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Shapewear was once an article of clothing most women were embarrassed to admit they wore. Girdles? Not exactly chic or comfortable. But times have changed, and thanks to SkIims, Spanx and other best shapewear for women, there’s a wide selection of options for those who want to smooth and minimize portions of their body while also enhancing their curves.

“Shapewear comes for just about every wardrobe need now —think sliming, shaping, plumping and sculpting,” says Micaela Erlanger, a celebrity stylist who’s worked with Meryl Streep, Catherine Zeta Jones and Gal Gadot.

“Just about every woman has tried shapewear in their time — even if you might not have bits to smooth out. [It] serves as a helpful wardrobe tool for layering under sheer pieces or in lieu of lining garments.”

In terms of what you should look for in this undergarment, she recommends checking “the spandex and or microfiber content and the feel of the fabric.” This will tell you if it’s of quality or not. Erlanger also advises avoiding bulky seams as “shapewear is meant to be undetected and seamless styles are best” at providing that smooth look.

Below, you’ll discover the best shapewear pieces to shop, ranging from underwear and tanks to backless bodysuits and more.

Of course, an option from SKIMS made the number one spot! Was there any doubt?

No matter how you feel about Ms. Kardashian, no one can deny that the woman knows how to play up the feminine form, be it through camera angles or her shapewear. The latter is good by the way. Like, really good.

We went with the High-Waisted Mid Thigh Shorts as our number one pick because it’s one of the most practical and comfortable pieces of shapewear around. Unlike a bodysuit, it’s easier to take on and off when you need to use the restroom, and its length is short enough to keep it hidden beneath a miniskirt or dress. It’s undetectable beneath other pieces of clothing, too, so it can be paired with your tightest LBD without anyone being the wiser. Butt pockets define and lift the rear end, which along with being enhancing create a more streamlined look.

In terms of feel, the fabric is buttery smooth. Comprised of breathable polyamide and 22% elastane, the stretch is real on this undergarment, and so are its slimming capabilities. The material is on the thin side, so anyone who wants to avoid shapewear that makes them look bigger (yes, that’s a thing), will like this.

Sizes: XXS-4X | Colors: 9 colors | Compression type: Mid-level compression | Material: 78% polyamide, 22% elastane

If bodysuits or shorts are not your cup of tea, we highly recommend this option from Shapermint. High-waist anything tends to be figure-flattering, but especially shapewear, which will compress the front, as well as the sides. What impressed us most about this specific piece of shapewear is that it feels like nylon stockings but with more durability, so if you’re seeking something that feels barely detectable beneath your work suit or dress, this is it. While we do wish it looked more like underwear (the nylon mesh is very noticeable), the mid-level compression is legit and does a good job at reducing bulges. “The fit is perfect, not too tight but firm enough to give me that confidence boost I need,” one tester said. “It shapes and contours beautifully without causing any discomfort or leaving marks. I can wear it all day, whether I’m at work, out with friends, or attending a special event.”

Sizes: XS-4L | Colors: 6 colors | Compression type: Mid-level compression | Material: 90% Nylon, 10% Spandex

If you don’t wear shapewear every day, it may not make sense to invest in a $80 bodysuit. This option from SHAPERX is easier on the wallet, while still having a variety of smoothing features. Offering 360-degree compression around the center, the shapewear has flexible boning. Sheer side panels for extra breathability. The waistband should hold up but if you find yourself between sizes, add the straps for more staying power.

Sizes: XS-4L | Colors: 2 colors | Compression type: Mid-level compression | Material: 64% nylon, 36% elastane

There are so many things that impressed us about the Skim Seamless Sculpt Brief Bodysuit: its flattering cut, the comfortable feel, the fact that it comes in a variety of shades to compliment different skin tones…we could go on.

Offering full compression, it’s the shapewear to go with if you’re seeking something to suck.it.in. If you prefer something with more flexibility, size up. Made from a blend of nylon and elastane, the bodysuit is stylish enough to wear as a regular top but is lightweight enough to be layered beneath a sweater or button-up. It’s machine-washable (technically), but based on some tester feedback, we’d recommend washing by hand.

Sizes: XXS-4X | Colors: 11 colors | Compression type: Full Compression | Material: 82% nylon, 18% elastane

Shoppers love this onesie-style shapewear bodysuit. It offers full control compression throughout the middle and also has sculpting in the back to make the bum look high and tight. There is also compression in the thigh areas, which is nice for those seeking to draw attention away from thicker legs. Armed with targeting shaping throughout, one reviewer said it offers “comfort and performance,” smoothing bulges with ease.

Sizes: XXS-4X | Colors: 11 colors | Compression type: Full Compression | Material: 82% nylon, 18% elastane

If you’re not crazy about your love handles (and many women aren’t), the SPANXsculpt Seamless Power Shorty is a way to pull in the waistline without excess compression or boning.

It has 360-degree sculpting, so you’ll look snatched throughout. More importantly, the shorts are soft, breathable, and have a four-way stretch for extra flexibility. They do have a delicate feel and some reviewers reported that the shapewear tore. However, we attribute this to the fabric, which is very similar to pantyhose. We suggest treating these with extra care with putting them on, especially if your nails are on the longer side.

Sizes: S-3X | Colors: 5 colors | Compression type: Full Compression | Material: 55% Nylon, 45% Elastane

We’re borderline obsessed with how sexy the HoneyLove SuperPower Brief is. The side mesh detail? Divine! More importantly, we found the garment supreme at sucking in bits we wanted to have sucked in. Mainly, love handles, tummy pudge…you know, the usual suspects. The underwear-style shapewear also comes in a thong cut, as well as a short, and offers full, targeted compression throughout. It also has flexible boning to provide extra integrity to the garment, while preventing the material from rolling down as you move.

Sizes: XS-3X | Colors: 5 colors | Compression type: Full Compression | Material: Body: 75% nylon, Lining: 25% spandex, Gusset: 100% cotton

Don’t let the lower price tag of the SHAPERX Tummy Control Shapewear Bodysuit fool you, it’s the real deal! Made of 20% spandex, it offers ample stretch in all the necessary places, plus even lifts your chest! The adjustable straps are one of our favorite features, as well as the four-way stretch and moisture-wicking enhanced fabric. It’s not fully compressive but does snatch the waist in just enough to create an hourglass shape, similar to a favorite tummy control swimsuit. “I cannot believe the elasticity and hold I get from this tiny little thing!” one reviewer shared, while another said they received “tons of compliments” whenever they put in on.

Sizes: XS-5XL | Colors: 10 colors | Compression type: Mild-Mid level Compression | Material: 80% nylon, 20% spandex

Wearing shapewear is nothing to be ashamed of but it’s something most of us want to avoid announcing. What makes this bodysuit shapewear ideal is that it really looks and feels like a regular bodysuit or (if you can handle it) a laceless teddy.

Like most of the shapewear from SKIMS, the bodysuit offers mid-level compression, which means it will give your shape a more streamlined look without that binding feeling. The fabric is on the thinner side too, so it won’t make the middle appear thicker the way some shapewear does. Our favorite aspect of it is that it has a thong back, so it’s nearly impossible to detect beneath a bodycon dress. One reviewer called it “the holy grail of bodysuits.”

Sizes: XXS-4X | Colors: 7 colors | Compression type: Mid-level Compression | Material: 61% polyamide, 39% elastane

Similar to underwear, shapewear is something that’s not easy to try on in stores or when shopping online. The good news is that when it comes to the latter there are a few things to consider to make the process simpler.

Most of us have an area (or several) in our body we’d like to camouflage. Is it your arms or legs? Perhaps it’s your middle, butt or a combo of all of the above. Look for certain keywords when examining different styles. Shapewear with the word smoothing, for example, will offer light control and smooth your frame — hence the term.

Shaping shapewear offers mid-level compression and generally has contouring features. If you’re interested in giving your waist a smaller appearance, lifting your backside, or trimming down your hips, this is the word to scan for.

Similarly, shapewear with sculpting can further define and hide areas of concern. It’s generally firmer than the other two types and can be more confining. However, it’s great for those who have love handles, a protruding belly, or other features that may make creating a more proportionate silhouette challenging.

With any type of clothing, it’s important to know your size.

Sizing can vary widely between brands, so the best thing one can do is measure themselves before buying anything online.

Measure the fullest part of your hips, as well as the smallest part of your waist and inseam (crotch to ankle). Afterward, review a shapewear brand’s sizing chart and select accordingly. Many companies will also say in the product description whether something runs true to size or not. It’s also wise to read customer reviews to determine how others find the fit of the shapewear.

No piece of clothing should be uncomfortable to wear, especially something as fitted as shapewear.

Whether you’re shopping for compression shorts, underwear or a bodysuit, look for details about the shapewear’s breathability, as well as if it has special features, such as moisture-wicking materials. This will give you a sense of how comfortable it will be.

The stretch of the material is another important factor to consider. Look for shapewear that has at least 15% or higher spandex or elastane content. The higher the percentage, the more flexibility it will provide. Softer, lightweight materials, such as nylon, are also preferred, as they reduce the chance of overheating.

The shapewear you select will largely be dependent on what is going over it. For example, if you’re wearing a short dress in summer, thick shapewear leggings or stockings won’t be the best choice.

To save yourself time (and money), ask yourself what ensemble you need shapewear for. This will make it easier to determine what design features to look for.

Shapewear comes in a variety of styles to serve a variety of purposes. Some include:

Consider if your shapewear has seams or not. Seamless items will be hard to detect beneath outerwear but tend to be on the thinner side. Similarly, bonded shapewear, which prevents the waistband from rolling down, is also less likely to show beneath clothes.

Bodysuit and open-bust shapewear can sometimes be difficult to pull on and off, especially if they have snaps or special closures. You’ll want to think about this before adding one to your cart. Some brands design their items to have open gussets to make it easier to use the bathroom but not all. Several in our roundup have this feature.

The compression level dictates how shapewear feels and how much it can hold you in. Light compression is subtle and good for smoothing but won’t necessarily give the appearance of a smaller figure. Medium shapewear provides more shaping and is ideal for those looking to minimize a specific area. Firm compression is the most constrictive but will also give the most visible results.

It’s better to find a true-to-size option when shopping for shapewear. Selecting a size too small can lead to unwanted bulges and can also negatively impact circulation. Going for a larger size may not provide the compression you seek, impacting the shapewear’s ability to shape and smooth.

When it comes to the top-rated shapewear, most reviewers will agree that it’s SKIMS and Spanx. While the latter has been on the fashion scene longer, both are known for options with buttery fabrics and mid-level compression that’s both comfortable, supportive, and contouring.

The best way to find the perfect shapewear for you is to know your size.

Grab a measuring tape and measure the smallest part of your waist, the largest part of your hips, and the inseam of your leg. Most, if not all, shapewear brands provide a sizing chart that will help you find the best size for you. Don’t get hung up on numbers, as sizes can vary between brands.

Another way to find the right shapewear is to read reviews. Many sites allow customers to share their own measurements and height when posting reviews. This can help other shoppers know how a garment may fit on someone of their shape and size.

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