We are always on the hunt for comfortable, yet supportive, shapewear, with the most common areas to address being the stomach, legs and bottom.
While some may wear shapewear to cinch in their tummy, others may wear for a smoother silhouette, or to sculpt the figure and give a little lift to enhance certain assets.
There are plenty of brands to shop online and in-store for those looking for shapewear for the tummy, for legs and bottom; from M&S and John Lewis to Skims, Spanx and other lingerie brands. While some may be looking for knicker designs with high-waisted detail to provide waist support, others may be in need of longer designs, corsets or thongs, with the stomach control element, depending on their outfit.
There has been a surge in sales for shorts to combat thigh chafing, but for those opting for maxi dresses can also get their hands on longer-leg versions to shop.
How to wear shapewear
Shapewear can be worn underneath dresses, skirts, shorts and trousers for enhancing the figure, tucking in the stomach and smoothing out any bumps. HELLO!'s Director of Lifestyle & Commerce Leanne Bayley relies on shapewear for special occasions. "There's a time and a place for shapewear and I've worn various styles over the years - especially on nights out or red carpet events. I just find that there are some dresses that hang better when I'm wearing shapewear underneath. I also walk with improved posture! Ultimately, my confidence is dramatically improved when I'm wearing shapewear."
What are the best shapewear brands?
Spanx is probably one of the first names that spring to mind when it comes to shapewear, and the brand is a great option when shopping for comfortable and effective shapewear with positive reviews.
Kim Kardashian's Skims has also made its way to the forefront of shapewear brands. Several Skims products have gone viral since the brand's launch in 2019, and the products have a huge selection when it comes to inclusive shade options.
How we chose the best shapewear
- Price: We've selected shapewear in a range of price points for every budget, ranging from £18 to £90.
- Quality: While we haven't tried all of the shapewear in the list, we've only selected products from brands trusted by the HELLO! team, with generally positive reviews.
- Inclusivity: Fashion moves fast, but all of the products selected in this edit are in stock in almost every size, and we've added some plus-size options to the mix, too.
Best shapewear for the tummy
M&S shapewear for the tummy
M&S is known for its comfortable underwear, whether it is their no VPL knickers, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s designs, or the brand’s shapewear. All designs are lightweight, supportive and practical but also affordable.
The Firm Control Sheer Stripe Bodysuit dips below the chest so that you can wear your own bra, and the figure-framing structure works to create a smooth silhouette under clothing. The shapewear features a firm tummy control design, finished with sheer striped inserts for a flattering finish.
Skims shapewear for the tummy
Skims is one of the go-to shapewear shopping destinations to head to suit everyone's needs. Whether you need stomach control, neutral underwear, a thong, or a brief design, Kim Kardashian has created quite the assortment.
The Skims Seamless Sculpt Mid-Thigh Bodysuit sculpting bodysuit was trending upon its release, and the shapewear has been updated for an even better fit. The mid-thigh design features strong compression to target the tummy, waist, and legs, with butt-enhancing pockets for a lifted look.
Finished with a wide crotch for extra coverage, a cotton gusset, and front pique stitching along the front and sides for added support on the bust, the Skims one-piece has so much support for the whole body. The bodysuit comes in nine colours ranging from XXS to XL with 10 shades to choose from.
John Lewis shapewear for the tummy
John Lewis stocks a wide variety of brands across all departments, including underwear, and specifically stomach control shapewear. Whether you are looking for briefs, high-rise knickers, as well as shorts, thongs, and packs of shapewear so you can stock up on the basic essentials.
The Rae Confirm Control Briefs feature firming tummy control for a smoothing effect across the stomach, with a cotton gusset for added comfort. The sheer strap detailing on the leg line provides coverage whilst being thin enough to avoid VPL.
Calzedonia shapewear for the tummy
Heading on holiday, but feel a little conscious of stripping down into a skimpy bikini? Don't fret, as Calzedonia has flattering sculpting swimwear to wear on your next vacation.
Calzedonia's High-Waisted Shapewear Bikini Bottoms Feature a tulle at the front that offers a tummy-slimming effect, with invisible seams for a smooth finish. The lined swimwear briefs provide more coverage at the rear, with four sizes to choose from. The bottoms are also available in blue or red, and you can pick up the flattering bikini top to match, too.
Spanx shapewear for the tummy
Spanx is the leading brand when it comes to shopping for shapewear items, and one we have all ventured to when in need of something to flatter our figures. Spanx has a wide variety of shapes, cuts and styles, as well as colours to suit everyone's needs.
The Spanx Oncore Jersey Body features an open bust so that you can wear your own bra, a stretchy fit for comfort and a slip opening at the gusset. The shapewear has been designed to flatten the appearance of the abdomen, with the goal to enhance the shape whilst wearing trousers.
Pour Moi shapewear for the tummy
Pour Moi has an impressive array of shapewear items to target the stomach, as well as legs, push up your bust and much more. From structuring bandeau bodysuits to shorts, and low-rise back designs to full bodysuits to sculpt your body and support your bust.
Pour Moi's shaping bodysuit features an underwire with moulded cups and a hook and eye back fastening. The smoothing finish has been designed for sculpting beneath dresses, and the removable straps make bodysuit ideal for wearing with any outfit.
Wolford shapewear for the tummy
Wolford has multiple shapewear items to shop online, from knickers, thongs and shorts, to bodysuits, control skirts and dresses. But a pair of figure-hugging tights are always a must.
The brand's tummy control tights come with opaque attached underwear with a lace design, with a soft knitted waistband. The shaping fit enhances the waist whilst the shaping panties work to bring in the stomach.
Best shapewear for legs
Chantelle shapewear for tummy and legs
Chantelle is one of the longest-standing lingerie brands on the market, and it is not going anywhere either. From the lace bras to the soft stretch designs, Chantelle caters for everyone's needs.
The high-rise woven shorts come in one size, adapting to the body for a custom fit. The elasticated waistband is designed for comfort whilst still being supportive, with bonded seams and smooth leg openings. The shorts come down to the thigh which eliminates visible pant lines, and the fit is suitable for wearing beneath skirts, dresses and trousers.
John Lewis shapewear for legs and tummy
John Lewis stocks a variety of shapewear brands, including its own range, shoppers can find Spanx, Chantelle, Miraclesuit and many more. While some may be looking for shapewear slip dresses, shapewear underwear, or shapewear leggings, others may be specifically on the hunt for seamfree sculpting designs, either way, John Lewis has all bases covered.
The Seamfree High Waist Shorts are designed to create a smooth silhouette from the stomach to the thigh, with a stretchy fit for comfort and a super soft feel.
Falke shapewear for legs
Falke's design has been described as "triple action against cellulite", which is ideal for those who are conscious of their body and looking to create a smooth silhouette. The Cellulite Control Panties come in a variety of sizes, including some half sizes so you can be sure to find the perfect fit and support.
M&S shapewear for legs
M&S is filled with flattering shapewear pieces, from shorts to bodysuits, briefs and more. The firm-control underwear aims to smooth the thighs, hips and the stomach area for a three-in-one shapewear that can be worn beneath just about anything.
Best tummy control slimming swimsuits: Styles from M&S, John Lewis & more
