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10 Effective Plus Size Shapewear Reviews – Get a Better Figure in 2024

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We all want a better figure, and shapewear is among the very few things that can give it to us instantly. But finding the right model in plus size can prove to be difficult, which is exactly why we went on and made this guide to the best plus size shapewear.

Research You Can Trust

While doing our research, we were focused on finding the best possible plus size shapewear. That took quite a bit of time, since there were hundreds of reviews we needed to go through and dozens of products we wanted to test. But after talking to experts and trying everything out, we finally decided on ten fabulous models.

The 30-Second Review

Your ideal shapewear will slim you down and hide your flaws without making you feel uncomfortable while wearing it. But in order for it to do that, you need to keep two things in mind. Firstly, not all models are made for the same purpose, so think about what you want to focus on before deciding on a type. And secondly, your shapewear will only do a good job if you pick the right size.

10 Best Plus Size Shapewear in 2024

Best of the best SPANX Women’s Plus Size Power Conceal-Her Open Bust Mid Thigh Bodysuit Very Black Jumpsuit
5/5

SPANX is a brand well-known among women, and with good reason. This Power Conceal-Her model features double-layered fabric, where one layer provides shaping and the other smoothing of your curves. It has stretchy straps, but since it’s an open bust suit, you can combine it with any type of bra. That’s how you can create both lovely day outfits and more daring night combinations.

But there’s more:

Our research has shown that women love this shapewear because it fits very well and it provides good results. Its non-binding finish makes the suit disappear under your pants or dress. Because of its lightweight design, it's comfortable and easy to wear. You don't even have to undress when you need to go to the bathroom, which is a relief for so many ladies who tried it.

For some ladies, however, this model can be too tight, so make sure you check its size twice before you order it.

Features

  • Double-layered fabric
  • Open bust
  • With straps
  • Non-binding finish
  • Double gusset opening
pros

    Comfortable

    Full body control

    Can be combined with any type of bra

    Seamless transition from fabric to skin

    Doesn’t need to be taken off when nature calls

cons

    Straps dig into the armpits

    It can be too tight

SPANX Plus Size Oncore Firm Control Open-Bust Bodysuit
4.5/5

SPANX has some of the best shapewear models out there, and their Oncore Open-Bust Bodysuit is at the very top. The very name suggests that this is a model that doesn’t cover your chest, but this only gives you more freedom in creating looks, from elegant work outfits to revealing night ensembles. It also has adjustable straps, which make it easier for you to get that perfect shape.

Now to what interests you most:

This particular model gives plenty of control when it comes to shaping. It has bonded panels for your tummy area, side panels for those annoying muffin tops, and a specially designed rear for your bum. All of these are made to hide your flaws and cinch you in without making you look flat.

But there’s more:

To prevent those horrid lines from showing, the leg openings have no thick edges and adhere to your skin perfectly. The combination of spandex and nylon is stretchy and gentle against the skin. And when you need to go to the bathroom, you only need to use the crotch opening.

The clasp is a bit clumsy, though. Also, some women claim that this model could be tighter, but we don’t see why that couldn’t be resolved by making sure you order the right size.

Features

  • Made from spandex and nylon
  • Open bust
  • Bonded tummy panel
  • Specially designed side panels
  • Non-compressing molded rear
  • Non-binding finish
  • Adjustable straps
  • Double gusset opening
pros

    Comfortable

    Full body control

    Slimming without compressing

    Smooth transition from fabric to skin

    Allows for adjusting

    Can be worn to the bathroom without taking off

cons

    It's not tight enough for some women

    Crotch clasp can be difficult to deal with

Body Wrap Plus Size Seamless Long Thigh Under Bust Bodysuit Shaper Black Nude
4/5

This Plus Size Bodysuit seems to be a very useful piece, although the brand isn’t among the most popular. Designed and manufactured in Canada, it promises materials of higher quality and durability. It has an open bust, so you can play with different cleavages and make sure you’re comfortable when it matters the most. Thanks to the adjustable straps, you can also control the fit to your height.

While on that topic:

This bodysuit gives plenty of control, at least from our experience. It shapes your behind and slims down your waist. It’s a great choice for those looking for extra control in leg and thigh areas, since these are reinforced. But it also gives you support in your lower back area, which comes in handy if you suffer from bad posture or chronic back pain.

But wait:

We were very pleasantly surprised when we saw that this bodysuit is machine-washable, which makes it easier to maintain than most others. We couldn’t really find anything wrong with it, but we’re aware of the fact that sometimes it takes time for downsides to reveal themselves. And since this particular product doesn’t have a lot of customer reviews, we can’t be sure it’s as perfect as it may seem at first glance.

Features

  • Made from polyamide and elastane
  • Open bust
  • Shapes stomach and behind
  • Added control for leg and thigh area
  • Enforced in lower back area
  • Adjustable straps
  • Machine-washable
pros

    Comfortable

    Full body control

    Can be combined with any bra

    Supports lower back area

    Can be adjusted to your height

    Easy to maintain

    Available in black and nude

cons
    Not a lot of women have tried it
Wacoal Try A Little Slenderness Bodysuit
4/5

If you’re looking for light control, Wacoal’s got a little something for you. Try A Little Slenderness is the name of one of their shapewear models that has a lot of positive reviews.  It’s not an open bust product, like many others on our list, but that could even be an advantage. Namely, its cups are soft and equipped with molded underwire support that’s actually invisible.

But it gets better:

Made from nylon and spandex, this bodysuit is extremely soft and supple. The crotch is lined with 100 percent cotton, which of course adds to your comfort. But it’s not closed – it has a gusset opening with a hook-and-eye-closure so you can save time and effort when going to the bathroom. Also, the straps on this model are rigid in the front, but adjustable from the back.

However:

When it comes to control, we’ve found that this bodysuit doesn’t give a lot. It will smooth out your curves, but according to our research, this proves to be too little for some. There have also been reports of the product having weird proportions in some sizes.

Features

  • Made from nylon and spandex
  • Molded underwire cups
  • Cotton lined crotch
  • Gusset opening with hook-and-eye closure
  • Adjustable straps with rigid fronts
pros

    Comfortable

    Light control

    Cups invisible under clothing

    No need for taking off when going to the bathroom

    Can be adjusted to different heights

cons

    Proportions aren’t good for some

    Control might be a bit too light

Best for the money Plus Size Medium Control High-Waist Thigh Slimmer
4.5/5

For those who just want some more shape around the waist, TC Fine Intimates makes great control pants. When worn, this model reaches all the way to your chest, but doesn’t have straps. It’s also longer than some of the bodyshapers, which is why it’s a good choice if you’d like to target your waist, bum, and thighs.

Made from nylon and spandex, these pants are stretchy and smooth to the touch. Thanks to the company’s patented tummy and midriff panels, they provide a medium level of control that we think is enough for a really nice shape. Add to that the silicone finish on waist and leg openings, and you get results without the undergarment showing through your clothes.

But there’s more:

Although this is not a bodyshaper, it still has a gusset you can use if you want to avoid taking it off when in the bathroom. The entire thing is machine-washable, which is always nice to hear.

Of course, not everyone is satisfied with the performance of these control pants. Some women have trouble putting them on, while others complain they don’t give as much control as bodyshapers. To this we can only say that the model isn’t falsely advertised – it’s always better when you think about your needs before buying something.

Features

  • High-waist control pants
  • Made from nylon and spandex
  • Patented tummy and midriff panels
  • Silicone finish
  • Gusset made from cotton and spandex
  • Machine-washable
pros

    Comfortable

    Medium control

    Seamless transition from fabric to skin

    Stretchy gusset opening for ease of use

    Easy to maintain

cons

    Hard to get on for some

    Provides less control than bodyshapers

Rago Women’s Plus-Size High Waist Open Bottom Girdle with Zipper
3.5/5

Combining function with a classic lingerie style, this model from Rago adds a bit of versatility to this list. It’s an open bottom girdle, so it’s supposed to cover your torso from the top of your stomach all the way to your thighs. The bottom is equipped with six metal garters you can use to fasten your stockings. And the girdle itself has a very handy zipper, making it surprisingly easy to put on.

Here’s the deal:

When it comes to function, this girdle is supposed to provide you with full control over your waist. It has a back panel and two side panels made from nylon and spandex. These are the materials normally used for making shapewear, but they don’t seem to do a lot of shaping. They will slim you down, but that’s pretty much it, at least in our experience.

But:

The rigid front of this girdle keeps your stomach neatly tucked in. The materials and the lace trimming are beautiful, making this a piece you’d gladly show off. It’s such a shame that the garters aren’t all that functional, and having to constantly pull the girdle down because it keeps going up can be a bit annoying.

Features

  • Open bottom girdle
  • Made from nylon and spandex
  • Rigid front
  • 1 back panel and 2 side panels
  • Zipper fastening
  • 6 metal garters for stockings
  • Trimmed with lace
pros

    Comfortable

    Full control

    Easy to put on

    Can be worn with stockings

    Looks very attractive

cons

    Doesn’t provide a lot of shaping

    Needs to be pulled down all the time

    Garters don’t hold stockings in place

Plus Size Firm Control Bodysuit
3.5/5

When it comes to shapewear, Body Wrap has some great models for all shapes and sizes. This Plus Size Bodysuit covers your entire torso, and unlike the other model reviewed here, doesn’t have an open bust. This makes it a better option for those looking for an all-in-one solution. Its cups have unlined underwire support, which means no ugly lines showing under your clothes.

You might be asking:

What about the level of control it provides? This model is made to give you full body shaping. Its seamless compression panels work on your stomach, waist, and bum. According to our research, the majority of women are pretty satisfied with its functionality.

And get this:

All the hems on this bodysuit are non-binding, which means it can’t be seen under your clothes. It has a gusset opening, so you don’t have to take it off every time nature calls. And when it gets dirty, you can just toss it in the washing machine.

Now:

It’s not like this product is flawless. We’ve read about it being poorly sized from more than one user. It also doesn’t have a lot of reviews, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it did affect the amount of information we had to work with.

Features

  • Made from polyamide and elastane
  • Seamless compression panels
  • Cups with unlined underwire support
  • Non-binding finish
  • Adjustable straps
  • Gusset opening with hook-and-eye fastening
  • Machine-washable
pros

    Comfortable

    Full control

    Underwire support and hems remain hidden

    Can be adjusted to fit your height

    Doesn’t need to be taken off when using the bathroom

    Easy to maintain

cons

    Some customers have problems with sizing

    Doesn’t have a lot of reviews

InstantFigure Plus Size Womens Shapewear Tank Slip Dress
3.3/5

InstantFigure made it to this list thanks to their unique compression dress. For those who love that clean nude look, this model can be worn on its own. Made from a single layer of nylon and spandex, it’s said to provide a four-way stretch and enough control to work on nine different body zones.

Here’s the deal:

We’ve found this dress to be more than stretchy enough, but its level of control doesn’t seem to cut it. It’s supposed to slim you down by up to five inches as soon as you put it on, and it does make you look a bit slimmer. But it doesn’t provide a lot of shaping, which we believe is important in this type of undergarment.

But it gets better:

This dress has an open bottom, so there’ll be no struggling with going to the bathroom. It’s also anti-bacterial and capable of fighting off odors. Also, if you choose to wear it under your clothes, it won’t show.

Features

  • Single-layer compression dress
  • Made from nylon and spandex
  • 9 control zones
  • 4-way stretch
  • Anti-bacterial
  • Open bottom
pros

    Comfortable

    Full control

    Slims down by up to 5 inches

    Fights off odors

    Easy to use

    Doesn’t show under clothes

cons

    Results aren’t as good as expected

    Doesn’t have a lot of customer reviews

Cocoon ShapEager Faja Women Shapewear
3.2/5

Shapewear that helps you lose weight, not just hide your flaws while wearing it? Sounds almost too good to be true, but that’s exactly what this model from Cocoon promises. Its main part is made from latex, which increases your body temperature and makes you sweat off those extra inches. Unfortunately, we can’t tell for sure if this is true since it takes a lot of time to check that kind of claim.

But:

There are plenty of other advantages to using this shapewear. It cinches in your waist and lifts your bum. Its cotton and elastane lining makes sure you don’t sweat. And the adjustable straps will surely come in handy if you need to tighten or loosen it up a bit.

Here’s the deal:

We’ve found this model to be a bit too restricting in the thigh area. We’ve also read some reports on poor sizing, which is why you should check the dimensions before making your purchase.

Features

  • Made from latex
  • Thermal properties
  • Open bust
  • Cotton and elastane lining
  • Full control
  • Adjustable straps
pros

    Increases perspiration to stimulate slimming

    Can be worn with any bra

    Fights off sweat

    Lifts your bum

    Can be adjusted to different heights

cons

    Some customers have problems with sizing

    Not the best fit for thighs

Cocoon ShapEager Faja Women Shapewear Hip-Hugger Thermal Body Plus
3/5

Cocoon is a brand that boasts unique shapewear models. Their Hip-Hugger Bodysuit is extra special since it can actually moisturize and massage your skin while you’re wearing it. The fabric features grooves that put gentle pressure on your waist, creating relaxing movements. It also contains seaweed extract, the purpose of which is to nourish the skin which comes in contact with it.

But of course:

You’re not buying shapewear for those purposes, which is why you probably want to hear more about its shaping properties. This model gives you full control, meaning it cinches in your waist and lifts up your bum. It has adjustable straps, so you can modify the amount of control some more, depending on your height. It’s an open bust model that allows you to combine it with any bra in your closet.

However:

Before you make any final decisions, make sure to check the sizing chart. According to our research, not all customers are satisfied with how this product fits. It’s also a bit too tight in the thigh area for some who have tried it.

Features

  • Made from latex
  • Open bust
  • Infused with seaweed
  • Cotton and elastane lining
  • Full control
  • Grooves for skin massage
  • Adjustable straps
pros

    Can be combined with any bra

    Nourishes skin

    Fights off sweat

    Massages skin to improve softness

    Can be adjusted to fit any height

cons

    Poor sizing

    Too tight in thigh area

Buyer’s Guide to the Best Plus Size Shapewear

You’re searching for the best plus size shapewear on the market, but you’re confused and you don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, this is a common thing among women who are new to this type of product. We’re here to do all the work for you and provide tips on choosing both style and brand that fit your body shape and your personality. So here’s our quick guide that should help you get through the buying process.

What is shapewear exactly?

What is shapewear? It’s a type of undergarment that’s supposed to tighten up your body so that your figure looks slimmer and your muscles more toned. We know, it sounds awesome, especially for the majority of us who aren’t one hundred percent fit.

But wait:

This is only the beginning, since shapewear can change your appearance in just a few minutes. That is, in the amount of time needed for you to put it on and adjust it to fit your body. Also, all the models are made in a way that allows you to cover them up perfectly with whatever you’re wearing. So you get a better body without anyone noticing you’re wearing something to hide your flaws?

You could be saying:

That’s too good to be true. But that’s because we still haven’t mentioned any of the difficulties with choosing the right shapewear. The fact is that you can go wrong and end up with a product that will fit you poorly and won’t provide results. This is why you should go through the rest of this guide and by doing so, make sure you pick the right model and size.

Also:

Another thing that’s good to have in mind is the process of adjustment to wearing this type of undergarment. At first, your shapewear will probably feel too tight, but that’s just because its job is to squeeze you in a bit. It’s perfectly normal and not a reason to worry, although you should make sure you don’t buy the wrong size. But we’ll get back to that in a minute.

How often should you wear shapewear?

We all want to look our best, but it’s just as important to feel good in whatever we’re wearing. Shapewear can be worn every day, even to work and not just on special occasions. Many women do it like that without experiencing anything negative.

However:

Our research has shown that people sometimes go overboard, as in many other aspects of life. That’s why we think it’s good to emphasize how important it is to feel comfortable in your shapewear. If it’s bothering you in any way, stop wearing it so often and seriously consider replacing it. If you think the problem is one of poorly chosen size, go back to our sizing section and check detailed reviews for more information on each product.

Types of shapewear

According to Cosmopolitan, there are eight types of shapewear. Let’s go through them all so you can get a better idea of what exactly would suit your needs and preferences.

Here we go:

  1. Corsets are rigid pieces that cinch in your waist. They’re very similar to girdles, except they don’t cover your bum.
  2. Control camis look almost like regular shirts, but provide shaping and tightening of your breasts, waist, and stomach.
  3. Control pants look like high-waist panties and are an excellent choice for those looking to focus on their belly and waist.
  4. Control tights, unlike control pants, cover and shape your legs in full.
  5. Half slips look like mini-skirts and work on your stomach and bum at the same time.
  6. Body shapers are an all-in-one solution for the shaping of your breasts, stomach, waist, and even your bum, depending on the style.
  7. Singlets look like and do the job of a bodyshaper, but require wearing your own bra.
  8. Arm shapers, as the name itself suggests, cover and shape only your arms.

Those were the eight types of shapewear you can find in stores and online. Waist trainers might also be worth mentioning. Although they’re not technically shapewear, their purpose is to give you a slimmer waist. They can even provide long-term results, which is something you can read about here.

Now:

There are both upsides and downsides to every type of shapewear. According to our research, level of control is what makes the biggest difference. Maximum strength models are made to cinch you in, which is why they provide a lot of control in terms of appearance. Lightweight models, on the other hand, are just used to smooth out your curves so that your figure looks better. If you think you don’t need shapewear with maximum strength, go with lightweight or medium models instead.

It goes without saying:

Whatever you do, make sure you have all the information you need. That’s why you should check out our detailed reviews and learn more about the level of control your model offers before you decide to buy it.

What size should you choose?

Shapewear comes in all the different sizes you can find when buying clothes in general. But since its purpose is to make you look slimmer, a lot of women make the mistake of going for smaller sizes. According to WebMD, this should be avoided for two very simple reasons.

Number one – shapewear doesn’t work that way. You’re not supposed to buy the size you’d like to see yourself in, but your actual size. Shapewear that’s too small will only cause unsightly bulges, which is exactly what you’re trying to avoid.

Number two – by going down a size, you’ll cause yourself unnecessary discomfort and possibly even health issues. Your ideal shapewear should tighten things up, but not in a way that’s making you feel uncomfortable.

Here’s the deal:

Choosing the right size is one of the most important steps in buying good shapewear. In general, you’re supposed to pick size S if that’s what you normally buy. But since you’ll probably want to avoid mistakes caused by poor sizing and different models of the same type of shapewear, we’ve prepared a brief guide for this part of the process as well. You can find it in our Sizing And Caring For Your Shapewear section.

Detailed Reviews Of The Most Effective Plus Size Shapewear

THE WINNERS

Sizing And Caring For Your Shapewear

Shapewear is made to hide your flaws, but you need to choose the right size if you want it to do its job well. And if you want to make it last, you need to maintain it in a way that won’t destroy its elasticity. Here’s what we’ve found out about both of these issues and how to avoid them.

Making sure you get the right size

While doing our research, we’ve found that women make two mistakes when ordering their shapewear. The first one is getting the wrong size by accident, and the second one is doing the exact same thing on purpose. That’s why we thought it best to give you a couple of very important tips on sizing.

  1. Never go down a size. Honestly, this is the biggest mistake you can make. When it’s not right for you, shapewear doesn’t do its job properly. What’s even worse, wearing a size too small can only emphasize your flaws and cause ugly bulges.
  2. Take your body into consideration. Are you under a lot of stress or in the process of losing weight? If your weight isn’t quite stable at the moment of buying shapewear, you could end up with the wrong size. Consider getting back to it once you’re more relaxed and back to your normal routine.
  3. Always measure your waist and hips before deciding which size to order. These two measurements should be your guides when choosing your new shapewear. Make sure to compare them with the numbers in the sizing charts.
  4. Check customer reviews for potential sizing issues. The more information you have, the smarter you can make your decisions. Of course, you can do this part yourself, but you can also check our detailed reviews to see if we’ve done your work for you.

Prolonging the life of your shapewear

Caring for your shapewear in the best possible way can make it last a lot longer than usual. Your biggest concern here will be making sure you don’t damage the materials by treating them too aggressively.

You could be asking:

Why shouldn’t I treat shapewear the same as I treat my other clothes? Well, the main purpose of this type of undergarment is to cinch you in and in turn make you look slimmer. This couldn’t be done without the elastic materials that are used in the production of shapewear. And we all know that even the stretchiest materials lose their elasticity with time and repeated use.

Now:

You can do a lot to prevent this from happening in the first place. What you’ll need to do actually involves careful washing of your shapewear. Here are some tips that should help you treat this type of clothes in just the right way.

  1. Always check the tag before washing your shapewear for the first time. There are big differences in materials and production processes, and you can’t be aware of them all. Luckily, the tags never lie when it comes to the right way to treat a clothing item.
  2. If your shapewear is machine-washable, make sure to use only the gentle cycle. Washing machines can be rough on your clothes, especially when you set them to higher temperatures. That’s why it’s wise to use the gentlest cycle whenever there’s a chance you’ll damage an item.
  3. If you’re not supposed to (or simply don’t want to) wash your shapewear in your washing machine, use lukewarm water and mild detergents. Don’t ever use hot water because it will mess with the elasticity of the fabric. And avoid using detergents with harsh cleaning agents for the same reason. Once you’re done soaking your shapewear, rub it gently between your fingers to help the dirt come off.
  4. Never dry your shapewear in a drying machine. It’s something we don’t like to hear because using drying machines is so convenient, but they damage sensitive fabrics. That’s why you should always let your more elastic and fragile pieces air dry.
  5. Never expose your shapewear to direct sunlight. Harsh sunlight is known for weakening certain materials. If you don’t want your new bodysuit to become rigid and uncomfortable, keep it away from the sun.
  6. Don’t wash your shapewear too often. Of course, you shouldn’t wear something after it gets dirty – it’s both unhygienic and uncomfortable. But keep in mind that, when it comes to this type of clothes, less is more. You’ll surely manage – it’s only a matter of finding a balance between washing your bodysuit after each use and doing it once in a blue moon.

Last but not least

Getting the best plus size shapewear takes some time and patience. You need to pick a style that best suits your needs and then make sure you’ve got the right size. This is because your shapewear should be tight enough to cinch you in, but not enough to make you feel any kind of discomfort. If you get these two things right, you’ll definitely end up with a great product.

But wait:

You might have some insight into this topic that would be valuable to other readers. What do you think matters the most when it comes to shapewear? We’d be thrilled to hear your thoughts.

SPANX Women's Plus Size Power Conceal-Her

Tighten up your body in a matter of seconds – it’s as easy as putting on clothes. Hiding imperfections is a lot simpler when you have the best plus size shapewear working on improving your figure.

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SPANX Plus Size Oncore Firm Control Open-Bust Bodysuit

Tighten up your body in a matter of seconds – it’s as easy as putting on clothes. Hiding imperfections is a lot simpler when you have the best plus size shapewear working on improving your figure.

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Plus Size Medium Control High-Waist Thigh Slimmer

Tighten up your body in a matter of seconds – it’s as easy as putting on clothes. Hiding imperfections is a lot simpler when you have the best plus size shapewear working on improving your figure.

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Frequently asked questions

Does shapewear really work?

If you need to improve your looks in just a few days, but you don't want to commit to some exhausting diet, shapewear is the way to go. With the right kind, you can wear your favorite pair of jeans or a dress that just didn't fit you before. Shapewear doesn’t work magic, but it uses technology and fabrics that can hide some of the flaws you don't want other people to see.

What level of control do I need?

There are several levels of control when it comes to shapewear. There are models with light control, medium control, and maximum control. If you need shapewear to work only on certain areas of your body, you can try lightweight shapewear with low level of control. If you don’t think you’ll be satisfied with anything less than the shaping of your entire body, opt for shapewear with maximum level of control.

How do I choose sizes?

Measure yourself and check the numbers you get against the sizing chart of each product you’re considering buying. Whatever you do, don't go with smaller sizes, thinking you’ll get better and faster results. This can cause discomfort, pain, and even unwanted health issues.

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