Shapewear has long been the not-so-secret wardrobe item of women everywhere. And yet, the very term has been shrouded in negativity, eliciting images of Bridget Jones-style knickers and nanna undies.
Providing a quick pick-me-up by smoothing over the natural lumps and bumps we are (unnecessarily) self-conscious of, or providing comfort and support under dresses, shapewear is a staple we believe is deserving of a better reputation.
It’s not just us mere mortals who call on shapewear for those fitted and slinky pieces; Beyoncé, Kaley Cuoco and Chrissy Teigen are top of the list of celebrity fans. Then, there are the Kardashians, who transformed waist trainers and shapewear into garments to be worn independently and flaunted on our feeds.
The undergarment is far from one size and shape suits all, so below, we have rounded up the styles to shop for every need.
The Best Shapewear To Shop In 2025
01
SKIMS Core Control High-Waisted Thong
$70 at David Jones
Best for: no-show thong
If you’re looking for firm compression around the waist, this ultra-high-rise style from SKIMS will deliver without any pesky underwear lines showing. It will cinch your waist and smooth your stomach area without cutting in or creating lines around your bottom.
Sizes: XXS – 4XL | Colours: Sand, mica, clay, ochre, sienna, jasper, cocoa, onyx | Materials: 79% Nylon / 21% Elastane
Key features:
- Firm compression
- Thong style
- Ultra-high rise cut
Available at:
- $70 from SKIMS
- $64.95 from David Jones
02
Simone Pérèle Subtile Shapewear Bodysuit
$159.95 at The Iconic
Best for: shapewear that looks like lingerie
Shapewear doesn’t have to be boring, and this delicate bodysuit from Simone Pérèle proves it. It smooths from the bust down, featuring delicate lace detailing and a flattering boyshort cut. Dare we say, this shapewear piece even feels sexy.
Sizes: 10 – 18 | Colours: Black, beige | Materials: 71% nylon, 26% elastane, 3% cotton
Key Features:
- Targeted control
- Side support for the bust
- Boyshort bottom
- 100% cotton gusset
Available at:
- $159.95 from The Iconic
- $159.95 from David Jones
- $159.95 from MYER
03
Boody Shaper Long Undershort
$64.95 at Boody
Best for: flexible comfort
Boody underwear is made with super soft viscose from bamboo, so you can be sure these bamboo undershorts are soft and supportive. They have in-built side panels to help smooth your silhouette, while the breathable organic bamboo knit fabric ensures breathability.
Sizes: XS – 2XL | Colours: Black, shell | Materials: 73% viscose made from bamboo, 22% nylon, 5% spandex
Key features:
- Seamfree
- Long 8” inseam
- High rise
- Light smoothing
Available at:
- $64.95 from Boody
04
SKIMS Core Sculpt Plunge Mid-Thigh Bodysuit
$166 at SKIMS
Best for: seamless compression
The problem with some shapewear bodysuits is that the rigid fabric can lead to seams digging into the skin. That’s not a concern with this one from Skims, thanks to the raw-cut leg openings that sit flush with the skin. It also has a seamless neckline, core compression, adjustable straps, and an open gusset so you don’t have to take the whole thing off everytime you visit the loo.
Sizes: XXS – 4XL | Colours: Sand, clay, sienna, jasper, cocoa, onyx | Materials: 61% polyamide, 39% elastane
Key features:
- Plunge neckline
- Unlined cups
- Adjustable straps
- Raw cut leg opening
- Open gusset
- Targeted core compression
Available at:
- $166 from SKIMS
05
Simone Pérèle Subtile Control Full Brief
$89.95 at David Jones
Best for: mid-rise support
No one has ever accused shapewear of being sexy lingerie, but Simone Pérèle is trying to change that, one lace panel at a time. These briefs are great for every day, with a mid-rise waist, full coverage behind, and a 100% cotton gusset that ensures comfort and control.
Sizes: 10 – 20 | Colours: Black, peau rose | Materials: 71% polyamide, 26% elastane, 3% cotton
Key features:
- Mid-rise waist
- Full coverage behind
- Lace panelling
- 100% cotton gusset
Available at:
- $89.95 from David Jones
- $89.95 from The Iconic
- $89.95 from MYER
06
SKIMS Fits Everybody Slip Dress
$124 at SKIMS
Best for: smoothing under dresses
Crafted from a stretchy, buttery soft fabric, this slip dress is perfect for wearing underneath any sheer dresses or providing an extra smoothing layer to delicate and unforgiving fabrics. It has fully adjustable straps and the lightweight fabric will deliver soft smoothness without harsh compression.
Sizes: XXS – 4XL | Colours: Sand, clay, sienna, jasper, cocoa, onyx | Materials: 76% polyamide, 24% elastane
Key features:
- Wide scoop neck
- Adjustable straps
- Stretch fabric
Available at:
- $124 from SKIMS
07
Spanx Suit Your Fancy Plunge Low-Back Bodysuit
$279 at The Iconic
Best for: plunging necklines
No matter the dress style, this smoothing bodysuit will fit underneath without peaking out. Low back? Plunging neckline? They’re no match for this soft, stretch number. The adjustable straps can also be adapted from over the shoulder
Sizes: XS – XL | Colours: Linen, black, beige | Materials: Body — 51% elastane, 49% nylon; Gusset — 80% nylon, 20% elastane
Key features:
- Front plunge
- Low back
- Adjustable straps
Available at:
- $279 from The Iconic
- $279.95 from MYER
- $256.88 from Revolve
08
Spanx Ecocare Everyday Shaping Boyshorts
$46.62 at The Iconic
Best for: under jeans
We love wearing boyshorts like these ones underneath jeans on the days when we’re tucking in a tighter top to feel supported around the middle. It’s made from a super stretchy fabric and the waistband is designed to avoid rolling down.
Sizes: XS – 3XL | Colours: Black, toasted oatmeal, vintage rose | Materials: 79% nylon, 10% elastane, 1% cotton
Key features:
- Stretchy fabrication
- Roll-resistant waistband
Available at:
- $46.62 from The Iconic
09
Nancy Ganz Backless Body Define Ultimate Slip
$129 (usually $199.95) at The Iconic
Best for: strapless dresses
If you’re strategic, backless and strapless dresses can still be worn over shapewear. This slip from Nancy Ganz isn’t designed to flatten every part of your body, rather, it will smooth the bits you want smoothed and accentuate others. It hits at the mid-thigh, so it should fit under most dresses (save for your ultra minis, of course), has detachable straps, and has panelling to smooth your waist. Perhaps most importantly, you can also buy this slip according to your cup size, so you’re not at risk of spilling out the top.
Sizes: 10C – 14D | Colours: Black, warm taupe | Materials: 50% nylon, 50% spandex
Key features:
- Laser-cut edges
- Silicone-free elastic
- Low, open back
- Strapless
Available at:
- $129 (usually $199.95) from The Iconic
- $199.95 from MYER
10
Spanx Oncore Open-Bust Mid-Thigh Bodysuit
$219.95 at The Iconic
Best for: Support without bust compression
The open-bust design of this Spanx bodysuit allows you to reap the benefits of a form-fitting bodysuit without the bust compression that can come with some shapewear designs. So, you’re free to wear your favourite bra without compromising on shape or comfort.
Sizes: S – 4XL | Colours: Beige | Materials: 80% Nylon, 20% Elastane
Key features:
- 100% cotton guest
- Open-bust design
- Compression side panels
- Firm support
Available at:
- $ from [Store name]
- $219 from Myer
- $ from [Store name]
11
Honeylove LiftWear Cami
$160 at Honeylove
Best for: undetectable support
Bodysuits can feel like a big commitment for the average day at work, so a cami like this one from Honeylove is a good alternative for the days when you want support around your waist but freedom around your bottom. It features a built-in, wire-free bra and double-knit compression side panels for waist support, plus a silicone grippy strip at the bottom hem to prevent rolling.
Sizes: XS – 4XL | Colours: Navy, beige | Materials: Body — 64% nylon, 36% spandex; Mesh — 72% nylon, 28% spandex; Bra cup — 91% nylon, 9% spandex
Key features:
- Medium support
- Built-in wireless bra
- Silicone grip-strip at the bottom hem
- Adjustable and convertible straps
Available at:
- $160 from Honeylove
Is It Better To Size Up Or Down When Buying Shapewear?
When deciding whether you should size up, down, or stick with your usual size, it’s best to consult the brand’s recommendations. Some styles offer firm compression, and brands may suggest sizing up if you wish to have a more subtle compression (SKIMS is particularly good at providing these recommendations), and likewise, others may suggest sizing down for a firmer hold.
Shapewear is designed to smooth the body, not to make you lose weight, so buying a size smaller than you would usually wear could result in discomfort, bulging and cutting into your skin at the seams. With that in mind, if in doubt, stick with your usual dress size when purchasing.
Which Shapewear Brand Is Best?
From celebrity-founded (yes, we’re looking at you, SKIMS) to long-time, trusted labels, these are the best shapewear brands you need to know about:
