9 best tummy-control underwear, recommended by Glamour editors
I have a real love-hate relationship with the best tummy-control underwear. When it works, it works — smoothing, sculpting, and seamless under jeans, skirts, and wedding-guest dresses. But when it doesn’t, I’m counting the minutes until I can yank it off, whether it’s rolling, digging in, or just plain uncomfortable. Unlike the best shapewear often does, the best tummy-control underwear should feel like a second skin, giving you shape and support where you want it without the telltale panty lines or constant need to readjust.
While no one needs tummy control and your body is beautiful as it is (what does needs mean, really?), compression underwear does make me feel more confident. It helps define my shape in fitted clothes, and ensures dresses run smoother atop my body. So, while we're all for feeling as body positive as we possibly can, we won't be shaming you for wanting to fine-tune parts of your figure either.
There are all kinds of styles of tummy-control underwear to choose from — high-waist cotton briefs, seamless thongs, shorts, shapewear bodysuits — and in varying levels of compression. You’ll find undies that are light and comfortable enough for everyday wear or shapewear for women that’s firm enough to create an hourglass figure. Below, I’ve rounded up the best tummy-control underwear I’ve tested, as well as other favourites from Glamour editors, reviewers, and contributors. After something else? Our Fashion Writer has reviewed the best tummy-control swimwear, too.
The best tummy control underwear I've tried:
.png)
Ahead, the very best tummy control underwear – alongside honest reviews.
- What we love: Silicone grip keeps it from rolling down; has detachable straps for an open-bust style; crisscross panels sculpt and shape.
- Worth noting: Too long for short dresses; panels aren’t seamless; pricey.
Glamour contributor and product tester Brigitt Earley calls these shaper shorts the best overall tummy control underwear for women. She paired them with a holiday-party dress.
“I wasn’t sure I was going to keep the dress, because I didn’t love how it fit — my stomach looked like it was just kind of hanging out there — but these shorts instantly corrected my complaint,” says Earley. “The SuperPower shorts have crisscross panels in the waist that really deliver on the promise to help suck things in and create more of an hourglass shape. It also has supportive wire on the sides to help keep things squarely in place, but I found it a very comfortable option overall. I particularly liked how well the shorts stayed in place. Not only do they have a silicone backing on the waist so they stay put, but there are also detachable straps so you can wear the style more like an open-bust bodysuit. With this extra reinforcement, you can be sure the shorts aren’t going anywhere — even if you’re dancing the night away. My only complaint? These shorts are definitely on the longer side.”
- Material: 75% nylon, 25% spandex; cotton-lined gusset
- Sizing: XS–3X
- Compression: Extra firm
- Colours: 4 options (black, white, sand, rose tan)
- What we love: Comfortable; doesn’t dig in; smoothing; multiple skin tones; wide plus-sizing.
- Worth noting: Only lightly compressive (for an extra-firm fit, try the brand’s Core Control High-Waist Thong; there are also a tonnes of other styles).
Even if thongs aren’t usually your thing, you’ll love the stretchy, super-comfy fit of Skims’ high-waist thong. It’s so soft and lightweight that you’ll barely notice you’re wearing it, yet it still delivers gentle smoothing and support. Skims’ thongs come in the biggest range of skin tones we’ve found, with an especially high waist and that no-show thong cut that avoids visible panty lines. They’re some of the best plus-size tummy-control underwear on this list and can fit hips up to 59 inches around.
“This ultra-high-waisted tummy-control thong is a lot more comfortable than it looks, and I love that it provides a touch of shaping without committing to a full-on shapewear piece,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary. “It’s soft to the touch, stretchy, and flexible, making it perfect for wearing for all activities, especially those that require a lot of movement like working out and walking.”
- Material: 76% polyamide, 24% elastane; 100% cotton gusset
- Sizing: XXS–4X
- Compression: Light
- Colors: 8 options (including shades of beige, brown, and black)
- What we love: Comfortable enough for everyday; medium compression; no digging into skin; many skin tones; plus sizing.
- Worth noting: Pricey; gusset may separate from underwear after multiple washes.
Spanx reigns supreme in the high-compression shapewear world, and its everyday undies are worth a pause. I have these briefs, and they’re pretty much everything I want in a pair of tummy-control underwear. They’re made of a recycled nylon that feels silky soft and cool on my skin and slides on and off without trouble. The compression is medium — not so strong that I’m distracted by the tightness but still firm — with an elastic waistband that pulls in and smooths my stomach. I always feel supported and comfortable throughout a full day of wear. They’re my pick under everything — workwear, dresses, leggings, jeans. The versatile tummy-control shapewear briefs provide full coverage, come in a wide range of skin tones, and include generous plus sizing.
- Material: 89% nylon, 10% elastane, 1% cotton
- Sizing: XS–3X
- Compression: Medium
- Colors: 10+ options (including chestnut brown, vintage rose, toasted oatmeal, smoke, café au lait)
- What we love: High-waisted, not constricting, luxe finish and no VPL.
- Worth noting: Only light shaping.
Forget what you thought you knew about Victoria's Secret. The lingerie brand has grown up, moving away from brightly coloured, flower-adorned knickers that only tweens would wear (and sickly-sweet body mists that leave you with a headache), instead, venturing into sophisticated silhouettes and underwear that solves a problem. Falling into that latter camp? Their Smoothing Shimmer Shaping Knickers, which are my go-to whenever I have an event to attend.
These are available in six colours, and are perfect if you want light shaping without too much compression. The luxe satin waistband gives your hips and stomach that snatched look, while the cotton gusset feels comfortable all day and ensures your underwear won't be visible even under the skimpiest of dresses. They might be £20 per pair, but IMO? Boy are they worth it.
- Material: 81% Polyester, 19% Elastane.
- Sizing: XS–XXL.
- Compression: Light.
- Colours: Six colours, including black and various nude shades.
.png)
.png)
- What we love: Very supportive; no thigh chafing; smoothing and shaping; breathable.
- Worth noting: Limited colour options; a bit tough to take off.
I wore these to my best friend’s engagement party under a tropical dress that was extremely fitted through the stomach — and they did exactly what I needed them to do. They’re not the easiest shaper shorts to get on or off, but once they’re on, they’re the big guns of my tummy-control drawer. The compressive panels wrap smoothly around both front and back, creating noticeable shaping without ever riding up or shifting throughout the night. Despite the hold, they feel surprisingly sleek and silky against the skin, and I never once had to think about them while dancing, sitting, or moving around for hours. I appreciated the shorts style, as it kept my thighs from rubbing together.
- Material: 55% nylon, 25% elastane; cotton-lined gusset.
- Sizing: XS—3X.
- Compression: Medium.
- Colours: 3 options (black, champagne beige, cafe au lait).
- What we love: Lightweight; seamless.
- Worth noting: Limited plus sizing; may ride up.
I don’t typically reach for thongs, since they tend to ride up, but I wanted something I could wear under leggings without a visible panty line while still getting a bit of tummy smoothing. Commando is known for its shapewear, and that expertise carries over here. The fabric is incredibly thin and sheer, to the point that it truly disappeared under my lightweight leggings. The tummy-control panties felt more compressive than I expected given how minimal they look, and while they were a touch snug on me, they weren’t unbearably uncomfortable. If I were to buy them again, I’d likely size up for a little more ease through the waist.
- Material: 68% nylon, 32% elastane.
- Sizing: XS—XL.
- Compression: Light.
- Colours: 4 options (black, mocha, caramel, beige).
- What we love: Full coverage; double-layered waistband provides tummy control; plus sizing; budget-friendly.
- Worth noting: Leg elastic is a little scratchy.
Wirarpa’s undies are basic, comfy, and the ones your wallet will thank you for choosing. The high-waist cut hits right over the belly button with a thick, double-layered waistband that provides extra compression. The crotch has extra layering, too, and is broad enough to hold pads during your period. Plus, they’re made of moisture-wicking cotton.
“I’ve worn this underwear pretty much exclusively for the last two years, which may not sound like a big deal, but in those two years, I’ve been pregnant and had my daughter, so my shape has changed a lot,” says fashion writer and Glamour contributor Anna Vognsen. “They’re just high-rise enough to provide all-day support, but they don’t come up over my waistband or dig in. I never notice them while I’m wearing them, but I do notice that on the days I don’t, other underwear just doesn’t feel as comfortable or as supportive.” These are some of the best plus-size underwear, with sizing up to 7X.
- Material: 95% combed cotton, 5% spandex
- Sizing: XS–7X
- Compression: Light
- Colours: 15+ solid options that depend on pack
.png)
.png)
Frequently asked questions, answered:
How we chose tummy-control underwear
To find the best tummy-control underwear, we researched bestsellers from top retailers and analysed user reviews to narrow more than two dozen highly rated styles. Over six weeks, we tested each pair for material quality, fit, and overall comfort, paying close attention to how supportive each style felt across different body types and use cases.
Our testers wore each pair for hours at a time to see whether it delivered smoothing and support without rolling down, digging in, or feeling overly restrictive. They moved through everyday activities—walking, sitting, climbing stairs, running errands, and light exercise—to evaluate how well the underwear stayed in place and maintained its compression. We also considered breathability, moisture management, visible panty lines, ease of getting the underwear on and off, price, construction quality, and the range of sizes and colours available.
What are the benefits of tummy-control underwear?
“Depending on the style, tummy-control underwear can contour and support the booty, plus shape and smooth the waist and tummy areas of the body,” says Gabrielle Richards, brand director of Shapermint. Lighter-control undies are excellent at acting as a base layer for clothes to seamlessly glide over for a more streamlined appearance, says Jane Newman, the chief design officer for Hanes Brands. Styles with ultrafirm control flatten the waist under clingier, more tightly fitted clothing. Your basic undies can do none of these things.
What are the different types of tummy-control underwear?
There are various styles of tummy-control underwear—a blessing, since some of us are bikini girlies and some of us swear by thongs. The most popular options include briefs, thongs, and shaping shorts that come in high- and mid-rise waistlines and different thigh lengths. You’ll also find all-in-one jumpsuits and body shapers that have built-in bras, camisoles, open busts, butt-lifting, and waist-cinching features. Looking for even more support? They make tummy-control swimsuits and jeans for tummy support too.
How to shop for tummy-control underwear
How you shop for tummy-control underwear depends on the level of support you want and how you intend to wear them. Here are the three levels of compression, says Richards:
- Low compression (smoothing): Hoping to find some undies you can easily wear every day to smooth out your midsection and hips under your favourite jeans or leggings? Briefs and thongs with a wide, high waistband and light control are usually your most comfortable options.
- Medium compression (shape-enhancing): This in-between level enhances your curves and gives you a little contouring while remaining breathable and stretchy enough that you can move for hours.
- High compression (sculpting): Looking for that snatched waistline under a wedding-guest dress? This level of compression is ideal for a special occasion and more formal, structured clothing like evening gowns and cocktail dresses. Opt for high-waist briefs, thongs, shorts, or a butt-lifting bodysuit that have this toned, supported feel.
How to size yourself for tummy-control underwear
You can use your normal pants and underwear size as a guide for the tummy-control undies size you choose, but be open to experimenting with different styles and silhouettes to find the right level of support. To be more precise, use a cloth measuring tape to measure your hips and waist for a more precise size. Pro tip: Spend some time in the comments section of the product to see how other shoppers recommend sizing.
Meet our experts
- Gabrielle Richards, brand director of intimates brand Shapermint
- Jane Newman, chief design officer of Global Innerwear for Hanes Brands; she’s behind the brand’s latest launches, including Hanes Originals and its Maidenform M collection
- Brigitt Earley, Glamour contributor who’s tested products for the past 15 years; graduate of Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism
- Malia Griggs, Glamour commerce editor who’s reviewed and reported on shopping and lifestyle products for five years
- Elizabeth Kadar, Glamour contributor and seasoned commerce writer with extensive product-review experience across top-tier publications
- Jennifer Chan, on-air TV host and style and beauty expert
- Anna Vognsen, Glamour contributor
This story originally appeared on Glamour US.
