The inclusive shapewear brands that are a cut above the rest
Shapewear hasn't always been sexy – but these size-inclusive brands are on a mission to change that
While we all know we should love our bodies, whatever the shape, size or colour, sometimes we need a little support when it comes to feeling our best. Embracing practicality and comfort by sculpting and smoothing those enviable curves and contours, there are a range of inclusive luxury shapewear brands on the market now, all promising to deliver the perfect cut. From fine European heritage brands such as the timelessly elegant Wolford, to Kim Kardashian’s bodysuit-clad booty that broke the internet at Skims, shapewear is no longer an embarrassing, hide-in-your-drawer secret – but a whole new wardrobe of wonders to enjoy. Here are the best shapewear brands for all your second-skin needs.
Skin
Known for its simple and practical silhouettes, crafted in super-soft fabrics and comfort-first shapes, Skin’s high-quality shapewear feels just like a second skin. If you’re a big fan of deep V blouses and slinky racerbacks, the Hadlee triangle bra is the answer to all your unsightly strap prayers, as it nips and tucks behind almost any awkwardly cut top with ease. Other bestsellers span the organic, basic knicker drawer, from bikini briefs to boy shorts, thongs to full cut panties. Designed to offer women a ‘refuge in comfort’ when it comes to their underwear choices, it’s a must-have closet support system.
Skims
Made famous by the most iconic booty in the business, this million-dollar behemoth of a brand is fronted (and reared) by Kim Kardashian. But don’t let that put you off. Specialising in an incredibly inclusive and expansive range of shapewear in every size and colour imaginable, Skims is a one-stop-shop for all your under-garment needs. Choose a push-up thong bodysuit with jeans or under a dress to help define and re-define your figure, or the seamless sculpt deep plunge option for those nightmare silhouettes to feel sleek in. Famous for its body positivity message, it spans a UK XS to 5XL and stretches to twice its size.
Wolford
Images: Wolford
A stalwart heritage brand when it comes to the luxury shapewear market, Wolford’s silky tights, bodysuit blouses and ever so chic stockings and suspenders have stood the test of time. Don’t miss the racy new Etro collaboration, which is a real pivot from the brand’s usual classic and timeless look, with tattoo catsuits, bodysuits and tights sure to have heads turning. Hosiery heroes in a range of patterns, lace, velvets and Merino are designed to support, elevate and elongate, while oozing class and elegance. Who knew tights could make the outfit?
Spanx
Notorious for their original corset-tight hold-in pants, Spanx has moved, and exhaled slightly, with the times, with its range of more comfortable stretch bodysuits and high control pants and shorts. Slimming intimates span the compression scale from light, medium, to heavy duty, and cover a range of torso and leg lengths, including a cut-out Booty-Lifting brief to boot. Its faux leather leggings are also worth a purchase in both matte and shiny, offering a sensationally sculpting smart trouser solution from autumn through to spring.
Nubian Skin
Founded in 2014 by Ade Hassan MBE, with the aim to bring a greater range of lingerie and hosiery options to the black community, Hassan won the Great British Entrepreneur Award for her pioneering brand. Aimed at the ‘Melanin blessed’, the famous Nubian panties come in five styles, four colourways and three fabric options, spanning XS to XXL. Choose from caramel, café au lait, cinnamon and berry, with bras, bodysuits, camisoles and full slips also available to match. The mesh collection is ideal for everyday comfort and neutrality, while seamlessly transcending into risqué if needed.
Heist
Gorgeously soft, supple and sumptuous, these scoop back, racer cut, and high-neck bodysuits look just as good on the outside as they feel underneath your clothes. Offering long-lasting everyday comfort, as well as essential post pub lunch scaffolding, Heist's high-waisted shorts, pants, thongs and briefs come in either almond or black, and span a UK size 8-22. Pictured on a range of size and culturally inclusive models, there’s also a handy shade quiz to help you choose your nude.
Miraclesuit
Images: Miraclesuit
Famous for its best-selling slimming swimwear, Miraclesuit's signature hourglass silhouette is designed to sculpt, shape, and show-off. Available in a sliding scale of sizes right up the curves-to-crave scale, each piece is an investment – and one you won’t regret. We love the must-have Sanibel in black for its timeless simplicity and elegantly draped Spandex lycra, as well as the Rock-Solid swimsuit in enchanting mulberry blue. The tummy control shapewear also spans the Tummy Tux high waist thigh ‘slimmers’ and Wonderful Edge firm control bodysuits, to name but two signature styles.
Read more: The size-inclusive fashion brands proving every body is beautiful
