I've heard people talk about Spanx. I've also read articles explaining that shapewear is the key to slimming and perfect looks we see on the red carpet, yet I still wasn't moved to purchase a pair. But, a little pink sequin dress from Zara changed that. When I opened the brown box and took the dress out, I thought, "There's no way I can fit into this." I gave it a try sans shapewear and saw my belly poking out. Since I was going to an event where the invite requested we wear pink and I hadn't ordered a backup, I went to Amazon and ordered Robert Matthew Women's Shapewear High-Waist Shapers.
The black shorts came the next day. I tried them on with my dress, and the rest is history. Shapewear changed the entire fit of the dress and gave me the confidence to wear it to a beauty launch party (where I got many compliments). Mission accomplished.
I am now a shapewear stan.
Shapewear isn't an item you only wear for special occasions. You can wear it daily to help smooth places you might not be fond of. For me, that's my stomach. Thanks to my fibroids, I seem to always have a bit of bulge which I'm learning to love and accept. If you're a first time shapewear-wearer, buying online might present a challenge. I was lucky my choice fit perfectly. I looked at a lot of reviews to try to make sure I was purchasing the right size, which was extremely helpful.
Here, I've added items you can buy online and in-store at local retailers like Nordstrom, Macy's, and Neiman Marcus. I have always had good experiences being fitted for bras at these stores, so I'd imagine shapewear would be similar.
*This list is specially curated by the xoNecole team and some links are affiliate links. If you purchase an item from an affiliate link, xoNecole might earn a small commission.
Best Shapewear Options For Women
HoneyLove SuperPower Brief
HoneyLove
Having a brief that can be worn with everything from denim to dresses will help you get the most bang for your buck. HoneyLove says their shapewear won't move even if you're bending or reaching which is important for comfort. What I also like about this brand is their sizing goes up to a 3x.
Robert Matthew Brilliance High-Waist Shaper Panty
Amazon
This was the brand I went for at the 11th hour, and it came through. One thing I will note is that it didn't stay put, which wasn't really an issue for me since my dress was so short. But, if I were wearing a midi dress, I probably would have found the rolling of the fabric on my thighs to be a bit annoying, but for $20 and not having to leave my house, that issue was minor.
Yummie Cooling FX® High Waist Shaping Thong
Sometimes briefs just won't cut it, and you have to wear a thong no matter how uncomfortable they are. Made with Lightweight NILIT® Breeze material, this body-shaping thong will keep you cool, too.
Leonisa Power Body Shaper with Thighs Slimmer and Side Zippers
A jumpsuit option is versatile and would be worth splurging on. Leonisa's shaper sculpts the waist, butt, and thighs. I'd imagine you're wondering how on earth would you be able to take a restroom break in this, well they thought of everything because the suit has side zippers. Talk about a high achiever.
Secret Fit Shaping Panty
I couldn't leave the mamas-to-be off this list. This Motherhood Maternity find has over three hundred reviews and a 4.5-star rating. Reviewers said they help prevent their thighs from rubbing together and "it smoothed out some problem areas and was supportive."
TC Shapewear Sheer Bodybriefer Strapless Shaping Bodysuit
Neiman Marcus
The strapless dress always presents the issue finding the right bra to hold the girls up and keep them in. Well, this strapless shaper does double duty, by giving the bust a push-up and support with underwire while smoothing the waist, tummy, and back.
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Despite Washington and Asomugha choosing to live a relatively private life for the most part by not sharing images of their family on social media and occasionally attending events together. The rare glimpses they provide to the public showcase that Washington and Asomugha have much in common regarding essential topics.
For example, Washington is highly involved in politics and encourages others to participate by spreading information about various issues and how everyone would be affected.
As for Asomugha, the 41-year-old officially founded the Asomugha Foundation in 2010, years after doing other charity work in Nigeria. According to its site, the organization was created to help "disadvantaged youth and women by providing educational opportunities and mentorship."
Washington's public remarks regarding her relationship with Asomugha and their family may be rare, but when she does speak about their family, it's all positive.
Kerry On Why She Keeps Her Relationship Private
Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Bronx Children's Museum
In March 2016, the UnPrisioned actress revealed during a discussion panel at SXSW Festival that one of the reasons why she is adamant about remaining private about her union with Asomugha is because she doesn't want the public to make any narratives regarding her marriage.
At the time, it was reported that Washington and the former NFL player were experiencing marital troubles and were allegedly planning on getting a divorce. Washington would shut down those allegations by saying she hasn't and will not share any information about her private life.
"Social media has actually been great for [other celebrities'] relationships with the weeklies or the gossip sites because people say things and they say, 'That's not true!' So I'm thinking in some ways, it's been great because people are able to maintain their voice," she explained.
"It's a little different for me because I don't talk about my personal life. That means not only did I not tell you when I was getting married, it also means if somebody has rumors about what's going on in my marriage, I don't refute them, because I don't talk about my personal life."
Kerry On How She Met Nnamdi And What A Normal Day Looks Like for Their Family
Fast forward to October 2018, the Scandal star gave insight into how she met Asomugha and their family life. During an interview with Marie Claire, Washington shared that she and Asomugha met in 2009 while she was working on the Broadway play Race.
The mother of two told the publication that her life has "completely transformed" since their encounter. "The last time I did theater, it completely transformed my life. That's where I met my husband. I love being with my family. My days off look like homework, reading, and watching stuff. Just hanging out, doing things we love to do," she stated.
Kerry On Nnamdi's Accomplishment
Photo by Jeffrey Camarati/Getty Images
But as time progressed, Washington began speaking a little more openly about her man. In October 2022, Washington gushed over Asomugha and his Netflix project, The Good Nurse, which came out around the same time her film, The School for Good and Evil, was released. While talking to Entertainment Tonight, the star expressed how "proud" she was of her husband.
"I'm really proud of him, I think he's doing amazing work. I'm really excited for his film, The Good Nurse," she said. "It's really exciting to both have really important films at Netflix right now, we feel really blessed.”
Kerry On Why Nnamdi Is Her Soulmate
Washington shared how her love with Asomugha goes beyond the surface after spending over a decade together.
In a March 2023 interview with Marie Claire, Washington explained that she and Asomugha are perfectly aligned because she's allowed to be her authentic self with him.
"I'm in my immediate truth with [him]," Washington said. "Those mirrors are important because they help me get back to myself."
Kerry On The Couple's Upcoming 10-Year Wedding Anniversary
Photo by Bruce Glikas/Getty Images
That same month, Washington expressed that in addition to the many years the couple has been together, and their personal and professional accomplishments, she still finds Asomugha "incredible."
Washington shared this revelation while promoting her latest project, UnPrisioned, in an Entertainment Tonight interview.
"I do have an incredible husband," the actress told ET host Kevin Frazier as she disclosed little to no details about their upcoming plans for their tenth wedding anniversary. "Do you remember how secret my wedding was? How private and secretive it was? That's how the anniversary is gonna be too!"
Kerry On Why She Thinks Nnamdi And Their Children Are A Gift From God
Washington's love and admiration for Asomugha and their family grow increasingly each day, so much so that she uses it as inspiration to share positive messages with her fans.
The 46-year-old revealed during a panel with Al Sharpton at National Action Network Convention on April 12 that she sees her husband and their children as "proof" that God exists and loves her because of the great joy they bring to her life.
"Well, you've met my husband, my husband's amazing. I got a good one. We have three beautiful children. And I think, you know, when I look at my marriage, and I look at my kids, fundamentally, they are proof of God to me,” she said. "Because I know that God loves me to have put those people in my life. And that sense of like, knowing that God loves me. That, to me, is so much of how I make the decisions about the activism that I do and the content that I make."
Regardless of what the public may think about Washington and Asomugha's private union, they are proving with each moment that love can conquer all.
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Feature image by Arturo Holmes/MG23/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
