Shapewear has come a long way since its debut in the Regency era. Yes, we mean Bridgerton-style corsets that basically sacrificed your ability to breathe in order to have a snatched waist. Oh, the joys of being a woman. Thankfully, a lot has changed since then - the best shapewear has evolved from something to change your body shape to something to enhance the body shape you already have, including the best plus-size shapewear for everyone.
That means if you're a plus-size girl, there are some amazing pieces out there that show off your curves and smooth your figure, you just have to look in the right place. And here we are. Keep reading for our list of the best plus-size shapewear that'll you've been searching for your whole life.
Closer's best plus-size shapewear to shop at a glance
Editor's Choice for best shapewear slip dress: SKIMS Fits Everybody Slip Dress
Best shapewear unitard: PrettyLitttleThing Shapewear Unitard
Best affordable shapewear slip dress: M&S Body Define™ Firm Control Shaping Slip
First of all, it's about finding the right brands that celebrate your body and cater to your sizing without asking you to squish into something that is made for an unrealistic body type. Yes, we've left the early noughties behind and we're not bringing them back.
SKIMS, for example, are famed for their shapewear that fits any and all body shapes. We've even found SKIMS dupes that perform just as well. M&S is another great option, but there are some secret standouts that you may not have come across, such as Yours or Pour Moi - even some cheeky Spanx dupes. Let us do the research for you. Sit back and read our top 10 list for the best shapewear pieces, from body shapers to VPL-banishing knickers, to tummy-control shapewear that you won't be able to live without.
SHOP: The 10 best shapewear pieces that will change your life for the better
Editor's Choice: best shapewear slip dress
SKIMSskims.com
Ah SKIMS, what would we do without you? Kim Kardashian is surprisingly body positive when it comes to SKIMS, running sizes of her world-famous, form-fitting slip dress from XXS to 4X. We have to hand it to you Kim K, SKIMS is the queen of shapewear dresses. Or if you're looking to save a bit of money, there are SKIMS dress dupes too.
SKIMS review: "The fabric was so light and breathable, plus with how thin the fabric was it WASN'T SEE THROUGH! I couldn’t believe it! It hugs my curves in all the right places and is super comfy!"
Pros
- Soft, second-skin feel
- Can wear underneath an outfit or by itself
Cons
- A few reviews found some colours see-through
Editor's Choice: best shapewear body shaper
simply bewww.simplybe.co.uk
Shapewear bodysuits don't have to look dull - case and point, the MAGISCULPT Bodyshaper in blush. With gorgeous lace cups and firm control panelling across the stomach; it is finished off beautifully with a bow - literally. Hook-and-eye fastening, adjustable straps and a popper gusset make it practical as well as cute.
Simple Be review: "Lovely item nice and comfortable and smooths everything, leaving a nice shape with no lumps and bumps. Lovely colour and very pretty lace on the bust. Very pleased with the item, bought two: one for my daughter's wedding and a spare one to wear anytime."
Pros
- Non-padded, underwire cups keep boobs in place
- Not too tight, all-day wear
Cons
- Not suitable for short women, can be too long
Best shapewear unitard
PrettyLitttleThingwww.prettylittlething.com
A unitard is the perfect way to smooth out your hips, back, thighs and waist all at once, and it's even fashionable these days to wear unitards by themselves, not just hidden underneath clothing. Just layer with a bomber jacket and chunky trainers and you've got a snatch-ifying outfit.
Pros
- Flatters your whole figure, tackles multiple zones
- Can wear underneath an outfit or by itself
Cons
- Does not lift the boobs
Best affordable shapewear slip dress
Marks and Spencerswww.marksandspencer.com
M&S has never let us down when it comes to lingerie, and the Body Define is no exception. Designed as a slip dress, with space on the top to wear your own bra, this slip dress cinches the waist to create an hourglass silhouette. The Cool Comfort technology keeps you cool all day, so no sweaty thighs here.
M&S review: "Great fit and comfortable to wear. Better than anything I’ve had before. No bulges like you would get with shapewear knickers."
Pros
- Cinching without discomfort
- You can wear your own bra with it
Cons
- Not suitable for short women, can be too long
Best shapewear body shaper with suspenders
simply bewww.simplybe.co.uk
Want to one-up yourself and go full-on sexy and sultry with your shapewear? This MAGISCULPT body shaper, with added suspenders (bow chica wow-wow), guarantees no dreaded VPL. The tummy control contours your waist, whilst the underwired cups enhance your chest. Popper fastening on the gusset means no messing about.
Simply Be review: "Feels lovely on, holds everything in & is comfortable, would highly recommend."
Pros
- A sheer lace behind and suspenders make a sexy design
- Adjustable straps and hook eye fastening
Cons
- Wider gusset design
Best shapewear body shaper for FF cups
Pour moiwww.pourmoi.co.uk
When you've got a cup size larger than F, it can be a right pain in the bum to find a full-body shapewear piece that actually fits. Luckily, Pour Moi has you covered with their Superfit Shaper, with doesn't disappoint with its stylish lace bust design. The firm tummy control on the front panel sculpts your centre, whilst the cups are given a full, seamless shape.
Pour Moi review: "Bought this product to wear under a party dress for a special occasion. Have worn it and loved it. No lumps and bumps under my dress. Was very comfortable and a good fit."
Pros
- Cup sizes range from B to FF
- The design allows for both short and long torsos
Cons
- Some advise wearing a bra underneath
Editor's Choice: best shapewear shorts
Honeylovewww.honeylove.com
When Honeylove describes their shapewear shorts as "SuperPower", they don't exaggerate. Targeted tummy control technology is mixed with flexible boning, preventing roll-down. With a 4.6 star rating with 4,567 reviews, this is a surefire hit.
Honeylove review: "I rarely (if ever) write product reviews, but I have to for this product....omigosh…y’all!!! Perfection. I looked perfectly “snatched” (as the youths say), but was comfortable enough to dance all night long. This truly is the best shapewear I have ever worn. The small was a perfect fit for me. I wear a size 4-6 and have thicker thighs (my daughter and I favour the term “juicy”). I was afraid the shorts would be too tight on the leg and leave an unflattering line, but they did not. I will definitely purchase from Honeylove again. Their products are well made and they do what they say. I also love the inclusive sizing, colour palettes (beyond white, black, and nude) and the beautiful, diverse models. Keep it up, Honeylove! You have a life-long customer here."
Pros
- Sweat-wicking material keeps you cool
- You can get the same style as briefs or thong shapewear
Cons
- It's an investment piece
Best affordable shapewear shorts
ASOSwww.asos.com
ASOS' Curve Collection has these amazing mesh shorts in a range of skin tones, and sizing up to 30. They are high rise, so can tummy control whilst smoothing the thighs. And no thigh chafing in the summer? Yes, please. Be wary to hand wash only.
Pros
- Comes in two nude colours, as well as classic black
- Lining is 100% cotton so super soft
Cons
- Hand wash only
Best shapewear tummy-control pants
AmazonWant to turn to Amazon to get your shapewear fast? Shapermint, a brand renowned on the site for its shapewear magic, has these tummy control knickers that smooth from tummy to waist and are durable and long-lasting. Importantly, they're not a pain to get off and on.
Amazon rating: "This actually works, I mean no it doesn't make me into a thin person haha, but it does a good job of providing a smooth silhouette. I was sceptical about it staying up as most of these high-waisted 'suck it all in' underwear just roll down all the time. I wore it to work to test it and it stayed up and was very comfortable to wear. So well done on this product. I'm a size 20/22, 5'11 (but short-waisted) and ordered the 3X size."
Pros
- Sizing goes up to 4XL
- They can be machine washed
Cons
- Anti-slip silicone strip not suitable for sensitive skin
Best shapewear tights
Yourswww.yoursclothing.co.uk
If you're looking to smooth and contour your legs, a pair of shapewear tights is your answer. Yours' slimming footless tights act like very thin shapewear leggings, designed to shape, slim, and contour your thighs. They can be great for keeping you warm in the winter too - dual purchase.
Pros
- Layer under outfits for smoothed thighs and calves
- Seamless elasticated waistband
Cons
- Too thin to wear on their own
FAQs
Where to buy the best plus-size shapewear?
All the brands listed above are focused on selling shapewear for women sized up to 4XL. If you are unsure about your sizing, we recommend buying several sizes of the shapewear you're interested in and returning any you don't need. Plenty of brands have fantastic return systems in place now, so it's really no hassle. Or you can always shop in person - Marks and Spencer is a great in-store location to shop for lingerie. For brands such as Spanx, a favourite of Holly Willoughby, you'll only be able to purchase items online, not on the high street.
Does shapewear make your stomach look flatter?
That all depends on what you're looking to target. Most shapewear does look to smooth out the midriff, but shapewear can often target different areas, such as the legs, back or hips. If that's what you're going for with your shapewear, you might be best looking at tummy control options. Remember though, that your stomach does not need to be flat if it makes you uncomfortable, or it feels like you're hiding your body shape. Shapewear shouldn't be about hiding your body, only enhancing its natural curves and shapes. We encourage you to rock your belly, whatever size, always.
What's the best plus-size shapewear for tummy control?
If you're looking for shapewear that specifically tackles the stomach area, you'll want to stick with shapewear shorts or pants, and not go for shapewear dresses. Shaping dresses tend to focus on the back or hips, and unless the brand specifically notes that it has tummy control panels sewn into the design, it's best to shop bottom half products. The shorts and pants we listed above are perfect for tummy control, as well as the body shapers if you want to lift the chest too. Additionally, SKIMS' new swim collection has sculpting suits that will be ideal on vacation.
What undergarment is best for slimming?
If it's a general slimming effect you're looking for, a shapewear dress might be your best bet. These undergarments can be worn under your dress to give an overall 'slimming' appearance. Targeting the waist, back, hips (and sometimes the stomach), they'll 'smooth out' your figure. And, they're not just undergarments either - some shapewear dresses can even be worn as outerwear as well.
Should you size up or down when buying shapewear?
While some shapewear will run tight, some might need sizing down to see a noticeable difference. Thankfully, there are some websites and retailers that will tell you whether the fit runs smaller, is true to size or runs bigger. Bravissimo suggests going for your 'regular size to avoid your shapewear rolling down or digging in'. To see how it might fit your clothing size, customer reviews can help. Find a reviewer who wears your size and see what they suggest about the fit.
Ruby Barry is a Product Writer for Closer Online, specialising in fashion and beauty. The team has nicknamed her “dupe queen”, as there’s not a product in the world she can’t find a cheaper alternative for.