Best Shapewear Brands - Which Brand Rates Highest Among stylists

Spanx consistently ranks as the highest-rated shapewear brand amongst shoppers, followed closely by Kim Kardashian's Skims and innovative newcomer Honeylove, according to comprehensive testing by Good Housekeeping Institute and thousands of customer reviews. As someone who's spent years helping women find the perfect foundations, I can tell you that the shapewear game has completely transformed - gone are the days of uncomfortable, restrictive garments that left you gasping for air by lunchtime.

Today's shapewear is designed to enhance your natural silhouette whilst feeling like a second skin. The key is finding the right brand for your specific needs, body shape, and budget. After analysing customer reviews, expert testing, and industry reports, I'm sharing the brands that genuinely deliver on their promises.

The Gold Standard Winners

Let's start with the clear frontrunner: Spanx remains the undisputed champion in customer satisfaction surveys. Founded by Sara Blakely over two decades ago, this pioneering brand revolutionised modern shapewear and continues to set the benchmark. Their OnCore collection consistently receives perfect scores for support, with testers praising the lightweight, breathable materials that hold you in without feeling restrictive.

Skims has rapidly ascended to the top tier since launching in 2019. Kim Kardashian's brand brings shapewear into the mainstream with inclusive sizing (XXS to 4XL) and an impressive range of nine nude shades. The Mid-Thigh Bodysuit became an instant bestseller, offering strong compression whilst maintaining comfort throughout the day.

Honeylove deserves special mention as an independent innovator that's genuinely challenging the established brands. Their patented design focuses on lifting and smoothing rather than simply compressing, which many customers find more comfortable for all-day wear. The targeted compression panels work brilliantly under fitted dresses.

High Street Heroes That Actually Work

Don't overlook the high street - several brands offer excellent shapewear at accessible prices:

Marks & Spencer consistently performs well in independent testing, with their Secret Slimming technology offering genuine results. Their high-waisted shaping knickers are particularly effective for tummy control, though some testers noted slight rolling at the waistband.

ASOS provides budget-friendly options starting from £14, though quality can be inconsistent. Best for occasional wear rather than daily foundations.

Next offers reliable mid-range shapewear with good size consistency. Their seamless range works well under clingy fabrics without visible lines.

H&M has upped their shapewear game recently, offering surprisingly effective pieces at unbeatable prices. Perfect for trying different styles without major investment.

Whistles brings a more fashion-forward approach to shapewear, with pieces that are pretty enough to wear as standalone items.

COS offers minimalist designs in neutral tones, focusing on clean lines and comfortable fits that work beautifully under their architectural clothing.

Zara provides trend-led shapewear options, though sizing can run small. Their seamless range is excellent for contemporary silhouettes.

Premium Performance Players

When you're ready to invest in superior quality, these brands deliver exceptional results:

Shapermint has garnered a cult following with over 12 million customers worldwide. This curated retailer offers carefully selected pieces from multiple brands, with their All Day Every Day range earning particular praise for comfort and effectiveness. Recently launched in the UK, they're making waves with their "comfort-first" approach.

Commando creates some of the most comfortable control thongs on the market, with raw-cut hems that feel like second skin. A favourite amongst stylists for their invisible finish.

Luxury Indulgences

For special occasions or when you want the ultimate in luxury:

Wolford represents the pinnacle of shapewear craftsmanship. This Austrian brand creates pieces that feel weightless whilst providing excellent support. Their innovative materials and expert construction justify the premium price point.

La Perla brings Italian luxury to foundational wear, with exquisite lace-trimmed pieces that double as lingerie. Perfect for special occasions when you want to feel utterly pampered.

Agent Provocateur offers shapewear that's undeniably sexy, with provocative designs that celebrate the female form whilst providing effective shaping.

My Professional Recommendations

After years of fitting clients, here's my honest advice: start with Spanx if you want guaranteed results, try Skims for trendy comfort, or explore Honeylove for innovative design. For everyday wear, M&S offers excellent value, whilst Wolford provides unparalleled luxury.

Always buy your regular size - never size down as this creates unwanted bulges. Look for pieces with targeted compression panels rather than all-over tightness, and invest in different styles for various outfits. A good shapewear wardrobe should include high-waisted shorts for dresses, a seamless bodysuit for fitted tops, and comfortable briefs for everyday wear.

Remember, the best shapewear is the one you forget you're wearing. If you're constantly adjusting or feeling uncomfortable, it's not the right piece for you, regardless of the brand's reputation.

Discover Your Perfect Size with Tellar.co.uk

Finding the right shapewear size can be tricky when every brand fits differently. That's where Tellar.co.uk becomes your secret weapon - the UK's leading sizing tool that matches your body exactly to over 1500 brands instantly.

Here's how it works:

1. Measure once using your bust, waist, hip measurements, or your existing brand size.

2. Use the Store Size Lookup tool at https://tellar.co.uk/store-size-lookup/ to get your precise size in any brand - whether it's Spanx, Skims, M&S, or any of the brands mentioned above.

3. Always free, no downloads needed - works perfectly in your browser.

Plus, explore the Tellar Fashion Hub - a comprehensive library packed with free posts from top stylists. Honest, unbiased, independent advice covering every fashion query, always free.

Essential reads from our styling experts:

Never struggle with shapewear sizing again - let Tellar take the guesswork out of finding your perfect fit across every brand.