Fit: "A flattering sleeveless design, it is smooth enough under clothing to offer a contouring fit that gently smoothed my silhouette without heavy constricting. It's not the firmest of shapewear pieces, but if you simply want a streamlined look, reducing lumps and bumps, it's a great choice - and price friendly too." The best shapewear pieces are there to create a strong and contoured shape for the outfit you're going to wear on top. In the same way you wouldn't build a house without laying the correct foundations to support it, to get the most stylish of finishes to your look, you need to make sure you've selected the correct undergarments. From the best shapewear to the best bras and briefs, these items will ensure your curves are supported and essentially in the 'correct place', as the appropriate uplift will make your clothes sit properly against your body. Over the years shapewear has received a bad rap, often associated with the idea of 'dropping a dress size', but that's not what shapewear is there for at all. Think of the best plus size shapewear as a natural curve enhancer rather than something there to alter your physicality. Closure: Some bodysuits are pull-on, which means you step into them as you would a one-piece bathing suit. They’re simple to put on but a little inconvenient to take off, especially when you need to use the restroom, Constantine explains. Other styles have a snap bottom that can be undone with ease, and snap bottom styles can be made adjustable with multiple rows of snaps available to shorten or lengthen the fit.

Want to smooth cellulite or lift your bum? There are plenty of shapewear options for your lower half, whether you fancy a streamlining brief, seamless leggings, or shorts.Many of these pieces will be made of super smoothing fabric that will gently contour you and offer great support to your shape. Quality of materials: "As one might expect from Spanx, the quality of the fabric is gorgeous, made of breathable microfibre fabric, the tank has bonded armholes and hem for extra comfort and a seamless wear, and is elastic-free, which means no annoying pinching. It slips on smoothly and does the job it's meant to."Light compression (light control): This is the right option for you if you’re shopping for shapewear to wear under your work clothes or have specific body parts that you want to smooth out regularly. For the most support, opt for a functional bodysuit with strong underwire and lined cups. To ensure optimal fit, chose a bodysuit with specific cup sizes, as opposed to those that come in traditional size ranges (i.e., Small, Medium, Large). If you’re less concerned with support, or prefer a more natural look and feel, try a bodysuit with flexible underwire and unlined cups, for a softer feel. Compression Double Layer Pressure: Achieve healthy shaping with the double-layer pressure technology that slims your tummy and promotes a sexy body silhouette.

Great for defining your figure, a plus-size shaping bodysuit is great for smoothing and contouring your figure from thigh to bust line. Either crafted with or without a built in bra. If you usually wear the best bras for larger busts, you may prefer to go with a body without a built in bra as they don't always offer enough support to heavier busts. Do you want support around your middle? If its a more contoured waistline you're after, look for pieces that come up high, past your waist line. This could be shaping shorts or briefs, but it also could take the form of a body that will support the whole of your middle and help to create an hourglass silhouette. Quality of materials: "Seamless, this tank is ideal for everyday wear and can be worn as an undergarment, hidden beneath clothes or as a top alone or slotted under a cardigan. It's breathable and comfortable, making it a joy to wear." Available in seven different colors and in sizes XS to 5XL, Kim Kardashian's SKIMS brand is one of the most inclusive shapewear and lingerie brands on the market and one of the best plus size shapewear brands thanks to its extensive size range, that fits up to a size 26. Hot on technological fabrics, the brand manipulates fabric with a tights-like aesthetic for shapewear with great stretch that will still contour your shape.In a neutral beige hue, this curve control slip from Yours Clothing features adjustable straps, a smoothing tummy control panel, comfortable jersey fabric, and no built-in bra so you can wear your own - for ultimate versatility, comfort and of course, the best bra uplift. Smoothing and sculpting, this slip dress has a super firm hold which is perfect for wearing with body contouring dresses, skirts, and fitted tops. The skirt part of the slip is a little shorter, which may not be suitable if you want upper thigh support or compression, but is brilliant if you're wearing a shorter hemline. For complete shapewear novices looking for the best overall, everyday support, SPANX’s Power Series Higher Power Short is a winner. SPANX as a brand brought shapewear to the masses, and really changed how we saw and thought about shapewear in the modern era. SPANX has paid its dues when it comes to developing outstanding shapewear that smooths and shapes and they have even carried this no how through into creating jeans and leggings too. So, whether you're looking for a shapewear dress to wear as your actual outfit or require some tummy control pants to wear under that dress for your pal's wedding, we've covered all bases with our list of the best shapewear available right now. Closer's best shapewear at a glance:

Quality of materials: "With a good amount of stretch, this tank does cling but delivers on a lightly sculpting fit. Though there was no heavy compression I could see and feel the gentle smoothing it offered, which is ideal for everyday, although for formal occasions, or particularly bodycon items you may want to opt for a firm shapewear option."

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Style and attractiveness: "SKIMS is shapewear with a fashion twist and this tank top looks and feels great, easily passing as a tank top for everyday wear." Best plus-size slips A simple way to work out which shapewear is right for you is to first think about why you're looking for shapewear. Is it for everyday wear? If so, which parts are you looking to sculpt. If it's for under a particular outfit, you'll need to think about the specific requirements of that garment, how it sits on your body and where you feel you require extra support. Quality of materials: "With a lovely soft handle, I love that they have ensured the gusset of the briefs is 100% cotton for breathability. It's these little details of form, function and cost that set M&S apart from its rivals."