9 Best Plus-Size Shapewear Pieces of 2024 to Smooth and Enhance
These size-inclusive shapewear picks are comfortable, not restricting.
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Finding the perfect outfit for your special occasion or night out on the town is one check off the list but for some people, the search doesn't stop there. Different silhouettes like backless dresses, off-the-shoulder tops or high-slit skirts all call for different undergarments. And good shapewear can make or break the outfit, so it’s important to find shapewear pieces that make you look and feel good.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, our experts in the Textiles Lab test all types of undergarments from the best period underwear to the best bras for large busts and, of course, the best shapewear on the market. While we always make it a point to include size-inclusive pieces, here, we are focusing specifically on plus-size shapewear to provide even more great options that you can buy now. We connected with plus-size fashion expert, Alissa S. Wilson to recommend the best and most comfortable styles you can buy. And while Wilson loves shapewear and wears it regularly, she acknowledges its complicated history. She shares that when she was young, she watched women promote it as a way to appear smaller. But "not all shapewear is just for slimming," she says. For instance, chafing can be prevented by wearing shapewear pieces like shorts. But whether you're looking for a slightly smoother silhouette, want to emphasize your waist or have a comfortable base layer, ultimately "do what works for you," says Wilson. We've got you covered on the rest.
Our top picks:
We found pieces starting at just $28 from well-known brands like SKIMS, new brands like Yitty making waves across the internet with their TikTok trending pieces and OG brands like Lane Bryant and Spanx we can always rely on. Here is the best plus-size shapewear of 2022:
Yitty Nearly Naked Shaping Thong Bodysuit
Pros
- Available in multiple colors
- Comfortable
Cons
- May need to size up
This bodysuit — created by body positivity activist and singer, Lizzo in partnership with Fabletics — is just one of the many pieces from the size-inclusive shapewear line, Yitty. It's available in sizes 5X through XS/S (which is in that order intentionally). The nearly-naked shaping bodysuit has light control and is available in a range of colors including non-traditional shapewear shades like unstoppable yellow and tempo lavender. The thong silhouette helps eliminate the fear of panty lines, though some reviewers suggest sizing up one size when selecting this particular piece.
• Sizes Available: 5X – XS/S
Thigh Society The Original
Pros
- Available in 7-inch and 9-inch lengths
- Helps prevent chafing
Cons
What we love most about Thigh Society is its dedication to size inclusivity. These shorts, along with all other items offered by the brand, are available up to size 5XL/6XL. The original shorts are opaque and great for wearing on their own or under dresses to help prevent chafing. This pair is available in 7-inch and 9-inch lengths and comes in three neutral colors including black, grey and navy. Thigh Society also offers other shorts including The Staple, which according to the brand is lightweight and moisture-wicking.
• Sizes Available: XS/S – 5XL/6XL
Pros
- Available in nine colors
- Low price point
Cons
- May roll down for some
This style works under a multitude of garments and won't break the bank at just $28. For moments when you don't want full upper and lower body control that a bodysuit provides, this mid-waist thong is an awesome alternative. A staple for our Product & Reviews Editor, who loves "how comfortable and breathable this piece is but still provides slight sculpting and control." The mid-waist thong doesn't give you panty lines but may roll down for some, according to reviews. It's available in a range of colors so you can find the best nude for your skin tone.
• Sizes Available: XXS/XS – 4X/5X
Pros
- Large color range
- Fits up to a G cup
Cons
- Pricey
For those who prefer a tank to layer under your garments, this LuxeLift tank from Knix may be the piece you need for your wardrobe. The tank slims and smoothes without the compression and constriction of standard shapewear. One Knix reviewer says they wear this "instead of an actual bra" when layering with heavier pieces like sweaters. The tank fits up to a G cup and doesn't compress the bust area, but it does have increased compression at the midsection for a little added tummy control.
• Sizes Available: S – XXXL+
Lane Bryant Open-Bust Thigh Shaper
Pros
- Firm control
- Multiple colors
Cons
- Pricey
Lane Bryant is a go-to when looking for well-fitting plus-size shapewear according to expert Alissa Wilson. "I always look for the tried and true plus-size brands," she says. This seamless thigh shapewear has adjustable straps and can be paired with your favorite bra to create an invisible layer under your outfit. The shorts provide additional control and smoothness while helping to prevent chafing — and it's available in multiple nude shades.
• Sizes Available: 14/16 – 26/28
Pros
- Smoothing
- Not constricting
Cons
- Only available in black
When it comes to plus-size shapewear, the popular curvy clothing company Torrid was bound to make the list. This smoothing seamless 360° slip can be worn under dresses or skirts. "If you are wearing a fit and flare dress and don't want the shapewear to feel like a sweatsuit, look for something that will provide slight control and breathability," says Wilson. This piece, in particular, received positive reviews and provided moderate smoothing, according to users. "This is comfy, stays down and smooth without binding areas," says a reviewer.
• Sizes Available: M – 6X
What Waist Open Bust Lift and Sculpt Shapewear
Pros
- Strong control
- Zipper closure
Cons
- Pricey
This piece from What Waist provides high levels of control while smoothing and lifting. The front zip closure shapewear provides control for the lower stomach area while adding shape to the waist. According to the brand, this piece was also designed to lift the bust and comes with adjustable straps, just pair it with your favorite bra. The attached shorts provide additional smoothing and help prevent chafing.
• Sizes Available: S – 10X
Pinsy Sculpting Lace Shapewear Bodysuit
Pros
- Available in long
- Can be worn in a variety of ways
Cons
- Only goes up to 3X
Wear it as shapewear, lingerie or even as a top, paired with jeans. Our Products & Reviews Editor most appreciates this piece's versatility: "This provides light control in my mid-section, feels comfortable and I've even worn it as a top on a night out, paired with my favorite faux leather moto jacket." The built-in bra allows you to go braless, and the sculpting lining provides control.
• Sizes Available: S – 3X
SPANX Higher Power Shorts
Pros
- Breathable
- Has no-slip waistband
Cons
- Only goes up to 3X
These Higher Power Shorts from Spanx were tested by our Textiles Lab experts, and they found that the no-slip waistband helps keep the shorts in place while the higher rise is meant to disguise bulging. These shorts provide control for your mid-section while shaping your thighs, butt and hips. The fabric is seamless and lightweight, creating a level of breathability while still smoothing effectively.
• Sizes Available: S – 3X
What to look for when buying plus-size shapewear
Wilson gave us a breakdown of what you should look for when shopping for the best plus-size shapewear:
✔️ Type: "When shopping for shapewear, I'm looking for multiple types because not all are created equal," says Wilson. She makes it a point to read the description of every piece of shapewear before making a purchase. Reading the description will give you a general idea of what the shapewear is capable of — if it's meant simply to smooth or if it's a piece that will keep you "locked and loaded" which is a phrase Wilson uses when referencing high-control pieces that help keep you in place.
✔️ Comfort: Not all shapewear can be used with any garment or worn for any occasion. During warmer weather, it's key to wear lighter and less constricting shapewear to help prevent sweating or overheating. Look for something lightweight and breathable to ensure you will feel your best in your outfit. Functionality is another key when considering comfort in your shapewear. Wearing shapewear shorts or a piece that has shorts attached under your outfit can help prevent annoying chafing which can cause pain and discomfort.
✔️ Fit: Nothing can ruin an evening more than something that doesn't fit properly. Pick the correct size for you. Choosing a size that is too small can cause more harm than good, creating unwanted bulging, irritation and sweating when worn for long periods of time. Look for pieces that don't shift too much when walking or moving. "I always look for pieces with no-slip waistbands and hems," says Wilson. This will help keep your shapewear in place so you don't have to worry about shifting. While some shapewear may have additional features to keep them in place, the truth is, "rolling" is a common issue when wearing shapewear so opting for pieces that have shoulder straps can help. Open bust options are also great for those who want the support of straps but not full body control or compression.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
This list was put together with the help of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Executive Director of the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Lexie Sachs. With more than 15 years of experience in the textiles industry, including merchandising and product development for fashion. Sachs joined Good Housekeeping in 2013 and has extensively tested apparel of all kinds, including sports bras, workout leggings, pajamas and more, using specialized lab equipment and with hundreds of consumer testers.
Good Housekeeping Institute Updates Editor, Raena Loper is very familiar with size-inclusive shopping and has over 10 years of experience in the fashion industry including styling and editorial fashion work. She earned her degree in fashion studies with a concentration in design from Montclair State University, where she received professional training in pattern-making and garment construction. She has worked backstage and attended numerous New York Fashion Week shows and keeps up to date on current trends in the fashion industry. She consults with the GH Textiles team to provide readers with the best options on the market.
Raena Loper (she/her) is a fashion journalist and product analyst based in New Jersey whose work has appeared in Forbes, Good Housekeeping and O, The Oprah Magazine. Raena is a graduate from Montclair State University where she earned a degree in fashion studies as well as gender, sexuality and women's studies. In her free time, she enjoys sewing, cooking BBQ and spending time with family.
