Our top pick is the ShapeLLX PowerConceal Full Body Tummy Control Shapewear for its wide size range, great airflow, and full body control
Courtney Leiva joined the PEOPLE team as a writer in 2022. Over the past ten years, she has contributed to various shopping, beauty, health, and wellness stories, with commerce content being her specialty. Courtney's commerce content has been published in InStyle, Martha Stewart Living, and more. When she is not writing, you can find her combing through Reddit threads for the scoop on the latest trends, adding new kitchen appliances to her collection, or finding yet an excuse to go to HomeGoods. Courtney graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Communications with a concentration in Journalism from Ramapo College of New Jersey. Seamless Boxer Briefs Womens
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In the same way that a perfect bra fits and supports you in all the right places, the right shapewear can help you look (and feel) like a million bucks on all your special occasions — birthdays, dates, club nights, weddings, and so forth. But let's be honest: while the internet has given the shapewear shopping experience a massive upgrade, having hundreds of options at your disposal can make the selection process a tad complicated. The same is true for plus-size shapewear, where you’ll also find a wide range of designs with varying degrees of compression, breathability, and support.
But don’t get it twisted: Variety is definitely a good thing in the shapewear space. After all, no two bodies are alike. You should instead consider important factors like comfort, materials, and compression in mind when shopping to ensure you get the best fit possible. So, to make the task of finding the best plus-size shapewear a total cakewalk, we asked several stylists to recommend their favorite shapewear pieces and share some important buying tips that’ll get you to check out in one piece.
Keep scrolling to see PEOPLE’s top picks for the best plus-size shapewear, according to style experts and our research.
You do want to wear the best of the best when it comes to shapewear, right? Then consider your search over. Introducing this miraculous shapewear piece: a breathable bodysuit with full body control, support, and sizing up to 5X. However, the open crotch feature is the real reason why it's our top pick — this design opens and closes with ease, making going to the bathroom easier.
This piece is also a favorite of style expert Colleen Armstrong due to the exceptional support it provides. “This PowerConceal Control Shapewear from Shapellx is top tier,” she tells PEOPLE. “Full body control conceals more lumps and it just gives an overall smooth aesthetic.”
Materials: 77% nylon, 23% spandex | Size Range: XS-5X | Colors: Black, Brown, Beige, Almond Milk | Care: Hand wash
If you need yet another reason to shop at Amazon, here’s a midbody suit we can only describe as cart-worthy. This one fits up to 3X, has medium compression, adjustable straps, and an open bust design, so you can wear it with or without a bra.
Having said that, you can wear this body suit underneath all kinds of pieces in your closet; tops, tanks, dresses, and more. However, you can also wear this body suit as a top with high-waisted pants, jeans, and longer skirts. And its available in three flattering colors, so you can pair it with any outfit.
But that’s not all. We love that this mid-thigh bodysuit is made of a breathable blend of elastic and spandex that shapes beautifully and conforms to your every movement. As a result, this body suit always fits like a glove, smooths down rolls, and holds everything in. Finally, it is budget-friendly, coming in under $20.
Materials: 90% nylon, 10% spandex | Size Range: S-3X | Colors: Soft Nude, Black | Care: Hand wash
Honeylove is a great shapewear brand you should keep an eye out for if you haven't heard of it already. Full-coverage bras, tops, bodysuits, and underwear are all available here and are highly reviewed by hundreds of shoppers. And this waist cincher is no disappointment. Great to wear underneath dresses, tops, skirts, and high-waisted jeans, this piece goes up to a size 3X and beautifully smooths and shapes — although we recommend sizing up since it's not as stretchy as typical shapewear pieces.
Wardrobe stylist Grace Thomas also recommends this cincher because it is easy to zip on and off with a hassle-free zipper system. “This piece is great because you can zip it on and off with clasp closures to allow for a more customizable fit,” she says. Another bonus: It can also help with your posture.
Materials: 60% nylon, 40% spandex body; 64% spandex, 36% nylon lining | Size Range: XS-3X | Colors: Vamp, Sand | Care: Spot clean, hand wash
Looking at this Skims shapewear slip, you might think it's just another sexy spaghetti strap dress. But don't be fooled: This slip is more than just your average LBD. Yes, its sultry silhouette makes it date-night (or should we say bedroom?) ready. However, this slip can also be worn as a layering piece underneath tight-fitting bodycon dresses, like form-fitting evening gowns and sweater dresses, for a seamless look.
This slip fits up to 4X and comes in a variety of neutrals as well as bold colors; though, the buttery-soft fabric, wide scoop neck, and adjustable straps are what make this slip a favorite among reviewers — it has hundreds of five-star reviews and an 4.2 out of 5 rating overall.
We love that this slip can be dressed up or down and can be worn as a top when paired with skirts. We also appreciate the slip’s fit, which is never too tight, and, instead, feels like a hug. And yes, this slip is thinner (some reviewers indicate it’s almost sheer) than other shapewear pieces on this list. But don’t let that discourage you, it makes a great layering piece if you don’t need the extra coverage.
Materials: 76% polyamide and 24% elastane | Size Range: XXS-4X | Colors: Onyx, Cocoa, Sienna, Clay, and more | Care: Machine wash cold
We’re calling it now: this Skims bodysuit is going to become your new BFF. After all, this little beauty supports, lifts, and smooths brilliantly. It also extends right up to the middle of the thigh, so it won't show through skirts or dresses. Best of all, this bodysuit is available in eight skin-flattering colors — perfect to wear under a white tank top— has easy-to-adjust straps, and goes up to 5X.
The cherry on top? Danielle Cafiero, a professional fashion stylist and wardrobe consultant, claims that it is the best long-bodysuit for the money because it also provides great targeted compression. “This bodysuit instantly snatches and sculpts the waist,” Cafiero tells PEOPLE. “The best shapewear pieces lend seamless contour with support, and this bodysuit checks all the boxes.”
Materials: 78% nylon, 22% spandex | Size Range: XXS-5X | Colors: Onyx, Sand, Mica, Cocoa, and more | Care: Machine wash, tumble dry
News flash: Great shapewear doesn't have to be expensive, especially this body suit designed by the shapewear pros at Spanx. This is a great option to reach for whenever you need some serious smoothing action underneath long dresses, jeans, or tights.
Stylist Emily K. Schwartz also likes it because it has other impressive features, like adjustable straps, an open-bust design, and comfortable compression. “This is a great option that covers sizes small to 3X, comes in four different colors (black, beige) and two different brown tones,” she says. “This body suit is going to hold you in and is especially helpful for preventing thigh-chafing. Bonus: it is also machine washable.”
Materials: 88% nylon, 11% elastane, 1% cotton | Size Range: S-3X | Colors: Black, Light Beige, Cafe Au Lait, Chestnut Brown | Care: Machine wash, tumble dry
If a bodysuit is not your cup of tea, maybe these high-waisted shorts will suffice. These come in five timeless colors, fit up to 3X, and have plenty of compression to boot. For a seamless look, you can wear these comfortably underneath your favorite jeans, leggings, skirts, and dresses.
They also come recommended by style consultant Soneca Guadara. “These shorts boast an ultra-comfortable fabric for a barely-there feel,” Guadara says. “The material feels like thick tights, and it fits under your bra and has hooks so you can wear your own bra to complete the look.”
Materials: 80% nylon, 20% elastane | Size Range: XS-3X | Colors: Soft Nude, Very Black, Champagne Beige, Chestnut Brown, Naked 3.0, and more | Care: Machine wash cold, gentle cycle
Tara West, a fashion stylist and wardrobe consultant, suggests putting this Spanx tank at the top of your wish list if shapewear that is both supportive and comfortable is a priority. “I love this tank,” West tells PEOPLE. “This nearly invisible tank goes up to 3X, and it targets the tummy area with extra support and smooths the back and hips with just enough control on the sides without pinching. The stretch microfiber breathes easily against your skin and is comfortable for all-day (or night) wear.”
Pro tip: You can wear this tank as a top with high-waisted jeans and some chunky sneakers for a fun off-duty look, as well as underneath dresses, blouses, or your favorite T-shirts whenever you’re in the office.
Materials: 55% nylon, 45% Lycra elastane body; 77% nylon, 23% elastane bust | Size Range: XS-3X | Colors: Cafe Au Lait, Very Black, Champagne Beige, Chestnut Brown | Care: Machine wash cold, gentle cycle
Briefs don't have to be boring — these prove it! The mid-waist cut gives this pair a casual-sexy vibe, and five fun color choices prevent it from looking dated. These are also a favorite of celebrity stylist Carolina Orrico. "This stretchy mid-waist brief is made from an ultra-soft, breathable, and lightweight fabric that feels like a second skin,” she says. “It lays flat on top of curves for a smooth look, with seamless edges and no visible panty lines in between — perfect to wear under your favorite leggings. Best of all, these briefs stay in place, move with you, and never roll down.”
Materials: 81% nylon, 19% spandex body; 100% cotton gusset | Size Range: S-4X | Colors: Black, Latte, Rose Tan, Atlantic Blue, and more | Care: Hand wash
Most shapewear pieces are available in colors that blend in with your skin, so they won’t be visible underneath clothing. However, because Yitty offers shapewear in eye-catching prints and colors, it takes the slot for shapewear with the best color range. “Yitty shapewear gets really creative with its colors — lots of bright neons, tie-dye, and funky patterns and textured options are available in addition to your classic neutrals,” says Schwartz. “This bodysuit suit is a personal favorite. It stretches, smooths, and snatches you up while adding a fun pop of yellow."
We also appreciate that it's partially made with recycled nylon and features an open gusset and moisture-wicking, four-way stretch design.
Materials: 52% recycled nylon, 34% nylon, 14% elastane | Size Range: XS-5X | Colors: Unstoppable Yellow, Bossed UpBrown, Iconic Black, Pink Swirl, and more
Comfort is paramount whether you're buying a wireless bra or shaping bodysuit, especially if you plan to wear it for a long time. So make sure you have plenty of shapewear pieces on hand in different materials and compression levels so you can layer underneath dresses, jeans, shorts, and skirts all year long.
For a more tailored fit for your curves, separates may be more comfortable since you can choose different sizes specific to your body type. “I recommend purchasing a few options for both tops and bottoms, purchased as separates, rather than trying to find a set or bodysuit,” says Grant Alexander, owner, stylist, and creative director of G Alxndr. For example, consider a well-constructed strapless bra paired with waist-cinching briefs.
The amount of compression available in shapewear pieces varies, from full-body to targeted compression, such as in tummy control shapewear. As a result, your intimate drawer should contain a variety of pieces with different compression levels, Alexander explains. “This is where having a few different, versatile separate tops and bottoms come into play,” he tells PEOPLE. “One dress might hide a high-compression piece more than another, so try a couple of options on — I suggest not right before you want to leave — to see which gives the best shape with minimal lines.”
To make it easier to button a blouse without any puckering, you might consider a minimizer bra. For a piece with powerful compression, we recommend the Spanx OnCore High-Waisted Mid-Thigh Short.
When you shop for plus-size shapewear, durability is another important consideration. Besides, you’ll want a piece that won’t overstretch with wear and can withstand washings without breaking down. “A good investment means it won't stretch out much over time and that it will retain and return to its shape after each wear,” says Alexander. “The more durable your shapewear, the more times you'll wear it, which increases its value over time.”
To really maximize the longevity of your shapewear, be sure to wash the pieces based on the specific care instructions. While some shapewear, like the Skims Sculpting Mid-Thigh Bodysuit, are machine washable, many are supposed to be washed by hand to keep them in tip-top shape.
Our top pick is the ShapeLLX PowerConceal Full Body Tummy Control Shapewear. This nylon and spandex piece retails for $108 (although you can sometimes find it on sale) and is available in five colors up to size 5X. It also boasts adjustable straps, strong compression, and an open-gusset design.
Shapewear inevitably stretches over time, so cheaper pieces may lack structure compared to their pricier counterparts, according to Schwartz. In any case, quality shapewear should always be comfortable, whether you choose briefs or a slip. “To look, feel, and perform at your best, you must be comfortable,” Schwartz explains. “I recommend wearing whatever you feel comfortable in (and that you feel good in). If you want an $18 bodysuit or if you want a $98 bodysuit — then go for it.”
Shapewear should always feel comfortable, but Schwartz recommends sizing down for a truly seamless finish. “People are apprehensive about shapewear being too tight to the point of being uncomfortable,” Schwartz says. “In order for shapewear to suck you in and hold everything into place, you need that piece to snap to your body, so size down.” However, it's worth checking to see what the brand recommends based on their size chart and whether or not the reviews claim the shapewear fits true to size.
Courtney Leiva is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as The Daily Beast, Buzzfeed, HuffPost, and more. When researching the best plus-size shapewear, Courtney consulted several stylists for their insight. She also conducted her own research, looking at various plus-size shapewear options while analyzing materials, compression, breathability, and the size and color range of each.
• Soneca Guadara is a celebrity stylist and fashion expert with clients such as actress Tiffany Haddish and RHONJ star Dolores Catania.
• Tara West is a fashion stylist, wardrobe consultant, and co-host of the podcast Shorts with Tara and Jill. Her work has been featured in InStyle, Bustle, Teen Vogue, and more.
• Carolina Orrico is a celebrity fashion stylist with experience dressing the Barbie cast for TIME, model Paloma Elsesser, actress Hunter Schafer, and more.
• Grace Thomas is a wardrobe stylist and curator with previous experience as a buyer for Nike and Nordstrom.
• Danielle Cafiero is a fashion stylist, consultant, and social media content creator with over 15 years of industry experience.
• Grant Alexander is the owner and creative director of G Alxndr, a styling service with features on Good Morning America, Fox Chicago, and more.
• Colleen Armstrong is a New York-based style expert, public relations consultant, and social media strategist with an editorial background at Inc. Magazine.
Lace Lingerie Set • Emily K. Schwartz is a stylist, writer, and sustainability advocate whose previous work can be found in InStyle, HelloGiggles, Allure and more.