The 8 Best Plus-Size Shapewear for Women, According to Online Reviews
Updated: Sep. 08, 2023
Whether you're looking for shorts, bodysuits or anything in between, these surprisingly comfortable plus-size shapewear pieces will help you feel confident the second you slip them on.
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Many of us have a love-hate relationship with shapewear. On the one hand, it increases our confidence and helps us feel like our best selves; on the other, it sometimes makes us feel squeezed and stiff. Plus-size shapewear, in particular, has often caused these sorts of problems—until now, that is. Recent innovations with some of our favorite brands have made these pieces more comfortable than ever while also giving you the silhouette you seek.
Unsurprisingly, there is no single item that everyone adores. According to undergarment educator Kimmay Caldwell, founder of Hurray Kimmay, it depends entirely on the individual. “Some people feel more comfortable in something that helps them feel held,” she says, “whereas others want something with a little more stretch.”
Each of the pieces on this list comes from a brand that Caldwell recommends, has an average rating of four stars or higher on its retailer’s website, or has a plethora of positive reviews. All items are also available in sizes 3X or larger.
Once you’ve chosen a few basic pieces, round out your undergarment collection with the best bras, bralettes, and Nordstrom shapewear, as well as the best plus-size swimsuits that are sure to become your new favorites.
The Best Plus-size Shapewear
- Best bodysuit: Skims Sculpting Mid-Thigh Bodysuit
- Best wireless bra: Honeylove Cami Bodysuit
- Best shorts: Leonisa Invisible Extra-High-Waisted Shaper Short
- Best panty: Miraclesuit Instant Tummy Tuck High-Waist Brief
- Best tank: Yummie Boyfriend Yummie Tummie 3-Panel Shaping Tank
- Best waist cincher: Maidenform Waist Nipper Ultra Firm Control Trainer
- Best slip: Torrid Black Seamless 360° Smoothing Slip Dress
- Best strapless: Wacoal Red Carpet Medium-Control Convertible Bodysuit
Best bodysuit
Skims Sculpting Mid-Thigh Bodysuit
Kim Kardashian’s brand, Skims, boasts high-quality underwear, loungewear and shapewear. Since its debut in 2018, Skims has received praise for its inclusive size range. This mid-thigh-length bodysuit is a fantastic everyday plus-size shapewear for everyone’s collection.
The seamless piece lifts and shapes the butt and chest and smooths the tummy and thighs under all of your favorite dresses, including the all-important mother-of-the-bride dress. “I won’t lie it’s a struggle to put on but once it’s on you don’t even feel it, and it does the job,” writes verified purchaser Charlotte H.
Pros:
- Available in sizes XXS to 4X
- Wide range of nudes from light to dark
- Seamless
- Curve-hugging compression
Cons:
- Some sizes and colors tend to sell out frequently
Best wireless bra
Honeylove Cami Bodysuit
No, shapewear doesn’t have to be constrictive or uncomfortable. In fact, many supportive bodysuits exist without underwires. This one from shapewear brand Honeylove pairs well with your go-to jeans. Unlike layering tanks, this bodysuit will never come untucked. But it works just as well as shapewear under a dress.
Adjustable straps and breast support give it just as much oomph as a favorite bra. This tried-and-tested piece has received an average 4.75-star rating from more than 300 reviewers. “I’m extremely happy with this bodysuit. The quality is phenomenal, and I like the level of compression—it’s there but not too tight,” writes Michelle C. “Also for someone with a large bust, I worried about whether it would be sufficiently supportive and it does an amazing job.”
Pros:
- Available in sizes XS to 4X
- Adjustable straps and gusset
- Petite sizing available
Cons:
- Limited coverage and support on the thighs
- Only five color options
Best shorts
Leonisa Invisible Extra-High-Waisted Shaper Short
One of the first things one might notice about Leonisa’s shaper short is the mesh panel at the bum. That’s part of the design, notes Caldwell, who cites the brand as one of her favorites for plus-size shapewear. “Many clients want smoothness in the thigh and torso, but they don’t want their butt to be compressed,” she says. “Leonisa makes both panties and shorts that go all the way up to the bra and have a mesh opening in the butt so it maintains its natural shape.”
The seamless compression shorts lift the bum and provide smoothness while reducing chafing. The piece comes with straps, but wearing it strapless is easy thanks to the high waist and anti-slip grip lining. If you’re looking for a strapless bra without the shapewear, we have plenty of options in that category too.
Pros:
- Available in sizes XS to 3XL
- Mesh butt for natural shape
- High waist
Cons:
- Only available in black and one shade of nude
Best panty
Miraclesuit Instant Tummy Tuck High-Waist Brief
A well-constructed shapewear panty smooths the tummy without the bulkiness of a full bodysuit. Miraclesuit, another one of Caldwell’s recommended shapewear brands that also makes some of the best bathing suits (speaking of, check out our shopping expert’s Miraclesuit swimwear review), provides a perfect option that contours the body without uncomfortable squeezing.
Reviewers admit to wearing the piece daily and feeling more confident with it on. “I have had five c-sections. This is the first strategic undergarment that actually pulled my stomach in. The rubbery strip at the top and around the leg openings makes it stay in place all day,” writes Teresa. “I work 12-16 hour days. It did the job all day, and I actually could breathe.”
Pros:
- Available in sizes S to 3XL
- High waist
- Smooth, natural shape
Cons:
- More likely to roll down if too tight or loose
- Only available in black and one shade of nude
Best tank
Yummie Boyfriend Yummie Tummie 3-Panel Shaping Tank
The primary goal of a shaping tank is to smooth the tummy and back area. This option from Yummie features three horizontal panels for maximum comfort and layering. The top and bottom panels feature non-compressive cotton, while the middle piece consists of a compressive material. This provides plenty of support where needed and none where you don’t.
Layer the piece under blazers, sweaters and other items without it looking like shapewear at the top and bottom. It comes in four easy-to-pair hues: white, black, almond and pink.
Pros:
- Available in sizes XS to 3X
- Wide straps to conceal a bra
- Doesn’t roll up
- Available in four shades
Cons:
- The three-panel shaping may not provide as much support as other shapewear
Best waist cincher
Maidenform Waist Nipper Ultra Firm Control TrainerÂ
Maidenform is one of Caldwell’s top choices for affordable plus-size shapewear, and this under-$40 cincher is ideal for people who want to highlight their waists and create an hourglass shape. It has built-in boning and is made of soft microfiber material, and with more than 2,400 five-star reviews, it’s a favorite among Amazon shoppers.
“I love this shapewear piece from Maidenform. In fact, this is my fifth one,” writes Linda P.. “Easy to wash, sleek under clothes, cottons won’t cling to the material, holds you in with a natural waist curve and it’s breathable.”
Pros:
- Available in sizes S to 3XL
- Built-in boning
- Affordable price
- Comes in four colors
- 4,700 Amazon ratings and a 4-star average
Cons:
- Provides limited coverage compared to other brands
Best slip
Torrid Black Seamless 360° Smoothing Slip Dress
Torrid prides itself on its fashion-forward plus-size clothing, but the brand makes fabulous shapewear too. We love this smoothing slip dress, which has received an average 4.3-star rating from more than 300 reviewers. The seamless slip is designed to provide moderate smoothing under any work dress or skirt outfit.
Reviewers note it also doubles as a dress. “It’s really pretty comfortable for slip. I think it will be terrific under dresses that need the extra smoothness,” writes Mary. “I’ve lost a lot of weight, and I feel insecure in certain dresses, but this smoothes beneath and makes me feel confident,” adds Sandy.
Pros:
- Available in sizes M to 6X
- Ribbed hem ensures it doesn’t ride up
- Wear as an everyday dress
Cons:
- Only available in black
Best strapless bra
Wacoal Red Carpet Medium-Control Convertible Bodysuit
Looking for shapewear to wear under strapless spring dresses? Try this convertible bodysuit from Wacoal, another one of Caldwell’s favorite brands for plus-size shapewear. The bodysuit consists of a medium-control material that smooths the body from butt to bust. It has seamless, foam-lined cups that stay put even under strapless ensembles, thanks to the long line of the bodysuit.
“It has average control for my midsection, is not too tight and I love that the bra is adjustable. Perfect for strapless or adjustable straps,” writes Annie.
Pros:
- Available in band sizes 34 to 40 and cup sizes C to G
- Soft microfiber
- Removable/adjustable straps
- Hook and eye cotton gusset for easy bathroom trips
Cons:
- Pricier than other brands
- No shaping in the thigh area
What to look for when buying the best plus size shapewear
To find the level of structure that you like best, Caldwell recommends starting with a piece that smooths and then working up to one with more compression or firmness. The comfort level will also increase as you grow more accustomed to wearing shapewear. If you only wear shapewear under a dress for special occasions and you’re not used to it, Caldwell suggests wearing it a couple of times before the big event.
How we found the best plus-size shapewear
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test. Â
FAQ
What is the most slimming shapewear?
There are a few things to keep in mind to achieve a slimming effect: The first is to choose a piece that goes high enough to cover all the areas to smooth. For example, choose a short that goes all the way to the bra line.
The second is to choose a piece with a seamless edge or top. “There should be no differentiation between the top of the piece and the rest of it because that could cause a bulge,” says Caldwell. If you’re looking for pieces that slim the tummy area specifically, try a waist cincher, shorts or a bodysuit.
Why does my shapewear roll down?
If the shapewear is too small, the chances of it rolling down increase. Alternatively, if it’s too large, it won’t have the necessary compression to stay in place. If the shapewear comes in poor quality, it may lack structure and elasticity to stay in place when wearing it.
Additionally, different type of shapewear exists to target several areas of the body. If the shapewear isn’t designed to target the area of concern, you may experience rolling.
Source:
- Kimmay Caldwell, an undergarment educator and the founder of Hurray Kimmay
Originally Published: January 13, 2022
