The Best Shapewear (2025): Bodysuits, Briefs, and More
- Knix Shaper High Rise Shorts
Similarly to the other Knix shapewear I tried, I had to fight like hell to get into these shorts. I was praying to my ancestors that I wouldn’t get stuck in them. But once I finagled them up my body the first time, they stretched out a bit, and they also lost a bit of compression after washing them which made them feel less constricting (but still structured). The shorts do a great job at compressing my tummy, back, and thighs, and they’re high-waisted which nips in my waist without creating a bulge at the top. The ”3D Fabric technology” is really just flocked strips on the rear end. The strips frame the top and bottom of your butt, which help to lift it up and and push it out a tad. Basically, they make your butt look good. The waistband has an extra strip of elastic that helps prevent it from rolling down. These didn’t roll down on me, but that tight waistband might create a love handle effect depending on how long your torso is and how tight your bra is.
They do have a side seam, but it’s nearly invisible, even under a tight slip dress. These shorts have PerfectCut technology, which means they can be cut shorter by using sharp scissors along the marked, flocked lines on the inside. It lets you adjust the length without needing to worry about fraying or losing compression. Note that if you don’t cut the shorts, the inside flocked lines might be noticeable if you’re wearing a super-tight, thigh-hugging garment on top. I do wish the shorts had a double gusset, but they’re not too difficult to take on or off after the first couple of wears. These also have the option to choose Knix’s leakproof fabric along the crotch, which helps to absorb leaks and sweat. You can choose “Moderate” absorption, which absorbs about 1.5 regular tampons’ worth of fluid, or “Essential” which is not leakproof. (I’ve tested Knix period underwear for a separate, upcoming guide, and can confirm that “Moderate” absorption does well to absorb leaks, but I’d still recommend wearing a tampon if you’re early on in your cycle and wearing these out and about.)
Sizes XS to 4X Colors 3 Compression level High Fabric details Body: Lycra Xtra Life Spandex, NylonGusset: Cotton, Spandex, Carbon (Gusset composition changes based on chosen absorption level) - Honeylove Superpower Brief
These briefs from Honeylove really did make me feel like I had superpowers. Like the bodysuit we recommend from Honeylove, these briefs have X-shaped compression that helps to tighten and tone your midsection without making it appear lumpy. That same compression extends to your upper and lower back, lending a really smooth and flattering shape. What really sets these briefs apart is the built-in flexible boning on the side seams. The boning serves two purposes: It prevents the high-waisted undies from rolling down, which is a major problem when it comes to shapewear. It also helps to nip in your waist, further lending to the hourglass effect. And unlike the boning you might be thinking of from Victorian-era corsets, the boning in these undies isn’t too constricting. It‘s definitely noticeable, but not so much that it makes it hard to breathe or move around.
The mesh bottom panels are breathable and look smooth under clothing. I preferred the brief silhouette, but if you’re concerned about dealing with bathroom trips, the girl short and short styles both have a double gusset that lets you go pee without needing to peel the shapewear off. Every style includes a pair of straps that you can attach to the top of the underwear to help it reach your bra if need be.
Sizes XS - 3X Colors 4 Compression level High Fabric details Nylon, Spandex (Cotton gusset)
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