Shapewear is the not-so-secret wardrobe weapon of women everywhere. Ideal for wearing underneath fitted and slinky clothes, it’s not just us mere mortals who call on shapewear for smoothing and firming. Beyoncé, Chrissy Teigan and the Kardashians are all fans of the versatile undergarment.
If you’re wondering how shapewear works, the garments are carefully constructed from figure-hugging materials and considered seam placement and panelling to compress and smooth the figure.
There are many shapewear styles to consider when outfit planning, including waist-control underwear, sculpting slip dresses, body suits and thigh shapers.
If you’re looking for shapewear that flattens your stomach and really works, here are our recommended brands, including the iconic Kim Kardashian-created Skims and the revolutionary Spanx.
The best shapewear brands in NZ to shop now
Honey Love
Honey Love was founded by Betsie Larkin, who spent years touring the world as a vocalist. Desiring to feel confident on stage, she set out to create structured, sweat-wicking shapewear that cinched the body in all the right places and didn’t roll down.
From compression sculpting shorts (with boning so they stay up) to lifting bodysuits, Honey Love’s versatile silhouettes (in an array of nude shades) are ideal for even the most intricate outfits. Sized from XS to 4X, this is shapewear for every body.
Skims
Kim Kardashian’s Skims is touted as the holy grail of shapewear. Its size-inclusive styles provide a variety of shaping support (from ultra light to extra strong), and target all parts of the body from the arms and back to thighs and tummy.
The shapewear is available in various nudes to suit most skin tones, and its seam-free construction enhances your body’s natural shape. If you’re after shapewear to fit under a slinky, body-hugging dress, Skims is for you.
Farfetch
Shop a variety of innovative shapewear brands at Farfetch, including Spanx and Wolford.
Our favourites? Wolford’s sheer shorts are ideal for wearing under floaty summer dresses, and Spanx’s low-cut bodysuits with padded cups are perfect for plunging necklines.
The Iconic
Browse a great range of shapewear styles from brands like Nancy Ganz, Spanx and Miraclesuit Shapewear. You’ve got to try Miraclesuit Shapewear’s shaping briefs for the ultimate in tummy-smoothing. If you’re prone to overheating, Nancy Ganz’ garments made from breathable bamboo yarns are well suited to the scorching Kiwi summer.
Cotton On
Not only is Cotton On’s shapewear affordable, but its core-shaping bodysuits offer excellent wire-free bust support. The brand’s low-back bralettes are our first choice for occasion dressing, and its seamless G string and bikini briefs, while not strictly shapewear, are perfectly constructed, meaning no visible panty line.
ASOS
Affordable and well-loved, you’ll find everything from contouring shorts to shaping long-sleeve bodysuits at ASOS. The fashion retailer offers shapewear in various black and nude tones to suit all skin colours and outfits. We rate the Bye Bra high waist contour shaping briefs, a shapewear classic that hugs the body for a smooth and sculpted look.
Marks and Spencer
Iconic British retailer Marks and Spencer produces a great range of affordable and effective shapewear. From firming strapless bodysuits with underwiring to moisture-wicking garments that promise maximum breathability, your dream shapewear is just a click away from becoming a reality.
City Chic
Enhance your silhouette with City Chic’s affordable body-shaping undergarments for plus-sized figures. City Chic’s shapewear has all the essentials, from low-plunge bodysuits to high-waisted G-string briefs that feature superior tummy-smoothing control.
