While I'm a huge proponent of online shopping, the reality is that certain items aren't easy to buy online. Items like denim and bras, where fit is the most important aspect (and varies drastically across different brands and styles), are especially hard to order online when you're just guessing a size and hoping for the best.
For these items, I look to the reviews for guidance. Not only do reviewers often give lengthy descriptions of the product, but they also provide personal context about themselves and how that particular item worked for them given their body type, height, etc. I find this infinitely more helpful than the basic product description because I can search for people who describe themselves as having a similar build to my own and use that to guide my purchasing decisions. Also, reviewers are brutally honest about whether the product is worth your time and money, so you know upfront if you're getting a quality item.
Since shapewear is another category that's particularly tricky to shop for online, I went ahead and scanned the reviews at sites like Nordstrom, Shopbop, Amazon, and Spanx to see which styles stood out. With a combined total of over 3400 reviews, below are the 20 best shapewear bodysuits I found.
Reviewer Highlight: "I ended up getting it in the nude in small to wear underneath dresses, and I don't regret it for one minute."
Reviewer Highlight: "I love how it supports the breast and keeps them in place. I also love the feel of the fabric, like I’m not wearing anything at all."
Reviewer Highlight: "I've gotten so many compliments (I wear it as a tank top), and it really sucks everything in. Obsessed."
Reviewer Highlight: "I recently wore this to a wedding; I couldn't believe how comfortable it was all throughout the day and into the evening. No underwires or heavy hot material. Definitely an item to put into your cart!"
Reviewer Highlight: "Hands down the most amazing, flattering, and comfortable bodysuit on the market. As a busy mom, I don’t typically leave reviews, but I had to share the awesomeness of this bodysuit with you all! It is the first item I’ve been confident enough to wear alone with shorts and jeans and not worry about my belly or having to explain my diastasis. That alone is a win!"
Reviewer Highlight: "I ordered this undergarment for an upcoming cruise. Although it was a challenge to initially put on, once it was in place, I found it surprisingly comfortable. It provided good bust support, as I’m top-heavy. I’m really pleased with this as it looks great under my beautiful dresses."
Reviewer Highlight: "A must-have in every woman's closet, it's the perfect layering piece under sheer tops and is great for winter when everything is static-y!"
Reviewer Highlight: "I am obsessed with this bodysuit. It's thick and stretchy and shows off your curves. I love how easily it's able to be dressed up or down."
Reviewer Highlight: "Perfect! This body suit is the answer to feeling comfortable and shapely in every outfit."
Reviewer Highlight: "I was surprised at first when I felt the material because it was so soft. Immediately, I thought that it would not hold my tummy in and give me the support I needed. But I was pleasantly surprised; it did its job. It was comfortable throughout the day; I had it on for about 12 hours. So, it has a big thumbs up for me!"
Reviewer Highlight: "This shapewear is amazing; it takes your dress to a whole new level. Plus, it has a crotch slit which allows you to enjoy your cocktails without removing the whole garment, too. Brilliant!"
Reviewer Highlight: "I love this shapewear. The hole in the crotch is plenty big, it doesn't chafe, and the shorts don't roll up. The tummy control is nice, and so is the back. The material is smooth and comfortable. I wouldn't change anything about it."
Reviewer Highlight: "I bought this in nude to wear under a lightweight white cotton dress to avoid a bra line. I also wore a nude half-slip, and it was a wonderful combination. The body suit is firm but not so much that I couldn't move freely. The bra portion was particularly comfortable and supportive. It fits like a very snug bathing suit. The only issue for me was that the back of the panty area was meant to help smooth and lift the derrière, but at 71, gravity is stronger than latex. However, it wasn't uncomfortable at all and was a great addition to my lingerie drawer."
Reviewer Highlight: "The Shaperx Bodysuit is nothing short of a game-changer in the world of shapewear. From the moment I slipped into this piece, I could feel the confidence-boosting effects. The tummy control and seamless design are truly remarkable, giving me the sleek and sculpted look I desire without any discomfort."
Reviewer Highlight: "I ordered this because I was on a time crunch and couldn't wait on shipping from my usual go-to brand. I was blown away by how well this fit. It didn't roll down, had a great stretch, and wasn't too hot—I wore this in Florida in August, for context. I could have sized down for a more compressive fit, but I'm happy I didn't. It smoothed out all lines, snatched me in, and was easy to put on."
Reviewer Highlight: "I've never worn a bodysuit before, but this is really comfortable. Not too tight, but still supportive and so soft. It seems to run a little big, so maybe size down if you're not sure. I'm 5'7" and 155 lbs, and the 2xs fits perfectly. My first purchase from Universal Standard; very happy with the quality!"
Reviewer Highlight: "This honestly sucks everything in. I tried this under my black dress and the figure it gave me; I’m speechless. I also have a bigger chest, and this fits great!"
Reviewer Highlight: "Very comfortable. perfect for a smooth look under clothing."
Reviewer Highlight: "At first, when I opened this, I thought, no way this fits me even after sizing up. It was so comfy once I put it on and just smoothed out the areas I wanted it to! I'm glad I did size up, though, as I originally bought and exchanged the medium for a large. I would recommend that."
Reviewer Highlight: "Honestly, fantastic shapewear. The fabric is excellent. I was really worried on the butt, it would give a line, but it doesn’t. I wore it for a Taylor Swift concert, and it never hurt."
This post was published at an earlier date and has been updated.
