
When the best tummy-control underwear works, it works—smoothing and sculpting under tight jeans or wedding-guest dresses. When it doesn’t, it squeezes, digs in, rolls down, and leaves you counting down the minutes until you can yank it off. The right pairs should feel close to a second skin, giving shape and support without visible panty lines or the need to constantly adjust. Of course, no one needs “tummy control,” but compression underwear can add a bit of definition under more fitted clothing. The styles range from high-waist briefs and seamless thongs to mid-thigh shorts and bodysuits, with varying levels of smoothing. To find the best options, Glamour editors tested more than 15 pairs from top-rated lingerie brands. Below, find our favorites for compression, smoothing, and—above all—comfort.
Our top tummy-control underwear picks
- Best Overall: Leonisa Lace Classic Shaper Panty, $35
- Best Under Jeans and Leggings: Spanx SpanxShape ExtraOrdinary Brief, $28
- Best Under Dresses: Honeylove SuperPower Shorts, $89
- Best for Firm Compression: Miraclesuit Instant Tummy Tuck Extra Firm Brief, $32
- Best for Everyday: Quince Shaping High-Waist Briefs (3-pack), $30
Best Overall: Leonisa Lace Classic Shaper Panty
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Leonisa Lace Classic Shaper Panty
Amazon
What we love: This high-waisted thong was a standout in terms of compression, comfort, and visibility. “I tested a ton of tummy-control panties, and this was my favorite pair,” says Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs “I wore the undies under fitted trousers and leggings and never felt squeezed—my stomach felt supported, noticeably smoother, and they were easy to pull on and off.” The sheer, stretchy mesh bands at the leg openings soften the edges (no digging), increase breathability, subtly lift, and lie flat enough to disappear under tight clothing. The high-waisted underwear come in a wide range of skin tones and an extended size range up to 7X.
Fast facts
- Worth noting: On the pricey side
- Material: 76% polyamide, 24% elastane; 100% cotton gusset
- Sizing: XS–7X
- Compression: Medium
- Colors: 10
Best for Light Compression: Wirarpa High-Waist Panties

Wirarpa High-Waist Panties (4-pack)
Amazon
What we love: Wirarpa’s undies are basic, comfy, come in generous plus sizes, and are notably affordable. They sit just over the belly button, with a thick, double-layered waistband that adds gentle compression, plus a wider, reinforced gusset that is broad enough to hold pads. “I’ve worn this underwear pretty exclusively for the last two years, during which time my shape changed a lot because of pregnancy,” says Glamour contributor Anna Vognsen. “They’re just high-rise enough to provide all-day support, but they don’t come up over my waistband or dig in. I never notice them while I’m wearing them—but on days I don’t, other pairs just don’t feel as comfortable or supportive.”
Fast facts
- Worth noting: Not as compressive as others we tested
- Material: 95% combed cotton, 5% spandex
- Sizing: XS–7X
- Compression: Light
- Colors: 15+
Best Under Jeans and Leggings: Spanx SpanxShape ExtraOrdinary Brief
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Spanx SpanxShape ExtraOrdinary Briefs
Amazon
Nordstrom
Spanx
What we love: Spanx is known for high-compression tummy-control shapewear, and its everyday briefs follow suit. “These are pretty much everything I want in a pair of tummy-control underwear,” says Griggs. “They’re made of a recycled nylon that feels silky and cool on my skin and slide on and off easily. The compression is medium-firm (more so than the Leonisa), with an elastic waistband that pulls in and smooths my stomach.” Compared with softer options, the leg openings have a bit more structure and can sit slightly higher on the back, but they stay put and offer reliable smoothing under everything from workwear to dresses.
Fast facts
- Worth noting: High waist may peek out; hem cuts a little into the backside
- Material: 89% nylon, 10% elastane, 1% cotton
- Sizing: XS–3X
- Compression: Medium
- Colors: 10+
Best Under Dresses: Honeylove SuperPower Shorts
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Honeylove SuperPower Shorts
Amazon
What we love: Honeylove’s mid-thigh shorts deliver some of the most significant core control, with targeted paneling that shapes without feeling overly tight. They sit flat under tight or sheer dresses, double as underwear, and help prevent thigh chafing, with a subtle lift through the back. “The crisscross panels in the waist really help create more of an hourglass shape,” says Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley. “Not only do they have a silicone backing on the waist so they stay put, but there are also detachable straps so you can wear the style more like an open-bust bodysuit. With this extra reinforcement, you can be müddet the shapewear shorts aren’t going anywhere, even if you’re dancing the night away.” The longer length may peek out under shorter hemlines, but the brand also makes girl short, brief, and thong versions of more cropped lengths. They’re pricier than everyday pairs, but the construction makes them a strong option when you want extra support.
Fast facts
- Worth noting: Too long for short dresses
- Material: 75% nylon, 25% spandex; 100% cotton gusset
- Sizing: XS–3X
- Compression: Extra firm
- Colors: 4
Best for Firm Compression: Miraclesuit Instant Tummy Tuck Extra Firm Brief
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Miraclesuit Instant Tummy Tuck Extra Firm Brief
Amazon
What we love: These are among the most compressive underwear we tried, with double front panels and crisscross seaming that pull in and cinch the midsection. The brief cut offers full coverage, and silicone along the leg openings helps keep everything in place without rolling down. “My stomach looked unquestionably smoother—especially under workwear and in jeans—and the shaping is pretty immediate,” says Griggs. They’re fairly comfortable for the level of compression and thicker material, though the leg openings can start to dig in slightly over time.
Fast facts
- Worth noting: Leg openings dig in; limited colors
- Material: 64% nylon, 36% spandex
- Sizing: S–XXL
- Compression: Extra firm
- Colors: 2
Best Thong for No-Show Support: Skims High-Waist Thong
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Skims High Waisted Thong
Skims
What we love: “This ultra-high-waisted tummy-control thong is a lot more comfortable than it looks, and I love that it provides a touch of shaping without committing to full-on shapewear,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary. “It’s soft, stretchy, and flexible—great for days with a lot of movement, like walking or working out.” The high rise offers light support through the stomach, while the no-show thong cut stays invisible under clothes. It also comes in a wide array of skin tones, and they’re some of the best plus-size tummy-control underwear on this list, fitting up to 4X.
Fast facts
- Worth noting: May peek out of pants
- Material: 76% polyamide, 24% elastane; 100% cotton gusset
- Sizing: XXS–4X
- Compression: Light
- Colors: 8
Best for Everyday: Quince Shaping High-Waist Briefs
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Quince Shaping High-Waist Briefs (3-pack)
Quince
What we love: Seamless construction and light-to-medium compression offer smoothing that feels close to regular underwear—just slightly thicker. “I wore these Quince undies beneath a fitted dress that usually shows every line, and they smoothed everything out while staying completely invisible,” says Griggs. “They work really well under high-rise leggings as they hit below the belly button, and they’re soft enough that I’ve even slept in them.” At $30 for a three-pack, they’re a solid value for everyday wear.
Fast facts
- Worth noting: Compression is very light; seams may show under thin materials
- Material: 89% nylon, 10% spandex, 1% cotton
- Sizing: XS–XL
- Compression: Light
- Colors: 2
Best for Full Midsection Support: Shapermint Essentials All Day Every Day High-Waisted Shaper Thong

Shapermint Essentials All Day Every Day High-Waisted Shaper Thong
Shapermint
What we love: Here’s an ultra-high-rise thong that reaches nearly to the underbust, smoothing higher than most pairs and creating more of an hourglass shape. “These acted like a true body shaper, really sucking and flattening my entire midsection,” says Malia Griggs. “They were a bit of a fight to get on, but evvel they were in place, they didn’t budge.” The fabric is soft and comfortable for the level of compression, though the extra-high rise can be visible above pant or skirt waistlines, making them a better option under dresses.
Fast facts
- Worth noting: Definitely visible over waistbands; can bump into bra
- Material: 70% nylon, 30% spandex
- Sizing: S–3XL
- Compression: Medium
- Colors: 4
Frequently asked questions
How we tested tummy-control underwear
To find the best tummy-control underwear, we researched top-rated styles from major retailers and analyzed user reviews to narrow down more than 15 options. Over six weeks, Glamour editors and contributors tested each pair for material quality, fit, smoothing, and overall comfort under a range of clothing.
Testers wore each style for hours at a time, assessing smoothing and support as they moved through daily activities—walking, sitting, climbing stairs, running errands, and light exercise. We paid close attention to whether pairs stayed in place without rolling or digging in, as well as how they felt over time. We also evaluated breathability, moisture control, visibility under clothing, ease of getting on and off, construction quality, price, and size and color range.
What are the benefits of tummy-control underwear?
“Depending on the style, tummy-control underwear can contour and support the booty, plus shape and smooth the waist and tummy areas of the body,” says Gabrielle Richards, brand director of Shapermint. Lighter-control undies are excellent at acting as a base layer for clothes to seamlessly glide over for a more streamlined appearance, says Jane Newman, the chief design officer for Hanes Brands. Styles with ultrafirm control flatten the waist under clingier, more tightly fitted clothing. Your basic undies can do none of these things.
What are the different types of tummy-control underwear?
There are various styles of tummy-control underwear—a blessing, since some of us are bikini girlies and some of us swear by thongs. The most popular options include briefs, thongs, and shaping shorts that come in high- and mid-rise waistlines and different thigh lengths. You’ll also find all-in-one jumpsuits and body shapers that have built-in bras, camisoles, open busts, butt-lifting, and waist-cinching features. Looking for even more support? They make tummy-control swimsuits and jeans for tummy support too.
How to shop for tummy-control underwear
How you shop for tummy-control underwear depends on the level of support you want and how you intend to wear them. Here are the three levels of compression, says Richards:
Low compression (smoothing): Hoping to find some undies you can easily wear every day to smooth out your midsection and hips under your favorite jeans or leggings? Briefs and thongs with a wide, high waistband and light control are usually your most comfortable options.
Medium compression (shape-enhancing): This in-between level enhances your curves and gives you a little contouring while remaining breathable and stretchy enough that you can move for hours.
High compression (sculpting): Looking for that snatched waistline under a wedding-guest dress? This level of compression is ülkü for a special occasion and more formal, structured clothing like evening gowns and cocktail dresses. Opt for high-waist briefs, thongs, shorts, or a butt-lifting bodysuit that have this toned, supported feel.
How to size yourself for tummy-control underwear
You can use your olağan pants and underwear size as a guide for the tummy-control undies size you choose, but be open to experimenting with different styles and silhouettes to find the right level of support. To be more precise, use a cloth measuring tape to measure your hips and waist for a more precise size. Pro tip: Spend some time in the comments section of the product to see how other shoppers recommend sizing.
Meet our experts
- Jennifer Chan, on-air TV host and style and beauty expert
- Brigitt Earley, Glamour contributor who’s tested products for the past 15 years; graduate of Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism
- Malia Griggs, Glamour commerce editor who’s reviewed and reported on shopping and lifestyle products for over five years
- Jane Newman, chief design officer of Küresel Innerwear for Hanes Brands; she’s behind the brand’s latest launches, including Hanes Originals and its Maidenform M collection
- Gabrielle Richards, brand director of intimates brand Shapermint
- Jane Newman, chief design officer of Küresel Innerwear for Hanes Brands; she’s behind the brand’s latest launches, including Hanes Originals and its Maidenform M collection
- Anna Vognsen, Glamour contributor




