19 examples of the best shapewear to define curves, tested and loved by experts

Marks & Spencer has some of the best shapewear on the market, so it's no wonder that this Body DefineFirm Control Bodysuit is our top choice. We love that you can keep your go-to bra and tuck in your tummy and hips all in one. Hundreds of reviews state that this bodysuit is comfortable, versatile and durable - with one reviewer even claiming it was a 'godsend'. So, it's really no surprise that this has been rated our favourite choice.

With over 40,000 (!) ratings, over half of which are five-star reviews, the SHAPERX Shapewear for Women Tummy Control bodysuit is a well-loved option as the best tummy control shapewear. This body shaper includes hooks and zips that pull in the tummy and waist. Best of all, reviewers state that it's also comfortable to wear while offering a good amount of compression.

Hearing so much about SKIMS, we decided to put its Seamless Sculpt Brief Bodysuit to the test. Boy, if SKIMS does anything right, it's shapewear. Kim's got it sussed. It sucked in my belly the perfect amount, smoothing out my figure without it being uncomfortable. It feels super plush against the skin and works so well stand-alone as a bodysuit on a night out. If you're looking for a shapewear bodysuit, this really is the best on the market, and it does the job whilst actually looking good.

Not everyone wants super firm control - we get it. So here's the John Lewis Tessa Light Control Slip as a comfortable, smoothing alternative. This is the best shapewear dress that contours to your curves and offers some support underneath your dresses. And hey, we don't hate the black option as a LBD, either. After all, it comes with a built-in bra and flattering v-neckline, so why not, right? An incredibly versatile option that's made it the best shapewear dress on our list, reviewers love that 'it smooths out lumps and bumps'.

Donning shapewear as a standalone outfit for a night out has been made trendy by the Kardashians, making it fitting to feature the renowned SKIMS Soft Lounge Slip Dress. This stylish shapewear piece is offered in six chic colours and a size range from XXS to 4X, so it's not only a fashionable wardrobe staple - but incredibly comfortable (and with loads of choice, too). This shapewear dress can truly do it all, and thousands of fans of this dress say it's the most flattering thing they own.

If you're looking for high compression to smooth out your tummy, waist and hips, look no further than M&S's Body Define Firm Control Bodysuit. Available in both nude and black colours, this bodysuit offers control, definition and excellent fit. With a total of 262 reviews, customers loved how comfortable it is and the smooth fit it gives under dresses, but some would like it to be more firm fitting. One reviewer even said that it just "snatches you in in all the right places".

Oh, Spanx - What would we do without you? Our top pick for the best shapewear top is, of course, their Thinstincts Camisole Top. Perfect under vests and blouses for a smooth feel, this sculpting camisole from Spanx is lightweight enough for every day, with the same effective results every time. One reviewer dubbed it a 'confidence booster', and finds it supportive without being restrictive.

We were delighted to try Shapermint's All Day Every Day Scoop Neck Cami and it comes recommended by our tester, Jodie. She states that it's 'easy to pull on, has breathable compressive fabric that pulls in your tummy, and can be worn with or without a bra.' Speaking as someone with a 38D bust, she says she 'didn't feel uncomfortable without a bra on, and that makes wearing clothes so much more comfortable'. All in all, it is a highly recommended top that makes a great choice for the everyday.

So you've got your shapewear, but suddenly you're now faced with the dreaded VPL. You need a shapewear thong. Lucky for you, H&M has found the perfect solution with these ingenious 2-Pack Shaping Thongs. With the price this low for a two-pack, this is a no-brainer, best value purchase. Customers have commented on this popular pick, saying they have a great fit with a good amount of tummy support. We're sold.

Looking for a quick shapewear fix on Amazon? Shapermint, a brand celebrated on the platform for its shapewear wonders, offers tummy control knickers that seamlessly smooth from tummy to waist. Known for their durability and longevity, these knickers are also hassle-free when it comes to putting them on and taking them off according to reviewers.

As 'shapewear's biggest fan', our shopping editor, Aimee, confessed her love for the Spanx Everyday Seamless Shaping Shorts. 'This Spanx pair is one I reach for time and time again - my non-negotiable for any evening dress', she says. 'Not only do they accentuate your waist and flatten your tummy (especially ideal for those not-quite-tight-enough frocks), they are also surprisingly comfortable and help me feel secure as I dance the night away. ' It's easy to see why this popular pair has been dubbed our favourite pair of shapewear shorts.

When Honeylove labels its shapewear shorts as "SuperPower," they aren't exaggerating. These highly-rated shapewear shorts combine targeted tummy control shapewear technology with flexible boning to prevent any roll-down issues. Possibly the best shapewear for the tummy, waist and back, this pair of shorts has range. Not just that, but in its offering of colours and sizes, too. Reviewers love its ability to shape the body under an evening gown, perfect for an occasion.

Not only is the Delimira Women's Tummy Control Shapewear available in a variety of 'nude' shade options, but its sizing runs to a 28, making it a brill option for ladies after the best plus size shapewear - and also comes in sizes 10-16, as well. Made of ultra-stretch, lightweight and breathable material it provides all-day smoothing and sweat-free comfort, which reviewers absolutely loved.

Check out our pick of the best shapewear leggings from M&S. These Magic Shaping High Waisted Leggings are just that - magic. The stretch fabric pulls you in, while clever stitching lifts your bottom for a sculpted silhouette. Hooray for pert bums! The substantial waistband also ensures firm support for your waist and tummy, offering a light level of control, all while being a versatile piece in your wardrobe. These really are some of the best shapewear leggings about, with fans of the leggings in agreement.

These budget-friendly JOYSPELS High-Waisted Leggings are crafted to ensure you look effortlessly snatched during your gym sessions or running errands in the day to day. Yep, they're that versatile. In addition to the reliable tummy control waist, these leggings feature a Y-line design, providing the illusion of longer legs and allowing for enhanced flexibility in your movements. One happy customer commented that they're 'really comfy with great tummy control'. Need we say more?

A proud member of the official SKIMS Shapewear collection, these Seamless Sculpt High-Waisted Leggings are the G.O.A.T. Offering targeted compression for shaping and sculpting, they not only lift your butt but also provide effective thigh control and compression at the waist too. These popular leggings have pulled in the reviews, with one stating that they really 'snatch your waist'.

Much like every SKIMS collection, the swimwear line offers pieces that complement every body and shape. We love this zip front sleeveless one piece, and so do the reviews - stating that it smooths and shapes the body whilst allowing for a tasteful amount of boob-ige, which is always important. It's only wise, then, that this swimsuit - that 'holds everything in' and offers a sculpted fit - has made it to the top spot.

A tummy control swimsuit from Marks and Spencer finds a new owner every two minutes, attesting to its exceptional quality. The brand has introduced its own groundbreaking Magic 360° Tummy Control technology, ensuring these swimsuits are remarkably flattering around the tummy, making it the best tummy control shapewear swimsuit on our list. Reviewers can only agree, saying that this swimsuit feels 'secure' and looks 'flattering'.

Explore H&M's collection of shaping swimsuits designed to snugly embrace the waist, providing a secure and pulled-in feel. It features chest inserts that shape and support the bust, although these are fully removable if need be. Therefore, it's a great option for those with a bigger bust who are looking for some support. These swimsuits are available in two adorable stripe patterns (a majority of the colours are currently sold out!). On the popular swimsuit, a customer said, 'it holds you in in all the right places', so we're adding it to our basket immediately.