Types of Shapewear Explained: Your Complete SPANX Shapewear Guide

Finding the right shapewear can feel overwhelming. With so many styles, fits, and compression levels, it’s tough to know where to start. That’s where this shapewear guide comes in.

Whether you’re dressing for a big event or want everyday confidence under your clothes, understanding the different types of shapewear—and which style suits your body and outfit—makes all the difference. In this guide, we’ll break down popular shapewear categories, explain their benefits, and share top-rated styles from SPANX to help you find your perfect fit.

What are the Different Types of Shapewear?

Shapewear fabrics and technologies can smooth, shape, sculpt, and support your natural shape. From your core to your thighs, each type of shapewear targets specific areas for all-day confidence and comfort.

Here’s a breakdown of the top shapewear styles and what they’re best for:

1. Bodysuits

Best for: Full-body smoothing, fitted dresses, and all-in-one support.

Bodysuits offer sleek, top-to-thigh shaping in one piece. With features like built-in bras, open-bust designs, and adjustable straps, these are your go-to for a stay-put fit under any outfit.

2. Shaping Underwear

Best for: Everyday wear, tummy control, and invisible shaping.

Our shaping underwear comes in thongs, briefs, and boyshorts, smoothing the tummy and hips without panty lines. Perfect for daily wear under jeans, skirts, and fitted dresses.

3. Shaping Shorts

Best for: Thigh smoothing, anti-chafing, and seamless coverage.

Shaping shorts extend from the waist to mid-thigh, offering control across your lower body. Great under skirts and dresses—and a must-have for warmer days when you want to prevent thigh rub.

4. Shaping Capris

Best for: Smoothing under pants, contouring the lower body, and everyday shaping.

Shaping Capris extend from the waist to just below the knee, offering comfortable compression through the tummy, hips, butt, and thighs—without creating a visible line at the mid-thigh. They’re ideal for wearing under jeans, trousers, and even white or light-colored pants, where you want smoothing without bulk. 

7. Camisoles & Tanks

Best for: Upper body smoothing and light layering.

Shaping camis and tanks target the tummy and back, and often double as base layers or wear-alone tops. Great for the office or under everyday looks.

Understanding Shapewear Compression Levels

Choosing the right level of compression ensures both comfort and results:

SPANX shapewear is available in 5 levels of compression to match your needs:

• SPANXsmooth™—lightest level of compression that provides a barely-there smoothing effect.

• SPANXsupersmooth™— like a gentle hug of the body, providing light compression for a smoothing effect.

• SPANXshape™—like a snug hug of the body, providing medium compression for a shaping effect.

• SPANXsculpt™—like a firm hug of the body, providing strong compression for a curve-sculpting effect.

• SPANXsupersculpt™ —like a strong hug of the body, our strongest compression for maximum sculpting effects.
  
  

Shop SPANX shapewear by compression level to match your comfort and styling needs.

3 Must-Try SPANX Shapewear Pieces

These best-selling pieces combine comfort, innovation, and performance to support every body type and outfit:

SPANXsculpt™ OnCore Open-Bust Mid-Thigh Bodysuit

This best-selling shapewear bodysuit delivers extra-firm compression with sculpting zones that target the tummy and waist. The open-bust design lets you wear your favorite bra, and the non-slip straps stay put all day.

SPANXsculpt™ Seamless Power Shaping Thong

A must-have in the shaping underwear lineup, this sculpting thong smooths your core with zero VPL. Perfect for fitted pants, dresses, or anytime you want shaping that doesn’t show.

SPANXshape™ Invisible Mid-Thigh Short

This shaping short is made with ultra-breathable, shaping fabric and features targeted tummy control with thigh coverage. Wear it under skirts or form-fitting dresses for all-day comfort and smoothing.

Find Your Best Fit with SPANX

From full-body smoothing to targeted shaping, SPANX offers every type of shapewear you need to feel confident, supported, and comfortable. Whether you’re new to compression garments or looking to upgrade your favorites, this shapewear guide makes it easy to find the right fit for your body and lifestyle.

Ready to find your favorite fit? Explore our full shapewear collection and discover body-enhancing styles that move with you.