Best shapewear for women according to redditors
We found 243 Reddit comments discussing the best shapewear for women. We ranked the 181 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 243 Reddit comments discussing the best shapewear for women. We ranked the 181 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
My thighs have always rubbed together - I have narrow hips. So I've tried a few things:
Tbh I solved most of my thigh problems by jumping on the wide leg pants train years ago. I don't bother with skirts/dresses unless it's cold enough to comfortably wear tights underneath them.
I’m not who you asked either but I HIGHLY recommend these. I own about 10 pairs now 😂
Of course!!
So one of the biggest things I've found is that the placement of pads can be just as important as the shape themselves. Jaymes Mansfield talks about this and filling the "boy pocket" (the natural indent between the pelvis and the top of the thigh muscle) a bit in her tutorial. I also spent a lot of time just looking in a full length mirror to understand the shape of my own hips and the shape I wanted to create, I'd highly recommend this.
Now for the general outline, I watched Sugar Love's video where she makes a simple pattern on saran wrap that can be cut out and traced onto foam. Drawing the shape on the saran wrap while it's on your body also helps with getting an idea of where to start and end the pads. I also made mine while corseted so I knew where I needed the pads to begin in relation to my new waist.
Then in terms of cutting dimension into them I referred to onlinekyne's tutorial, specifically the part about creating an axis on the foam, with the intersection point being where you want the highest part of your hip to be (it's best to draw this axis on your pattern while you're still wrapped in the saran wrap, again so that you know where it'll sit and what it'll look like on your body). Then trim around until there's a nice taper from the edges to the intersection point.
And I can't pretend that scoring an electric knife from thrift store didn't make a world of difference... you can of course trim with regular scissors, and I used them for some of the finer details, but the electric knife was seriously a blessing from Cher.
And although it's not necessary, having a corset really did help me in figuring out around where I wanted the pads to sit, and of course in bringing even more contrast to the hip-waist ratio.
Finally, it's really important to get a good smoothing compression garment over the foam to help make it all look seamless. I put the pads under a pair of pantyhose, then a body shaper over that, and then another pair of pantyhose.
Sorry for the essay lol but I figured too much info would be better than too little. And lmk if anything is still unclear!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KZG9EIW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_wiPMybC1GYC37
this is the weird-ass bodysuit I got to go with my backless v-neck wedding dress. The clear straps are kind of tacky and less than comfortable but they disappear under lace sleeves. It comes down pretty low in the back and won't show under my dress (but I'm going to flash tape the sides to keep it all together.)
The bra doesn't add a whole lot, but it keeps the breasts up where they should be, and the cups could hold a "chicken cutlet" or other enhancer if you wanted to look into that.
http://www.amazon.com/Silicone-Buttocks-Shaper-Control-Instant/dp/B003OJYFOQ
Well, if you haven't heard of it then it must not exist. Amazon is just fucking with you.
These Jockey slip shorts are my all-time fave. Much more lightweight than bike shorts. They come in shorter lengths (and rises) too, but I find the short ones ride up on me.
These are my absolute favorite: http://www.amazon.com/Jockey-Womens-Hosiery-Skimmies-Slipshort/dp/B00827RQPU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426563844&sr=8-1&keywords=slip+shorts
I have one pair of these and they do ride up just a little over time: http://www.amazon.com/Jockey-Hosiery-Skimmies-Wicking-Slipshort/dp/B00IB7LY2C/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1426563971&sr=8-3&keywords=slip+shorts
Second for the shorts! I got these for my last wdw trip and ended up buying another pair because I liked them so much. They don't roll down or ride up and just stay in place.
I prefer to wear skirts in Disney World. They're comfortable, breathable and make me feel cute.
I had a medical grade binder that the hospital gave me after my c-section, and after a few weeks in that, I got a [Squeem Waist Cincher] (http://www.amazon.com/Squeem-Perfect-Compression-Cincher-Shapewear/dp/B0020MMDZQ). Neither of them really did anything in the long term, but it's nice to not feel so...floppy after baby is born.
You're most welcome!
I've been happy with these from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N3SLMGE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_QlX2CbMQJHE1W
> Went out shopping for "foundation garments"
I always swore I would never, ever again wear a girdle, but last year I got one of those bodysuits like this. I have worn it exactly once, but I wouldn't mind wearing it again. It smooths out my hip bumps and holds in my tummy rolls without being awful, and it has a handy pee-port!
I have this one and wear it under fancy clothes, although it would be comfortable enough to wear on a day-to-day basis.
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B010NBGOBY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I wear shorts like these under my dresses.
I got these and i see they're now ON SALE (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0053XF8VA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) I haven't tried them on with my dress yet but I can't wait to.
Get something like this or if you prefer getting a woman's one get something like this.
I have a few that I bought before when I was pretending to be male cishet. I still wear them and it helps. 😊
edit: as a warning that top one, the model, makes me shudder. Not a fan. I just was struggling to find one on Amazon.
New York and Company is what I swore by for years!
Then I found these at Macy's and have been buying them since.
http://www.amazon.com/Flexees-Womens-Dressing-White-Medium/dp/B001UJHAEY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1314372107&sr=8-1
They are slimming, are good if you like your cami a little on the longer side, don't ride up, and don't constrict your chest area!
Giiiiiirrrrl get you some slip shorts.
Available basically anywhere. Something like these (disclaimer, I don't own these exact ones - just as an example. I got mine in a target)
They are basically slightly thicker pantyhose that lay nice and flat against you without being bulky and resolve all chaffing issues.
GAME CHANGERS
I've been wearing basic cotton bike shorts under dresses for years, but they don't last very long and sometimes the waistbands cut in strangely or the thighs roll up. So I did a bit of research for undershorts that aren't shapewear, and found recommendations for Jockey Skimmies. They get good reviews, but they're kind of expensive (especially given I'm ordering from Australia) so I chose these Vassarette ones instead.
Of course I don't want to be intentionally flashing people my long undies, but it makes me so much less self conscious wearing dresses/skirts! I have a back injury and sometimes use a walking stick, so things like getting out of the car can be a bit of a production at times, the last thing I need is to be fussing to keep my skirt hem at the right angle, on top of everything else. :)
I also wear capri length leggings under maxi dresses when it's a bit colder. It's the perfect way to wear a pretty maxi in spring/autumn and keep a little warm without having to wear full length tights.
I didn't have a c-section, but I studied to be a nurse and spent time in post-surgical rehab, know a few friends who have had a c-section, and my mom's best friend had something like 30-35 abdominal surgeries because her intestines are awful, so maybe some of these secondhand tips will help...
I let my friend borrow some foldover-waist lounge pants for her recovery. I think they were George brand sold at Walmart for $12. Wouldn't be surprised if the exact pants are no longer sold, but look for something in a super stretchy fabric that doesn't compress whatsoever. These hug very very gently. Favorite pants on earth!! I'm on the lookout for another pair, if I find some, I'll try and find your post and tell you where I saw more.
Have little stations set up in at least two places you expect to spend a lot of time. You could get something like one of the carts from IKEA or set up book shelves with lots of baskets lined up. Find somewhere to stock diapers, wipes, diaper cream, new onesies, at least 10 burp cloths, batteries (or chargers) for remotes to whatever TV or entertainment consoles you'll be using to keep yourself occupied, swaddle blankets, a throw blanket for you, a gallon ziploc bag full of granola bars, fruit snacks, single-serving bags of crackers, trail mix, whatever you want to keep your energy up. If you plan to breastfeed, plan to be ravenously hungry. The last thing you want is to have to get out of bed and walk down or up a flight of stairs to be able to feed yourself. My husband has a 100oz mug that he fills with ice water. The bonus to those is it's literally more water than I could drink in an entire day. If you're breastfeeding, you will need a fuckton of water and the 32oz mug the hospital sends you home with will likely need refilled 3-4 times a day. Plan ahead and get at least a 64oz mug if you know you're going to be down for hours at a time. Or if room temperature bottled water works better for you, cool. We actually had a mini-fridge that I was gonna move from the office to our bedroom or the nursery, but it ended up being kinda noisy, and I wouldn't want it right next to my bed. You could always get a cooler and reusable ice packs, and have your spouse swap those out every morning and fill it with bottled water, Gatorade, or whatever else, so you do have a way to keep drinks cool. I just know I got real sick of room temperature drinks real fast, and the mug the hospital sent home didn't work for keeping my drinks cold for extended periods of time.
Have extra parts on hand for your breast pump, if you're going to use one. Have formula if that's what you're going to use. Have 5+ bottles on hand if you're going to pump or formula feed. Plan for spit-up and projectile barf. Clean sheets, a stack of clean shirts and extra pants or dresses to change into, when it happens. It will happen.
Have any pain medications split into two bottles, maybe just ask for an extra one or dump an old prescription and rip off the label, so you can split your pain meds to each of your survival stations. Few things suck like knowing it's going to hurt like a bitch to get up, but it's gonna hurt worse if you don't, because you left your meds in another room, and you're stuck in a lose-lose situation.
Words from another friend about her c-section recovery... "It wasn't fun. Can't lay down, can't stand, can't really walk. I had to be lifted off the couch, help sitting down, help up the stairs, help into bed." It took a solid week with lots of drugs before she could move without someone helping her. "What hurt the most, for me, was the jiggling. This new flabby belly bouncing around was was killed the most. And our house has 3 floors, so going up and down those damn stairs was very painful. I would hold onto the railing and drag myself up." We talked about belly bands: "3 in 1 Postpartum Support - Recovery Belly/waist/pelvis Belt Shapewear (Nude) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T2WBJJ8/ref=cm_sw_r_fm_apa_9LWuyb9FP3Q3K This is the one I got. Lifesaver. I still wear it. It is great back support as well. Instant relief when I put it on. Only complaint is that it can be hard to wear and sit down without it riding up."
Will your husband be able to take off 7-10 days from work to be home with you? Do you have a sibling or parent or other close friend that can assist you if your husband can't take time off? Ask in advance for help. And not just "hold the baby so I can shower" help, but someone willing to do two loads of laundry because your baby has projectile vomited after multiple meals, and you need your clothes, their clothes, and your sheets cleaned.
I would also recommend keeping some hygiene items in your survival station. Deodorant, hair ties to pull your hair up, and maybe a travel size mouthwash. Lotion if you have dry skin. I avoid chapstick since I know it cakes layers of dead skin to my lips... you can use lanolin (nipple cream) as a lip balm, as well as coconut oil.
Have several options for entertainment. Adult coloring books and colored pencils, a bunch of apps on your phone to keep you entertained, maybe a Gameboy with a game you haven't played in 15 years, find a new YouTube channel with cool videos to queue up (may I recommend scishow?)
Do anything you can to have things within reach. If things need to be a few feet away, get a grabber. No shame. So many movements require your abdominal muscles, and you just don't comprehend how much your core muscles affect your entire body until you can't use them to even twist or pull something closer to you. You just avoid all movement possible for several days, and even going to the bathroom is exhausting and painful. Stool softeners were also a must with surgery recovery, a lot of pain meds will completely shut down your ability to poop.
Browse around and find some c-section recovery posts, I'm sure there are a bunch of super helpful tips and tricks that won't end up getting shared here!
And you will be ok. A common theme I saw was despair that the pain would never end. Especially with postpartum hormone crash, and exhaustion from no sleep, and having to be on a constant medication schedule so you don't feel like you're dying. Prepare yourself for possibly feeling doomed, and know that the pain goes away, and you learn your baby's cues, and you will sleep again, and everything will be fine. So many people focus so hard on preparing for the surgery and recovery that they forget that they also have to be a mom afterward, and that transition alone can be brutal. There are people who handle it just fine. I was not one of those people. I thought I would dive right in and just struggle with exhaustion, ya know? Told myself I could handle that. And I just didn't comprehend how things magnified each other... it wasn't just "sleep deprivation + breastfeeding pain + stitches and severely bruised tailbone + screaming baby" no, not for me. Change the plus signs to multiplication signs. The pain and exhaustion and crying was like torture for me. Have a plan for someone to call if it gets like that for you. A best friend, a neighbor, a parent, someone who can come be there to help you with short notice. They need to know that an SOS text means "I'm falling apart, I need you, are you able to come over?" I think that so often we read these birth stories on babybumps from moms 12-72 hours out from birth and they say their baby eats like a champ and it's so worth it, but then you don't see their posts on breastfeeding and beyondthebump when they feel like they're drowning, and we just get this false hope that if we can make it through birth, everything will be fine. Prepare for the worst, anything better is a tender mercy. It doesn't last forever, but it's really common and it can be really isolating. You will survive. Just know your limits and know who will be there for you if you need help.
The bandalettes that two people mentioned don't work well for me, but I have tried undersummers and slips and all kinds of things to prevent chub rub and I like these Vasarette Smooth Slip Shorts the best! And best of all, they're really cheap and so comfortable! They don't ride up and they are really light and thin so they don't feel tight or make you hot like Spanx do. Dresses definitely are the coolest option, but I also like the Ponte stretch pants from torrid, they don't make me too hot and they are pretty comfortable.
Oh my gosh, my "chubby hourglass" figure buddy - I'm with you on the witchy/gothic look. I wore this dress in navy to a wedding, and it looked amazing on me. Check out the photos of people wearing it - all sizes look amazing in it. I loved the black and dark red versions too!
I liked this one as well, and it comes in some great colors. I was originally thinking this one but I have a large chest and I thought the neckline on the first one I linked would be more flattering.
I thought about ordering this one and a pashmina or bolero to cover my arms, but didn't want to deal with carrying around a pashmina and prefer my arms to be covered.
Good luck finding a dress! (If you're looking for a smoothing thing for underneath, I ordered this one and liked it, and I normally hate those things!)
I bought this one...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00T2WBJJ8/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It was recommended here on BabyBumps awhile back and I figured I'd give it a try! :)
Seconded. I have five pair in various colors and lengths kicking around my drawer. You can get them at amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Verdusa-Womens-Leather-Sleeve-Bodysuit/dp/B01KZG9EIW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1478032892&sr=8-2&keywords=verdusa+bodysuit
It was very cheap but fit pretty well :)
I had the exact same issue as you and after trying tape, realized I needed something more structured for support. I used a plunge bodysuit with transparent plastic straps. Then I used fashion tape to secure the neckline where I wanted it. I had semi-transparent fabric for shoulder straps, but my bra straps were not visible to my eye or in the pictures. I was also worried about cleavage, but in the photos it looks great. Lifting and separating the breasts decreases the amount of cleavage and makes it more appropriate.
Something like this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Spanx-Low-Back-Mid-Thigh-Champagne-Bodysuit/dp/B0757PDY42
Oh, I have a three-piece binder on my amazon wish list to buy later on this summer . . . this one
I wore some high waisted PJ pants and a nursing tank to the hospital. And slip on sneakers. They had me change into a hospital gown prior to getting ready for the surgery. For the actual procedure they pushed the gown way up on to my side of the drape. I'm not sure if wearing my.own gown would have been an option, it definitely would have gotten pretty bloody while recovering afterwards. I was basically laying in bed with a giant pad under me for the first few hours as after the procedure until I was allowed to get up and walk around.
This is the support belt I bought: TiRain 3 in 1 Postpartum Support... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T2WBJJ8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Best shapewear purchase I ever made. Expensive, but worth it. Had no makeup on in these, so this is all you can see, but even without hip padding this thing does a lot to really cinch the waist and at least give something in the hip area.
I paid more for mine than on Amazon, but I was able to go dressed to my local friendly lingerie shop and get fitted by the owner, so it was worth it.
Much more direct in its function than a lacy corset, but less sexy and pretty. Easier to wear under everyday clothes, so for me it's a great option. And besides, respiration is overrated...
I got these ones - only around 20 quid and arrived next day!
Someone else linked this on another post and maybe it will work? I'm not sure how much hold it has but for $20 it might be worth a try.
Rago is really good, I use What Katie Did also but I think for what you're looking for something like this will work: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001O23AXM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Good on ya!
Also, buy some Skimmies for under your skirts & dresses. Your thighs will thank you.
Jockey Skimmies
The control wear style worked for me, these. It's a bit of a black are though. Don't think there's one method people can universally agree upon, although ultimately the best tuck is surgical!
What does your dress look like? That would help us search!!
SPANX Women's Suit Your Fancy Plunge Low-Back Mid-Thigh Bodysuit Champagne Beige Medium https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0757PDY42/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_boKsDbXQC0VBG
I’m going to have the same problem with my dress and I’m considering two pieces, one that is low back and a second for thighs!
Slip shorts!! They're definitely how I get through the summer in dresses (which I'd much rather wear than shorts). I get pretty atrocious chafing without slip shorts and they also make me less afraid of flashing anyone. A lot of people seem to like the Jockey ones (I think they're called Skimmies?), but those didn't work for me. I have a couple pairs of these from Amazon, and they're great. I feel like they're light/breathable enough to be comfortable. I've also heard of people wearing bike shorts under dresses.
I bought one very similar (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00T2WBJJ8/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
similar size to you as well and LOVED it. I really liked that I could adjust it as needed. Definitely follow their guide for when to use each piece (i rushed the timeline a tiny bit, but could NOT have done all 3 at once right away). I only wore mine 1-2 hours per day, and definitely saw a difference quickly/felt more supported.
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For OP -- this was great starting out. by about 4 months out, i was adjusting it so tight/wrapping it so far that the velcro was off the 'velcro' part and onto the actual fabric. it still worked though! at that point, you don't really neeeed it though as your body's core should start to take over at that point.
I got one on Amazon here for the same reason, I didn't want to spend tons of money on something that may or may not work. It has 658 reviews and people seem to like it, so it may be worth looking into. It seems to be pretty solidly constructed, decent quality, and it's got a hip belt, waist belt, and something else or other that's supposed to help.
I was also very worried about thigh chafing - I have some big ol thick thighs. Often when I when dresses to walk around/have a busy day, by the end of the day I have teeny raw spots on my inner thighs. It hurts SO BAD.
I didn't want that for my wedding, so I bought these. Frumpy? Kinda. But they were explicitly designed for this purpose! Comfort above all things!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019HMHC84/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_mHNvzbD67TC74
I'm sorry, I don't. I'm not experienced with body shapewear but sometimes Amazon does have really thorough reviews. This one has a positive postpartum review. If the Rago one you tried had the closure in the front is it possible a rear-closure would work? This postpartum-specific shop also has some zip up shapers if that sounds like it could be an option.
Sorry I can't help more! I hope someone else can chime in with better advice.
this does wonders
I’m getting this one because I’d like to get my hips back together too ;)
3 in 1 Postpartum Support - Recovery Belly/waist/pelvis Belt Shapewear (Nude) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T2WBJJ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_hHI-AbS8T35GC
I'm about your size and have the same issue, even at my thinnest (5'6", 125ish) I still had a pooch and I'm not sure it would ever go away completely even if I lost more weight. (No babies, but I have been overweight and I have a small frame.) Also I never connected it, but my grandma is tiny and has a very pronounced pooch too!
I recently got a Squeem to hold it in and I feel a lot sexier now that I can have a (mostly) flat area from my belly button on down. It also makes my pants fit a lot better and feel more flattering because there's no more squeezing or muffin top. I've heard Spanx is good also, but I wanted the connector style one because I hate wrangling into super tight clothes haha.
I just bought the Vassarette Women's Comfortably Smooth Slip Short Panty in black and light tan in 3X and they fit amazing! They don’t roll up my legs or down on my tummy and are still short enough to wear with above-the-knee dresses. I’d recommend them for sure. PLUS; they’re only $8.00-$8.50 a pair.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N3SYCXY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_hA3TCbXM6FFSF
I got it off Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/SODACODA-Boyshort-Enhancer-Control-Cincher/dp/B00G94RVEY/ref=sr_1_1?s=clothing&ie=UTF8&qid=1462875987&sr=1-1&keywords=hip+pads
I just bought this for post partum and I've actually been wearing it loosely at 28 weeks because it helps my hips and back so much. It seems worth the 20.00. I like that it's velcro so you can choose how tight it will be.
https://www.amazon.com/Postpartum-Support-Recovery-pelvis-Shapewear/dp/B00T2WBJJ8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474476029&sr=8-1&keywords=post+partum+support
This should help you out