Not Your Mama’s Girdle: Shapewear Pieces We Love

We tried them on. So, believe us when we say these beauties smooth, sculpt, lift, hold and cinch discreetly without rolling, pinching or binding.

By

Harriette Cole

 
Published October 08, 2024
photo collage of 3 shapewear prints on blue background with leaves and flowers
Ellen Wallenstein

Do you wear shapewear daily, on special occasions, or not at all? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

When I was growing up, I remember watching my mother get dressed in the morning. Almost always she first reached for a whole-piece undergarment—what was called a girdle at the time. This foundation set the stage for everything to come. It was smooth. She trusted that it would hold in just the right places and ensure that clothing would glide over her body just so.

I have inherited my mother’s love for what is now known as shapewear. It is the behind-the-scenes architecture for nearly every fabulous outfit I wear. These garments come in varying degrees of control and stretch, with different straps and fasteners depending on your needs. As stylist Susan Moses preaches, you have to start out with the right undergarment to be confident that everything you wear fits you correctly. My colleague, Fallone, and I tested a number of brands and styles so that we could make recommendations for what works well. We have very different body types, and we chose things that we believe will work for many shapes and sizes. Prices are subject to change. Here are our findings:

KNIX

This brand has figured out fit plus the added bonus of a bit of wicking down there if you sometimes have a leakage challenge. (This is the “wish I had done my Kegels” brand. It features different degrees of absorbency for those of us who experience a bit of leaking from time to time.) The Leakproof High Rise Shaper Brief gave us amazing support and hours-long comfort. The technology allows for the garments to adjust to the wearer’s body shape over time. Plus, the waist did NOT roll down! Genius. Colors: Black, Warm Sand, Sola. Sizes: XS to XXXXL. $55. Also, Fallone said the LuxeLift Slip held her body in place all day and didn't ride up. And the molded cup without underwire provides hold even for a wearer with full breasts. Colors: Black, Warm Sand, Cavassa, Sola, Sable. Sizes: S to XXXL. $69. Available at Knix.com. A new addition to the Knix family is the Customizable Open-Bust Shaper Bodysuit (shown above) that smooths in all the right places especially for slinky or body-skimming garments. An added bonus is freedom to wear your own bra for support, X to 4XL, Black, Warm Sand or Sola. $100.

HONEYLOVE

We feel that the technology used in these pieces is excellent. There are many well-constructed innovative styles from this brand. With no wire, the garments lift, hold and sculpt at once. My favorite is the Low-Back Bodysuit that goes to mid-thigh. So smooth! Colors: Runway, Sand. Sizes: XS to 3X. $129. For everyday smoothing and effortless comfort, we loved the CrossOver Cami Bodysuit. It’s easy to put on, wireless, and perfect for evening out your curves. Comes in three colors: vamp, sand and runway, XS-4X, $99. Available at Honeylove.com.

YITTY

R&B singer Lizzo created this line of clothing and shapewear with curvy girls in mind. Nearly Naked Shapewear High Waist Short smoothed in all the right places, reaching just under the bustline. Sizes: XS/S to 5X. Colors: Brown And Rich, Bad 4 Beige, Iconic Black, Bossed Up Brown, Moody Bitch Taupe. Limited colors: Moody Bitch Taupe Swirl, Mink Me. $50. Available at Yitty.fabletics.com.

WACOAL

This brand makes a wide variety of shapewear at a range of compressions. One stand-out is the Red Carpet Strapless Shaping Body Briefer that goes up to a G cup. Colors: Sand, Black. Sizes: Band 34 to 40, Cup C to G. $132.

Just want smoothing on your bottom half? We weren’t disappointed by the Shape Revelation® Hourglass Thigh Shaper. It dips into a V in back, thereby avoiding peekaboo undergarments when wearing low-back jeans or dresses. Colors: Praline, Black. Sizes: S to 2XL. $74. Available at Wacoal-america.com.

SKIMS

This line, created by Kim Kardashian, is inclusive by design. It has sizing from XXS to 4X, and the degree of compression varies widely depending upon the garment. If you want strong support, consider the Zip Front Brief Bodysuit. The zip feature makes it easier to get on. Get ready. It’s tight but it works. The Mid-Thigh bodysuit has lots of hold and a wide variety of skin tone colors. Classic Shades: Onyx. Limited Edition Colors: Desert, Pacific. Sizes: XXS to 4X. $74. Available at Skims.com.

MIRACLESUIT

Known for sculpted swimsuits that are perfect for women who want a little hug in the mid-section, Miraclesuit now makes shapewear featuring that same technology for underneath your clothes. The Extra Firm Sexy Sheer Shaping Bodybriefer offers firm shaping with comfort. Colors: Black, Nude, Stucco. Sizes: 34B to 42DD. $75. For separates, we liked the Sexy Sheer Shaping Cami. Colors: Black, Nude. Sizes: 36B to 42DD. $65. An alternative is the Sexy Sheer High-Waisted Thong. Colors: Black, Nude, Stucco. Sizes: S to XL. $50. Available at Miraclesuit.com.

SHAPELLX

We tried the PowerConceal Waist Boning Corset Bodysuit, which offered a super-chiseled waist. At first glance the bodysuit looks like it will fit a child. Don’t be scared off. The material stretches a lot, making it possible to wriggle into it with ease. Compression is not too tight, but the result is a smooth middle, and the bra (no underwire) does not squish breasts as it accommodates for many sizes. Colors: Olive Green, Brown, Black. Sizes: XS/S to 3X/4X. $59. We also tried the AirSlim Bustier Underwire Bodysuit, which fit smoothly. Colors: Beige, Black. Sizes: S to 4X. $58. Available at Shapellx.com.

SPANX

Sometimes a woman needs coverage, but with the illusion of bareness under a revealing garment. Enter the Suit Your Fancy Shaping Plunge Low-Back Mid-Thigh Bodysuit. Colors: Very Black, Cafe Au Lait, Linen, Champagne Beige. Sizes: XS to XL. It dips very low in front and in back giving the body support while also remaining bare so the wearer can don the skimpiest dress. $148. For women who prefer to wear their own bra with a smoothing garment, the OnCore Sculpting Open-Bust Panty Bodysuit creates space for the bra without lumpiness where the two garments meet. Colors: Very Black, Soft Nude. Sizes: XS to 3X. $84. Available at Spanx.com.

Do you wear shapewear daily, on special occasions, or not at all? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Harriette Cole is the author of seven books, including How to Be and a former editor-in-chief of Ebony magazine. Cole has worked for more than 30 years to help people present themselves well through media executive and presentation training. Cole hosts the weekly podcast, DREAMLEAPERS®, that unlocks the secrets of people who are manifesting their dreams. She interviewed Sheryl Lee Ralph for the August, September 2023, issue of AARP The Magazine. Since 2020, Cole has hosted Real Conversations with AARP where she's interviewed such notables as Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Iyanla Vanzant, Aunjanue Ellis, Boris Kodjoe and Nicole Ari Parker, Ruth E. Carter, David and Tamala Mann and others.