Here are 8 shapewear brands that Vogue tested, so you don’t have to

It’s funny how a piece of stretchy fabric can hold so much power in your wardrobe after a certain age. Shapewear is strange. You know you shouldn’t have to wear it if you love yourself—like makeup to the gym—and yet, somehow, it ends up in your shopping cart the night before a big event.

I personally love a bit of support (especially the spandex kind), and the internet has been ablaze with shapewear of all types that promises to cinch and slash inches off one’s body. So, in the name of fashion, vanity and mild masochism, I decided to try a whole range—from the surgical to the decorative—and I have some thoughts.

Victoria’s Secret

When I first picked up the Victoria SeamlessShaping Bodysuit, it reminded me of something I would’ve worn with inexplicable confidence at the age of 10, with glittery leggings and a tiara, no less. I was pretty sure I would not fit into it (my niece might), even though the size on the label matched mine. But to my absolute surprise, it did fit, and it was soft, stretchy and weirdly soothing. Not as heavy on compression as I would have imagined (one must not judge shapewear by its cover) but effective nonetheless. Their High-Waist Brief Panties smoothened without squashing and stayed in place, mostly thanks to the silicone grip, which actually works. Honestly, these pieces were quite comfortable to wear throughout the day.

Shapewear by Victoria SeamlessShaping™ High-Waist Brief Panty, Victoria’s Secret, ₹3,999

Shapewear by Victoria SeamlessShaping™ Bodysuit, Victoria’s Secret, ₹8,699

Wacoal

Wacoal’s shapewear was firm, focused and quite thick. It holds. It compresses. It neither moves nor chafes, which is quite rare in shapewear with this kind of silhouette. It’s the kind of thing you wear when you don’t want to think about your thighs touching—or breathing. That said, it does what it promises.

Girdle Collection Full Coverage Firm Control Seamless Shaping Brief – Beige, Wacoal, ₹2,999

Uniqlo

I had my doubts if Uniqlo’s Airism shapewear was actually shapewear, because it looked more like hosiery that got lost in the cycling shorts section. The entire range was thin, semi-sheer and felt more like a base layer than actual shapewear, which is exactly what it’s best for: light smoothing and no harsh lines. There’s no strong compression here, so if you’re trying to make a bodycon dress your quick friend, this may not be the one. But for everyday outfits that need a little gentle help around the midsection or thigh, these are your pair.

AIRism Smooth Non-Lined Shaper Shorts, Uniqlo, ₹1,290

AIRism Shaper Shorts Support Type, Uniqlo, ₹1,290

FEIER

I embarked on my quest to find shapewear and Instagram’s targeted ads took it from there: ask and the algorithm shall provide. That is how I stumbled across Feier—they’re mostly a fitness brand, but dabble in bodysuits and shapers from time to time. Since the compression here is light, more “subtle smoothing” than full-body vacuum seal, these can be a daily companion.

Adjustable Shaper Bodysuit, Feier, ₹1,299

InVogue

InVogue’s shapewear genuinely took me by surprise. Having only seen a few ads on Instagram, it was a bit of a shaky bet. But you know that hopeful fantasy of being as thin as you were three years ago—before all that Zomato-ing had consequences? Well, the InVogue bodysuits actually get you there, living up to descriptors like “high compression” and “intense snatched” perfectly. They are also one of the few brands that offer a tube-like strapless version of topwear. The cynic in me was doubtful, as anything labelled strapless and tube is typically not my friend, but I was held firmly while the inches disappeared.

Intense Strapless Bodyshaper, InVogue, ₹3,999

Intense Snatched Bodyshaper, InVogue, ₹4,999

Marks & Spencer

M&S shapewear is like that reliable old friend. It won’t make you feel wildly transformed, but it will do exactly what you need it to—and comfortably. I’ve owned a few of its pieces over the years and they’re still in decent shape, which is a true testament to their quality. Despite the many wears, its shapewear has adapted seamlessly as my body has changed.

Firm Control Body Define™ Shaping Body, M&S, ₹2,999

ContourWear Waist & Thigh Slimmer, M&S, ₹3,499

Nykd by NYKAA

Nykd’s pieces comprise a good 50% spandex, which really helps with the soft sculpting. The brand’s got range: their bodysuits, waist and thigh shapers and compression briefs are definitely doing something, as you feel supported without feeling like your organs are being remoulded. Some styles even come with boning at the waist, which sounds intense but actually feels like someone is helping you stand up straighter—unfortunately not as pleasant when you’re sitting.

Waist and Thigh Shaper-NYSH02-Nude, Nykd By Nykaa, ₹1,999

Bonded Lace Tummy Tucker-NYSH33-Brown, Nykd By Nykaa, ₹1,999

Spanx

The OG. When I first bought Spanx, I didn’t wear it so much as climb into it. It holds everything exactly where it needs to be, which is equal parts comforting and alarming. You’ll look smooth, but you’ll definitely know you’re wearing it.

High-Waisted Thong, SPANXsupersculpt™ Transform, ₹5,989

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