Shapewear

Shapewear is stretchy, lightly-to-firmly compressive underwear that smooths and streamlines your shape under clothing, giving a clean line with no visible seams or lines. It comes as bodysuits, high-waisted shorts and briefs, waist cinchers, slips, and strapless or backless styles, chosen by your outfit and how much smoothing you want.

The main types are shaping bodysuits (torso, waist and back), high-waisted shorts and briefs (waist, tummy and thighs), waist cinchers (midsection), thigh shapers, full slips (whole body under a dress), and strapless or backless styles for bare necklines and low backs. Each suits different outfits.

Pick by outfit and comfort, not by "the firmest." Light smoothing removes lines for everyday and thin fabrics; medium gives a defined but comfortable line for dresses and events; firm gives the most sculpted look for special occasions. Firmer isn't better — and any level should feel comfortable, never pinching or hard to breathe in.

For a fitted or clingy dress, a shaping bodysuit or full slip smooths the whole silhouette in one seamless layer. For a dress with a slit or shorter hem, high-waisted shorts work well. Match the leg length and neckline to the dress so nothing shows, and choose seamless edges for an invisible finish.

Look for dedicated low-back or backless shapewear, which drops the back panel below the dress's opening so nothing shows. For pieces that need support up top too, pair with a backless bra approach. See our backless styles for open-back and low-back outfits.

Well-fitted shapewear worn for normal occasions is fine and shouldn't be uncomfortable. The problems people describe — pinching, rolling, trouble breathing — come from sizing down or wearing something far too tight for too long. Choose your true size and a comfortable smoothing level, and take it off if it ever hurts. Comfort should always come first.

No. Shapewear smooths your silhouette only while you wear it — it's a cosmetic, temporary effect, like the shaping in a corset. It does not cause weight loss or permanently change your body, and we wouldn't suggest it as a way to do either. It's simply a styling tool for a smooth line under a particular outfit.

Shapewear (including waist cinchers) is designed to smooth and shape your silhouette under clothing while you wear it. "Waist trainers" are marketed with claims of permanent waist reduction through prolonged wear, which isn't something we promote — any shaping garment only works temporarily. Choose a cincher or bodysuit for the look you want in the moment, sized for comfort.

A high-waisted brief or shorts, or a shaping bodysuit, gives a smooth waist and midsection under clothing. Look for a wide, non-rolling waistband and your true size for the cleanest line. Medium smoothing is comfortable for all day; firm gives extra definition for events.

Yes — every style comes in extended sizes, with wider panels, cushioned waistbands and more coverage for comfortable smoothing. Choose your true measured size rather than sizing down, and see the plus-size edit for full-figure shapewear options.

High-waisted briefs sit above the waistband to smooth the waist under jeans and trousers, while high-waisted shorts add thigh smoothing under skirts and also help prevent chafing. Pick a rise that stays above your waistband and a leg length that won't show below a shorter hem.

Choose seamless bridal shapewear you can wear comfortably for a long day — a smooth bodysuit or slip in a color close to your skin, at a smoothing level you can dance and sit in. Match the neckline and back to your dress, and do a full test wear before the day. See the bridal edit.

Hand-wash in cool water or use a lingerie bag on a delicate cycle, and always air-dry. Heat destroys the elastic fibers that create the smoothing, so never tumble-dry. Rotating a couple of pieces and washing gently keeps the stretch, and the smooth finish, lasting much longer.