Shapewear has come a long way. Gone are the days of uncomfortable, restrictive bodysuits that cut off circulation and spent the whole day rolling down. Today's shapewear for women is engineered to sculpt, smooth, lift, and support — comfortably, invisibly, and effectively.
But with so many styles, compression levels, and brands on the market, knowing where to start can be overwhelming. This complete buying guide to shapewear covers everything: types, sizing, compression levels, what to wear for different occasions, and how to pick the best shapewear for your body and your goals.
At Ourglax, we believe every woman deserves shapewear that works as hard as she does. Explore our full shapewear collection — from bestselling shapewear bodysuits and tummy control underwear to waist trainers, butt lifting shapewear, and plus size shapewear — all in one place.
Let's dive in.
What Is Shapewear?
Shapewear is a category of fitted undergarment designed to compress, smooth, and reshape the body's silhouette under clothing. A good body shaper for women can:
- Smooth and flatten the tummy
- Lift and enhance the bottom
- Slim and define the waist
- Smooth the hips and thighs
- Improve posture
- Create a seamless base layer under fitted clothing
Modern shapewear ranges from light, everyday smoothers to firm control shapewear and extreme tummy control shapewear used for special occasions or postpartum recovery. The right style depends entirely on your body, your outfit, and the level of shaping you need.
Types of Shapewear: A Complete Breakdown
1. Shapewear Bodysuits
A shapewear bodysuit is the most versatile and popular style in the category. It covers the torso from bust to hip in a single garment, eliminating visible lines and delivering all-over smoothing.
Key variations include:
- Tummy control bodysuit — reinforced front panels targeting the stomach
- Thong shapewear bodysuit — thong cut to eliminate VPL under fitted clothing
- Strapless shapewear bodysuit — perfect under off-shoulder or strapless outfits
- Open bust shapewear — allows you to wear your own bra
- Low back shapewear bodysuit — backless design for low-back dresses and tops
The Ourglax Sculpt Tube One Piece Shapewear and Strapless Tube Bodysuit Shapewear are bestselling examples — combining firm tummy control and butt lifting in a seamless, strapless design.
2. Shapewear Shorts
Shapewear shorts sit from the waist to mid-thigh, smoothing the tummy, hips, and thighs simultaneously. They're one of the most wearable everyday options — comfortable enough for long days and versatile enough for almost any outfit.
Look for high waisted shapewear shorts for maximum tummy coverage, and seamless shapewear construction for an invisible finish under skirts, trousers, or dresses. The High Waist Tummy Control Butt Lifter Shape Shorts from Ourglax add butt lifting to the mix — making them the most efficient option for women who want everything in one.
3. Waist Trainers & Waist Cinchers
A waist trainer for women or waist cincher targets the midsection specifically, applying firm compression to define and slim the waist over time. These are popular for:
- Creating an hourglass silhouette
- Postpartum waist recovery
- Wearing during workouts as a waist trimmer
- Daily waist shaping under clothing
The key difference: a waist cincher is typically worn as a shapewear undergarment, while a waist trainer is often used as part of a longer-term waist reduction routine. A waist corset sits somewhere between the two — firmer and more structured than a cincher.
Ourglax offers dedicated waist cincher shapewear, plus size waist trainers, and the best waist trainer for womenacross multiple styles — including options for everyday wear and workout use.
4. Tummy Control Underwear
Tummy control underwear is the most discreet entry point into shapewear. These are everyday briefs, thongs, or high-waisted knickers with reinforced front panels that smooth and flatten the stomach without the full commitment of a bodysuit.
Great for daily wear, they sit under almost anything and deliver consistent, comfortable tummy control. Pair with a waist cincher or shapewear shorts for enhanced results. The Ourglax Padded High Waist Tummy Control Shapewear Pantstake this concept further — adding butt padding and butt lifting into a high-waisted brief.
5. Full Body Shapewear
Full body shapewear covers everything from bust to thigh (or knee) in a single garment — the most comprehensive shaping option available. It's ideal for:
- Fitted gowns or formal wear
- Postpartum recovery
- Maximum smoothing and compression
- Women who want all-over sculpting without layering multiple pieces
The Ourglax Fajas Colombianas Postpartum Shapewear is the gold standard here — nearly 10,000 reviews and designed for maximum full body sculpting in a single garment.
6. Butt Lifting Shapewear
Butt lifting shapewear uses strategic panelling — and sometimes butt pads or hip pads — to lift, round, and enhance the bottom. Unlike regular smoothing shapewear, butt lifting styles are designed to add visible shape rather than simply compress.
Options include:
- Butt enhancing shapewear with contoured back panels
- Padded shapewear with built-in butt pads
- Shapewear with butt pads that add volume and lift simultaneously
- Butt enhancing underwear for everyday subtle lift
The X Shape High Waist Butt Lift Pants are Ourglax's dedicated butt lifting solution — engineered specifically for maximum rear-end enhancement while controlling the tummy from the front.
Compression Levels Explained
Not all shapewear is created equal. Here's what the compression levels mean in practice:
| Level | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Gentle smoothing, everyday comfort | Daily wear, casual outfits |
| Moderate | Visible smoothing and mild shaping | Smart-casual occasions |
| Firm | Strong compression, visible sculpting | Evenings out, fitted clothing |
| Extra/Extreme Firm | Maximum control, medical-grade compression | Formal events, postpartum |
Seamless shapewear and comfortable shapewear for daily wear typically sits in the light-to-moderate range. The best tummy control shapewear for special occasions reaches firm or extra firm. Fajas Colombianas and body shaping bodysuits from Ourglax deliver firm-to-extreme compression.
How to Choose Shapewear by Body Concern
Tummy & Stomach
Go for high waisted shapewear, a tummy control bodysuit, or extreme tummy control shapewear with reinforced front panels. The Ourglax Fajas Colombianas is the top pick for serious stomach shapewear.
Waist
Choose a waist cincher, waist trainer for women, or waist corset for targeted waist definition.
Bottom & Hips
Look for butt lifting shapewear, butt enhancing underwear, or padded shapewear with built-in hip pads and butt pads. The Ourglax X Shape Butt Lift Pants and Padded High Waist Shorts are the best options.
Thighs
Shapewear shorts that extend to mid-thigh smooth and firm without a visible hemline. The longer the short, the more coverage. Compression shapewear shorts with firm bands work best.
Full Silhouette
Full body shapewear or a slimming bodysuit with full-torso coverage is the most efficient solution for all-over sculpting. Combine with a waist cincher for even more definition.
How to Choose Shapewear for Different Occasions
Everyday Wear
Reach for comfortable shapewear with light-to-moderate compression — seamless shapewear underwear, tummy control underwear, or shapewear shorts that can be worn all day without discomfort.
Fitted Dresses & Formal Occasions
A strapless shapewear bodysuit or thong shapewear bodysuit with firm compression is the go-to. Look for open bust shapewear if you need to wear your own bra, or a low back shapewear bodysuit for backless styles.
Jeans & Trousers
High waisted shapewear shorts or tummy control underwear sit seamlessly under high-waisted bottoms, controlling the tummy without adding bulk.
Under Athleisure or Activewear
A waist trimmer or waist cincher works during exercise. Look for breathable, seamless shapewear construction that moves with you.
Postpartum
Full body shapewear or Fajas Colombianas with firm-to-extra-firm compression support postpartum recovery. The Ourglax Fajas Colombianas Postpartum Bodysuit was specifically designed for this purpose.
How to Size Yourself for Shapewear
Getting the right size is everything. Shapewear that's too small digs in and rolls; too large and it won't hold its shape.
Step 1: Measure your waist at the narrowest point (usually just above the belly button).
Step 2: Measure your hips at the widest point.
Step 3: Measure your bust if you're buying a bodysuit.
Step 4: Check the brand's size guide. Sizing varies between brands — always go by measurements, not clothing size.
Step 5: Consider compression. If you're between sizes and want firmer control, size down. If you need comfort for all-day wear, stick to your measured size.
For plus size shapewear, always check the brand's dedicated plus size range. Ourglax carries a full plus size body shaper range — read our complete guide to the best shapewear for plus size women for everything you need to know.
Shapewear Care Tips
To keep your body shaper for women performing at its best:
- Hand wash or use a delicate machine cycle — heat breaks down the elastic fibres
- Use cold water — never hot
- Avoid tumble drying — air dry flat or hanging to maintain shape
- Don't wring or twist — press gently to remove excess water
- Rotate between pieces — wearing the same shapewear daily reduces lifespan
- Store flat or folded — not scrunched at the bottom of a drawer
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear shapewear every day? Yes — as long as you choose comfortable shapewear with appropriate compression for daily wear. Light-to-moderate compression seamless shapewear is perfectly safe for everyday use.
Will shapewear help me lose weight? Shapewear smooths and sculpts your silhouette but does not cause fat loss. A waist trainer for weight loss can support your core during exercise, but it is not a substitute for diet and exercise.
What is the best shapewear for under a dress? A strapless shapewear bodysuit or thong shapewear bodysuit with a seamless finish is ideal under dresses. For fitted gowns, full body shapewear or a slimming bodysuit with firm compression delivers the best results.
Is Ourglax better than Skims or Spanx for shapewear? For firm tummy control, butt lifting, waist training, and plus size options — Ourglax outperforms both at a significantly lower price point. Read our full Ourglax vs Skims comparison for a detailed breakdown.
Final Thoughts
The best shapewear for women is the kind that works for your body, your lifestyle, and your wardrobe — not a one-size-fits-all solution. Whether you need light everyday smoothing or extreme tummy control shapewear for a special occasion, the right style is out there.
At Ourglax, we've built a collection that covers every need — from seamless shapewear shorts and tummy control bodysuits to plus size waist trainers, full body shapewear, and butt lifting shapewear — all at prices that make premium sculpting accessible to everyone.
Shop the full Ourglax shapewear collection today and find your perfect fit — with up to 30% off in our Summer Sale and free shipping for a limited time.