To make sure these recommendations are truly worth your time and money, we didn’t just rely on bestsellers or online reviews. Over the past three years, five Glamour editors tested more than 60 pieces of shapewear from dozens of brands, wearing them under everything from jeans and tees to black-tie evening gowns, paying close attention to the following attributes:
- Comfort and fit: Each piece was worn for several hours to assess how it felt over time—whether it stayed supportive or started to sag, roll, or pinch. We also noted how well it stayed in place and how easy it was to get on and off.
- Performance: We moved through daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, sitting for long periods, and going out, evaluating how each piece held up in motion and at rest.
- Ease of movement: Shapewear should smooth without restricting. We tracked any discomfort or limitations during normal activity.
- Practicality: Since many shapewear styles are worn for extended stretches, we assessed breathability, flexibility, and whether each piece maintained its shape and support throughout the day.
- Durability: Each piece was washed at least three times to see if it held its compression and structure without stretching out.
This process helped identify shapewear that delivers noticeable smoothing and support while remaining comfortable enough for real, day-to-day wear.
