Body-shaping undergarments have come a long way from the restrictive corsets of the 16th century and the girdles that gained popularity in the 1930s. The shapewear category is now just as much about fashion as it is about sculpting.
In interviewing fashion industry experts about which pieces they recommend, several we spoke to said wearing shapewear should not be about hiding your body, but instead supporting the body you have. “My philosophy is simple: If it’s comfortable, confidence follows,” says Melony Huber, the Austin, Texas-based stylist, designer and founder of La Peony.
“For as long as I can remember, shapewear was something we endured,” she adds. “The pieces felt clunky and restrictive and [were] reserved only for shorter special occasions like weddings or a night out.” Now, with more comfortable options available for different body types, it “integrates seamlessly into your everyday wardrobe.” Or, as has been popular in recent years, shapewear can even be the wardrobe, not just hidden under clothing.
“When I build a look, I don’t only think about the clothes, I think about the foundation,” says Anna Lavo, a New York City-based celebrity stylist. “The right shapewear can completely change how clothing fits, how it moves and most importantly, how you feel wearing it.”
To find the best shapewear options for everyday and special occasions, we consulted Huber, Lavo and more wardrobe stylists and fashion pros. Their picks include bodysuits, shorts, underwear and even clothing with built-in smoothing panels.