Best Shapewear for Plus Size, Tried and Tested

There’s nothing worse than being excited about an outfit, throwing it on for an event, a special occasion, or even everyday wear, and noticing every minor imperfection underneath the outfit. What you wear should be all about feeling confident in your clothes and loving how you look. If you crave a little assistance when it comes to making things look smooth and sculpted under jeans, dresses, and beyond, it’s easy to find options like tummy control shapewear and more for a great price.

Everyone’s shape is a little bit unique, so what works for one person may not be what works for another. It’s important to understand the specific areas you need help with. Here is my list of eight pieces, from full body slips to stomach support panties, so you can set aside the cotton underwear for the night and feel your best in your clothes.

Our top picks

What to consider when choosing plus size shapewear

With so many options out there, it could be a little intimidating to know where to start if you’re looking to choose the right piece for your body shape. There are a few things to take into consideration and understand before investing in a few shapewear garments.

Compression

This is a big one because there are all kinds of firmness and compression levels, which lead to different comfort levels. If you’re just looking to smooth out your natural shape, something light should do. If you’re searching for a little more support, but you don’t want to be too sucked in and slightly uncomfortable, medium is great. If you’re looking to really cinch your waist and tighten everything up under your formal wear, go for the firm compression.

Build on your natural body type

Don’t try to create something that isn’t there, but rather enhance your natural look. Before buying, you’ll want to understand your natural body shape to pick the right piece of shapewear. There are options out there for you; it just helps to narrow it down with so many choices on the market.

Comfortable fabric

This is a kicker, especially if you have sensitive skin. You don’t want lace, clasps, or other materials rubbing up against you, causing irritation to the skin. Look for shapewear that’s stretchy, but also breathes, and is ideally comfortable.

How I selected the best shapewear for plus sizes

I personally tried each piece myself, while also researching reviews, good and bad, to understand the proper body types each piece would work best for.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Should you size up or down in shapewear?

When it comes to your size, I suggest sticking to your regular clothing size when buying shapewear. Shapewear pieces should feel secure and sculpt the natural curvature of your body, while not squeezing you so hard it’s uncomfortable.

Does shapewear really work?

The proof is in the pudding. Shapewear definitely works. It momentarily smoothes out and supports your natural body shape, giving you a little confidence boost, so you feel better in your clothes.

What is the best tummy control shapewear for plus sizes?

Almost every piece of shapewear out there offers some kind of tummy control, so this is a loaded question. It really depends on what level of tummy control you’re looking for, but my personal best suggestion would be the SHAPELLX Shapewear Bodysuit. This bodysuit offers natural curvature and cinches your waist, while not compressing your breasts.

Is expensive shapewear worth it?

Based on the reviews and my personal experience, these pieces are all affordable and work well. It doesn’t necessarily need to be from one of the best lingerie brands to be a great piece of shapewear. However, a lot of luxury shapewear brands put an emphasis on using high-end materials, blending firm compression with comfort. That said, if you’re looking to invest in more expensive pieces, there’s a good chance it will be worth it, but again, it’s not really necessary.