When it comes to your choice of the best shapewear, one you'll definitely want to have stocked up in your wardrobe is backless shapewear which will keep you looking confident in evening outfits and flashy tops. Now, you'll be able to get out that lower back like you've never been able to before.
It can be a struggle to find something that really helps keep you held in place, especially when you've got a low-back dress or top. You'll want something that still supports your chest but also helps smooth out those hips and love handles (if that's what you're after, of course). Say goodbye to VPL and pesky bra lines because we've hunted down the best backless shapewear you'll want to snap up immediately - tummy control shapewear included.
Closer's best backless shapewear at a glance
Editor's Choice: SKIMS Seamless Sculpt Fitted Stretch-Woven Body, £68 on Selfridges
Best affordable backless shapewear: boohoo Plunge Pull In Bodysuit, £16 on boohoo
Best all-around backless shapewear: MAGIC Bodyfashion Medium Control Low Back Bodysuit, £49 on SimplyBe
And, we all know that good shapewear truly is an investment piece. Look to brands like Skims and Spanx for high-end choices that will seriously cinch you in. Just want something to get the job done? High street options are also available at boohoo, SimplyBe and even Amazon (yes, and they have good reviews!) for SKIMS dupes that look (almost) exactly like the real thing.
So, whether you're going all out for a wedding with a bodysuit or just want to wear that dress you've had in the wardrobe for months now, we've found the best backless shapewear for smoothing, shaping and hidden support. Shop the bestsellers below, including shapewear shorts, dresses and more.
SHOP: The best backless shapewear for every occasion
Editor's Choice
selfridgeswww.selfridges.com
Now, when it comes to shapewear, SKIMS certainly knows what it's doing. The brand, founded by Kim Kardashian, has been all over social media for its aesthetic design and super comfortable fabrics. This fitted bodysuit is low on the back making it perfect for any backless outfits, as well as sculpting around the front for all your shapewear needs.
Customer review: "I love how you can crisscross the straps! Looked super small but fit amazingggg! I was super comfortable and definitely had me looking super snatched."
Pros
- Stretch material makes for a comfortable fit all over
- Perfect for everyday wear
- Adjustable straps
- Loads of colours to choose from, depending on your skin type
Cons
- Opening at the bottom isn't very accessible
Best affordable backless shapewear
boohoowww.boohoo.com
Yep, even boohoo's Plunge Pull-In Bodysuit is one to shop for a solid backless shapewear choice. Coming in nude, mocha and black there's a classic choice of colours as well as adjustable invisible straps that you can change depending on what you're wearing. A great value-for-money option.
Pros
- Plunge-front makes for multiple outfit options
- Adjustable invisible straps
- Value for money
Cons
- Not as high-quality as other options
Best all-around backless shapewear
simply bewww.simplybe.co.uk
Now, this MAGIC Bodyfashion low-back bodysuit comes in as a top all-arounder for backless shapewear because it's comfy, slimming, low-back and also has a very accessible price point. Coming in at just under £50 for a bodysuit that tucks and smooths, you're definitely getting your money's worth. This even goes up to size 2XL.
Pros
- Great value-for-money
- Goes up to size 2XL
- Stretchy material for comfort
Cons
- A great everyday option but might not smooth as well as other options
Best basic backless shapewear
the rangewww.therange.co.uk
Did you know that even The Range does backless shapewear? That shop really does do everything. For a really affordable option, look to this shapewear with invisible straps and a thong bottom. Plus, the price tag really is worth it.
Pros
- Classic backless shapewear silhouette
- Plunge body makes it easy to wear multiple ways
- Affordable price
Cons
- Not as high quality as other options
Best highly-rated backless shapewear
selfridgeswww.selfridges.com
Now, whether or not you're into your shapewear, chances are, you'll have heard of Spanx. The industry-leading shapewear has been around since 2000 and the brand knows a thing or two about comfort. This low-back mid-thigh bodysuit is one to grab if you don't want the uncomfortable feeling of a thong or if you want to get more bang for your buck by smoothing out those thighs and love handles too. Totally worth the money.
Pros
- Trusted brand
- Goes over hips, thighs and buttocks too
- Adjustable straps
Cons
- May be too long if you're wearing something short
Best plunge backless shapewear
harrodswww.harrods.com
Party in the front, party in the back? Just because you're wearing a low-back outfit doesn't mean you can't go for a plunge look too. This Spanx bodysuit does it all - and it also has a seamless finish that will provide the perfect solution to bodycon dresses and even tailoring.
Pros
- Seamless finish
- Machine washable
- Adjustable straps
Cons
- Only available in one colour
Best backless shapewear shorts
skimsskims.com
These nifty shorts from Skims come in as a top backless shapewear option because they come without the faff of worrying about straps or bra sizes. This way, you can still get the shaping effect on your hips and thighs without having any bra lines showing. Genius.
Pros
- Easy to wear and easy to put on
- Can wear this as shapewear with a variety of outfits, not just backless
Cons
- Doesn't support your chest
What is backless shapewear?
In today's shopping landscape, you'll find a whopping mass of shapewear out there that all do different things - and not to mention plus-size shapewear for everybody. So, what does backless shapewear really do? Well, it's designed to shape and contour the body like regular shapewear but will often have a low-back or invisible back design so that you don't have to worry if you've got an outfit that shows off your posterior. So, if you're wearing a gorgeous low-back dress, this is the shapewear for you.
How does backless shapewear work?
They generally will target smoothing around the stomach, hips and thighs whilst giving your back the chance to show off. Look for options like strapless shapewear or those that have invisible straps if you don't want to show off any VPL. You'll be creating a streamlined silhouette, minimising bulges, and will have loads of additional support and confidence when wearing revealing dresses or tops that show down your back.
What types of backless shapewear are available?
Looking to invest in the best backless shapewear for you? Well, there are tonnes of types of backless shapewear available, including backless bodysuits, backless corsets, backless slips, and adhesive backless bras. Each type serves a different purpose and offers varying levels of support and coverage, so you'll want to make sure you're snapping up the best shake for your clothing choice.
Caitlin Casey was a Senior Commerce Writer for Closer for three years, specialising in sex and wellness content. She has written across various publications since 2017 and covers shopping, fashion, beauty, women’s lifestyle, popular culture as well as all things trending.