There is, however, scientific evidence to show wearing too-tight garments for too long can create digestive problems. How do I choose shapewear? If you're looking to sculpt your thighs, hips, tummy, and bum, you'll want one piece of shapewear that does it all rather than wearing separate pieces of shapewear. This way, it'll look more natural and there won't be any tell-tale bulges. How much control do you need? - From light to firm control, how much shaping and smoothing are you trying to achieve? Medium control pants will provide a smooth silhouette but may be less effective at flattening tummy fat. Firm control can feel quite fitted if you’re not used to them, so consider how long you intend to wear them. Key specs – Control level: Firm; Material: Polyamide 61%, elastane 39%; Machine wash: Yes (40C); Sizes available: 9 (8-24); Colours available: 2

Key specs – Control level: Light; Material: Elastane 54%, polyamide 46% (plus cotton gusset); Machine wash: Yes (40°C); Sizes available: 8 (8-22); Colours available: 2 SOMETIMES we need an extra hand to feel our best selves. The best shapewear enhances your figure, making you feel confident, sexy and ready to take on anything, without being too restrictive or uncomfortable.

Best. Styles. Ever. (but don’t just take our word for it...)

We were a little concerned to begin with, as the shorts appeared to be far too small for us we tried to wiggle into them. However, you'd be amazed at how nicely they fit once you do get them on. Plus, the tight fit is a key component to the slimming effect that you're after. Our tester has an average-sized chest and found they were able to go braless with this bodysuit. However, if you've been blessed with a larger chest you may want to tighten up the adjustable shoulder straps and double up with a supportive bra. If the main area you're looking to sculpt is the bum, tummy and thighs, all you need is a simple pair of shapewear shorts like these ones from Very's new Everybody range. They promise to lift, support and control your shape while smoothing the silhouette and making you look slimmer, and we can confirm that this is exactly what they do. The biggest difference we noticed with this bodysuit was that it made our waist look smaller and had a more seamless overall slimming effect because there were no gaps in our underwear. The Shape Away Body from Miraclesuit is a great choice if you want more support than traditional briefs but aren’t a fan of thigh-skimming shorts. This ultra-firm body isn’t for the faint of heart though – the fabric and slimming cut provide more compression than most – and Miraclesuit recommends sizing up if you’re not used to firm shapewear. The results are worth it, however, helping to define your torso and nip in your tummy, waist and hips.

The clever 'anti-uniboob' technology ensures that your boobs stay separate and supported, and since the bodysuits are available in up to size 5X (a UK dress size 34), ladies with larger chests may feel comfortable enough to go braless too. Controlling camisoles - perfect to help control your tummy; controlling tights/shorts - can be worn under dresses and skirts to shape your bum and thighs; corsets - on-trend garments used to make your waist appear smaller while shaping your tummy," she explains. "Body shapers - a full-coverage shaper that shapes your torso and your breasts; control pants - a great option for cinching your tummy and streamlining your waist; salf slips - perfect if you want to wear a mini dress or skirt, they shape your waist, tummy, and thighs; dress slips - like a half slip, a dress slip is great to wear underneath a mini dress and provides full support from the bust to the hips." Why does shapewear roll down? It clings to your whole body in the best way, cut from an ultra-soft stretch fabric, with a U shaped support in-between the cups that holds them well in place.

What are the best shapewear brands?

Shapewear is designed to make everything look smooth and is worn underneath clothes, such as dresses and tight trousers, but it won't create permanent changes. Colours - Consider the colour of your shapewear which you could match to compliment either the outfit or your skin tone. Some shapewear brands offer more variety of skin tone shades than others. Shapewear comes in a brilliant variety of skin-matched tones these days, so opt for something similar to your complexion for a completely natural look under light or sheer clothing. This means that there's no big gap in your underwear and no random bulges where shapewear stops, leading to a smooth, seamless silhouette. In other words, you won't be able to tell you have shapewear on, especially because the fabric is mostly seamless.

Rich says that the best way to stop shapewear from rolling down is to shop for the correct size. Pretty straightforward. Can you wear shapewear everyday? Much like the brand's shorts from the Everybody range, the bodysuit has become a real staple in our wardrobe. This one is really easy to get in to, but has just as much sculpting power on the stomach area. Pros: Comfortable, easy to get on, can replace the need for a bra, adjustable straps, poppers, available in 4 different sizes If you want a piece of shapewear that you can wear with almost any dress in your wardrobe — strapless or otherwise — you'll be a fun of this one from Pour Moi.Pros: High-waisted (but not ultra high-waisted), firm hold, seamless, short enough to wear a mini dress When I wear this shapewear I feel and look slimmer and my tummy looks flatter, but it's so lightweight that I don't feel bulky or as if I have a lot of architecture going on under my clothes. It's truly perfectly designed. Which company has the best shapewear?