as Palep explains it, is to “not go tighter than your size in hope of ‘extra shaping.’” Shapewear will already come with sculpting effects, and sizing down will only cause discomfort. Instead, consider the occasion you hope to wear this to and choose whether you are in need of shorts, a bodysuit, or a bodysuit with shorts attached. Denise advises to consider the compression level, as you want to “be sure it’s holding you in at the right spots and letting you breathe everywhere else.” Not everyone wants the same level of compression, she continues, so decide whether you want to be cinched in or simply smoothed over, and shop accordingly.