While shapewear is great for smoothness and support under your clothing, it has a reputation of being incredibly constrictive (think: girdles). However, the best tummy-control shapewear—including our top pick, Skims’ Seamless Sculpt Bodysuit—is sleek, modern and comfortable. With flat-lay seams, easy on-and-off closures and compression panels, these pieces help accentuate your curves and enhance your body without altering or changing your natural shape.
To gain insight into what makes a piece of shapewear truly stand out, we consulted with Los Angeles-based fashion stylist Vanessa Powell and Forbes Vetted’s in-house style expert, deputy editor Kari Molvar. We included a wide range of picks, whether you’re looking for a full-coverage bodysuit or a pair of low-profile briefs. Ahead, find the best tummy-control shapewear to wear confidently and comfortably with all your clothing. For more body-sculpting garment options, see our stories on the best shapewear and the best plus-size shapewear as well.
Sizes: XS to 4X | Colors: 10, including Sand and Bronze | Closure type: Snap crotch
Skims’s best-selling, cult-status bodysuit is extremely well designed. This bikini-cut style has extra compression at the core to shape the midsection and accentuate the waist while still being wearable and comfortable. The supportive, adjustable straps also help lift your bust and the low back and high leg make this piece versatile under many outfits, including sleeveless tops and dresses with a high slit.
What the reviews say: “I love this bodysuit so much,” says one Skims customer. “It smooths and holds you in and lifts you up all while being comfortable enough to wear all day.”
Sizes: XXS/XS to 4XL/5XL | Colors: 7 total, including Black and Umber | Closure type: Pull-on
Shaperx’s wallet-friendly bodysuit has a soft and seamless construction that gives a true sculpting look thanks to its four-way stretch nylon-spandex fabric. It’s available in three styles, giving you the option of a bikini, thong or mid-thigh cut. The targeted compression holds you in at the core and the bra smooths and fits many cup sizes, plus the support level can be tailored with adjustable straps. For larger busts, consider sizing up to achieve the best lift.
What the reviews say: Even though it costs nearly half the price of the Skims Seamless Sculpt Bodysuit, several reviewers say that this pick’s quality rivals that of Skims and Spanx. “Takes some wrangling to get into, but once you do, the thick, silky, and soft fabric will suck you in in all the right places,” says one Amazon customer.
Sizes: XS to 5X | Colors: 16 total, including Iconic Black and Bossed Up Brown | Closure type: Adjustable snap crotch
Founded by body-positivity advocate Lizzo, Yitty has an extensive size selection of shapewear ranging from XS to 5X. This bodysuit provides all-around compression for smoothing and shaping, especially in the midsection. The thong bottoms eliminate panty lines, and the brand’s “anti-uni-boob” technology prevents any squishing. Also great: The antimicrobial, moisture-wicking fabric keeps you fresh and odor-free all day.
What the reviews say: “The material is soft, stretchy and comfortable,” says one Yitty customer. “It looked like it was not going to fit me at all, but when I put it on, it fit perfectly. Every curve of my body was smooth and my outfit looked phenomenal. I felt confident and comfortable all at once.”
Honeylove SuperPower Short
Sizes: XS to 3X | Colors: 5 total, including Sand and Mocha | Closure type: Pull-on
Unlike some other high-waisted options, Honeylove’s shapewear shorts have built-in boning to prevent the waistband from rolling down and creating visible lines. The bestseller has nearly 5,000 reviews online, praising its fit and functionality. A note on sizing: If you have larger thighs or proportionally bigger hips, the brand recommends sizing up so the leg of these shorts hit on the right place on your body, and you can pull the garment all the way up. If you have a longer torso, the removable straps (included with the shorts) help the top of the garment reach your bra line.
What the reviews say: “I love the SuperPower Short more than any other shapewear I’ve tried,” says one Honeylove customer. “It’s comfortable and wearable for long periods of time, really makes you look toned and sculpted in the waist and in the backside, and prevents thigh chafing. The bathroom-friendly gusset is handy, but it’s so easy to roll up and down.”
Sizes: S to 3X | Colors: 3 total, including Black and Latte Lift | Closure type: Pull-on
These high-waisted briefs from Maidenform are compressive around the midsection, rising up to just beneath the bust. They’re an excellent choice for those who want the smoothing effects of shapewear, but would prefer less coverage than a bodysuit or pair of shorts. A silicone waistband ensures this pair won’t roll down as you move, preventing awkward re-adjusting throughout the day. The fabric consists of a nylon-elastane blend that wicks away moisture, so you’ll stay cool and dry as well.
What the reviews say: “I have a short torso and I specifically like how this goes up to my bra band so I get full support and coverage with no overhang or back bulge,” says one Amazon customer. “It smooths out my midsection and is almost undetectable under my clothing as long as it’s not too tight. I wear this to work, to work out and any time I want to look a little smoother.”
Sizes: XS to XL | Colors: 2 total, including Rose Pink and Black | Closure type: Pull-on
High-waisted, tummy-control shapewear is a great staple to have in your wardrobe since it can be worn under everything from dresses to jeans. If you’re looking to avoid panty lines specifically, you’ll want to invest in a thong bottom. Fleur Du Mal’s features ribbed detail along the torso for waist-defining compression while ruched underwire-free cups provide weightless support.
What the experts say: “Fleur Du Mal is great for beautiful lingerie you want to show off,” says Molvar. “I like how this thong bodysuit is a seamless option with light compression and a wireless bra so it won’t dig in. Just keep in mind that it only comes in two colors.”
Sizes: XS to XL | Colors: 2 total, including Natural Glam and Black Tie | Closure type: Pull-on
Great under fitted skirts and dresses, Spanx’s tummy-control slip offers equal amounts of shaping and support leaving you with a smoother midsection. Of Spanx’s three levels of compression, this slip dress comes in at a level two, so it offers medium hold and shaping that’s still comfortable for all-day wear.
What the experts say: “Spanx is my go-to for well-made shapewear,” says Molvar. “I love how this slip has adjustable straps, so you can wear it higher or lower on your body depending on the neckline and hem of your outfit.”
Shapermint Miraclesuit Inches Off Waist Cincher
Sizes: S to XXL | Colors: 2 total, including Nude and Black | Closure type: Hook and eye
A waist cincher works to sculpt your midriff and enhance your curves. While some can definitely be uncomfortable, Shapermint’s features mesh inserts for added breathability and is made of a soft material and double panels that hug you tight without digging in. You can wear this piece on its own or combine it with additional shapewear pieces for a customized fit.
What the reviews say: “This cincher is amazing,” says one Shapermint customer. “Not only does it suck me in, but it’s so comfortable. The price was also reasonable.”
Best Of The Rest
Sizes: XS to 6X | Colors: 3 total, including Black and Beige | Closure type: Zipper
If you’re looking for more coverage, this shaping bodysuit from Shapellx seamlessly sculpts from the back down to the thighs. A triple-layer compression provides ample tucking in the tummy area and the design enhances your butt without extra padding, maintaining a natural, lifted look. It’s also flexible for your fashion needs with removable, adjustable straps and a zippered crotch for convenience.
What the reviews say: “This is the absolute best body shaper I’ve ever had in my life,” says one Shapellx customer. “It tucks in everything it’s supposed to. I absolutely love it and will buy no other shapewear.”
Sizes: XS to 4X | Colors: 5 total, including Chocolate and Sand | Closure type: Pull-on
With strategic panels and an ultra-high waist, these body shaper shorts simultaneously tuck, smooth and lift in all the right places. They’re super stretchy and comfortable for everyday wear while a non-slip grip at the top waistband prevents them from rolling down—one reviewer said they stayed fully in place for 6 hours.
What the reviews say: “These shorts smooth out large sections of fat nicely while being very comfortable and breathable—no more bumps and rolls,” says an Amazon reviewer. “The waist band didn’t roll down or need adjusting at all, even through dropping it low on the dance floor.”
Sizes: XS to XL | Colors: 4 total, including Black and Beige | Closure type: Hook and eye
A smooth, microfiber blend and medium overall compression makes this bodysuit an easy-to-wear option for everyday layering. The zoned areas in the tummy and back provide extra smoothing while the straps on the built-in bra can be adjusted to your support needs. Note: this has a thong back and doesn’t provide extra butt lifting or shaping.
What the reviews say: “The built-in bra actually fits and works for my B/C cup, and it smooths surprisingly well,” says a Commando customer. “I can pull this on and run out the door—smoothed, lifted and good to go.”
Bali Lace ‘N Smooth Body Shaper
Sizes: 34B to 40DD | Colors: 4 total, including Nightfire Red and White | Closure type: Pull-on
Shapewear doesn’t always have to be colorless; we love this lace bodysuit for its versatility and elevated, stretchy fabric that moves with you. It’s shoppable by cup size to ensure the best fit for the built-in underwire bra and it provides allover firming with an emphasis on the tummy and rear areas. The one-piece can be worn under form-fitting clothes or even on its own for a bodysuit look.
What the reviews say: “I love this shaper for comfort and breathability,” writes a Bali customer. “I bought the first one for a wedding; I was so pleased with the fit I decided I needed second one. It shapes without squeezing.”
Yummie Seamless Solutions High Waist Shaping Brief
Sizes: S/M to L/XL | Colors: 3 total, including Black and Almond | Closure type: Pull-on
With an ultra-high waist that sits right below the bra line, Yummie’s Shaping Brief smooths the targeted tummy area. A simple pull-on design and full back coverage is easy to wear, plus silicone at the waist keeps it from slipping down after a long day. Expect an allover smoothing effect, although some wearers said they felt more compression in the butt area.
What the reviews say: “I love this product. It is easy to pull up, firms my body and most of all it stays put and does not slide down, even when I am moving around a lot.” —Yummie
Lifestyle writer Stephanie Montes is a regular Forbes Vetted contributor who has years of styling and fashion experience.
While researching the topic of tummy-control shapewear, we consulted with Los Angeles-based fashion stylist Vanessa Powell, who shared tips on how to find the ideal fit and silhouette.
All product selections were overseen by deputy editor Kari Molvar, who leads Forbes Vetted’s fashion vertical. Molvar draws from more than a decade of industry experience; she also holds a certificate in fashion styling from the Business of Fashion.
This article is consistently refreshed to ensure we’re still featuring the best tummy-control shapewear offerings on the market. In its February 2024 update, fashion writer Claire Epting added a new pick to the list: the Maidenform Firm Control Briefs.
How We Chose The Best Tummy-Control Shapewear
When evaluating tummy-control shapewear, we considered a wide range of specs including fit, size options, silhouettes and compression levels.
Style expert Molvar shared her top two shapewear picks from Fleur Du Mal and Spanx.
Customer ratings were taken into account; we only featured shapewear picks with an average rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars.
We scanned shopper reviews for key takeaways regarding fit, quality and overall comfort—we also included excerpts of particularly rave reviews alongside each product.
What To Consider In The Best Tummy-Control Shapewear
No tummy-control undergarments look and feel exactly alike, according to Powell. She shares some pointers for shopping for shapewear:
Compression
Tummy control shapewear comes in a range of compression levels, from light to extra firm. The level you should pick depends on your outfit. “If you want to smooth and tighten your body under a silky slip dress, you’ll need a lightweight material in your shapewear,” she says. However, for heavier garments, she recommends going for shapewear made of a tighter, thicker fabric for a more pronounced result.
Silhouette
“Historically, the silhouettes of shapewear come in the forms of mid-thigh, high-waist shaping shorts, bodysuits, slips, shaping briefs or thongs, control tights and mid-thigh girdles,” explains Powell. To pick out the right silhouette, she recommends considering the shapewear’s neckline and panty lines to make sure it works well with what you’re wearing over it. The market has expanded in recent years to include every shape and cut under the sun, including asymmetrical designs that work with dress slits, a variety of necklines, backless and strapless options.
Color
Aside from classic black and white pieces, you’ll find shapewear in all skin tones from porcelain shades to deeper mocha hues. “Shapewear has come a long way, offering a wider variety of colors for all skin tones than ever before,” says Powell. As a rule of thumb, opt for black underneath dark-colored garments and nude tones underneath sheer or light-colored garments. If you plan on wearing shapewear with your wedding gown, pure white is your best bet.