I have tucked this stomach into plenty of shapewear throughout my teenage and adult years. A high waist brief girdle was my go-to, and they had me and my pockets in a CHOKEHOLD! However, do you know what the craziest thing is? My best girdle came from JCPenney for less than $30 (I can no longer find that particular girdle), not a fancy $80-something garment from known plus-size retailers. I know what works for my body, but what about other shapes?
As we all know, all shapewear is not created equally, which is a shame. One brand can make an excellent product for hourglass shapes and something subpar for girlies who carry their weight in the middle (me, I am the apple-shaped girlie). And let’s not even get me started on brands not catering enough to plus-size women; they believe all bellies are the same – tuck the same way, move the same way, and are shaped the same way. Therefore, finding shapewear can be a difficult task.
The first step is determining your body shape to choose the right shapewear. If you’re unsure of your body shape, then you can check out this chart via Healthline to give you an idea.
- Apple-shaped bodies have broad, rounded shoulders and full breasts and carry most of their weight on the tummy. Your arms and legs are usually slim and slender, and your hips and booty are average size.
- Pear-shaped bodies have petite breast sizes, narrow shoulders, and tiny waists. Most of this person’s weight is in their hips, booty, and legs, and sometimes on the lower abdomen.
- Hourglass-shaped bodies have a naturally slim waist, proportioned hip and bust area, and an overall balanced figure.
- Rectangle-shaped bodies usually have little to no waist definition, small breasts, and hips, and the weight is distributed evenly on the arms, legs, and torso.
- Inverted triangle-shaped bodies tend to gain more weight in the upper part of their body and have broad shoulders and large breasts combined with narrow hips. This body type is also often called “athletic.”
- Diamond-shaped bodies have a lot in common with apple shapes. This person holds most of their weight in the midsection, bust, hips, and thighs. Their calves and arms are also slimmer.
So, what is the best shapewear for plus-size women to invest in? It honestly depends on your desired look. Do you want a more cinched waist, a smoother finish, etc.? The shapewear industry is booming, primarily because of the beloved Faja. Talk about being snatched to the GAWDS in one of those things, but a snatched with a lifted booty may not be your desired look. Below, I have listed the best shapewear that we curvy girls cannot get enough of this year.
Level 3 Contouring Open-Bust Thigh Shaper
Lane Bryant
The Level 3 Contouring Open-Bust Thigh Shaper will not disappoint! The firm control smooths and shapes your body. I love this one because it gives full coverage, and you can pair it with your favorite bra. Perfect for a pear-shaped body and because of the level of tummy control, it is also great for apple-shaped and diamond-shaped bodies. This bodysuit is a little more noticeable in terms of comfort, but it definitely does its job.
SKIMS Sculpting Bodysuit with Snaps
SKIMS
I first came across this bodysuit thanks to a friend. She allowed me to see the full power of this baby and admitted it was comfortable to wear all day. So, of course, I bought myself one. I was thoroughly concerned when I initially saw it from the packaging because “WHAT IN THE ENTIRE…?” If you have never seen a review on the SKIMS Sculpting Bodysuit and just trusted word of mouth like me, then you will know it doesn’t even feel like enough fabric to cover an inch of anything.
This bodysuit has a stronghold in the core, while it shapes and it lifts our butts. It also provides support for your chest. I love this shaper because it also has one in a thong version and many colors. A popular Amazon dupe is going around TikTok, but the material ripped from my long nails, unlike the SKIMS one. Also, it doesn’t suck my stomach in like this one. The Sculpting Bodysuit is perfect for rectangle-shaped, apple-shaped, and diamond-shaped bodies.
AirSlim 2-In-1 High-Waisted Booty Lift Shaper Shorts
Shapellx
How many of us love a snatched waist? If you said “me,” the AirSlim 2-in-1 High-Waisted Booty Lift Shaper Shorts is the right shapewear for you. Stomach and back control while bringing you in two sizes. And for us “little booty gang” people, this piece gives you an instant butt lift. Thanks to the soft-flex boning, you will not have to worry about it rolling down. I think the reason why I love this one is that it is suitable for multiple body shapes. Shapellx also has a new shaper dress I cannot wait to try!
Shapermint Essentials All Day Every Day High-Waisted Shaper Panty
Shapermint
Remember how I stated my favorite piece came from JCPenney? It was a high waist brief with the best tummy control a girl could ask for in shapewear and as an apple shape. Unfortunately, I can no longer find the item. Not too long ago, plus-size clothing, including shapewear, would be tucked in a dark corner or hidden in the area with the regular-sized items on their way out. Therefore, it was a true gem when I dug through the limited options! Things have since changed, and the options are much more plentiful.
I quickly had to find a replacement for my beloved girdle and was introduced to the Shapermint Essentials All Day Every Day High-Waisted Shaper Panty. It is a chef’s kiss in terms of comfortability. Not as much compression compared to the JCPenney piece, but the best way I handled that was by sizing down; it gives better control in the midsection area.
Seamless 360° Smoothing Slip Dress
Torrid
Torrid’s Seamless 360 Smoothing Slip Dress is the perfect smoothing shapewear. If you have an hourglass-shaped body, it is perfect for you. Hourglass shapes should use the light to medium compression option in their shapewear. I’ve worn this slip over other girdles to have a smooth effect and the tummy control I needed. It conforms to my body under my dresses and doesn’t ride up, which is a plus.
Finding the right shapewear to go under your garments is trial and error, but hopefully, this list makes finding one much more effortless. In addition, our options are no longer limited in style, color/tone, and compression. Happy shopping!
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Feature image by LanaStock/ Getty Images
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