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.
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.
Our top picks
Best budget shapewear for plus sizes: Shapermint Essentials All Day Every Day Scoop Neck Cami
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The Shapermint Scoop Neck Cami is a great option, even when worn on its own under a loose sweater or with a pair of high waisted jeans. They tend to run a little small, so if you’re looking for light or medium compression, maybe choose a size up. Their tank tops levels and smoothes your tummy and back, tucking in your waist a bit. The cami is comfortable and stretchy, so it’s wearable all day.
Specifications:
- Sizes: S - 4XL
- Colors: 11
- Material: 90% nylon, 10% spandex
- Price on publish: $21.99
What we like:
- Thick
- Plenty of colors (Black, Beige, White, Chocolate, Rose Tan, Forest, and Mulberry)
What we don’t like:
- Can run a little small
- Flattens breasts a bit
The bottom line:
This is a great option to wear under a dress or tight shirt, or on its own with a loose sweater or with a nice pair of high waisted jeans.
Best budget shapewear for plus sizes
Shapermint Essentials All Day Every Day Scoop Neck Cami
Best waist cincher shapewear for plus sizes: Maidenform Ultra-Firm Control Waist Cincher
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At first glance, I thought to myself, “There’s no way that this is getting around my stomach.” However, with a little elbow grease (really though, it took some effort getting it on), it creates a cinched waist look. This is definitely on the firm side, compressing tightly, so don’t expect it to be the most comfortable option. The boning helps the shapewear stay in place, but if you’re wearing something really tight with it, you can see it a bit. This would be a better option for something with patterns or some kind of design in the front, so you won’t see the boning.
Specifications:
- Sizes: S - 3XL
- Colors: 4
- Material: 79% nylon, 21% spandex
- Price on publish: $35.25
What we like:
- It really sucks in your tummy, offering a lot of support
- It doesn’t roll up easily while wearing
What we don’t like:
- The boning is slightly visible, especially through a tight, solid color, dress or top.
- Not the most comfortable option
The bottom line:
This is a great option to suck in your stomach for formal events under a dress.
Best waist cincher shapewear for plus sizes
Maidenform Ultra-Firm Control Waist Cincher Body Beige M Women's
Best slip shapewear for plus sizes: Irisnaya Full Slip Body Shaper
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The Irisnaya Full Slip Body Shaper is so sleek and stylish, it can honestly be worn on its own. I got it in black and it creates a natural silhouette with mild tummy control and moderate compression. There is gripping around the bottom of the slip, so that it doesn’t roll up, and the fabric is soft and smooth. The slip creates hourglass support that’s seamless.
Specifications:
- Sizes: S - 3XL
- Colors: 7
- Material: Nylon & spandex
- Price on publish: $22.99
What we like:
- Creates a flattering hourglass figure
- Smoothes and offers full body coverage
- Can even be worn on its own
What we don’t like:
- The rubber on the seam feels weird when walking
- Pushes legs together at the bottom of the slip
The bottom line:
This full body slip is simple and sleek, and can be worn on its own with a blazer or as a party dress.
Best slip shapewear for plus sizes
Irisnaya Women Shapewear Full Slip Tummy Control V Neck Cami Mini Under Dress Body Shaper Seamless Spaghetti Straps Lingerie (US, Alpha, 3X-Large, Regular, Regular, Black)
Best tummy control bodysuit shapewear for plus sizes: SHAPELLX Shapewear Bodysuit
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If you’re looking for a bodysuit that gives great stomach control and compression, this SHAPELLX seamless bodysuit is the ideal choice. There’s not a huge color selection (just 2 options), but the bodysuit looks great under dresses, or simply on its own as a top. It's easy on the skin, but stretchy, leaving you with a nice shape that highlights your natural curvature. There are even buttons on the bodysuit to make using the restroom simple, without having to remove the whole suit.
Specifications:
- Sizes: XS/S - 5XL
- Colors: 2
- Material: 53% recycled nylon, 31% nylon, 16% spandex
- Price on publish: $38.99
What we like:
- Comfortable
- Supportive
What we don’t like:
- You’ll probably need to wear a bra with it.
The bottom line:
This is a great option to smooth everything out, and can even be worn on its own with a pair of jeans and a jacket.
Best tummy control bodysuit shapewear for plus sizes
SHAPELLX Bodysuit Shapewear Tummy Control Scoop Neck Tank Tops Seamless Thong Bosy shaper for Women (Beige,3X-large/4X-large)
Best mid-thigh bodysuit shapewear for plus sizes: SHAPERX Bodysuit
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The SHAPERX Bodysuit can be bought as a bodysuit or a full bodysuit with mid-size shorts to prevent chafing. It sucks in your stomach, while shaping your chest and booty using a “butt lifter” design meant to help lift and tighten. This is a great bodysuit under a tight dress if you’re looking for a little compression and a silky, smooth appearance.
Specifications:
- Sizes: XXS/XS - 4XL/5XL
- Colors: 7
- Material: 80% nylon, 20% spandex
- Price on publish: $37.99
What we like:
- Comfortable and can be worn all day
- Sculpts and smoothes your body
What we don’t like:
- If you have a large bust, this might be the best option as some reviews mentioned “spillage.”
The bottom line:
This bodysuit—available with and without shorts—is a great option to smooth everything out underneath a tight dress.
Best mid-thigh bodysuit shapewear for plus sizes
SHAPERX Bodysuit for Women Tummy Control Shapewear Mid Thigh Butt Lifter Body Shaper Shorts,SZ5218-2-Black-2XL/3XL
Best shorts shapewear for plus sizes: Shapermint Essentials All Day Every Day High-Waisted Shaper Shorts
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The Shapermint High-Waisted Shaper Shorts were by far my favorite piece of shapewear. It’s definitely a lighter compression option, but it prevents chafing and just sucks you in a bit, creating a slightly smoother look. It’s comfortable enough to wear all day, especially when it’s hot and sunny, under a maxi dress. Just keep in mind that the shorts are a little on the longer side, so it might not work with certain short dresses.
Specifications:
- Sizes: XS/S - 4XL
- Colors: 5
- Material: 90% nylon, 10% spandex
- Price on publish: $25.99
What we like:
- Built to prevent chafing
- Holds in your stomach without being super tight and uncomfortable
- Breathable
What we don’t like:
- Minimal compression
- Might not work with specific short dresses
The bottom line:
The shorts are a great option for a little bit of tummy and chafing control.
Best shorts shapewear for plus sizes
Shapermint Essentials All Day Every Day High-Waisted Shaper Shorts
Best tank top shapewear for plus sizes: SPANX Socialight Cami
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The Spanx Socialight Cami that was delivered to me looked a little different than the picture on Amazon. It didn’t have adjustable straps like in the picture and just looked like a normal tank top. At first glance, it wasn’t compressed or tiny like other pieces of shapewear. It provides light compression and the material is soft and comfortable. A great light compression option for layering and smoothing. Shopping tip: Spanx also made our lists for the best flared leggings (yes, they make a shapewear option!), best t-shirt bras, and the best shapewear.
Specifications:
- Sizes: S - 3X
- Colors: 3
- Material: 77% polyester, 23% elastane
- Price on publish: $42
What we like:
- Comfortable
- A good option for light compression
What we don’t like:
- Straps are different than the Amazon photos
- Reviews mention slight rolling up at times
The bottom line:
This tank is a great option for providing light compression and support, naturally smoothing out your stomach and back slightly.
Best tank top shapewear for plus sizes
Spanx Women's Socialight Smoothing Cami Tank Top
Best brief shapewear for plus sizes: Naomi and Nicole Comfort Plus Hi Waist Brief
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A simple piece of underwear with a really high waist to shape your stomach and suck in that pesky muffin top under tight dresses and tops should be in everyone’s wardrobe. The Naomi and Nicole Comfort Plus Hi Waist Brief is a great piece for doing just that, with silicone around the elastic to prevent rolling and slipping.
Specifications:
- Sizes: XL - 5X
- Colors: 2
- Material: 82% nylon, 18% elastane
- Price on publish: $15.09 - $15.40
What we like:
- It’s easy to get on and off
- Great stomach support
What we don’t like:
- It can stick to your legs a bit, providing a little irritation when wearing this piece.
- It says this piece is machine washable, but some reviews mentioned that the brief began falling apart in the wash. Try hand washing or washing on delicate.
The bottom line:
A great piece for under a dress or tight outfit for an event, or a night out to give you good tummy control.
Best brief shapewear for plus sizes
Naomi & Nicole Shapewear Women's Plus Size Unbelievable Comfort Hi Waist Brief 7775, Size: 3XL, Black
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.
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