When you have a big night out, the best shapewear can be your best friend (you know, besides your actual best friends). Wearing shapewear doesn’t mean you don’t love your natural, beauty body—it’s completely okay to sometimes want a little extra help looking streamlined and put-together under outfits with cling.
“I don’t think anyone should have to feel like they need to look like Kim Kardashian or get rid of their natural curves — you should embrace the curves you have,” saysLiz Teich, blogger behindThe Brooklyn Stylist, and a New York-based styling pro withAnchor Artists, who has worked with stars including the cast ofStranger Things. “Shapewear shouldn’t get rid of your curves. Instead, it should provide a slimming seamless line, and can smooth under clothes so you don’t see bumps like panty lines or bulges.”
But with so many different fabrics and cuts, it’s hard to know where to start to find the best shapewear. Teich recommends investing in an everyday piece that works best with the majority of your wardrobe. ”For me, the most important thing for myself or for a shoot, is quality, how seamless a piece is, and how versatile it can be,” she said.
Plus, be sure to size appropriately. A proper-fitting piece of shapewear shouldn’t squish your body into submission; it should be comfortable enough to wear throughout the day, while still showing off your best assets. Teich emphasizes that shapeweardefinitelyshouldn’t make you short of breath. One you figure out your fit, check out this list of seven of the best shapewear pieces to get you on the way to smooth lines.
For Everyday Smoothing: Spanx Undie-Tectable Lace Hipster Panties
A big night out isn’t the only excuse to reach for shapewear. But maybe a full midsection cinch feels a little too extreme. That’s where these extra-comfy high-waist panties come in. With light control throughout the lower-belly and love-handle areas, the vintage-inspired scalloped lace back allows your curves to still pop without giving up style for comfort.
Buy it: $24,nordstrom.com
Blast fat with this 12-minute battle ropes workout:
For Keeping Your Curves: Maidenform Flexees Wear Your Own Bra Singlet
“When I work on shoots with what the industry calls ‘plus size’ ladies, then I look for shapewear with shorts that creates a seamless line from above the knee to under the bust,” says Teich. Maidenform’s singlet uses paneling to smooth through the midsection and upper thighs while an open-bust bodice anchors the shapewear to your shoulders without crushing your curves. Those adverse to shapewear may cite the stressful (or annoying) tummy-tucking shorties and briefs that slip down or roll at the waistline, but there’s no annoying tug of war with this piece.
Buy it: $55,amazon.com
Related:Khloe Kardashian Says Her New Denim Line Will Never Include 'Plus-Size' Jeans—Here's Why
For Rub Resistance: Undersummers Lace Shortlette
These shorts are made to protect from the painful burn of thigh chafe, but also they serve as a silky, softly shaping slip for dresses and skirts. The thick lace waistband and hemlines never dig in or create noticeable dents or lines. The softly snug shorlettes’ purpose isn’t to contort your thighs, but create a sleek, slippery layer between you and your bottoms, meaning your clothing’s fabric flows in a flattering way.
Buy it: $33,amazon.com
For Va Va Voom: Bali Women's Shapewear Lace 'N Smooth Body Briefer
Shapewear doesn’t have to be unsexy. Bali’s full-upper body shaper comes in soft Lycra-blend lace, so it’s sexy, stretchy, and doesn’t look too bad peeking out from under a collar. The retro-shape and firm support make this a favorite among Amazon customers, withmore than 1,400 positive reviewersopining. “They're very lightweight thanks to the lace,”wrote one reviewer. “I wore them in New Orleans in July—VERY HOT and I was just fine, it actually helped keep sweat at bay.”
Buy it: $50,amazon.com
For Showoffs: Spanx Luxe Leg High-Waisted Tights
Tights with shapewear built into them are some kind of wonderful come winter. They have the support of a waistline shaper, but also serve a greater fashion function. These super high-waisted tights are one of Spanx’s signature products for a reason: they nip and tuck in all the right places and create smooth, long leg lines.
Buy it: $38,zappos.com
Related:This Woman Took A Picture Wearing Just Tights To Make A Powerful Statement About Body Image
For Seamless Sweaters: Yummie by Heather Thomson “Stephanie” Seamless 2-Way Tank
Clingy, scratchy knits put an itch in sweater weather’s glory. However, a smoothing, shaping tank can put the kibosh on excess bunching. This one from Yummie by Heather Thomson is reversible—with both v-neck and scoop neck fronts—and is made with the brand’s Tencel-blend Outlast Technology, meaning it’s knit to be both chill and heat resistant. But don’t think that puts a damper on its shaping powers. “I wear this with everything,”wrote one owner.“Gives me a smooth clean line in all my clothes. Also adds coverage with sheer pieces. It's long enough to add a little support in the tummy area. It's definitely my go-to item. I can't imagine dressing without it!”
Buy it: $34,amazon.com
For Up Top: Warner's No Side Effects Full-Coverage Underwire Bra
Although shapewear tends to address from torso down, concerns around side boob, back bumps, and armpit spill can equally stress us out. Warner’s simple underwire bra features special side paneling and cup-design to eliminate any, as they put it, “side effects.” Full-coverage cups means no unwanted digging or spillage, and a stretchy, wide back means you’ll look just as smooth from behind.
Buy it: $40,amazon.com
