Walk into any shapewear section and you will find bodysuits, briefs, shorts, tanks, and full-body suits. Understanding what each type does helps you choose the right garment for your specific need.
Shaping briefs and shorts
The most versatile shapewear category. High-waist briefs smooth the abdomen, waist, and hips. Shaping shorts extend coverage to the thighs, eliminating thigh friction and smoothing the hip-to-thigh transition. Both styles work under dresses, skirts, and trousers. Start here if you are new to shapewear.
Shaping bodysuits
Full torso coverage from shoulder to crotch. Bodysuits eliminate the gap between a waist cincher and bottom garment no rolling, no riding up, no visible lines at the waist. The trade-off is bathroom access. Look for bodysuits with snap closures at the crotch for practical daily wear.
Waist cinchers and corset styles
Focused compression at the waist and midsection. Effective for creating an hourglass silhouette under fitted tops and dresses. Less useful for smoothing the hips and thighs. Structured waist cinchers with boning provide more dramatic shaping but are less comfortable for all-day wear.
Shaping tanks and camisoles
Upper body compression for smoothing the back, bust, and torso under fitted tops. Lighter compression than waist-focused styles. Useful for eliminating back bulge and smoothing the bra line area.
Post-surgical compression garments
A separate category from everyday shapewear. Medical-grade compression at 40-50 mmHg, designed specifically for recovery after liposuction, tummy tuck, BBL, and other body contouring procedures. Not interchangeable with everyday shapewear the compression level and construction requirements are different.
Choosing the right type for your needs
For smoothing under a specific outfit: match the garment to the coverage area you need. For all-day everyday wear: prioritize comfort and breathability over maximum compression. For post-surgical recovery: choose medical-grade garments designed for your specific procedure, as directed by your surgeon.