7 best shapewear pieces that support and define your curves

Let’s all agree, trying on shapewear isn’t the most fun of activities, with all that wriggling and breathing in. Howevet, discovering Heist’s highlight shorts during our trials almost made it all worth it. These glided on (compared with others we tried), and felt extremely secure once in place.

Firm but not too tight, the shorts leave you feeling supported in all the right places, while still being able to move – and breathe – comfortably, which is always a plus. Body-contouring panels smooth thighs and hips, while flattening the lower stomach, cinching in the waist at the top and lifting the bottom. The second-skin material moulds to you, with a seamless free-cut edge for zero VPL, and certainly no thigh bulge. Plus, there’s a no-slip waistband, to avoid any dreaded rolling.

There are two colour options: almond and black (which you could probably even wear as cycling shorts during the morning coffee run). Plus, they’re breathable, with 20,000 laser perforations in the fabric to stop you from getting all hot and bothered. They’re great all-rounders that you can throw on under a huge range of outfits whenever you need that extra little confidence boost.

We all know how dependable M&S is for lingerie (if you don’t, where have you been hiding? And what underwear have you been wearing?), so it’s hardly a surprise it has made it into our line-up. These firm-control knickers do exactly what they say on the label – a great option if you want to try out the world of shapewear to see if it’s for you.

There’s no VPL, so you can throw them on under anything, which makes them great for everyday wear. Most importantly, the firm control panelling at the front does a great job of holding you in. They’re comfortable despite the high level of support and, going up to a size 24, they make a great plus-size option. You can always count on M&S.

These mid-waist briefs are super light, flexible and, most importantly, comfortable. The wide size range is a huge plus, as well as the fact there are 10 different shades to choose from.

We tried these under everything during testing – from dresses to suits and jeans – and can vouch for how easily they slip into your wardrobe and make everything look just that little bit better. We’d say they’re more medium than firm control – they’re designed to enhance your shape rather than dramatically change it. If you’re looking for a great balance of comfort and support, they get our vote.

After shapewear that does the job, still makes you feel sexy and doesn’t get in the way of clothes? The answer is to invest in this piece of magic. Yes, it’s expensive, but for the feel-good factor it brings, we think it’s worth it. Of course, Spanx has a reputation for being the best and there’s a reason for that. The original shapewear brand has been perfecting its technology for more than 20 years, so it remains hard to beat.

You’ll have to squeeze into this one but, once it’s up, it’s incredibly smoothing all over, and very comfortable as shapewear goes. Features include five-way convertible and detachable straps for halter-neck and racerback options; additional clear straps and a hook-and-eye back for extra support. Meanwhile, a thoughtfully designed double gusset opening is not to be under-appreciated in a restaurant or bar toilet situation.

The lightly padded cups provide excellent lift and support in place of a bra, although – full disclosure – our tester is only an A cup. From delving into online reviews, it sounds like the oncore mid-thigh super firm shaping bodysuit (£92, Next.co.uk) may be better suited to larger busts (D and over), while still having impressive comfort and shaping features.

Self-conscious about your arms? In need of some upper-body streamlining? There’s no one that does bodies better than Skims (thanks, Kim). Acting like a second skin that hugs you in all the right places, this thong bodysuit is very comfortable. If you have a long-sleeved crew-neck dress or top, it would sit invisibly underneath it.

With a hugely inclusive size range, this style works for every body, moulding to your shape and, well, just making it look better – which is what we all want from our shapewear, right? Although there’s no panelling here and the fabric is quite light, the body feels surprisingly supportive and produces great slimming results, especially on the arms. The seamless design is super flattering, and unless you’re desperate for extra lift, you shouldn’t need to wear a bra with this – that’s how supported we felt.

If you’re feeling like you need a little extra support for your bump, these Spanx maternity shapewear shorts offer just that, without any restrictive feeling. The high-rise waistline goes over and above the bump with a non-compression area at the front that grows with you, and nice firm support in the rear to help with any lower-back pain. The shorts feel like a thick tights material, so there’s no sucking in needed, but they do give a great lift on the bum and smoothing support around the thighs – perfect for a pick-me-up if you’re ever feeling particularly self-conscious in an outfit.

Made from the same material as its super comfortable tights, Heist’s contour bodysuit is a dream to wear. Designed to give medium, even compression in all the right places, it creates a flattering and seamless silhouette underneath clothes, with adjustable straps ensuring the perfect fit.

Subtly enhancing cleavage, thanks to the flexible knit cups that mould to your size (you could forgo a bra with this suit), it cinches you in at the waist while smoothing your torso. Supportive yet not constrictive, the sleek design will give you a layer of confidence underneath clothes.