The Best Nordstrom Shapewear for Every Budget and Style
Updated: May 23, 2023
These must-have undergarments are smoothing, shape-enhancing, and available in a variety of silhouettes.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
The Nordstrom shapewear you won’t want to get dressed without
The right underpinnings are the secret to making just about every outfit look its best. Choosing the best shapewear for dresses, casual pants sets, and other ensembles is one of the personal stylist tips the well-dressed live by. “What we wear under our wardrobe is just as important as the outfits we choose,” explains professional stylist Laurie Brucker Amerikaner. “Styling your look with properly fitted undergarments and shapewear can enhance your look overall, but also helps contour and flatter your figure.”
Of course, that may be easier said than done, especially when you want to shop online—unless you know a few tips and tricks, that is. “Look for wider, non-slip bands and hems. The wider banding supports the continuing curvature outline of your frame, while the non-slip texturing prevents rolling and holds the piece in place,” says Amerikaner. “I also love to look for strategic and supportive paneling, as well as design details that make the item feel more like an undergarment rather than shapewear.”
Amerikaner helped us sift through the many Nordstorm shapewear options just in time for Nordstrom’s anniversary sale, which starts July 9 for Nordstrom card members and July 15 for everyone, so you can boost your confidence with a single purchase. You’ll find something for every outfit, and even better, you won’t have to spend a bundle on it. Once you’re all set in this category, make sure to stock up on the best bras and bralettes—including ThirdLove’s classic T-shirt bra and an insanely popular Cosabella bralette—for figure-flattering perfection.
Spanx OnCore Mid-Thigh Shaper Shorts
Looking for something comfortable that will provide a smoothing silhouette under dresses and skirts? This light yet powerful Nordstrom shapewear miracle comes in a variety of skin-tone-based colors and other neutrals, and it features a sculpting shaper that has fully bonded front panels for a tabletop-flat stomach and edge-bonded sides for comfy, squeeze-free slimming. Impressive stuff, right? Spanx OnCore Mid Thigh Shaper Shorts are available in sizes XS through XL and have just-long-enough thigh coverage that prevents chafing and hot-weather discomfort. Wear them with your favorite wire-free bra and you’ve got the perfect pairing for your favorite sundress. While you’re at it, check out the new Spanx swimwear, too.
Bravado High-Waist Seamless Panties
If you’re on a tight budget, you don’t have to skimp on tight compression. These high-waist seamless panties offer just the right amount of slimming and smoothing for everyday wear without adding bulk. They add gentle support around the core while comfortably stretching as you move—and at just $15 a pop, you’ll want to add every color to your cart. Plus, they’re made from sustainable materials. Make these seamless briefs a regular part of your wardrobe to look and feel great every day—and solve these common underwear problems too.
Free People Square Off Compression Tank
If you like the idea of gentle compression, smoothing, and shape enhancement but hate the idea of wearing an extra garment or feeling too squished, this Free People tank is a dream come true. It offers just the right amount of compression to keep bulges and bumps at bay, reduces the dreaded muffin-top look, and requires no additional hot, sweaty sub-layers to get the job done. But the best part is that it looks like a classic white tank that you’d want to wear tucked into your jeans and skirts, anyway.
Spanx Higher Power Shorts
The thick banding on these versatile Spanx makes them one of the best Nordstrom shapewear choices. They’re easy to wear under dresses, skirts, and your favorite business casual wide-leg pants. The lightweight material doesn’t ride up, bunch, or fall down, and they’re center-seam-free for ultimate comfort. Plus, they’re available in two versatile color options, and the extended size range boasts inclusivity for those in regular size S through plus size 3X. After getting a pair of these, don’t forget to stock up on your favorite Nordstrom sandals and shoes.
Commando Mini Cami Slip
This easy-to-wear slip-style compression garment by Commando smooths, flatters, and shapes beautifully beneath dresses, whether you’re wearing a cute and summery maxi dress or a new work dress. This shaping essential comes in nude or black color options, is easy to hand-wash, and offers the comfort of easy layering. Pro tip: Reviewers say it runs a bit small, so make sure to size up, especially if you’re between sizes.
Skims Sculpting Seamless Mid-Thigh Bodysuit
Kim Kardashian knows a thing or two about accentuating curves, and this seamless mid-thigh bodysuit from her shapewear company makes our “best of” list because it gets the job done and because the size range is so inclusive. It offers midsection, thigh, rib cage, and bra-bulge smoothing for sizes XXS all the way through 5X. Plus, it comes in seven flattering neutral color options and offers the same boost that your favorite butt-lifting leggings do (without anyone knowing).
Want more? Take a look at these best women’s bodysuits for every body type.
Wacoal B Smooth Briefs
If the idea of wearing full- or half-body compression garments seems overwhelming for everyday wear, these Wacoal B Smooth Briefs will be your new favorite panties. They are easily one of the best Nordstrom shapewear finds because they offer gentle compression that smooths and flatters beneath just about everything, from denim to your favorite summer shorts. And the slightly higher waist keeps hip and love-handle dips and bumps at bay. Wearing shaping briefs every day, by the way, is one of the easy fashion ideas personal stylists swear by.
True & Co. True Body Lift Triangle Bra
You’ll instantly feel the support of this buttery soft, wire-free True & Co. bra. But the best part is what you’ll see—a visible one-inch lift to your entire bustline. It’s available in seven on-trend colors that pair well with other Nordstrom underwear offerings. It comes in sizes XS through XL and is easy to wash and wear over and over again. It also evens out bumps and lumps in the wrong places. That said, if you’re spilling out or battling back bulge, you’ll want to check if you’re wearing the wrong bra size.
Blanqi Everyday Maternity Belly Support Tank Top
This wardrobe staple is a must-have for any mom-to-be. One of the best shapewear options for pregnant women, it’s a layer-ready seamless tank that features moisture-wicking microfiber for breathable comfort. The stretchy fit works on its own or layered beneath a cozy cardigan, billowy top, or anything else that might be paired with a camisole. And it’s not just smoothing support that this tank offers—it also provides actual support for your belly, back, and other body parts. One reviewer raves that it alleviated her pelvic pain and pressure: “I noticed such a difference after wearing this tank all day versus not wearing it. My belly has so much more support, and being on my feet for long stretches isn’t nearly as painful.” Her only regret? That she didn’t discover it until her second pregnancy!
Yummie Ultralight Seamless Shaping Thong
If you’re looking for Nordstrom shapewear that doesn’t cover your whole bum, consider this seamless shaping thong. The waist band smooths your middle without leaving lines under clothing, and the thong is ultralight, so it’s comfortable enough to wear every. single. day. Pair with your favorite pair of jeans, skirts, and even shorts.
Honeylove SuperPower Shorts
Guaranteed to not roll up or down, these Honeylove high-waisted shorts feature an X-compression design that compliments curves without squeezing them. The cotton-lined gusset is comfortable around the waist, and nylon and spandex offer a comfortable stretch that moves with you. It boasts an inclusive size range, from XS to 3X, and the shorts come in two colors, sand and runway. Wear it underneath your favorite classic dress for an unbeatable look you’ll feel good in.
Skims Core Control Briefs
You’ll live in these core control briefs from Skims if you’re looking to smooth the area above your hip line but don’t want to feel too restricted. The skintight fit of these briefs comfortably contours your core, and they’re available in several sizes and colors to match your skin tone. The silhouette works just as well with your favorite sweater dress as it does with jeans and a tee—it will be your go-to Nordstrom shapewear sculpting piece for casual dresses, skirts you might tuck a tee into, and high-rise denim. Note: Skims recommends ordering one size up for an ideal fit.
Belly Bandit Mother Tucker Corset
Corset-style shapewear is especially great for those who want to control the level of compression and sculpting their underpinnings offer. This top-reviewed Belly Bandit waist cincher with the hilarious name offers various levels of squeeze-enhanced smoothing that can be dialed up or down depending on your mood, comfort, and outfit. It’s ideal for those with average-length torsos because of the ribbing, but probably should be avoided for petite and extra-tall frames. One five-star reviewer writes, “Spanx controls and hugs things in, but this literally sucks in your waist!” While it was designed for postpartum wear, anyone in need can benefit from its old-school shaping and smoothing.
Yummie Ruby Thong Bodysuit
If your go-to look is a crisp T-shirt tucked into jeans, pants, skirts, or shorts, this Yummie thong-style bodysuit is going to change the quality of your life permanently. This Nordstrom shapewear pick offers all the visual appeal of a solid tank with the hidden benefits of smoothing and sculpting. Plus, the thong-style bottom makes it easy to pair with just about any type of bottoms. You’ll love this easy layering piece so much that you’ll want at least one in each of the four eye-catching colorways. Just make sure you choose the right bra color under the white one—and any other white shirts. (It’s not nude!)
Spanx Look at Me Now Seamless Leggings
These versatile leggings are technically shapewear, thanks to the smoothing, tightening, and sculpting technology Spanx is known and loved for. But they’re also the type of go-to leggings you’ll want to live in every day, whether you’re running errands, hanging out at home, or dressing them up with sophisticated tunics and stylish sandals. They’re made of a stretchy, seamless knit that flatters, and they boast a double-layer waistband that won’t bunch up, fall, or fold. As one five-star reviewer hilariously notes, “These are the best things since sliced bread. I never understood that saying, but it seems appropriate since I eat bread and these leggings make it look like I don’t.” Wear them with a chic black sweater or another simple top for maximum comfort and style.
Source:
- Laurie Brucker Amerikaner, stylist
