No Squeezing Needed: The Most Comfortable Shapewear Out There

As you probably know, we can’t get enough of Nordstrom. This stylish, staple department store carries a bit of everything we need, so of course, we had to scour their extensive shapewear section. The TC Back Magic High Waist Shaping Briefs immediately caught our eye because of the unique Back Magic panel. The panel includes “a silicone finish to contour the waist while preventing slipping.” While the product description boasts extra-firm support, one reviewer also claims the piece is doable for everyday wear: “It’s my go-to daily work undergarment.”

By now, you’ve probably heard of Skims, Kim Kardashian’s underwear, loungewear, and shapewear company. From bras to bodysuits, Kim K.’s company lives up to the hype with a wide variety of consistently well-reviewed products. For medium, partial coverage, we recommend the Everyday Sculpt High-Waisted Mid-Thigh Short. This piece provides stomach and thigh coverage without the constriction of a full bodysuit. This sculpting short is also wearable for longer periods of time — according to one reviewer, they’re “all-day comfy and stretchy and super soft.”

For some of us, having supportive, non-chafing undergarments is a must, especially during the sticky summer months. But flesh-toned shorts aren’t exactly a look we love under sundresses. That’s why we’re obsessed with this brand that designs “non-shapewear alternatives for thighs.” Think of these slipshorts as a solution to feeling put-together and irritation-free that isn’t quite as restrictive as traditional shapewear, but still smooths you out. It’s just an added bonus that they’re designed to look cute too, with options in neon colors, florals, and even polka dots (just in case you have a Marilyn moment).

You know and love Knix for its leakproof underwear and supportive bras, but the brand has recently ventured into the shapewear world, too. If you want extra coverage and support beneath a button-down shirt or a clingy top, a shaping tank may be the way to go. This one has a built-in bra, and unlike sad shelf bras that leave you and your chest hanging, reviewers say it offers support without any pinching or poking. “I was looking for something to get my posture right,” one reviewer said. “With the weight of my breasts, I always had my shoulders tucked, rounding my neck. The fist day I wore this tank, my body was in shock! It got me up straight!”

We’re here to argue that not all shapewear has to change your shape — sometimes you just want to show off what you’ve got! These underwear are paper thin, but in a good way. They are undetectable under the clingiest of clothing, and they feel smooth and buttery on your skin. This pair has a high-waist to give you some extra support and smoothing, but Harper Wilde also offers seamless thongs and briefs if that’s what you prefer.

Business in the front, party in the back — that’s what this bodysuit is. It can be extra difficult to find shapewear that works under dresses and tops with deep necklines or backs, or back cutouts, but this Maidenform bodysuit can do it all. The front looks like your average bodysuit, but the back is open. The straps can be worn regularly or in a crisscross shape, which only adds to this piece’s versatility.

Who says shapewear can’t be empowering? We adore Honeylove’s upbeat attitude: “We aim to prove that femininity isn’t weakness; it’s a superpower.” Of course, they back up their peppy ethos with some seriously cute designs. The SuperPower Short features bold, unique crossbody details that also provide targeted, high compression. Plus, the SuperPower Short is made of sweat-wicking, breathable fabric. If keeping cool is a big concern, Honeylove can help you avoid unnecessary sweat.

Where would we be without Spanx? While they’ve branched into clothing — like Katie’s favorite travel sweater — they’re most well-known for being a classic shapewear staple. So we have to mention one of their most “powerful” coverage options: The OnCore High-Waisted Mid-Thigh Short. This piece creates a particularly svelte look because it features front and side panels for “squeeze-free slimming.”

When considering shapewear, luxury doesn’t always come to mind. Commando aims to challenge that assumption. Their entire brand is built on the concept of “luxury-technical”: Pieces that feel and look glamorous but are also highly functional. Their Ultimate Opaque Control Tights are a perfect example of this philosophy. The tights have a minimalistic, sleek look but still feature a subtle, smoothing waistband. The compression is on the lighter side, so you’ll never feel constricted. 

As much as we love the smoothing results, most sculpting underwear isn’t exactly sexy. It’s rare to find pieces that you can purposefully, and proudly show off. Enter Pinsy — a company that proudly boasts that you can “say goodbye to ugly shapewear.” Pinsy has found a careful compromise between function and aesthetic: just check out the dramatic, lacy details on the Sculpting Lace Shapewear Bodysuit. One reviewer gushes that they “love this piece not only as shapewear, because it holds me in in all the necessary places — plus bra support — but it looks great as an added piece to my wardrobe with skirts/pants.” Truly the best of both worlds.

Like most people on the face of the earth, we’re huge Lizzo fans. So we were thrilled when she launched her shapewear company, Yitty. The brand is super size-inclusive — up to 6x — and incredibly body positive. You’ll notice bright colors and fun prints featured throughout the collections because a lot of these pieces are made to be seen. For shapewear to wear out on the town, we’re eyeing the Headliner Shaping High Waist Legging. These leggings are great if you’re looking for medium compression. And reviewers can’t get enough of the supple material — one wrote, “This fabric is amazing — I love how high end it looks, definitely an amazing legging to wear out.”