Good shapewear isn’t about restricting your curves; it’s about smoothing out lumps and bumps to create a streamlined shape under whatever you’re wearing.
The compression garments of old have had a makeover and now look good enough to wear alone - take Spanx’s figure-enhancing leggings as proof. Stylish shapewear - both on top and under clothes - are here to stay.
They needn’t be reserved solely for special occasions either; many of the options on this list are comfortable to wear to the office or at weekends if you choose. They’re there whenever you need an extra shot of sartorial confidence.
Of course, plus size shapewear isn’t just a case of sizing up regular styles; they’re pieces with carefully considered features designed to celebrate your curves in all their glory. Wider shoulder straps, deeper fastenings and more stretch are just some of the enhanced elements you can expect to find in plus size shapewear.
Whether you need the right sculpting foundations for a special occasion like a wedding or party or you’re looking for breathable shapewear that won’t roll down when you’re strolling along the beachfront on holidays, we’ve pulled together an edit of the best plus size shapewear bodies, VPL-free pants and shorts below.
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ASOS DESIGN Curve Contouring medium control short with mesh
Sizes: 18 - 30
ASOS has a great range of shapewear basics and these control shorts are one of our top picks. They reach mid thigh so they will stop any chaffing but you can still wear that cute mini skirt, and they offer a medium level of control which means they are comfortable enough to wear all day, every day. The mesh panels also make the shorts extremely breathable, perfect for hot summer days.
Buy now £22.00, ASOS
SKIMS Everyday Sculpt ruched stretch-woven body
Size: 2XS to 4XL
There’s a reason why SKIMS is so popular (and no, it’s not because it’s got a Kardashian attached to it). The shapewear is inclusve and fits every body like a glove, pulling in and smoothing out all the right places. While it can look daunting to get on, once it’s in place you won’t notice it at all.
This Everyday Sculpt ruched stretch-woven body doubles as body shapewear and chub rub shorts, so you can stay comfy all day long.
Buy now £60.00, Selfridges
Spanx Curve Seamless Shaping thong in beige
Sizes: 24 - 34
For when you really don’t want VPL but you still want some tummy control, Spanx has your back (or your stomach ...). The pioneer of shapewear has created a seamless shaping thong which gives you all the benefits of wearing a thong, with the added bonus of having a high waist to smooth out your stomach and hips up to your waist. It really is the best of both worlds.
Buy now £20.00, ASOS
Figleaves Pimlico Underwired Balcony Body
Sizes: up to 38FF
A body with an integrated bra, this design is covered in a mesh leopard-print, making it a much more aesthetically-pleasing option than most shapewear. To ensure a good fit, sizing is bra-focused and this one spans 32B to 38FF. Supportive and lifting, it bridges the gap between underwear and regular clothing.
Buy now £42.00, Simply Be
Snag Stay Cool Chub Rub Shorts - Black
Sizes: 4 – 28
Sunny days are heavenly, but without adequate chafe protection, your thighs could feel hotter than Lucifer’s hot tub. Enter Snag’s shorts, made from a moisture-wicking fabric, cooling yarn, and cotton to keep you cool and comfortable all day long.
The beauty of this option is that the shorts won’t wear off in the way sprays and creams applied directly to the skin will over the course of the day. Bonus points for the silhouette slimming effect given by the high waist lightweight construction. Available in a range of colours.
Buy now £8.69, Snag
Honeylove Every Event Bundle
Sizes: 3XL
Honeylove has read the brief and answered it completely, coming up with this bundle that will see you through any fashion emergency. Comprising a SuperPower Short (sizes to 3X), a Queen Brief (sizes to 3X) and a Cami Bodysuit (sizes to 4X) there are plenty of options to wear under your #OOTD.
Don’t like the look of all beige? The bundle comes in variations of all black, beige/black mix, beige/white mix and plenty of other colour combinations in between. The Cami Bodysuit also comes in a petite option as well as regular.
Buy now £204.00, Honeylove
M&S Body Define Firm Control Wear Your Own Bra Bodysuit
Sizes: to UK 24
For those who like the comfort of their own bra, M&S has this mesh-panelled body with an open chest. Simply clasp your existing bra on before pulling on the shapewear, which also comes in a beige colour, for a streamlined silhouette. The central panel features firm tummy control offering a flattering effect.
Buy now £25.00, M&S
M&S 2pk Light Control No VPL Shaping Knickers
Sizes: up to 24
There’s nothing like VPL to ruin the effect of a great dress, skirt or pair of trousers. Banish those unsightly lines for good with M&S’s light control knickers which feature a sheer trim waistband and extra coverage on the top of the thighs, offering comfort as well as the confidence to wear figure-skimming styles. Best of all, they come as a two pack, offering excellent value-for-money. Top Marks.
Buy now £12.00, M&S
Honeylove Mid-Waist Short
Sizes: up to 3XL
For tummy-smoothing, bum-lifting confidence, reach for Honeylove’s Mid-Waist Short, available in black and beige. The panelled shorts are made with targeted strips of sweat-wicking elastic and strong mesh over the lower tummy and back of the thighs. Meanwhile bathroom trips are made easier thanks to a gusset opening.
Buy now £84.00, Honeylove
Magisculpt Smoothing Firm Control Body
Sizes: up tp 48DD
Define your curves and give yourself the perfect hourglass figure with help from Magisculpt’s smoothing control body. The piece, available in black as well as blush, offers a firm level of control with a built-in bra that goes to 44F. Stretchy, breathable and machine-washable, it’s the one to reach for when you’re looking for a solid foundation for a date night dress.
Buy now £38.00, Simply Be
Spanx Power Series Power Panties - Very Black
Sizes: 2XL
Though its branched out into outerwear options, Spanx will always be synonymous with shapewear. The brand is an A-list favourite, worn by a host of stars to tread the red carpet. These all-black power pants may look unassuming, but they’re your secret weapon to looking and feeling good in body-skimming clothes.
The extra-high waistband offers smoothing from the bra line down and there are stomach shaping zones to offer a slimming effect. The soft, lightweight yarn makes them comfortable to wear all day, offering 360° support with slow release, helping you feel supported yet unrestricted.
Buy now £33.00, Very
DAIHAN Shapewear Bodysuit
Sizes: 6XL
From shoulders down to the thighs, this compression leotard is ready to pull you in in all the right places and give your curves a chance to shine. Available in beige as well as black, it comes in sizes S - 6XL and is packed with features to help you look your best: think adjustable shoulder straps with a v-neck chest (but minus chest pads so you can wear it with your own bra). There’s also a waist trainer to nip you in at your smallest, panels to smooth the tummy and lift the bum and trim the thighs.
While it looks on the heavy-duty side, the piece is made with soft sheer fabric that stops friction in its tracks and offers day-long comfort. No one but you will know you’ve got it on.
Buy now £23.75, Amazon
YOURS Curve Black Seamless Control Vest Top
Sizes: 16 - 28
Looking for a shapewear solution to wear under shirts and blouses? Head to YOURS where you can pick up this control vest top to smooth the tummy and back areas. Available up to a size 28, the seamless scoop-neck design bridges the gap between under- and outerwear and can be worn alone or layered under additional clothing. It’s so comfortable and unrestrictive you can even wear it for your next workout. Hand wash only.
Buy now £14.99, YOURS
Ulla Popken Shaping Bodysuit
Size: up to 52D
Available in C and D cups with a waistband of up to 52 this shaping bodysuit from Ulla Popken streamlines the figure so that no lumps or bumps show through on your clothing. The wider shoulder straps mean you can say goodbye to painful digging while shaping panels give a smoothing effect.
Buy now £50.00, Ulla Popken
Maidenform Firm Foundations Waist Nipper Brief - Nude
Sizes: up to 2XL
Yes, a corset - but not as you know it. Maidenform’s briefs give you the waspie waist of your dreams, using mesh panels and boning to give you midsection definition. It’s a high waist pant with extra reinforcements but won’t leave you feeling uncomfortable.
Not only is it easy to slip into, but it will banish crackly static too. It’s helpful for streamlining midsections as well as love handles, a fine option for those who aren’t sold on the idea of an all-in-one bodysuit. Also available in nude for lighter outfits.
Buy now £33.50, Very
