Shopping·10 min read

Our Favorite Bras and Shapewear That Are Actually Comfortable

the best shapewear and bras
Design: theSkimm | Photo: Thirdlove, Honeylove
December 5, 2023

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Shopping for bras and shapewear can be overwhelming because you want something supportive that's also comfortable. If you're going to be wearing these items all day (or night) long, the last thing you want to tolerate is pinching and squeezing. Which is why we've rounded up our favorite undergarments. There are various holiday parties, NYE parties, and winter weddings approaching, so snag a few options now if you're in need.

Best smoothing bras

EBY

A bralette that’s soft and breathable…

This wire-free mesh option is great for everyday wear. It’ll keep everything in place and give you a little lift while still being incredibly comfortable and cool. We love the pretty mint color, but it also comes in several neutrals. ($46, EBY)

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thirdlove t-shirt bra
Thirdlove

A classic T-shirt bra with more than 57,000 reviews…

For real. This one from ThirdLove has ultra-thin memory foam cups that’ll form to your body and give you a smooth shape, no matter what you’re wearing. It also has pleated, adjustable straps and no-show, smoothing sides. It's available in five skin tone shades, a number of colors, and half sizes. Yes, half sizes. (Remember the golden bra-shopping rule: Look at the size chart.) New favorite bra, coming right up. ($72, Thirdlove)

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Shapewear bra
Yitty

A bandeau so comfortable you’ll forget you have it on…

Talk about a superstar essential to have in your closet. This bra from Lizzo’s line is ultra-supportive, compressive, and even has anti-uni-boob stitching. It’ll support and define your natural curves and even has adjustable, detachable straps. That’s a win. ($39.95, Yitty)

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no wire bra
Knix

A medium-support contour option that acts like a wired bra but still maximizes comfort…

This wireless bra is great for when you want a little more support than a bralette but aren’t in the mood for a full underwire situation. It comes in six nude shades, a bunch of vibrant colors, and has molded foam cups that’ll provide shape without constricting. This one also has extra coverage near the side and back to help eliminate overspill. ($64, Knix)

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Best shapewear shorts

Honeylove
Honeylove

A booty-lifting power short…

Actual magic, coming right up. This pair from Honeylove has flexible boning on the sides (to prevent them from rolling down), varied levels of compression to keep things comfy but supported, and a band that shapes and lifts your thighs and booty. Other features we love? They’re sweat-wicking, bathroom-friendly, and come in brief or thong options if you prefer that style instead of a short. Once you try these, you won’t go back. ($89, Honeylove) 

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Spanx high-waisted shorts
Spanx

High-waisted shorts with tummy control…

Spanx for the win. These are built with a stay-put waistband and a no-slip strip to keep them in place no matter what you’re doing. They come in a variety of neutral colors and run from small through 3X. And thanks to the soft yarn and seamless construction, they shouldn’t show through or be uncomfortable. Psst: Check out the fit chart — if you’re in between options, size up. ($38, Spanx) 

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Maternity shapewear shorts
Nordstrom

Maternity support shorts…

These are made with a specific technology to provide support and breathability while your body changes. Plus, they’re designed to minimize chafing thanks to the extended cut. Reviewers love them for the smoothing effect they have under dresses — and some noted they liked wearing these on their own for workouts or just to lounge around the house in. ($39.95, Nordstrom) 

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Best full-body shapewear

Shapewear bodysuit
Yitty

A thong bodysuit you’ll wanna throw on all the time…

This one’s buttery soft and almost feels like a second skin. It compresses all around to shape and firm your natural curves, and has reinforced shoulder straps that won’t hurt after all-day wear. Plus, the three-way stitching support will define (and hold) your bust area like no other. It comes in four neutral colors, 11 limited colors, and sizes up to 5X. ($64.95, Yitty)

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Shapewear bodysuit
Target

A bodysuit you can get low-cut with…

If you’re a fan of the going-out top but like a little extra support, this is the shapewear for you. It has an open bust so you can wear it with your V-necks, scoop-necks, and cowl-necks options, without compromising your bra. It has a seamless design made from breathable fabric, so it’ll lay flat under your clothes while the compression will target your tummy. BRB, adding to cart. ($39, Target)

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Honeylove bodysuit
Honeylove

A smoothing bodysuit that has a petite option…

Calling our short-torso family. If you’ve ever struggled to fit into a bodysuit because of the proportions, this one’s a solid choice thanks to the petite sizing option. It comes in a few colors, is ultra-flattering, and you can choose your ideal strap width. And most importantly: It’s got a wedgie-free bottom and underwire-free bust lift so you can have peace of mind knowing this won’t be too confining. ($99, Honeylove

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Spanx open-bust bodysuit
Spanx

An open-bust bodysuit so you can wear your own bra…

On its own this one can look a little weird. Trust us when we say it’s a great option for under dresses or your everyday outfits because you can wear your own bra. Just like so many other items in this list, it’s breathable, lightweight, and has the ultimate smoothing effect (not to mention is a great solution for chafing). This one was specifically built to target stomach shaping. Plus, it has adjustable straps, an easy-access gusset (so you can use the restroom without a fuss) and is machine washable. ($88, Spanx)

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Knix slip dress
Knix

A medium-support slip dress…

Wear this as a base layer and you’ll be golden. This seamless one from Knix has wireless lift, removable cups, and moisture-wicking material that’ll provide coverage all day long. It’s snug (but not too snug) and will relax and adapt to your body as you continue to wear it. We love the mid-thigh length and scooped back too. ($69, Knix) 

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Nordstrom

An everyday bodysuit with snaps…

This lightweight one from Skims shapes, lifts, supports your butt and chest, and helps hold in your core. It has a double-layered construction, convertible straps, and a snap closure at the crotch so you can get in and out of it easily (hi, bathroom breaks). For the most comfortable option, Skims recommends sizing up. And with five shades to choose from, you’ve got plenty of choices. ($31+, Nordstrom)

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Best shapewear tanks and tops

Honeylove tank
Honeylove

The ultimate lifting tank…

Enter: this perfect top. This beauty has all the things we love in shapewear: no underwires, targeted smoothing around the stomach area, adjustable straps, and built-in bust support. It comes in a ton of colors — neutrals and fun pops of brightness. Plus, if you opt for the cami version, the straps are pretty tiny so it’s easy to conceal under other clothes. Psst: Make sure to check out the sizing help on this; they’ll help you find the perfect fit. ($50, Honeylove)

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Maidenform tank
Amazon

A tank to target back and stomach areas…

This Maidenform firm-control tank is the magical layering piece your wardrobe’s been missing. Wear it under basically anything (think: blazers, tees, sweaters). It’ll stay in place and lie flat under your clothes really nicely. It’s sheer, formfitting, and has some bust support too, so you can wear a bra or go bra-free — whatever floats your boat. It’s lightweight and has breathable wicking fabric, of course. ($17.37+, Amazon)

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Best shapewear underwear

Maidenform brief
Amazon

A high-waisted brief to provide firm control…

This neutral option from Maidenform will shape your stomach and waist thanks to the extra-wide band. It comes in tan and black, and shouldn’t roll down throughout the day thanks to the silicone waistband. If you’re someone who gets hot quickly, don’t stress about shvitzing through this. It’s lightweight and has breathable fabrics that’ll help remove moisture and keep you dry and cool. To make sure it fits, Maidenform recs the “sit test”: Take a seat and make sure it doesn’t dig or poke you in an uncomfortable way. If it does, think about swapping sizes. ($14.99+, Amazon)

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Yummie thong
Yummie

A nylon shaping thong that comes in so many fun colors…

If neutrals aren’t your thing, say hello to these. The thong silhouette is great because it eliminates VPL (visible panty line). This one has seam-free construction on the sides and has a light compression — so you won’t be too uncomfortable if you’re heading out to a big event or casual dinner. ($15+, Yummie)  

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Commando thong
Commando

A thong with four way-stretch and light-to-medium compression…

If you don’t love the ‘I’m so sucked in I can’t breathe’ feeling, then this Commando thong is for you. These smoothing undies have no elastic, trim, or taping, so you don’t have to worry about itching or irritation. Plus, the fabric is pill-resistant so it should hold up over time. ($38, Commando)

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