No one’s body needs to be shaped, distorted, slenderised or confined in any way because all bodies are perfectly beautiful the way they are.
However, there’s also nothing wrong with investing in certain undergarments known as shapewear, perfect for delivering an instant smoothing effect and helping you feel your very best in your clothes.
Shapewear has long been a wardrobe essential for women (and men!) of all shapes, sizes and ages. After all, when you feel your absolute best in your skin, this positive energy transfers across all aspects of your life.
It’s also had a seriously sexy makeover in the last few years thanks to Kim Kardashian’s billion-dollar brand Skims.
Take for example the brand’s best-selling Fits Everybody Dipped Front Thong, which Kim previously confessed was the catalyst for her overhauling a rather surprising underwear (or lack thereof) habit.
“I never wore underwear until we invented this style,” the shapewear mogul shared on Instagram in 2022.
But navigating through the mountain of shapewear options on the market can be incredibly overwhelming. So, from Skims to the globally popular Spanx, we’ve rounded up the very best picks from all the leading brands you need to shop - including the sell out Skims bodysuit that’s ‘like magic’.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
Our team of experienced writers spend hours researching products to include in articles. We find out what factors make a good product by talking to experts, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews.
OUR TOP PICKS
In this article
BEST BUDGET, AFFORDABLE SHAPEWEAR
Ambra Cotton Rich Shaping Full Briefs, $18 at Target
What You Need To Know
When looking for quality on a budget, Target is always our go-to retailer. And once again, it hasn’t disappointed. These full shaping briefs are made from a breathable cotton that is designed to smooth and flatten the tummy.
Five-star reviewers love how “comfortable” the briefs are while still providing “excellent light shaping”.
“These are a great fit, comfortable, and provide a reasonable level of control for the tummy and the waist,” wrote one five-star review.
Another remarked, “Perfect Fit! These are so supportive as I use these when I’m jumping around in fitness classes and they don’t make your belly giggle. Beautiful extra tummy panel, so good I love them!”
Seamless Shapewear High Waist G String Brief, $29.99 at Cotton On
What You Need To Know
Want to wear a g string but still want the tummy coverage? These briefs from Cotton On have you covered … literally.
Crafted from a knit cotton material, these briefs have been designed to help smooth and shape the core area. Plus, at $29.99 they are much more affordable than others on the market right now.
They’re also available in three other shades: espresso, maple sugar and frappe.
BEST SHAPING SLIP DRESS
Nancy Ganz Body Architect Slip Dress, $29 (down from $169.95) at OzSale
What You Need To Know
Australian brand Nancy Ganz is dedicated to designing high-quality shapewear and nothing else, which is the special treatment you feel whenever you slip into any one of their pieces. The Body Architect Slip Dress is one of the brand’s most popular items and uses the latest technology to gently smooth out everything at once. It’s crafted from a fine-gauge yet ultra-firm shaping fabric, and features a built-in seamless bra with a sweetheart neckline and convertible strapless contour cups for the perfect 2-in-1 solution.
B Free Intimate Apparel Underbust Shaping Slip, $62.97 (down from $89.95) at THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
Perfect for strapless dresses, this shaping slip from B Free Intimate Apparel is specifically designed for maximum compression around the tummy area as well as your hips and bottom too.
Sizes range from S – XL which is said to fit an AU 6 – 20. It also comes with adjustable and detachable straps too for when the need arises.
BEST SHAPEWEAR BODYSUIT
What You Need To Know
Of the entire Skims range, this humble bodysuit is one of the standout bestsellers. Why?
Not only does it hold in and smooth out your entire torso and hips but it lifts your buttocks, supports your bust and sculpts your core. Plus, it’s crafted from an ultrasoft material that beautifully enhances your body’s natural body shape. Out of the box and it literally looks like it’s only big enough to fit a loaf of bread but, like magic, it somehow stretches to fit your body comfortably. It won’t dig in, doesn’t feel restricting and is still comfortable even after a long day of wear.
But one factor that makes this bodysuit superior to any other on the market is its celebration of diversity — one of the main reasons behind the success of Skims. This undergarment comes in nine different skin hues including a deep Cocoa and light Sand, and sizes range from 2XS to 5XL, making it the most accommodating piece you’ll find out there. Be warned – this is so popular it constantly sells out but stock is replenished often.
Bendon Medium Control Jumpsuit in Black, $55.97 (down from $79.95) at Myer
What You Need To Know
Unlike the bodysuit above, this one is made in a shorts style so if you’re after shaping around your bottom and thighs, this is a great option. It also has a low-cut back and convertible straps for multipurpose options including halterneck styles.
And, one of our favourite features in shapewear, a gusset opening is also included here.
Reviews on the Bendon website say it is surprisingly “comfortable”.
“Very comfy, I was worried I would overheat wearing it in the summer, but I barely noticed it,” wrote one five-star review.
BEST SHAPEWEAR SHORTS FOR TUMMY AND THIGHS
Junlan Tummy Control Body Shaper Briefs, from $27.99 at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
Shapewear that specifically supports the tummy is the most sought-after type, which probably explains why this piece is an Amazon bestseller. The Junlan Tummy Control Body Shaper Briefs have a 4.2 out of five-star global rating and is especially loved for its high-quality compression, fit, hold and affordability.
One person summed it up, saying: “The price does not equate or even come close to the quality of the fabric, very soft and comfortable on the skin that you even forget you are wearing anything. Then the actual test was putting a dress over it. All I could say is wow. I’m a very satisfied customer. I forgot to say that I’ve been wearing it in the last hour and it hasn’t rolled.”
BEST SHAPING BRA
Playtex Ultimate Lift & Support Wirefree Bra Beige, $39 (down from $59.95) at Myer
What You Need To Know
Unlike many bras that dig into your skin and restrict movement, this one comfortably sits against the skin and is super smooth so clothes will literally drape across it. It also features adjustable straps so you’ll never have to be without your trusty, new favourite undergarment.
It has over 830 five-star reviews on the Myer website with shoppers raving about its “comfort”.
One review titled “most comfortable bra ever” writes, “Extremely comfortable bra. Great value and long lasting.”
Another said, “Finally a comfortable wire free bra that supports and shapes.”
BEST SHAPING MINI SHORTS
Skims Fits Everybody Boy Shorts, $40 at Skims
What You Need To Know
In second place on the Skims leaderboard is the Boy Shorts made for, you guessed it, “everybody”. They have a mid-rise waist, zero seams and offer an unbelievable amount of support and full coverage that is unmatchable by any other mini shaping shorts on the market. In fact, thousands of reviewers have admitted they’re so lightweight that it “feels like you’re wearing nothing at all” and yet somehow keeps everything tucked in. Because they’re so popular, they do tend to sell out almost instantly so if you see your colour and size, run, don’t … actually, sprint, don’t run.
BEST SHAPEWEAR THONG
Spanx Everyday Shaping Panties Thong, $44.95 at Myer
What You Need To Know
The problem with ordinary thongs is that they’re made with minimal material making them very unsupportive. So, for those who want the invisible look from behind with the support of all-over briefs, the Spanx Everyday Shaping Thong is an absolute game-changer. Crafted from the trademark shaping Spanx material, this thong offers breathability and seamless comfort with a waistband that will stay in place from your early morning HIIT workout till after work drinks with the gals.
BEST HIGH-WAISTED CONTROL BRIEFS
Simone Perele Subtile High Waisted Shapewear Brief, $99.95 at Myer
What You Need To Know
Simone Perele is known to fuse function with an elegant aesthetic, highly evident in the Subtile Highwaisted Briefs. It’s made from responsive knitted fabric and sculpting technology to celebrate your figure as well as anti-slip technology and silicone inner-stripping, which allows you to move with confidence all day and night long. The lace detailing even has a purpose — it’s made from control mesh to seamlessly smooth curves and define your figure.
BEST SHAPEWEAR TANK
Maidenform Flexees Women’s Shapewear Comfort Devotion Cami, $44.71 at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
This tank is a simple alternative to the more complicated bodysuits and slip dresses that offer upper body support. Because it has thick shoulder straps and a high neckline from both the front and back, you won’t be able to wear it under more skin-baring tops. However, what it does is provide excellent support to your entire upper body, which over 3.8k five-star reviewers have noted.
“They are comfortable to use daily, yet good enough to flatter your body when worn under anything,” one person wrote.
Another person commented: “It smooths out bra lines … I can breathe and it holds me in with no-jiggle!”
BEST MATERNITY SHAPEWEAR
B Free Intimate Apparel Shaping Maternity V-Tank Slip, $62.99 (down from $82.99) at THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
Here to support you and your ever-changing belly is B Free Intimate Apparel’s V-Tank Slip. Crafted from high-density and lightweight stretchy fabric that will grow with you, this discreet top will smooth out any bumps and most importantly, provide supportive compression to relieve some back strain of your heavy pregnant belly.
BEST PLUS-SIZE SHAPEWEAR
PowerConceal™ Full Body Tummy Control Shapewear, $74 (down from $147) at Shapellx
What You Need To Know
Ranging from XS through to 5XL, this tummy control shapewear is designed to not only hold in your core but also shape and lift your butt and chest and smooth your upper thights too. Plus, this is actually super comfy too. Made from a breathable mesh material, it is designed to be worn all day and even has an open crotch design for easy bathroom access. A win in our books. It comes in four black, brown, almond milk and beige colourways.
BEST BRIDAL SHAPEWEAR
Spanx Suit Your Fancy Strapless Cupped Mid Thigh Bodysuit, $239.95 at Myer
What You Need To Know
If you don’t mind spending a bit of cash on an exceptional bodysuit, you really can’t go wrong with the Suit Your Fancy from OG shapewear brand Spanx. This is perfect for strapless wedding dresses but also great for other styles including backless dresses, off-the-shoulder tops, evening wear with a deep plunge — really, the possibilities are endless. And even though it does allow you to show off a lot of skin, rest assured, it provides optimal support with its thigh huggers and padded cups. Unfortunately, you’re unable to select your cup size and it sadly only goes up to an XL, which might be major deal-breakers for you.
BEST BACKLESS SHAPEWEAR
Spanx Suit Your Fancy Plunge Low-Back Mid-Thigh Bodysuit, $153.96 (down from $219.95) at THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
For many of us wearing shapewear with formal attire has become the norm but when it comes to dresses with low backs, it tends to get a bit harder to find the proper underwear. We present the Spanx Suit Your Fancy Plunge Low-Back Mid-Thigh Bodysuit. This bodysuit has been designed with a plunging U-neckline, five-wway convertible straps and of course, a low back making it ideal for formal occasions.
Plus, it also has easy access for the crotch and is made from the brand’s signature cling-free shaping fabric.
WHICH BRAND OF SHAPEWEAR IS THE BEST?
There are many shapewear brands on the market, each accommodating a huge range of body shapes and skin colours. However, there are a few that reign supreme in Australia such as Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS, Spanx, Nancy Ganz and Ambra. All of these are shoppable at online outlets like The Iconic, Net-A-Porter, Myer and Amazon.
WHAT IS THE BEST SHAPEWEAR FOR TUMMY SMOOTHING?
If your focus is on shaping your midsection, there are plenty of shapewear pieces that have been specifically designed to gently hug this specific area of your body.
Control briefs: A simple and easy-to-wear option that comes in a range of compressions ranging from more flexible lightweight ones you can comfortably wear every day to tighter styles designed for a more structured look. You can also find control briefs in a larger range of skin tones and bright colours.
High-waisted control briefs: Basically control briefs but with more coverage added to create an overall smoothness from the torso down.
Shorts: A great option if you want to shape your tummy and provide support for your buttocks, thighs and hips. You can get shorts in different lengths to accommodate a variety of skirts, dresses, shorts and pants.
Corsets and girdles: This option creates the most dramatic hourglass shape. It uses high-stretch fabric and either panelling or boning.
SHOULD YOU GO A SIZE SMALLER FOR SHAPEWEAR?
Although it might sound more logical to opt for a smaller size when shopping for shapewear, they’re actually designed to compliment your silhouette according to your true size. So, treat shapewear the same as your regular clothes and purchase your normal size.
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Originally published as 16 Best Shapewear for a Sculpted Body: Skims, Spanx & More
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