Shape It, Suck It and Hold It In - The 4 Best Shapewear Brands

We can trace the first examples of “shapewear” back to Ancient Greece, a long time ago (c.2900 BC) when women wore girdles made of leather and linen with bras that pushed breasts OUT of clothing. Nifty. In the Elizabethan era, 16th century, women wore corsets made out of steel. Literally. Steel. These days, mercifully, technology has saved the day. And, if you want to suck it in, pull it up, narrow it down and smooth it out you can do so with a variety of far more COMFORTABLE accessories. So what are the best kinds of shapewear out there? Let’s talk.

Everyone has heard of Spanx before. The  Mothership. The brand that put shapewear into our everyday lexicon. But what other kinds of shapewear are there out there? And how do you select the right kind of shapewear for you? We hit up LA-based stylist and fashion expert, Reah Norman, for some insight.  According to Norman, “the number one thing to look for when buying shapewear is to find a style that doesn’t roll down. If it rolls down and won’t stay in place, locked and loaded tight around your body, it’s the wrong match for you. Shapewear is an investment; you get what you pay for and should be prepared to update your shapewear every six months because of wear and tear and the elasticity if you plan on wearing it frequently.”

Ok. Got it. So. It’s gotta stay up. I gotta be prepared to shell out some cash. And I gotta be prepared to ditch it and get new ones twice a year. So what are some of the best shapewear styles out there? Besides Spanx, which we’ll get to in a minute, Norman loves Hooked Up Shapewear because of it’s quality construction and the unique fact that the shapewear, literally, hooks to your bra. “This prevents it from falling down, giving you ‘back fat’ rolls and helps to smooth things out.” So, let’s get too it….

Favorite Everyday Shapewear: Hooked Up Shapewear
Available in Sizes: Small – 3XL

Because…
It’s comfortable enough for everyday wear yet does the job reliably and has hooks to assure that your shapewear stays in place all day without tugging, wiggling or adjusting. Find it online here. 

The Mothership: Spanx
Available in Sizes: XS-3XL

Because… 

IT’S SPANX! There is a reason why these are the gold standard of shapewear. A hundred styles. Different colors, shapes, sizes and they REALLY do the trick. Their Higher Power Short has been worn on red carpets by celebrities for years and we know Oprah loves her some Spanx as well too. Seriously. Get some Spanx. Find em online here. 

Shapewear That Resembles Star Trek But Holy Sh*t Holds You In: Ardyss
Available in Sizes: Bandwith 26” – 47”, Sizes 2XS – 5XL

Because….
We struggle to find the words to prepare you for this shapewear. Putting them on general is an act of war with your body. But... once they are on…they are uncomfortable as heck but… will reshape you. Note that Ardyss also sells some sort of weight loss system- which we are not endorsing in any way at all – but we have tried the shapewear. The writer of this, who is plus size, can safely say that this does magical things to her body. We don’t advise wearing this everyday (though some folks do) but, when you need to move your goodies around and keep yourself in place like an iron fist has grabbed hold of your jiggly bits? This does it. Find them online here. 

Favorite Everyday Shapewear Specifically for Plus Sizes: Cacique by Lane Bryant
Available in Sizes: 14 – 28

Because…

These workhorse, super comfortable and stretchy shapewear styles are made by Lane Bryant and are perfect for every occasion. From high-waisted panties to cami’s and bodysuits they are Reah Norman’s recommendation for everyday wear and light shaping. Find them online here. 

There are hundreds of styles and brands of shapewear on the market. From H&M to Bali Intimates, Walcoal to La Perla, there is something out there that’s perfect for every body and every budget! Whatever you chose, Norman advises you hand wash your shapewear in cold water and never, ever put it in the dryer! This will extend the elasticity and life of your shapewear so you get the most bang for your buck.