The Best Shapewear for Every Type of Dress
Updated: Feb. 10, 2020
We call these undergarments "wonder-garments" because of the near-magical way they make any day or evening dress look flawless.
The best-kept smoothing secrets
The wrong undergarments can quickly turn a fashion do into a fashion don’t. Underwear lines, bras that cut into your back, and thongs that stick out are just a few consequences of choosing poorly. How can you avoid becoming a fashion victim? By following these tips for pairing your outfit with the perfect shapewear to flatter your body and accentuate all the right places.
Best shapewear for under a strapless dress
When it comes to a strapless number, the right bra is essential. But every woman knows that strapless bras are notoriously problematic, usually because they’re constantly falling down. “Our Peyton Convertible Strapless stays up with ease, doesn’t pull or tug, and has a closure-free back to give you a smooth, clean look under your clothes,” says Madelyn Ulrich, senior designer at Yummie by Heather Thomson. “Plus, it’s lightly padded and has seamless cups that maintain structure and offer 360 degrees of flexible, all-day support.”
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Best shapewear for under a halter neck
As with strapless styles, some women avoid halters simply because they can’t find the right undergarments. We’re happy to report that those days are over! With the Va Bien Firm Control Plunge Bodysuit, you can show off your toned shoulders, arms, and back with beautiful backless styles (and plunging necklines) with confidence. This ultra-versatile bodysuit features a deep plunge neckline, patented ultra-lift underwire cups, convertible straps (so you can rock both crisscross and halter styles), and built-in boning for tummy and lower back smoothness. (Psst: Here’s what you can do to be more positive about your body.)
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Best shapewear for under a bodycon dress
When it comes to date night or an evening out with your girlfriends, a curve-hugging silhouette rules. But, of course, confidence is key, and one of the ways to guarantee you look your best in fitted or body-hugging styles is to wear a shaping slip. The Yummie Convertible Slip will give you comfortable, seamless coverage. Plus, it has a silicone strip at the hem to keep it in place. “What makes this slip essential is that it highlights only your best assets, giving you zoned compression that targets the areas where you need smoothing and shaping, and not where you don’t,” says Ulrich. “It maximizes movement potential, so you won’t feel ‘stuffed in’ and can freely transition from day to night.”
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Best shapewear for under a racerback
While there are products available on the market that can slide through bra straps and pull them together, making them suitable for a racerback, they typically don’t deliver the smooth appearance you want for a refined dress. B.tempt’d by Wacoal’s Future Foundation Wireless Racerback bra is the next generation in support. Comfortable enough for everyday wear, this bra will go unnoticed under any top. By the way, here’s how to work towards a healthier relationship with your body.
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Best shapewear for under a mini dress
When it comes to showing some leg, the last thing you want to do is show some shapewear. A high-waisted short—like the Yummie Cleo High Waist Short—gives you ultimate coverage from top to bottom, without riding up or falling down. (Translation: There’s no chance of your undergarments peeking out.)
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Best shapewear for under a work dress
When you’re in a professional setting, tights are often a better choice than bare legs. But wearing tights over shapewear can feel ridiculously bulky. The solution? Jenny Iannelli, ITEM m6 marketing manager for communications and trade, suggests a shapewear/hosiery hybrid. Try ITEM m6 Opaque Shapewear Tights, which reduce cling and tame your tummy, thighs, and rear. They also offer the chic, office-appropriate look of your favourite pair of tights.
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Best shapewear for under a knit dress
Knit dresses can be forgiving with tiny imperfections, but they can simultaneously accentuate major ones. For these reasons, your best bet is pairing your favourite knit dress with curve-hugging shorts. Shapewear like Spanx Higher Power Mid-Thigh Shaping Shorts will pull in your tummy while lifting and smoothing your derriere. Even your thighs will get love from this firm control garment.
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Best shapewear for under a high-waisted skirt
While not a dress per se, a sophisticated two-piece ensemble often stands in for a dress. A high-waisted skirt slip, like the Yummie Hidden Curve High Waist Firm Control Shapewear Skirt Slip, is a slimming essential. It smooths your upper hips, thighs, tush, and belly while providing the flexibility to wear whatever style you like on top.
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Next, take this quiz to find out if you have a healthy body image.
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