The short answer: choose a bodysuit if you want smoothing from bust to hips, with no waistband to roll, under fitted tops, jumpsuits and bodycon dresses. Choose shaping shorts if you want tummy, hip and thigh smoothing plus anti-chafe coverage under dresses and skirts, with easy bathroom breaks. Many plus size women own one of each.
Both smooth and shape while you wear them. Neither changes your body permanently. The right choice depends on your outfit and how you like to feel.
Quick comparison
- Coverage: a bodysuit covers bust, waist, back and tummy. Shorts cover waist, tummy, hips and thighs.
- Rolling: a bodysuit has no waistband to roll. With shorts, choose a high waist with silicone grip.
- Thigh chafing: most bodysuits don't cover your thighs. Shorts do.
- Bathroom breaks: bodysuits need a hook or open gusset. Shorts are easy.
- Best outfits: bodysuits suit fitted tops, jumpsuits and bodycon. Shorts suit dresses, skirts and wide-leg trousers.
When a bodysuit wins
Choose a bodysuit when you want one smooth line from top to hips. It's ideal under clingy knits, jumpsuits and tucked-in tops, and it smooths your back and bra line too. The Josephine Wide-Strap Shaping Bodysuit has comfortable wide straps and comes in sizes 0XL to 4XL.
Josephine Wide-Strap Shaping BodysuitShop now
For extra waist definition, the Mireille Zip-Belt Sculpting Bodysuit adds a removable zip belt. For a no-line look under trousers and fitted tops, try the Liesl Short-Sleeve Thong Bodysuit.
Mireille Zip-Belt Sculpting BodysuitShop now 
Liesl Short-Sleeve Thong BodysuitShop now
Read more in our plus size bodysuit guide or shop bodysuits.
When shorts win
Choose shaping shorts when you're wearing a dress or skirt, want to stop thigh rubbing, or just prefer something easy to pull on and off. The Ottilie High-Waist Padded Shaper Shorts smooth your tummy and thighs with a little lift behind.
Ottilie High-Waist Padded Shaper ShortsShop now
Need a wider size range? The Zelie Padded Hip Enhancer Shorts go up to 6XL and add hip curves.
Zelie Padded Hip Enhancer ShortsShop now
See our thighs guide or shop shaping shorts.
Choose by outfit
- Bodycon or clingy knit dress: bodysuit
- A-line, wrap or fit-and-flare dress: shorts
- Skirt: shorts
- Jumpsuit: bodysuit. See shapewear for jumpsuits.
- Fitted top with jeans: bodysuit
- Wide-leg trousers: shorts or a bodysuit
More ideas in our shapewear under dresses guide.
Choose by body shape
- Fuller middle (apple): a bodysuit smooths without a waistband pressing in. See the apple shape guide.
- Fuller hips and thighs (pear): shorts sized for your hips. See the pear shape guide.
- Long torso: check bodysuit torso length, or choose shorts.
Fit and sizing tips
- Bodysuits: check bust, waist and hip on each product's own chart. Straps shouldn't dig.
- Shorts: size for your hips and thighs, and look for a high waist that stays up.
- Between sizes? Read our sizing guide and how tight shapewear should be.
Common mistakes
- Shorts under a jumpsuit: the waistband can show through.
- A bodysuit under a floaty dress: fine, but you'll miss out on anti-chafe coverage.
- Sizing down for more hold: it causes rolling and digging.
FAQs
Is a bodysuit or shorts better for tummy control?
Both smooth your tummy. A bodysuit won't roll at the waist, while high-waisted shorts also cover your thighs.
Can I wear shaping shorts and a bodysuit together?
You can, but it's usually unnecessary and less comfortable. Pick the one that suits your outfit.
Which is more comfortable all day?
Many women find shorts easier for bathroom breaks. See our most comfortable shapewear guide.
Which is better under a wedding or event dress?
It depends on the dress. Fitted gowns suit a bodysuit, and flowing gowns suit shorts.
Do bodysuits help with back fat?
Yes, a bodysuit smooths your back and bra line while you wear it. See our back smoothing guide.
The bottom line
Bodysuit for one smooth line under fitted tops and jumpsuits. Shorts for dresses, skirts and anti-chafe comfort. Explore more in our best plus size shapewear guide, shop all shapewear, or visit our Shapewear Guides.