The Best Plus-Size Shapewear for Women, According to Online Reviews
Updated: Mar. 07, 2023Whether you're looking for shorts, bodysuits, or anything in between, these surprisingly comfortable plus-size shapewear pieces will help you feel confident the second you slip them on.
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Plus-size shapewear you’ll live in
Many of us have a love-hate relationship with shapewear. On the one hand, it can increase our confidence and help us feel like our best selves; on the other, it can make us feel squeezed and stiff. Plus-size shapewear, in particular, has often caused these sorts of problems—until now, that is. Recent innovations with some of our favorite brands have made these pieces more comfortable than ever while also giving you the silhouette you seek.
What is the most comfortable shapewear?
Unsurprisingly, there is no single item that everyone adores. According to undergarment educator Kimmay Caldwell, founder of Hurray Kimmay, it depends entirely on the individual. “Some people feel more comfortable in something that helps them feel held,” she says, “whereas others want something with a little more stretch.”
To find the level of structure that you like best, Caldwell recommends starting with a piece that smooths and then working your way up to one with more compression or firmness. Your comfort level will also increase as you grow more accustomed to wearing shapewear. If you only wear shapewear under a dress for special occasions and you’re not used to it, Caldwell suggests wearing it a couple of times before the big event.
What is the most slimming shapewear?
There are a few things to keep in mind if you want to achieve a slimming effect: The first is to choose a piece that goes high enough to cover all the areas you want to smooth. For example, you may want to choose a short that goes all the way to the bra line. The second is to choose a piece with a seamless edge or top. “There should be no differentiation between the top of the piece and the rest of it because that could cause a bulge,” says Caldwell. If you’re looking for pieces that slim the tummy area specifically, you may want to try a waist cincher, shorts, or a bodysuit.
How we chose the best plus-size shapewear
Each of the pieces on this list comes from a brand that Caldwell recommends, has an average rating of four stars or higher on its retailer’s website, or has a plethora of positive reviews. All items are also available in sizes 3X or larger. Once you’ve chosen a few basic pieces, round out your undergarment collection with the best bras, bralettes, and Nordstrom shapewear, as well as the best plus-size swimsuits that are sure to become your new favorites.
Skims Sculpting Mid-Thigh Bodysuit
Best bodysuit
Skims is the underwear, loungewear, and shapewear brand created by Kim Kardashian, and it’s been lauded for its inclusive size range since it debuted in 2018. This mid-thigh-length bodysuit is an everyday essential that should be in everyone’s collection. The seamless piece lifts and shapes the butt and chest and smooths the tummy and thighs under all of your favorite dresses. “It’s not going to suck your waist in like a corset, but it definitely smooths your rolls,” writes one reviewer. “It does not magically give you a butt; however, it gives little booties like mine a nice lift and definition at the bottom.”
Highlights:
- Available in sizes XXS to 5X
- Wide range of nudes from light to dark
- Seamless
Honeylove Cami Bodysuit
Best wireless bra
No, shapewear doesn’t have to be constrictive or uncomfortable. In fact, supportive bodysuits can even be made without underwires. This one from shapewear brand Honeylove can be worn with your go-to jeans; unlike layering tanks, this bodysuit will never come untucked. But it works just as well as shapewear under a dress. Adjustable straps and breast support give it just as much oomph as your favorite bras. This tried-and-tested piece has received an average 4.75-star rating from more than 130 reviewers. “The garment is comfortable and offers much-needed control,” writes one happy customer. “I feel empowered having shapewear that flaunts my curves.”
Highlights:
- Available in sizes XS to 3X
- Adjustable straps and gusset
- Petite sizing available
Leonisa Invisible Extra-High-Waisted Shaper Short
Best shorts
One of the first things you might notice about Leonisa’s shaper short is the mesh panel at the bum. That’s part of the design, notes Caldwell, who cites the brand as one of her favorites for plus-size shapewear. “Many clients want smoothness in the thigh and torso, but they don’t want their butt to be compressed,” she says. “Leonisa makes both panties and shorts that go all the way up to the bra and have a mesh opening in the butt so your butt can maintain its natural shape.” The seamless compression shorts lift the bum and provide smoothness while reducing chafing. The piece comes with straps, but you can also wear it strapless thanks to the high waist and anti-slip grip lining. If you’re looking for a strapless bra without the shapewear, we have plenty of options in that category too.
Highlights:
- Available in sizes XS to 3XL
- Mesh butt for natural shape
- High waist
Miraclesuit Instant Tummy Tuck High-Waist Brief
Best panty
A well-constructed shapewear panty smooths the tummy without the bulkiness of a full bodysuit. Miraclesuit, another one of Caldwell’s recommended shapewear brands that also makes some of the best bathing suits, provides a perfect option that contours the body without uncomfortable squeezing. Reviewers admit to wearing the piece daily and feeling more confident with it on. “[It] really smooths out my mum tum and other lumps and bumps, and makes me feel good in everything I wear,” writes one customer. “It gave me my confidence back,” writes another.
Highlights:
- Available in sizes XS to 3XL
- High waist
- Smooth, natural shape
Yummie Boyfriend Yummie Tummie 3-Panel Shaping Tank
Best tank
The primary goal of a shaping tank is to smooth the tummy and back area. This option from Yummie features three horizontal panels for maximum comfort and layering. The top and bottom panels are made of non-compressive cotton, while the middle piece is made of a compressive material. That way, you get plenty of compression where you need it and none where you don’t. Plus, you can layer the piece under blazers, sweaters, and other items without it looking like shapewear at the top and bottom. It comes in six easy-to-pair hues: white, black, almond, pink, sky blue, and silver.
Highlights:
- Available in sizes S to 3X
- Wide straps to conceal a bra
- Doesn’t roll up
Maidenform Waist Nipper Ultra Firm Control Trainer
Maidenform is one of Caldwell’s top choices for affordable plus-size shapewear, and this under-$40 cincher is great for people who want to highlight their waists and create an hourglass shape. It has built-in boning and is made of a soft microfiber material, and with more than 1,700 five-star reviews, it’s an Amazon best seller. “I love this shapewear piece from Maidenform. In fact, this is my fifth one,” writes one reviewer. “Easy to wash, sleek under clothes, cottons won’t cling to the material, holds you in with a natural waist curve, and it’s breathable.”
Highlights:
- Available in sizes S to 3XL
- Built-in boning
- Affordable price point
Torrid Black Seamless 360° Smoothing Slip Dress
Best slip
Torrid is best known for its fashion-forward plus-size clothing, but the brand makes fabulous shapewear too. We love this smoothing slip dress, which has received an average 4.6-star rating from more than 140 reviewers. The seamless slip is designed to provide moderate smoothing under any dress or skirt outfit. Reviewers note it can also be worn on its own. “I know this is shapewear, but I literally wear this as a nightgown or around the house; it’s so comfortable and hugs me in all the right places,” writes one reviewer. “It’s so comfy, gives confidence, and shows curves,” writes another.
Highlights:
- Available in sizes M to 6X
- Ribbed hem ensures it doesn’t ride up
- Can be worn as an everyday dress
Maidenform Built-in Bra Body Shaper
Best built-in bra
Another Maidenform piece, this item offers the shapewear benefits of a bodysuit with the supportive benefits of a bra. The unlined, full-coverage, underwire cups have adjustable straps to keep breasts lifted, while the power-mesh lining smooths the tummy and back area. We love how technical this piece is. It’s made of Cool Comfort fabric to keep you from getting too hot and has an antistatic finish so your clothing doesn’t cling to you (unless you want it to). It’s received an average of 4.4 stars from more than 70 reviewers. Here’s one who put it best: “Clean lines, very light padding in the cups, and nothing shows under clothing. Very comfortable.”
Highlights:
- Available in band sizes 34 to 42 and cup sizes B to DD
- Stay-cool fabric
- Antistatic fabric
Wacoal Red Carpet Medium-Control Convertible Bodysuit
Best strapless bra
Looking for shapewear you can wear under strapless dresses? Try this piece from Wacoal, another one of Caldwell’s favorite brands for plus-size shapewear. The bodysuit is made of a medium-control material that smooths the body from butt to bust. It has seamless, foam-lined cups that stay put even under strapless ensembles, thanks to the long line of the bodysuit. “It has average control for my midsection, is not too tight, and I love that the bra is adjustable. Perfect for strapless or adjustable straps,” writes one reviewer.
Highlights:
- Available in band sizes 34 to 40 and cup sizes C to G
- Soft microfiber
- Removable/adjustable straps
Shapermint Empetua High-Waisted Shaping Leggings
Best leggings
Everyone knows that a comfortable and confidence-boosting outfit can improve a workout tenfold—and that’s where these amazing leggings come in. They have high-waist tummy control and are made of a comfortable polyester/spandex blend that provides moderate shaping and moves with the body during any activity. But our favorite features just may be the two side pockets and the hidden hip pocket, which make it easy to leave your purse at home.
Oh, and they have an average 4.5-star-rating from more than 1,300 reviewers on Walmart, and equally glowing reviews on other sites. “If you are a plus-size woman and curious about supportive leggings, these are a must!” raves one fan. “The sizing was perfect, and the waistband did not roll. Great in every way!” Other shoppers note that the leggings are breathable and aren’t see-through, making them a no-brainer for your plus-size-shapewear collection.
Highlights:
- Available in sizes S to 4XL
- Two side pockets and concealed hip pocket
- Comfortable for exercise
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Source:
- Kimmay Caldwell, an undergarment educator and the founder of Hurray Kimmay
