Shapewear: how to choose

How to choose shapewear

Begin with the outfit you want to wear and the line you want underneath it. A shaping bodysuit carries one continuous line through the waist, hip and underbust, so waistbands sit flat under a slip dress, a fitted knit or fine tailoring. High-waist shaping shorts finish at the upper thigh, which suits skirts and slim trousers, while a high-waist shaping panty is a lighter option under dresses and tailored pieces. A shaper bra is the piece to choose when the bust and back need a cleaner line, and a backless body shaper bra is designed for low-backed evening dresses. A zip-front bodysuit is simple to step into and adjust.

Fit comes first. Compare your waist, hip and bust measurements with the size chart before ordering, and take the larger size if you fall between two. Some of our styles run one to two sizes smaller than US and EU sizing, so check the individual product page and choose the larger size if you sit between two. If you prefer to wear your own bra, an underbust shaping bodysuit leaves the bust free and follows your own silhouette.

Think about how much shaping you want and where. Tummy control through the middle, a lifted hip or a smoother underbust are different jobs, and one piece does not need to do all of them. Choose the cut that matches the area you want to smooth, then use the fabric and fit notes to decide how firm or light the feel should be.

Materials, details and fit

The materials in our shapewear are chosen for stretch and recovery. Nylon gives a supple, close stretch that follows the body without bulk; polyester knits can feel firmer and are used where a smoother, more held line is wanted; spandex adds give so the fabric moves with you and keeps its shape. Mesh appears in the range where a lighter, breathable layer is useful. A knit construction is common across the pieces, which helps them sit flat under clothes rather than adding ridges.

Look at the details that make a piece easy to wear. Adjustable straps let you settle the fit; a front zip makes a bodysuit simple to step into; a high waist keeps the band in place; tummy control shapes the middle; a lined gusset or brief adds a clean finish; and lightweight, breathable fabrics suit long days. A three-row hook at the back lets you set the band on the loosest setting first, then tighten to a snug, comfortable fit.

When you try a piece, step into it and draw it up to the waist, then settle the bust and adjust the straps until the underband sits level. The waistband should sit smooth rather than tight, and the fabric should lie flat without twisting. If a style has plenty of stretch, choose your usual size; if the chart notes that a style runs small, take the larger size when you are between two.

How to style them

Under a slip dress or a column dress, a smooth-finish shaping bodysuit or an underbust tummy control bodysuit keeps the line quiet. Pair a bodysuit with fine knitwear, a close-fitting dress or tailored trousers when you want the waistband and hip to read cleanly. A high-waist short is useful under a skirt or slim trousers because it finishes at the upper thigh, so the fabric glides rather than clings.

For low-backed evening dresses, choose a backless body shaper bra so the open back stays open and the bust stays supported. A three-row hook shaper bra works under close-fitting dresses where you want a smooth back and a soft lift. Sheer tights with a control top add polish under short hemlines and open shoes, with a toe seam that stays discreet.

Match the colour to the outfit and to your own wardrobe: black under dark tailoring, nude, beige or coffee under lighter fabrics, and white or khaki where a softer tonal layer helps. The aim is a base that disappears under the clothes, so choose the piece that suits the neckline, back and hem of what you are wearing rather than adding another layer that competes with it.

Care and storage

Shapewear lasts best with gentle washing. Follow the care label on each piece, use a cool, gentle cycle or hand wash, and fasten any hooks and zips before washing so they do not catch on the fabric. A mild detergent is enough; avoid harsh bleach or fabric softener, which can dull stretch fibres over time. Wash dark colours separately from light ones, especially black, brown and coffee pieces.

Air dry shapewear flat or hang it away from direct heat. Tumble drying can damage stretch and mesh, so let the piece dry naturally and reshape it while damp. Do not wring it hard; press it gently in a towel instead. If a piece has a lined brief or gusset, pay attention to that area and rinse it well.

Store shapewear flat in a drawer or rolled in a pouch, with hooks fastened and straps tucked in so they do not snag. Keep it away from rough fasteners and sharp edges in the drawer. Give each piece room to breathe rather than cramming it into a tight space, and let it dry completely before storing.

Standout pieces

• Smooth-Finish Shaping Bodysuit: A nylon bodysuit with a smooth, discreet finish that shapes the waist and seat under dresses and tailoring.
• Zip-Front Shaping Bodysuit: The front zip makes this polyester bodysuit simple to step into and adjust, with a neat line under dresses and trousers.
• Three-Row Hook Shaper Bra: A stretch nylon and spandex bra that gathers and lifts softly, with a three-row hook closure and a breathable feel for long days.
• Backless Body Shaper Bra: An open-back shaper bra with adjustable straps and polyamide shaping through the waist and abdomen, made for low-backed dresses.
• High Waist Tummy Control Shaping Shorts: A high-waist short in a soft polyester and spandex knit that smooths the middle, lifts the hip and finishes at the upper thigh.