9 Types of Shapewear Explained (And Which One You Actually Need)
Walking into the shapewear aisle or scrolling through it online can feel overwhelming. Bodysuits, shaping shorts, waist trainers, high-waist panties... how do you know which one actually is the solution to your daily confidence boost?
The truth is, there's no single "best" shapewear. The right piece depends on what you're wearing over it, which areas you want to smooth or support, and how much compression feels comfortable for your day. To make it simple, we've broken down nine of the most popular types of shapewear, what each one is actually good for, and where to shop them.
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1. Bodysuits
A shaping bodysuit combines top and bottom coverage in one streamlined piece, helping smooth your tummy, waist, and back without adding extra layers. It's a versatile choice for form-fitting dresses and tucked-in looks, and many styles can also be worn as tops or layered under blazers, cardigans, and jackets. With comfortable, stay-put support, it's a popular pick for all-day wear, including under work clothes.
Shop the Bodysuits collection to find a shaping level and neckline that works with your outfit.
2. Shaping Shorts
Shaping shorts, also known as shaper shorts, typically sit between the waist and mid-thigh to smooth the tummy, hips, and upper thighs in one comfortable piece. Their versatile design works well under dresses, skirts, wide-leg pants, and other everyday outfits. Many styles also feature silicone grip strips to help keep the waistband securely in place. As an added benefit, shaping shorts can help reduce thigh chafing on warm days or during long events.
Shop the Shapewear Shorts collection for high-waisted, mid-waisted, and boyshort styles.
3. Waist Trainers
A waist trainer is a higher-compression piece built specifically to cinch and define the midsection, typically with reinforced panels or boning for a firmer hourglass silhouette than shorts or a bodysuit alone. It's a popular choice for bodycon dresses, workouts, and postpartum support, and it's usually worn as a targeted layer rather than an everyday base garment because of its firmer hold.
Shop the Waist Trainers collection for high-compression styles built to sculpt and support your waist.
4. Shaping Slips
A shaping slip is a lightweight, dress-length layer designed to smooth the tummy and hips under fitted or sheer dresses and skirts. It also helps fabric glide more smoothly over the body, reducing clinging and helping your outfit stay comfortably in place as you move. With shaping and coverage in one easy piece, it is a practical choice for weddings, formal events, and other special occasions.
5. Thigh Shapers
Thigh shapers extend further down the leg than standard shorts, smoothing the thigh area and helping to prevent chafing under longer dresses, pencil skirts, or fitted pants. They're especially useful if your main concern is the upper leg rather than the tummy, or if you want extra coverage for warm-weather events where thigh-to-thigh friction is a bigger issue than waist smoothing.
Shop Thighs and Hips shapewear for styles built to contour and smooth the thigh area specifically.
6. High-Waist Panties
High-waist shaper panties sit above the natural waistline to smooth and support the tummy and waist in a sleek, low-profile design. They work comfortably under jeans, dresses, skirts, and other everyday outfits, making them a great introduction to shapewear for anyone looking for light-to-medium support. Many styles also feature stay-put waistbands to help prevent rolling and keep the fit comfortably in place.
Shop the Shapermint Essentials Everyday High-Waisted Shaper Panty or browse the full Underwear collection for more high-waisted styles.
7. Camis and Tanks
A shaping cami or tank is a versatile wardrobe essential that smooths the tummy, waist, and back while enhancing your natural shape. It can be worn on its own as a fitted top, layered under blazers and cardigans, or used as a comfortable base beneath blouses and sweaters. With built-in shaping support and the familiar feel of an everyday tank, it offers an easy way to create a smoother silhouette throughout the year.
Shop the Camis & Tanks collection to find shaping tops in various necklines and compression levels.
8. Seamless Briefs
Seamless briefs are built for one job: eliminating visible panty lines under leggings, fitted pants, or clingy fabrics. They typically offer lighter compression than a full shaper panty, focusing on a smooth, no-show finish rather than heavy tummy control, which makes them a comfortable everyday option rather than an occasion-only piece.
Shop seamless styles within the Underwear collection for a no-show fit under any outfit.
9. Wireless Bras
A supportive wireless bra may not be traditional shapewear, but it plays an important role in creating a smooth, balanced silhouette. It provides lift, shaping, and support without rigid underwires while helping smooth the bust, sides, and back under clothing. Many styles also feature seamless construction, supportive bands, or smoothing panels, making them an easy match for your favorite shapewear and fitted outfits.
Shop the Wireless Bras collection to complete your shaping look from top to bottom.
Which Type of Shapewear Do You Actually Need?
Not sure where to start? Think about the outfit you plan to wear and the areas where you want added smoothing or support.
- Fitted dress or jumpsuit: Choose a shaping bodysuit for streamlined smoothing through the tummy, waist, and back, or a shaping slip to help smooth the silhouette and prevent fabric from clinging.
- Jeans, skirts, or everyday outfits: Try shaping shorts for tummy, hip, and thigh smoothing, or high-waist shaper panties for more targeted support through the tummy and waist.
- Bodycon dress or special occasion: A waist trainer provides firmer, more focused compression to help define and sculpt the midsection.
- Long dress or pencil skirt: Thigh shapers offer extended leg coverage and help reduce chafing, while a shaping slip helps clothing glide smoothly over the body.
- Leggings or fitted pants: Seamless shaping briefs create a smooth finish under clothing without visible panty lines.
- Casual tops, blouses, or sweaters: A shaping cami or tank smooths the torso and can be worn as a base layer, styled under jackets, or worn on its own.
- Fitted tops and dresses: A supportive wireless bra helps lift and shape the bust while smoothing the sides and back for a more polished silhouette.
Most people end up owning more than one type, since the right shapewear really depends on what you're wearing it under. Explore the full Shapewear collection to build a wardrobe that covers every outfit and occasion.
Enjoy 15% OFF your next shapewear pick—just tap the code below to start shopping!
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