Shapewear has an influence on many women's closets giving extra support and boosting confidence for a sleek, put-together appearance. These undergarments smooth out the body's shape under clothes allowing women to wear different outfits for special occasions or daily life. The market offers numerous brands and styles making it hard to choose the right shapewear for your needs. This guide aims to break down the top shapewear choices for women in 2022 and highlight key points to think about when buying.
To Understand Shapewear: Types, Materials, and Control Levels
Before we jump into our favorite picks, let's get to know the different kinds of shapewear out there, what they're made of, and how much they can shape your body.
Types of Shapewear
- Bodysuits: These one-piece clothes cover and support your whole body helping to slim and shape your waist, hips, and thighs. You can wear them under dresses, skirts, or even pants.
- High-waisted shorts: These shorts control your tummy and smooth your hips and thighs. You can put them on under skirts, dresses, or pants. They come in different lengths and styles to match what you like.
- Camisoles and tank tops: These shapewear options for your upper body give support to your bust, waist, and back. You can wear them by themselves or layer them under other clothes.
- Shaping bras: These bras lift and support the bust while giving a smooth look. You can find them in different styles such as underwire, wireless, and sports bras.
- Shaping leggings and tights: These adaptable choices provide support and compression for your whole leg. They work great under skirts, dresses, or pants.
Shapewear Materials
- Spandex/Lycra: This man-made fabric has a lot of stretch, which makes it fit and give good support. Makers often mix it with other fabrics to make it last longer and let air through better.
- Nylon: Light and smooth to the touch, nylon is a go-to material for shapewear. It lasts a long time and helps sweat evaporate .
- Cotton: Soft and airy, cotton shows up in shapewear to boost comfort. But it might not hold you in or shape you as well as other materials.
Levels of Control
- Light control: Great for daily use light control shapewear smooths and shapes without feeling tight.
- Medium control: Striking a balance between comfort and support medium control shapewear works well for special events or when you need extra help with certain areas.
- Firm control: To get the most support and compression firm control shapewear suits formal occasions or when you want to make a big change in your appearance.
Now that you know the basics, let's look at our top choices for the best shapewear for women in 2022.
Top 10 Shapewear Options for Women in 2022
1. Best Overall: [Brand Name] Bodysuit
This adaptable bodysuit provides support and shaping for the entire body making it our number one pick for women looking for a dependable and cozy shapewear option.
Features:
- Smooth design to create a sleek look under clothes
- Straps you can adjust to fit you just right
- Light breathable fabric to keep you comfy all day
2. Best High-Waisted Shorts: [Brand Name] High-Waist Shaper Shorts
These high-waist shaper shorts excel at flattening the tummy and smoothing the thighs making them ideal to wear under skirts, dresses, or pants.
Features:
- Wide waistband to stop rolling or digging
- Silicone grip to hold shorts in place
- Fabric that wicks away moisture for more comfort
3. Best Camisole: [Brand Name] Shaping Cami
This shaping cami gives upper-body support and you can wear it alone or under other clothes.
Features:
- Built-in shelf bra to give more support
- Straps you can adjust for a fit that suits you
- Smooth fabric to look seamless under clothes
4. Best Shaping Bra: [Brand Name] Lift & Support Bra
This shaping bra lifts and supports making it ideal to create a smooth and flattering bustline.
Features:
- Choose between underwire and wireless styles to suit your comfort needs
- Soft breathable material lets you wear it all day
- Straps you can adjust and a hook-and-eye closure give a snug fit
5. Best Shaping Leggings: [Brand Name] High-Waist Shaping Leggings
These high-waist shaping leggings support and compress your entire leg, making them a go-to choice for any outfit.
Features:
- Wide waistband helps control your tummy
- Fabric that breathes and wicks away sweat keeps you comfy
- Tough build means they'll last a long time
6. Best Waist Cincher: [Brand Name] Waist Trainer
For people who want to get an hourglass shape, this waist cincher gives focused support and squeezes the middle part of the body.
Features:
- Hooks and eyes you can adjust to fit just right
- Bendy bones inside to help it keep its shape
- Fabric that lets air through so you can wear it all day
7. Best Arm Shaper: [Brand Name] Arm Squeeze Sleeves
These arm squeeze sleeves help make your upper arms look slim and fit. They work great under tops or dresses without sleeves.
Features:
- No seams so they look smooth under clothes
- Fabric that breathes and soaks up sweat to keep you comfy
- You can pick from different sizes and colors to match what you like
8. Best Thigh Slimmer: [Brand Name] Thigh Shaper
This thigh shaper stands out as a top choice to slim and support thighs.
Features:
- High-waist design has a slimming effect on the tummy
- Silicone grip keeps the shaper from moving
- Tough, sweat-wicking fabric ensures comfort throughout the day
9. Best Postpartum Shapewear: [Brand Name] Postpartum Support Garment
This shapewear option offers gentle pressure and backing for new moms after giving birth.
Features:
- Closures you can adjust to fit you just right
- Soft fabric that lets your skin breathe and gives gentle support
- Made to work with your changing body after giving birth
10. Best Plus-Size Shapewear: [Brand Name] Plus-Size Shaping Bodysuit
This plus-size shaping bodysuit supports and shapes your whole body. It's a great pick for women who want comfy reliable shapewear in bigger sizes.
Features:
- No seams so it looks smooth under your clothes
- Straps you can adjust to fit you just right
- Light fabric that lets your skin breathe so you stay comfy all day
How to Pick the Best Shapewear for You
When choosing the right shapewear, keep these things in mind to make sure it fits well and looks good:
- Purpose: Figure out which body parts you want to shape and pick shapewear that targets those areas.
- Control level: Think about how much support and squeeze you like, from light to medium to tight.
- Comfort: Go for shapewear made of fabrics that let your skin breathe and wick sweat to keep you comfy all day.
- Size: Always check the brand's size chart and follow their tips to get the right fit for your body.
- Style: Pick a shapewear type that goes well with your clothes and what you like such as a full-body suit high-waisted shorts, or a shaping tank top.
Keeping these things in mind, you'll be ready to pick the right shapewear that fits your needs and boosts your self-assurance in any clothes you wear.
