When it comes to the best shapewear often what we're looking for is something strapless, and that's where the best strapless shapewear comes in. Although it might not seem like a lot to ask, finding shapewear for comfort, support and shape can feel like a total nightmare. Whether you want something to wear under a strapless dress, or you want to create a seamless silhouette in your day-to-day, we've done the work by finding the best shapewear without straps for all occasions.
We've all been there when trying on shapewear. Too tight and you find yourself in a battle with a pair of Spanx. Too loose and you spend the entire night trying to stop them from rolling down. We're not even sure how, but sometimes it's both at the same time. Only the best strapless shapewear supports you in all the right places, flatters your figure and fits you correctly - and yes, that's all without straps.
Closer's best strapless shapewear at a glance
There are a few reasons why you might require strapless shapewear. If we're going down the obvious route, it's that you're planning on wearing an off-the-shoulder number and the appearance of straps would ruin your outfit. However, you might just find straps uncomfortable so instead you're looking for a strapless shapewear bodysuit. Either way, this type of shapewear is versatile enough to be worn under so many different outfits.
From SKIMS to Spanx and more - we've found the best shapewear without straps so that you feel confident, supported and secure. We've even included a guide on what to look for when searching for the best shapewear for you, along with how to get correctly fitting strapless shapewear for your comfort. Here are some of our favourites to shop now.
SHOP: Best strapless shapewear UK
Editor's Choice
SimplyBewww.simplybe.co.uk
This super pretty Magisculpt Ella Lace Black Firm Control Multiway Slip from Simply Be has to be a favourite. It doubles up as gorgeous lingerie and practical shapewear all in one. It features padded underwired cups for a flattering lift and firm control technology targeted to smooth your waist, tummy, bum and hips. It also comes in a pretty blush colour to choose from, too.
Pros
- Also comes in blush colourway
- Features pretty lace details
- Comes with straps
Cons
- Not best for those who want extra firm control
Best strapless shapewear for value
Simply Bewww.simplybe.co.uk
At fabulous value, we couldn't help but think the Magisculpt Smoothing Medium Control Multiway Slip from Simply Be has earned a top spot on our shortlist. With flattering padded cups, it can be worn with straps or without. And it has a medium level of control for smoothing out any lumps and bumps under your outfit. Be sure to get this added to your basket - it's selling fast.
Pros
- Currently on offer
- Features padded cups
- Comes with straps
Cons
- Only one colour
Best strapless shapewear for popularity
skimsskims.com
Of course, we couldn't help but include SKIMS in our list. The Kim K brand is a popular pick for all things shapewear, giving you that sculpted look under your clothes. This Seamless Sculpt Strapless Thong Bodysuit is ultra-flattering and pulls you in while offering a strong level of support. It comes in a range of inclusive shades and sizes, so definitely deserves a spot on the shortlist.
Pros
- Comes in loads of inclusive shades
- Runs to a 4XL in some designs
- Comes with straps
Cons
- Suited to bigger chests
Best strapless shapewear for definition
AmazonJust want a bit of extra definition around the waist? A corset might be the way to go. Designed to pull in the waist, it'll give you an hourglass shape under your clothes. A corset doesn't have to be uncomfortable, either. Usually with a hook and eye fastening (and sometimes with a laced back), you can adjust how tight you want it, meaning it doesn't have to be restrictive. There are loads to choose from, and this YIANNA Waist Trainer might just be a good fit.
Pros
- Different colours to choose from
- Adjustable hook and eye fastening
- Defines the waist for an hourglass shape
Cons
- It's advised to size up
Best shapewear for range
SKIMSskims.com
SKIMS knocks it out of the park once again. The brand that designs inclusive shapewear in loads of shades and sizes has this Seamless Sculpt Strapless Shortie Bodysuit to offer - and we love it. The strong level of support is perfect for cinching your waist, holding in your tummy and core, and smoothing your thighs under mini skirts and dresses. Plus, it comes with adjustable straps.
Pros
- Comes in loads of inclusive shades
- Runs to a 4XL in some designs
- Comes with straps
Cons
- May ride up or down
Best strapless shapewear for comfort
AmazonSupposedly ridiculously comfy, the HOMTEA Tummy Control Shapewear bodysuit from Amazon comes in shades of black or beige. It's been highly rated for the level of comfort it can offer while still holding everything in place. It's designed to smooth the thighs, hips and tummy with lifting elastane. So, it's great for wearing under that outfit if you want shapewear that flatters your figure while being comfortable - and breathable.
Pros
- Also comes in black
- Made with moisture-wicking fabric
- Comes with straps
Cons
- Not best for those who want extra firm control
Best strapless shapewear for reliability
Reisswww.reiss.com
Could we do a round-up of shapewear without including Spanx? We think not. The brand that's known for its supportive shapewear, the Spanx Shapewear Strapless Mid-Thigh Bodysuit With Cups is a true outfit saver. Keeping everything streamlined under your clothes, it offers firm control and comes with multiway straps so you can wear it to your liking. Just imagine how many outfits you can wear this under.
Pros
- Has cups
- Highly recognised brand
- Comes with straps
Cons
- May be a smaller fit
Best strapless shapewear for choice
Marks and Spencerwww.marksandspencer.com
When it comes to lingerie and shapewear, Marks and Spencer is always great for choice. As well as different colour and size options, the Body Define™ Firm Control Bodysuit A-E also comes in a variation for F-GG cups for those with a bigger bust. It's wired and padded with firm tummy control to give you a smooth feel. And it's breathable with moisture-wicking fabric that will keep you cool throughout the day.
Pros
- Also available in beige
- Also available in F-GG sizes
- Comes with straps
Cons
- May not be the most comfortable
Best strapless shapewear for backless option
Boohoowww.boohoo.com
The Plunge Pull-In Body Shaping Bodysuit from Boohoo is a fab versatile option. Not only does it come with clear adjustable straps meaning you can get all the support of a strap while not being so obvious, but you can also choose to take the strap off altogether thanks to the adjustable hooks. The perfect option for backless strapless shapewear, at just £16, it's a totally affordable solution to shapewear.
Pros
- Also comes in black and mocha
- Comes with clear adjustable straps
- Flattering thong cut
Cons
- Colour may transfer
Best strapless shapewear for versatility
AmazonMaidenform has this Easy Up Full Slip that comes with detachable straps, making for a versatile choice. Whether you wear it with straps or without, its targeted panel with ultra-firm control with smooth out any lumps and bumps under your favourite outfits. Highly rated and reviewed on Amazon, we'll be adding this to our baskets immediately.
Pros
- Straps are detachable
- Also comes in black
- Offers ultra-firm targeted control
Cons
- May ride up or down slightly without the straps
Which shapewear is best?
Often, finding the best shapewear for you means suiting your needs. Consider what outfit you might wear it under, what colour you want to go for, and what purpose it serves. Maybe you're after the best tummy control shapewear if you want to smooth out areas around your midriff.
Or, you could be after the best shapewear bodysuit if you want to create more of an hourglass figure underneath your clothes. These usually have thicker or more supportive straps, so could be a better option for those with a bigger bust. Sometimes these will include a built-in bra, but others will sit just under the bust.
Maybe you're even looking for the best shapewear thongs to wear under a dress or skirt, so you're not having to worry about a visible knicker line (the worst, right?). Either way, there's loads of shapewear to choose from. Identifying what you need it for is the most important part - but buying it in a versatile neutral colour can't hurt, either.
How should strapless shapewear fit?
With anything strapless, you tend to be advised to size down so it doesn't slip during the day. However, you don't want it to be so tight that it's uncomfortable. Striking a balance is key. The lingerie brand, Leonisa, has some strapless bodysuit shapewear style tips to help.
The brand advises, 'Take your measurements, then look at the size chart of the strapless bodysuit shapewear that interests you'. As well as this, they advise that 'if you’re between sizes, choose the larger one.' The best strapless shapewear should feel comfortable while also being supportive.
What brands are best for shapewear?
As well as the brands mentioned above like SKIMS and Spanx, there are a few other brands you can shop for shapewear. Lingerie brands such as Bravissimo, Triumph and Pour Moi are fab places to start. Other high street retailers like John Lewis, Debenhams and JD Williams tend to have shapewear in stock.
If you're a fan of SKIMS, check out the SKIMS swim collection for all your swimwear needs.
Samantha 'Sam' Price is a Beauty, Fashion & Wellness Products Writer at Closer magazine. In 2021, Sam began her journey as a Storytelling Executive at Closer and heatworld on an internship, creating beauty and fashion content across these brands. It was 2022 when Sam was employed as a Commercial Content Writer writing about Family Life on Yours, Mother & Baby and Spirit & Destiny. Now, she specialises in beauty, fashion and wellness content across many brands.