The 10 Best Plus-Size Shapewear of 2024, According to Experts

Collage of four models wearing shapewear on multi-color background — Photo:
People / Alli Waataja

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.

But 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.

Experts Say

“I love to have shapewear on for a formal event, because it makes your dress lay better on top." —Emma Artletta, plus-size fashion influencer, style expert, and model

But don’t get it twisted: Variety is definitely a good thing in the shapewear space. After all, no two bodies are alike. When shopping, you should consider important factors like comfort, materials, and compression to ensure you get the best fit possible.

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 checkout in no time.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

ShapeLLX PowerConceal Full Body Tummy Control Shapewear at Shapellx.com

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Bebe Seamless Shaping Bodysuit at Amazon $14

Jump to Review

Best Waist Cincher:

Honeylove Waisthero Cincher at Honeylove.com $98

Jump to Review

Best Slip:

Skims Fits Everybody Slip Dress at Nordstrom $68

Jump to Review

Best Mid-Thigh Bodysuit:

Skims Sculpting Bodysuit Mid Thigh at Skims.com $72

Jump to Review

Best Mid-Thigh Bodysuit, Less Expensive:

Assets by Spanx All-in-One Body Slimmer at Target $40

Jump to Review

Best Shorts:

Spanx High-Waisted Mid-Thigh Short at Amazon $155

Jump to Review

Best Tank:

Spanx Thinstincts 2.0 Tank at Nordstrom $68

Jump to Review

Best Brief:

SALE

Shapermint Seamless Stretch Mid-Waist Brief at Amazon ~~$50~~ $32

Jump to Review

Best Color Range:

Yitty Nearly Naked Shaping Mid-Thigh Bodysuit at Fabletics.com

Jump to Review

Best Overall

ShapeLLX PowerConceal Full Body Tummy Control Shapewear

PHOTO: ShapeLLX

View on Shapellx.com

If you're searching for the best of the best when it comes to shapewear, then consider your search over. This breathable bodysuit has full body control, support, and sizes up to 5X. But 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 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

Best Budget

Bebe Seamless Shaping Bodysuit

PHOTO: Amazon

$14 at Amazon

If you need yet another reason to shop at Amazon, here’s a shaping bodysuit we can only describe as cart-worthy. This one fits up to size 3X and 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 bodysuit underneath all kinds of pieces in your closet: blouses, tank tops, dresses, and more. You can also wear it as a top with high-waisted pants, plus-size jeans, and longer skirts.

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 bodysuit always fits like a glove, smooths down rolls, and holds everything in.

Materials: 90% nylon, 10% spandex | Size Range: S–3X | Colors: Soft Nude, Black | Care: Hand wash

Best Waist Cincher

Honeylove Waisthero Cincher

PHOTO: Honeylove

$98 at Honeylove.com

Honeylove is a great shapewear brand you should keep an eye out for. Full-coverage bras, tops, bodysuits, and underwear are all available 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. We recommend sizing up since it's not as stretchy as typical shapewear pieces.

Wardrobe stylist Grace Thomas recommends this cincher because of its 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 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

Best Slip

Skims Fits Everybody Slip Dress

PHOTO: SKIMS

$68 at Nordstrom View on Skims.com

Looking at this Skims shapewear slip, you might think it's just another sexy spaghetti-strap dress. Yes, its sultry silhouette makes it ready for date night (or should we say the bedroom?). However, this slip can also be worn as a layering piece underneath bodycon dresses, including both evening gowns and sweater dresses, for a seamless look.

This slip fits up to size 4X and comes in a variety of neutrals as well as bold colors. But 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 even 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 than other shapewear pieces on this list (some reviewers indicate it’s almost sheer). But don’t let that discourage you! It makes a great layering piece if you don’t need the extra coverage.

Materials: 76% polyamide, 24% elastane | Size Range: XXS–4X | Colors: Onyx, Cocoa, Sienna, Clay, and more | Care: Machine wash cold

Best Mid-Thigh Bodysuit

Skims Sculpting Bodysuit Mid Thigh

PHOTO: SKIMS

$72 at Skims.com

We’re calling it now: This Skims bodysuit is going to become your new BFF. 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 size 5X.

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

Best Mid-Thigh Bodysuit, Less Expensive

Assets by Spanx All-in-One Body Slimmer

ASSETS by SPANX Women's Remarkable Results All-In-One Body Slimmer

PHOTO: Target

$40 at Target

News flash: Great shapewear doesn't have to be expensive. This Assets by Spanx piece is a great option to reach for whenever you need some serious smoothing action underneath long dresses, jeans, and tights.

Stylist Emily K. Schwartz likes it because it has several 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

Best Shorts

Spanx High-Waisted Mid-Thigh Short

Spanx Oncore Plus Size High-Waisted Mid-Thigh Short

PHOTO: Bare Necessities

$155 at Amazon $78 at Nordstrom $78 at Spanx

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 size 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 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

Best Tank

Spanx Thinstincts 2.0 Tank

PHOTO: Bare Necessities

$68 at Nordstrom $68 at Spanx View on Dillards.com

Tara West, a fashion stylist and wardrobe consultant, suggests putting this Spanx tank top at the top of your shopping list. “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 top with high-waisted jeans and some chunky sneakers for a fun off-duty look, as well as underneath dresses, blouses, and 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

Best Brief

Shapermint Seamless Stretch Mid-Waist Brief

Shapermint Truekind Seamless Stretch Mid-Waist Brief

PHOTO: Shapermint

$32 at Amazon View on Shapermint.com

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 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

Best Color Range

Yitty Nearly Naked Shaping Mid-Thigh Bodysuit

PHOTO: Yitty

View on Fabletics.com

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

How to Pick the Right Plus-Size Shapewear

Comfort

Comfort is paramount when you're buying things like wireless bras and shaping bodysuits, especially if you plan to wear them for a long time. So make sure you have plenty of shapewear pieces on hand in different materials and compression levels so that 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.

Compression

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 intimates 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.

Durability

You’ll want shapewear that snaps back after each 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, follow its specific care instructions. While some shapewear styles, 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best shapewear?

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 and sizes up to 5X. It boasts adjustable straps, strong compression, and an open-gusset design.
Is expensive shapewear worth it?

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.”
Should you size up or down in shapewear?

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.

Take Our Word for It

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. This story was recently updated by shopping writer Cai Cramer with new insights from plus-size fashion experts.

Meet Our Experts

• 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.

• Emily K. Schwartz is a stylist, writer, and sustainability advocate whose previous work can be found in InStyle, HelloGiggles, Allure and more.

• Emma Artletta is a plus-size fashion influencer, style expert, and model with over 1 million followers across Instagram and TikTok.

In This Article

Best Overall

ShapeLLX PowerConceal Full Body Tummy Control Shapewear