The short answer: under most dresses, high-waisted shaping shorts are the best all-rounder: they smooth your tummy and stop thigh chafing. Under bodycon and clingy dresses, choose a bodysuit for one seamless line. Match the leg length to your hemline and the neckline to your straps.
Shapewear smooths while you wear it. It doesn't change your shape permanently. It helps your dress hang the way it was designed to.
Who this is for
- You want a smoother line under fitted or clingy dresses
- Your thighs rub together in dresses and skirts
- You're dressing for a wedding, party or event
- You're not sure which shapewear works with which dress
What to check before you choose
- Fabric: thin, clingy fabrics need seamless shapewear with flat edges. Structured fabrics hide more.
- Hemline: shapewear legs should end above your dress hem, including when you sit.
- Neckline and back: straps and back coverage need to sit under your dress.
- Where you want smoothing: tummy, thighs, waist or all over.
The best shapewear for each dress style
Bodycon and clingy knit dresses
Choose a bodysuit so there's no waistband edge to show through. The Josephine Wide-Strap Shaping Bodysuit smooths from bust to hips in plus sizes 0XL to 4XL.
Josephine Wide-Strap Shaping BodysuitShop now
Shop shapewear for bodycon dresses.
Wrap and belted dresses
Emphasize your waist with firmer hold through the middle. A sculpting bodysuit like the Mireille Zip-Belt Sculpting Bodysuit adds waist definition under the wrap line.
Mireille Zip-Belt Sculpting BodysuitShop now
For more waist shaping options, see our curves and waist guide.
A-line, skater and midi dresses
High-waisted shorts smooth your tummy and stop thigh rubbing under flowy skirts. The Ottilie High-Waist Padded Shaper Shorts add a little curve at the same time.
Ottilie High-Waist Padded Shaper ShortsShop now
For a softer finish, the Marisol Padded Lace-Trim Shaper Shorts have a lace edge that lies flat under skirts.
Marisol Padded Lace-Trim Shaper ShortsShop now
Fitted dresses that show your hips
For an hourglass line under a fitted dress, padded shorts add curve at the hips. The Zelie Padded Hip Enhancer Shorts come in sizes up to 6XL.
Zelie Padded Hip Enhancer ShortsShop now
See our butt and hip shapewear guide for more.
Maxi dresses
Longer shorts or capri shaping leggings give the most chafe protection under maxi skirts. Read our thighs guide.
Special occasion and wedding guest dresses
Choose firmer shaping for a polished line, and check comfort for a long day. Shop special occasion shapewear.
Browse every option in shapewear for dresses.
Fit and sizing tips
- Try your shapewear with the dress before the day, and sit, walk and raise your arms.
- Use each product's own size chart. See our plus size sizing guide.
- Size up if the edges dig. Digging edges show through clingy fabric. Read how tight shapewear should be.
- Match the color to your skin tone under light or sheer fabrics.
Common mistakes
- Shorts hems below your dress hem. Especially when you sit.
- Waistbands under clingy dresses. The edge can show. Choose a bodysuit instead.
- Visible straps. Check your neckline and back.
- Padding under very thin fabric. Pad edges may show.
- Extra-firm control for all-day events. Our compression levels guide helps you choose.
PRODUCT OPPORTUNITY: Backless and plunge shapewear for open-back and low-cut dresses, and a strapless bodysuit for strapless and off-the-shoulder styles.
Shapewear under dresses FAQs
What is the best shapewear to wear under a dress?
High-waisted shaping shorts for most dresses, and a bodysuit for bodycon and clingy fabrics.
What shapewear is best under a bodycon dress?
A seamless-feel bodysuit with no waistband, so there's no edge to show through.
How do I stop my thighs rubbing in a dress?
Wear high-waisted shaping shorts with a long leg and a wide grip band. See our thighs guide.
How do I stop shapewear showing under my dress?
Choose flat edges or a bodysuit, keep hems above your dress hem, and match the color to your skin.
Should I wear shapewear under a wedding guest dress?
If you'd like a smoother line or chafe protection, yes. Pick a comfortable control level for a long day.
What color shapewear should I wear under a white or light dress?
Choose a shade close to your skin tone rather than white, so it doesn't show through.
The right shapewear for every dress
Your dress, your shapewear, your call. Pick the style that matches your dress and your comfort. For more help, see our best plus size shapewear guide and bodysuit guide. Shop shapewear for dresses, or visit our Shapewear Guides.