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I tested shapewear bodysuits to find out which ones actually smooth without making you miserable

Close-up of a woman wearing a taupe scoop-neck shaping bodysuit with black pants.
Rebecca Strong/Business Insider
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I've tried just about every shapewear style out there, and there's a reason why I keep coming back to bodysuits again and again: they provide full smoothing and contouring from bust to bottom. That's a huge plus when I'm slipping on a particularly clingy or curve-hugging outfit.

Shapewear certainly isn't a must-have — I'm a firm believer in embracing your body as-is. Still, a shaping bodysuit can certainly enhance your natural shape — provided, of course, that it's thoughtfully constructed. But it can be difficult to evaluate the fit and quality of shapewear when shopping online. (And let's be real: Ill-fitting shapewear is unflattering at best, and wildly uncomfortable at worst.)

That's why I tested a range of shapewear bodysuits across sizes, budgets, and outfit needs: to find the ones that actually work.

Our top picks compared

Our pickBest forCompression (1-5)Key zones targeted
Honeylove Tank BodysuitBest overall4Bust, torso, back, rear
Yitty Nearly Naked Shaping Thong BodysuitMost comfortable4Bust, torso, back
Spanx Low-Back Thong BodysuitBest plunge3Bust, midsection, and lower abdomen
ShaperX Seamless Thong Body ShaperBest budget3Torso
Wacoal Convertible BodysuitBest strapless3Bust, torso, lower back, rear
Spanx Open-Bust Mid-Thigh BodysuitBest open bust5Torso, back, rear, hips, thighs
Commando Zone Smoothing BodysuitMost invisible2Bust, torso
Skims Seamless Sculpt Brief BodysuitBest size inclusive4Torso, lower back
Quince Sculpting BodysuitStretchiest3Bust, torso, rear
Shapermint Full Body ShaperBest with shorts3.5Bust, torso, back, rear, hips, thighs
Miraclesuit Sexy Sheer Extra Firm Control BodysuitBest with a built-in bra3.5Bust, torso, back, rear, hips
Pinsy Sculpting Lace Shapewear BodysuitBest lace4Bust, torso, back
Bumpsuit The Support BodysuitBest postpartum3.5Bust, back, torso, hips, thighs

How we evaluated compression

As part of our testing process, we assessed each bodysuit's compression level on a scale of 1 to 5.

A bodysuit with a compression level of 1 or 2 is comfortable and breathable. These bodysuits make great everyday base layers, with enough support to feel good but not enough that you'll experience pinching or squeezing. The Commando Zone Smoothing Bodysuit is a great example of this.

Conversely, a bodysuit with a compression level of four or above is made for more extreme sculpting. Wacoal's Red Carpet Strapless Shaping Body Briefer has specific bra sizing and is lined with power mesh for a strong hold. These higher-compression bodysuits are great for weddings or big events, but might not be a great choice to wear at the office all day.

Here are our top picks across every category.

Best overall: Honeylove Tank Bodysuit

selfie of bodysuit and plaid skirt
Rebecca Strong

After putting this bodysuit on for the first time, I audibly whispered: "Where have you been all my life?"

The 360-degree compression is akin to a very firm hug all over my torso — enough to offer ample shaping power but not so much that I can't breathe comfortably. 

And even though there's no underwire, the bust lifts and wide straps are enough to make me feel secure and supported. I can also wear this bodysuit under a wide variety of tops and dresses thanks to the V neckline and lower U-shaped back. 

Something to keep in mind: it's best to order the size based on your bust. If your waist is super small relative to your bust, or if you're under 5'3, Honeylove recommends sizing down.

See my full Honeylove review to check out my other favorite pieces from the brand. 

Most comfortable: Yitty Nearly Naked Shaping Thong Bodysuit

selfie from above wearing nude colored bodysuit
Rebecca Strong

Lizzo is a body positivity icon, so it's no surprise that her shapewear line Yitty — a collaboration with Fabletics — is size-inclusive (it runs up to size 6X).

When this bodysuit first arrived in the mail, I was immediately skeptical about whether or not I could actually squeeze into it — it looked laughably small. (I distinctly recall asking my husband, "Who is this made for? A toddler?") But as soon as I shimmied into it, all my skepticism melted away. I felt held in but not restricted, and thanks to the separation panel at the bust I didn't get that dreaded uni-boob effect. This bodysuit is shockingly comfortable considering how much compression it offers. And even though it doesn't have adjustable straps, my D-cup bust still felt well supported.

Something to keep in mind while selecting a size: While I'm usually a small, I actually preferred the fit on the M/L for this bodysuit. I found it still provided plenty of compression, but also had a little extra much-needed coverage for my boobs (which were spilling out the sides a bit in the smaller size).

Best budget: SHAPERX Tummy Control Seamless Thong Body Shaper

Model wearing nude bodysuit
SHAPERX

This TikTok viral bodysuit is currently the no. 1 shapewear bestseller on Amazon — and with good reason. It's ultra-stretchy and lightweight, budget-friendly, and features adjustable non-slip shoulder straps for a flawless fit as well as a snap closure at the crotch for quicker and easier bathroom trips. It comes in mid-thigh, thong, and brief styles, so there's an option for every need and ensemble.

One thing I love about this bodysuit is that even though the bodice has compression, the bra doesn't — so it smooths my torso but doesn't squash my chest. I also like the high-cut panty because that means the leg holes don't dig into the tops of my thighs the way some bodysuits do. However, note that some reviewers say it tends to roll up around the thighs and suggest opting for a size down.

Best plunge: Spanx Plunge Low-Back Thong Bodysuit

Woman models a beige plunge bodysuit with a black high-waisted midi skirt in two mirror selfies.
Rebecca Strong/Business Insider

I'd almost gotten used to the idea that shapewear is innately a little uncomfortable — until I tried this ultra-stretchy, breathable bodysuit. It still provides substantial smoothing, but without the can't-eat-or-breathe level of compression.

I was surprised to find that the built-in bra cups offer adequate coverage and support, even for my large bust, considering that it only comes in standard XS-3X sizing. Best of all, though, the convertible straps made this bodysuit versatile enough to wear under a wide range of tops, from racerback and halter to criss-cross.

The most obvious drawback to this style is that you don't get any shaping for the hips and thighs. That said, there is an advantage to the thong bottom: you don't have to worry about it showing under shorter dresses and skirts.

Best open bust: Spanx Open-Bust Mid-Thigh Bodysuit

Woman models a black cutout bodysuit with built-in shapewear shorts in two mirror selfies.
Rebecca Strong/Business Insider

As someone with a DD-cup bust, I often prefer open-bust styles because they allow me to wear my own preferred underwire bra — most bodysuits just don't meet my support needs. This one comes with a few extra perks: The flexible boning adds structure so the bodysuit doesn't roll down or bunch up, and the free-cut leg openings and bonded edges ensure it's undetectable under clothes.

Admittedly, this one was a struggle to get on — I had to perform a slightly awkward dance to pull it over my thighs and hips — but once I succeeded, I decided it was well worth the extra effort. This bodysuit offers impressive compression without restricting my breathing. The shorts also offer some much-appreciated shaping around the thighs while also preventing any chafing.

Truly, the only real downsides I can find are that it doesn't work with minidresses or low-back styles.

Best strapless: Wacoal Red Carpet Medium Control Convertible Bodysuit

A person wearing the Wacoal Red Carpet Medium Control Convertible Bodysuit.
Wacoal

If you need a bodysuit to wear under a strapless, one-shoulder, or off-the-shoulder dress, look no further: this one features removable and convertible straps. But that's not the only standout feature — it also boasts anti-slip medical-grade silicone along the neckline and back to hold the bra in place. This is also one of the few bodysuits that also has an adjustable band, which ensures a more snug, customized fit to prevent the bodysuit from falling down when you're going strapless.

With full-coverage underwire cups and side boning, this is a super supportive bodysuit for the full-busted crowd — and it's available up to a size 40DDD. 

Personally, I prefer a snap-closure crotch because I find it's quicker and easier to undo and redo on bathroom trips. That said, taller gals might appreciate this adjustable hook-and-eye closure at the crotch because it's less likely to come undone when sitting down.

Most invisible: Commando Zone Smoothing Bodysuit

Person with their arms over their head modeling a nude Commando Zone Smoothing Bodysuit.
Commando

This bodysuit features strategically placed zoned smoothing panels to snatch your waist and accentuate your curves. Due to its seamless construction and thong bottom, it's basically invisible under any ensemble. It's also made with a high-quality microfiber blend that won't pill or wrinkle.

Some may not like the hook-and-eye closure at the crotch, but the adjustability factor can also be a plus. Another perk? The straps can be unhooked in the back and converted to a cross-back style.

All that said, this bodysuit only offers light to medium compression — particularly if you're in between sizes, consider going down a size for maximum compression.

Best with inclusive sizing: SKIMS Seamless Sculpt Brief Bodysuit

women wearing brown skims bodysuit
SKIMS

Business Insider style and beauty reviews writer Olivia Rose Rushing claims this viral, best-selling piece strikes a perfect balance between function, fashion, and comfort.

"Upon feeling the soft material, I knew that the piece was quality and would hold up after more than just a few wears and washes," she says.

While she typically finds crotch snaps are typically annoying, Rushing claims they weren't noticeable at all on the Skims bodysuit due to the clever placement. According to Rushing, the only con here is the fact that the sides of the bodysuit sometimes roll up to the smallest part of her waist, creating some "unwanted bulge" from built-up fabric around her hips. 

Still, she concludes: "I feel really sleek and put together when I wear this bodysuit (even if it's just paired with sweatpants)."

"Though this particular bodysuit is meant to be an undergarment instead of outerwear due to the ruching in the chest area, I didn't feel as if I was dressed inappropriately when out and about," she adds.

Read our full Skims bodysuit review for more info.

Stretchiest: Quince Sculpting Bodysuit

model in black bodysuit
Quince

We love Quince and named them one of the best basics brands for women because of their lower-than-expected prices. They consistently deliver similar products to popular brands, but manage to do it at half or even a third of the price.

This bodysuit is a great, budget-friendly alternative to the Skims Seamless Sculpt Brief Bodysuit. It has a similar low-back and pull-on construction, plus a comparable fabric construction. However, Skims has a much better extended sizing selection.

This is a great bodysuit that offers some support but won't make you feel like you're being squeezed all day. It's great for wearing under a silky dress, since it doesn't have any bulky clasps or boning.

See our full Quince review for more of our favorite picks from the brand.

Best with shorts: Shapermint Curveez® Comfort Evolution Full Body Shaper

Person modeling a tan Shapermint Curveez® Comfort Evolution Full Body Shaper.
Shapermint

Shapewear bodysuits with shorts are a great choice when you're trying to avoid a visible panty line, or you just want a little extra compression around your backside and thighs. And while you may have to wiggle into this one, reviewers insist it's worth the extra effort. 

Many claim it's so comfortable it feels like a "second skin" — yet somehow it also sculpts and smooths your entire silhouette from bust to thigh. What really sets this bodysuit apart, though, is the clever seams under and around the bust as well as the backside, which lift and separate your boobs and derrière.

On the plus side, you likely won't need to wear a bra with this one due to the compression in the bust area. On the minus side, some larger-busted reviewers say their breasts got a little squashed.

Best postpartum: Bumpsuit The Support Bodysuit

Woman models a black ribbed tank bodysuit with built-in biker shorts in two mirror selfies.
Rebecca Strong/Business Insider

Bumpsuit was one of my go-to brands for maternity clothes throughout my pregnancy. But the beauty of this line is that everything is designed to accommodate your changing body — so it fits postpartum and beyond, too. That's the case for this shaping bodysuit, which features a reasonable level of compression, loads of stretch, a split gusset, wide straps, and chafe-free mid-thigh coverage.

Without bust-separation panels, defined cups, or adjustable straps, this one doesn't provide quite as much lift or support up top — but since the straps are wide and the material is thick, I was able to wear my own bra underneath it. I also appreciate that it's nearly seamless, providing a super smooth finish under clothing.

Note that this one can't be machine-washed, and Bumpsuit doesn't accept returns on undergarments. But I'd say it runs true to size (and dozens of other five-star reviews agree with me).

Because of the opaque construction and romper-like silhouette, some reviewers claim they've even worn this bodysuit out.

Read more about the line in our Bumpsuit review.

Best with a built-in bra: Miraclesuit Sexy Sheer Extra Firm Control Bodysuit

Sexy Sheer Extra Firm Control Bodysuit
Miraclesuit

If you're a D+ cup — or if you just like a little extra lift, separation, and shaping for your bustline — a shapewear bodysuit with a built-in bra is ideal. This one, in particular, has a supportive underwire on the double-layer molded cups. And since it comes in cup/band sizes, it's so much easier to get a perfect fit.

One standout feature of this bodysuit is the silicone edging along the backside of the leg bands, which prevents the brief bottom from riding up. 

It may be a little hard to get into, but reviewers say it's remarkably comfortable once it's on. They also report that clothes fit better when they wear this smoothing shapewear bodysuit.

Best lace: Pinsy Sculpting Lace Shapewear Bodysuit

Model wearing a black Pinsy Sculpting Lace Shapewear Bodysuit.
Pinsy

Historically, shapewear is known more for serving a practical purpose than looking pretty. But this bodysuit, which features premium stretch lace, checks both boxes — doubling as stunning lingerie while also offering impressive sculpting capabilities. The built-in wire-free bra lines and adjustable straps offer moderate support for your bust, while the powermesh construction smooths out your midsection. Reviewers say the torso on this one runs a little short, but fortunately, it's also available in "long" sizes for the tall folks.

"It's beautiful and cinches my waist perfectly without digging in anywhere else or making my back look like a can of biscuits," writes one reviewer.

You can even wear this bodysuit out — try it with a blazer and jeans, or a faux leather skirt and cropped cardigan. 

A word on sizing: If your bra size is bigger than your dress size or you're between two dress sizes, the company recommends sizing up for the sake of comfort and coverage.

You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here.

Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@jkmperu.com.

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Rebecca Strong is a Boston-based freelance writer and podcast host covering health and wellness, lifestyle, beauty, and travel. In addition to writing for Business Insider Reviews, she has also contributed to Health.com, Healthline, Men's Health, Bustle, Well+Good, StyleCaster, PopSugar, Eat This Not That, and AskMen. In April 2024, she appeared on The Drew Barrymore Show to discuss one of her Business Insider articles for Drew's "It's Trending!" segment. You can tune into her podcast Well-Bent on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or follow along on Twitter and Instagram.