Underwear choices can be tricky when wearing certain garments or clothes that require an extra uplift. For starters, panties can range from briefs to G-strings with different cuts and designs. But, if you’re someone like me who needs a bit of support, tummy-control underwear is the way to go.
“The best thing you can do is choose shaping underwear that not only provides tummy control but also enhances other areas for a fully sculpted look,” says brand director of Shapermint, Gabrielle Richards. Tummy-control underwear comes in many shapes and sizes to help you enhance your body curves and flatten the midsection for a smoother effect.
To help you choose the best tummy-control underwear, I interviewed a few experts who shared the do’s and don’ts of shopping for them. Plus, they weighed in on the types of fabrics and types of clothes to wear when opting for tummy-control underwear.
Whether you’re in your postpartum stage or just want to hold back some skin, scroll below for our top favorites and must-have undies.
Features to consider
One of the first things to consider, according to style expert Sandra Okerulu, is to decide which areas you want to target. Do you want to focus on the waistline? Do you prefer a more restrictive feel? Whatever your concern, it’s important to know your needs first before opting for a specific design.
“Tummy-control underwear should shape and support you without feeling restrictive. [...] It should follow your natural shape, not fight against it, so look for fabrics that offer both stretch and breathability,” says Richards.
However, one of the biggest concerns among shoppers is the waistband rolling. Therefore, Richards suggests looking for a “stay-put waistband with anti-slip technology that keeps everything in place, so you’re not constantly adjusting.”
She adds, “Also, for a completely invisible look under clothes, opt for seamless construction, this way you’ll prevent panty lines and ensure a smooth fit.”
You want to look at the compression level, too. Some brands offer different smoothing solutions and target different areas. "Our brand offers target compression, coupled with contoured compression to smooth your tummy area without flattening your booty," shares vice president of Cacique Intimates at Lane Bryant, Heather Naughton.
Consider the weather, if it's hot or humid, and opt for moisture-wicking and lightweight materials.
"If you are more of an apple shape (i.e. a fuller upper body), an ultra-high-waist rise panties with a band that hits near your bra will fit your curves best. If you’re more of an hourglass or rectangle body shape, a high-waist style with a lower rise is more ideal for your curves," adds Naughton.
“Most women look for tummy control, but there are so many more components that go into a truly supportive piece. When I think of shaping, I like to consider where I want things to be. Do I want more lift? Is it going to highlight the areas I love? Will I still feel supported if I sit down or move? That’s why I prefer ‘all-over’ shaping as opposed to tummy control, which just compresses the tummy area," says vice president of marketing at Swim USA, Zoë Scharf Schulze.
From here, you can decide whether you want a brief bottom or shorts based on your coverage preferences and wardrobe needs.
Best tummy-control panties, recommended by experts
Area secured: Werenea Seamless Shaping Boyshorts Panties
- Great for walking
- Smoothes tummy area
- Tend to roll down
Sizes: S-3X | Colors: 4 | Material: 90% nylon, 10% spandex | Compression level: Light
Okerulu recommends these boyshorts because of their lightweight and breathable construction. "These actively control the tummy while offering a slimming effect. The specific style is the one shapewear that will stay put while you are walking at the same time, the seamless accents help with transitioning into any style of clothing, too.
"A shaping short is really great under your favorite dresses this time of year, as they help with chafing on your inner thighs," shares Naughton.
High-rise: Shapermint Body Shaper Tummy Control Panty
- Stays put
- Works well with dresses
- Comfortable
- Can roll down
Sizes: S-4X | Colors: 5 | Material: 90% nylon, 10% spandex | Compression level: Light
"This shapewear not only offers seamless attention to detail, but one of the great features is that sizing up to your own individual comfort is not a problem. This gives you the opportunity to feel comfortable in underwear that offers you great contour. Also, these don't just stop at compression; the breathable material has an anti-slip feature perfect for that person who has an active, engaging lifestyle," says Okerulu.
Gentle hug: Yummie Sage Shaping Brief
- Very supportive
- Holds in
- Can run small
Sizes: S-3X | Colors: 4 | Material: 93% nylon, 7% spandex | Compression level: Medium
This best-selling undie from Yummie offers a seam-free experience when wearing see-through materials. “There is versatility in the styles offering options that range in size and color,” says Okerulu. The sides have a seamless construction and the waistband is firmer to help shape the tummy.
Stomach in: SPANXshape ExtraOrdinary Brief
- Seamless design
- Feels soft
- Runs slightly big
Sizes: S-3X | Colors: 4 | Material: 87% nylon, 13% elastane | Compression level: Medium
This brief comes in multiple colors and offers compression with a seamless design. Okerulu says, “My first pick is Spanx because it has smooth tummy control while offering a seamless look with a breathable fabric.” Plus, it provides full coverage in the back with the brand’s popular four-way stretch to keep you cool all day.
Best tummy-control panties, recommended by editors
Smooth the lines: Felina Fusion Waist Shapewear Thong
- Smoothes curves
- Very flattering
- Can get uncomfortable
Sizes: S-3X | Colors: 5 | Material: 87% nylon, 13% elastane | Compression level: Firm
This is my go-to panty whenever I [Espinal] need to smooth things in the front and keep it invisible in the back. It provides a hugging effect and flawless design without rolling down. I usually don this one when I’m wearing white slacks or a tight-fitting dress that requires a smooth look.
Hold it up: Shapermint Essentials All Day Every Day High-Waisted Shaper Panty
- Not constricting
- Durable fabric
- Seams can show
Sizes: XS-4XL | Colors: 6 | Material: 90% nylon, 10% spandex | Compression level: Medium
These high-waisted panties from Shapermint features an anti-slip silicone strip that helps keep them in place without being too constricting. Some shoppers wear it during workouts or simply under clothes to make things smoother.
Production associate Audrey Ekman wears this style and says, “I love a pair of shaping shorts under dresses in the summer, but when my hemlines are too high for my traditional shorts, I reach for this shaping thong that won’t show under anything. The waistband stays put without rolling down and offers a nice layer of support under miniskirts and short dresses to smooth everything out. And unlike some shaping shorts, I never have to worry about the legs riding up!”
Disclaimer: This product was not recommended by Richards. Shop TODAY associate editor Kamari Stewart previously tested several shapewear pieces from the brand and raves about their comfort and versatility.
Flatten the edges: Le Mystère Seamless Comfort High Waist Brief
- No seams
- Comfortable
- Light hold
Sizes: S-XL | Colors: 2 | Material: 87% nylon, 13% spandex | Compression level: Light
I [Espinal] gifted these panties to my mom and she fell in love. She says it’s comfortable, doesn’t roll down, neither digs in. Plus, it supports her belly without discomfort. The design features a high-waist cut and seamless construction, which helps to flatten the belly while looking invisible under clothes.
Sleek shapes: Chantelle Smooth Comfort High Waist Light Shaping Thong
- Stays put
- supportive
- Tight for bathroom visits
Sizes: S-XL | Colors: 3 | Material: Not mentioned | Compression level: Light
Editor Vivien Moon says she "loves a high-waisted undie and while this isn't super compressive, it provides a little support and smoothing which I love. They're breathable and extremely soft, which is my favorite aspect of the underwear." This panty is ideal if you want to smooth the sides when wearing jeans or other tight outfits, since it smooths the waistline.
Slight support: Soma Vanishing Tummy High-Waist Brief Panty 3 Pack
- Ideal for postpartum
- No-show construction
- Not that firm
Sizes: XS-XXL | Colors: 9 | Material: 90% nylon, 10% spandex | Compression level: Light
I’ve [Espinal] worn these undies for over a year and are one of the most supportive undergarments ever. First, they don’t roll down. Second, they offer a light support for days when you need extra security, literally. The underwear features stay-put silicone inside the leg openings that keeps them in place whenever you’re running or turning at night during your sleep.
Other tummy-control panties to shop
Control conscious: Tummy Control Cotton Panties
- Durable material
- Very comfortable
- Control is minimal
Sizes: S-3X | Colors: 5 | Material: Cotton | Compression level: Light
If affordability is your main factor, this multipack offers the softest underwear for postpartum. The panties feature a high-waisted design with a double-layered waistband so they stay in place. Whether you’ve had abdominal surgery or a C-section, these will hold your midsection in place without feeling constricted.
Lightweight, but firm: Gydek Tummy-Control Shapewear Panties
- Doesn't roll down
- Very supportive
- Can feel tight
Sizes: S-3X | Colors: 6 | Material: TK | Compression level: Firm
For those seeking a slimming effect, these panties support and provide a curvy shape to the tummy area. According to shoppers, the design provides a smooth look under clothes and a sturdy hold thanks to the “little wire inside.” And the best part? It’s lightweight but firm enough to hold the belly in.
Ribbed solutions: LDMA High Sculpt Thong Rib
- Moisture-wicking fabric
- Anti-odor tehcnology
- Rolls from top a bit
Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: 9 | Material: 94% nylon, 6% spandex | Compression level: Strategic smoothing
This thong is lightweight, moisture-wicking and vanishes the lines even when wearing tight leggings. The material is ideal for those humid days when you need a strategic sweat-control undie. This one features a high-waisted design with a strategic smoothing compression around the waistline.
Booty cut: Commando Classic Control Brief
- Very comfortable
- Doesn't dig
- Rolls a little bit
Sizes: XS-3X | Colors: 4 | Material: 68% nylon, 32% elastane | Compression level: Light to moderate
Thanks to the raw-cut edges and breathable fabric, this brief offers a seamless experience. Whether you’re wearing a dress or your favorite pair of denim, this panty provides a “tummy barrier,” according to a reviewer. Shoppers have said the panty is light, comfortable, and doesn’t dig in anywhere.
Best shapewear, according to editors
True shaper: Shapermint Essentials All Day Every Day Scoop Neck Bodysuit
- Smoothes everything out
- Snap closure is effective
- Hard to remove
Sizes: S-4XL | Compression level: Medium | Colors: 8
Stewart has been wearing Shapermint for a long time now. “It is compressive without being restrictive, smoothing and I love that I can throw it on with any pair of pants and blazer/sweater combo and be good to go. My very favorite about it is that it has a full coverage bottom! I’m a thong bodysuit hater so this does everything right in my book."
Delicate lines: Felina Body Con Seamless Thong Bodysuit
- Sculpting effect
- Thong can be a bit tight
Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: 2 | Material: 42% recycled nylon, 42% nylon, 10% spandex | Compression level: Medium to firm
Whenever I need an all-around shaping experience, I choose this bodysuit from Felina. They recently released this thong version that hugs my waist in and helps smooth all my curves. I feel sucked in but not squeezed. Basically, it’s a great alternative to a basic thong when you want the upper body to feel tight as well.
Shaping elegance: Honeylove InnerPower Sleeveless Dress
- Flattering fit
- Can be worn all day
- Runs small
Sizes: XS-3X | Compression level: Medium (shaping) | Colors: 1
Whether you need a work dress or an outfit for a wedding, this design offers built-in shaping panels to smooth any areas. It offers an hourglass figure with a subtle shirring at the waist for extra tummy camouflaging. Plus, the stretchy fabric offers a seamless and pairs easily with heels and a blazer.
Frequently asked questions
According to Richards, fabrics makes a huge difference when achieving and effortless smoothing effect while still allowing for freedom of movement. “You want noticeable results, but you also want to feel comfortable enough to tackle your day with ease. This is where fabrics come in,” she says.
Opt for a nylon and spandex blend, which offers “the perfect balance of stretch and control, molding to your body and supporting you all day without feeling stiff or restrictive.”
“If you are going to the gym you will go for a more breathable fabric with less construction. For a special event, you opt for a firmer and smoother fit. It’s best to try on several different styles with the outfit of choice for the occasion,” adds Okerulu.
“What I love about these styles is that they’re your go-to for creating a smooth silhouette under just about every outfit, from fitted dresses to high-waisted jeans and tailored workwear. They eliminate visible panty lines and elevate your looks, no matter the occasion,” says Richards.
However, there are certain styles that will elevate that shaping effect. “A brief style provides extra support and smoothing for structured pieces like high-waisted trousers or form-fitting tops, while a thong style keeps things seamless under body-hugging dresses and skirts,” shares Richards.
Richards recommends maternity shaping essentials that are not restrictive, as the body is changing during pregnancy. “They help ease back pain, reduce belly strain and improve posture without restricting movement or causing discomfort, ensuring you feel supported and at ease throughout this stage,” she adds.
They’re very familiar and the terms are used interchangeably. “Tummy-control underwear is a type of shaping underwear, but shaping underwear does more than just smooth the tummy: It enhances multiple areas, including the waist, back, hips, and lower belly, giving you a more sculpted look,” says Richards.
But for all the added benefits, she recommends choosing any design that says shaping.
How we chose
Shop TODAY asked experts for insight on the best tummy-control underwear and fabrics that offer firmness. I, Jannely Espinal, also added a few favorites of my own along with top-rated designs from shoppers based on reviews, affordability and quality. We also included some editor favorites.
Meet the experts
- Sandra Okerulu is an accomplished celebrity style expert who has styled some of the biggest names all over the world.
- Gabrielle Richards is the brand director of Shapermint, a label offering a collection of shapewear and intimate designs.
- Heather Naughton is the vice president of Cacique Intimates at Lane Bryant.
- Zoë Scharf Schulze is the vice president of marketing at Swim USA and oversees multiple fashion brands, most notably Miraclesuit.
