7 best shapewear pieces to buy in 2026, tested by us and approved by experts

Again, we stress, there is no time when shapewear should be used. Your body is beautiful as it is, and without it. But shapewear can "be used when you want additional support," Silvia Azzali tells me. That is, most commonly, when attending a formal event – but another trend which is experiencing something of a renaissance is the sheer trend. When recreating that look, as cosigned by Tyla, Doja Cat and Dua Lipa, shapewear can be used as a base underneath satin shirts, lace skirts, sheer dresses and see-through tailored trousers.

In whatever way you're using shapewear, “it's always best to look for shapewear after you've decided on your outfit, rather than the other way round, as the type of underwear you'll need will depend on the style you plan on wearing,” Sylvia says. "For example, figure hugging dresses will be elevated by shapewear, while a low-cut neckline may require a specific style of the best bra or shaping body.

“Shapewear isn’t about hiding your body, it’s about supporting it,” adds Gabrielle Richards. “You might choose to wear it under a special-occasion dress for extra smoothing, under tailoring for a cleaner silhouette, or even day to day. The key is comfort and confidence. If it makes you feel good in what you’re wearing, that’s the right time to wear it.” Amen.

“Always choose your true size,” says Gabrielle. “It’s a common misconception that sizing down gives a better result , in reality it can cause bulging, rolling and discomfort. Shapewear is engineered to smooth at your normal size. If you’re between sizes, check the brand’s specific size guide and consider the level of compression you prefer.”

Shapewear is not meant to restrict your movements or breathing, by the way, so make sure you can function in it normally before committing to the purchase. According to Silvia, it “should delicately sit and sculpt the curves of the silhouette whilst contouring, but above all, it should fit comfortably. Any item of shapewear should never cut into you, and fitted shapewear should be discreet under slim-fitting clothing and feel secure, not compromising on freedom of movement.”

Gabrielle says: “For dresses, seamless shaping shorts tend to be the most versatile. They smooth through the tummy, hips and thighs without visible lines. If the dress is body-skimming, look for lightweight, breathable fabric with targeted compression. For occasionwear, mid to firm support can create a more sculpted finish.”

“It depends on the style. With shaping shorts or briefs, you typically wouldn’t wear additional underwear underneath. With bodysuits, it’s entirely personal preference,” says Gabrielle. “Many modern designs are created to be worn on their own, with breathable and hygienic linings built in.” So in short, some designs actually permit you to go commando should you want to, but to prolong the life of it, you should wear your cotton underwear or a comfy thong.

“For everyday wear, comfort is everything. Look for light to medium compression in soft, stretchy fabrics that offer support without feeling restrictive. High-waisted shaping briefs or lightweight shorts are popular because they smooth discreetly under jeans, trousers and knitwear while still feeling wearable all day,” Gabrielle says.

To recap, the best shapewear for you – and the best shapewear that actually works – is not only comfortable but supportive, confidence-boosting, smoothing and supportive. Your shapewear should wash well, never be painful, and also work from a colour standpoint. To that note: be wary of different lighting depending on how sheer your outfit is – some styles work best with nude lingerie and some work best with white or ivory, so test different colourways in different settings. Look for shapewear which offers more than just a contouring bodysuit; those with integrated bras such as the Mat De Luxe silhouette from Wolford nod to this. Lastly, be aware that sizing across shapewear will differ between brands – as will compression. Think about what you want the shaping piece to do and go from there.