The best shapewear for every occasion, according to a fashion editor

Founded by singer Lizzo, Yitty (and its shapewear) has received a lot of positive reviews online. It seemed like marketing hype, but after putting it to the test, I can confirm that it’s a winner.

The thigh-shaping all-in-one is initially difficult to get on, but once you’re in it, you’ll likely feel the sculpting effect immediately.

Not only does it highlight your waist, smooth your tummy and thighs and support your bust, but it also manages to make your bum feel boosted, and it’ll be anti-chafing, too. The seamless style is perfect to wear underneath dresses, jumpsuits or any outfit you want to appear smoother in. You can also choose to wear your own underwear underneath, as it will just pull over a T-shirt bra easily, giving you extra support.

Its open gusset design means you don’t have to take it off every time you need the loo. On top of that, it will work for pretty much everyone; one of the most size-inclusive on test, it’s available in sizes XS-5X (UK 8-34).

These shapewear pants have an ingenious design. Rather than using the same fabric throughout, the clever criss-cross design adds a thicker material where you may need more support, around the waist and lower stomach. The bum is covered with a sheer fabric that doesn’t squash your natural shape like a lot of compression-style briefs tend to do.

The pants also have a couple of inches of boning around the waist, so this really helps to give that cinched-in waist that may be desired for some top or dress styles. Its non-slip design means that it doesn’t roll down or dig in when you sit down, so it will be perfect for dinner or a wedding reception. If you want them to give you firmer control, then I suggest sizing down, as they fit true to size and are easy to pull on. The big drawback, however, is that these are handwash only.

Created by shapewear lover Kim Kardashian, Skims has received rave reviews since its launch in 2019. I expected good things, but it’s hard to live up to all that hype. However, when I tried the seamless sculpt brief, I found the perfect pair of everyday pants - but with the smoothing and contouring that comes with shapewear.

The best part is that, although they look tiny out of the packet, they easily stretch to fit, and weirdly don’t feel too tight once they’re on. They feel sculpting, comfortable and glide over the lower stomach, while cinching the waist and lifting the bum slightly. It’s also good that they’re not too high-waisted, so you can easily sit in them. The silicone waistband makes sure they stay in place as you move around, too. Whether it’s everyday smoothing you’re after, or a pair of briefs you can rely on for every special occasion, this style, which comes in seven skin tone shades and sizes XXS-4X, is the best solution for every body.

These shaping shorts are great for giving your bum a little boost. With padded inserts at the rear, your bum will appear noticeably fuller. Much like a padded bra would boost your cup size, these enlarge your bum size. Creating a more shapely appearance, these work best when you want to enhance your silhouette in tighter-fitting clothes.

With a medium/firm compression feel to the shorts, they also help to smooth your thighs and stomach. They sit high up over the belly button, so they feel super comfy. If you’re worried about the pads staying in place, I found that they needed a slight bit of readjusting after sitting in them, but aside from that, they stayed put, even when dancing. To wash the pads, you simply remove them, and the handy ‘up’ detail will make sure you reinsert them the right way up, so that your bum will look the same each time you use them.

The Spanx plunge low-back bodysuit works with almost any outfit. Whether it’s a halterneck with a low back, a strappy dress with a plunge front, or a tight mini that you might want some thigh smoothing for, this do-it-all one-piece should be your plus one to every event.

I found that the clever multiway straps mean you can change them to suit your outfit, and I realised there’s even a removable back band so you can wear the bodysuit underneath low-back or open-back dresses without it being visible. Add to this the fact that it’s made from a medium compression sculpting material, is seamless, and comes in four different shades, and you’ve got what could be the hardest-working item in your underwear drawer year-round. The biggest drawback is that you can’t shop by bra size, so it may not work for everyone. While the results are undeniable, it’s also the most expensive piece I tested.

Like the Skims product above, this bodysuit looks intimidatingly small out of the packaging, but once it’s on, it’s easy to pull up. It’s so stretchy that it doesn’t feel uncomfortable. With firm compression over the stomach, waist and back, the thick material smooths over lumps and bumps to create a super smooth silhouette.

I tried the thong style, which is ideal if you don't want to smooth the bum but would like to contour your back. I also loved how the cups are made out of a softer, less sculpting material, so you can wear the bodysuit without a bra (it has adjustable straps) or with your own bra underneath for extra support if you have a larger chest. Overall, this is one of those bodysuits you’ll put on and feel instantly snatched in. However, that thong style does dig in a little, so it’s best for parties and events, not for walking around during a day out.

If you need briefs that look pretty but still have all the benefits of shapewear, then you’ll want this Magisculpt style. In a two-pack, these are perfect to wear underneath your everyday clothes to give you more confidence around the stomach. The control is more medium than firm, but this just makes them more comfortable, and I liked how they weren’t too high-waisted to wear with usual dresses or jeans without feeling too much compression.

The lace detail on the front and around the legs makes them look more like lingerie, and this can be seen slightly under some outfits, so be aware of this if you prefer seam-free styles. A practical and pretty choice you’ll rely on so many times across all seasons, I rate this affordable set from Simply Be.

With everyday wear in mind, the sheer smoothing collection is made to feel like you’re wearing the comfiest of underwear. With a focus on the thighs, these super lightweight shorts are made to be completely seamless, so there’s no VPL on your thighs or waist. They sit around the point where most high-waisted jeans tend to go.

If you’re wearing tight trousers, shorts, or more form-fitting dresses, these shorts would be perfect to smooth over the thighs. The sheer feel will also give that smooth appearance under lighter colours such as white, cream and beige, making them ideal for the spring and summer months. Bear in mind that if you’re looking for a flatter stomach, these won’t be the best option. However, as they’re light control around this area, they still have that smoothing effect that you get from most shaping shorts.

If you want your silhouette to appear smoother underneath dresses, this slip is the perfect solution. Much like a mini dress, its firm but stretchy material glides over your body, especially over the stomach. If you have a dress you already feel confident in, but want a bit more support than shaping briefs, for example, this is a good choice.

You can wear it with and without straps, which is ideal if you have a tricky dress to wear during event season. The slip is true to size, but if you’re fuller busted or have a larger bum, then it may be wise to size up; the firm fit could squash these areas. From my tests, I also suggest wearing underwear underneath – this looks its best with a strapless bra and seamless pants underneath.

At first glance, this could be mistaken for sexy lingerie, as it’s much prettier than most shapewear. The sheer bodysuit with lace detailing can be worn under dresses, tops and jeans as an extra confidence boost. Although it’s listed as “firm” control, I would say it’s more medium; while the sheer fabric makes you feel supported and smoothed, it isn’t as firm as a lot that I tried. However, it still makes your waist feel cinched, and the fact that you can wear it with your own bra is always a bonus. It sits just below your bra, and it manages to give your boobs such a boost that it could be mistaken for you wearing a push-up style underneath.

The straps are adjustable and the brief part of the bodysuit has poppers which make it easier to go to the loo. The only minor issue is that the lace detailing can show a slight VPL, which is something to consider if this usually bothers you.

While I struggled to get this on, the thick compression material sculpted my stomach and waist instantly. The softer material for the bra and pant areas means this bodysuit is supportive without being constrictive. With straps and a popper design at the crotch, it’s easy to adjust, and it doesn’t need to be fully taken off when you go to the toilet on a night out.

With perforated air holes down the sides, it won’t be too warm during the spring and summer months, and it doesn’t feel like you’re stuck in it. Giving a super smooth look under dresses, the sleek V-neck seamless style is also one that would easily be shown off with jeans or underneath a shirt. However, it’s one of the most expensive designs I tested.

If it’s a light support layer you’re after, then this John Lewis style is the answer. In three different shades, the super stretchy mini dress with thick straps will smooth your silhouette, especially under something like a white dress where you don’t want it to be see-through. Best of all, it isn’t designed to replace your existing underwear – simply slip it over your usual bra and underwear for a light sculpting effect.

I’m a size 10 and tried a medium, but I would suggest going for the small if you’re a similar size to me, as the sizing is quite generous. This would also provide a slightly higher level of smoothing. The straps aren’t adjustable, so while it worked well for me, others might find it hard to find the right fit.