How to Choose the Best Shapewear for Any Type of Dress

Dresses are the ultimate love-hate relationship. One minute, you're twirling in front of the mirror, channeling your inner runway model—the next, you're grappling with rogue fabric cling and that mysterious bump that wasn't there yesterday.


Enter shapewear: your behind-the-scenes hero of date nights, wedding days, and all the fancy occasions in between.


The best shapewear can transform any dress-induced dilemma into a strut-worthy ensemble. Stick around, and we'll navigate the labyrinth of shapewear together, ensuring you're equipped to conquer any dress with confidence and maybe a dash of sass.

How to Choose the Best Shapewear for Your Dress

Before we dive into our recommendations, keep these three tips in mind:

1. Decide Which Dress You’ll Wear

Start with your dress, then find the shapewear to match. Slip into your chosen attire and assess the vibes. Does it hug in all the right places, or does it need a little strategic smoothing? Your dress's cut and fabric play significant roles; some are forgiving, while others broadcast every detail.

2. Determine Where You Want Support

Figure out which areas need a little backup, like your tummy, thighs, or waist, or perhaps you're seeking full-body reinforcement. Knowing your target areas will streamline your shapewear selection.

3. Choose Your Shapewear Compression Level

Different dresses call for different degrees of support. A flowing maxi might only need a light smoothing layer, while you might need more reinforcement for a form-fitting bodycon. Luckily. SPANX has three compression levels:

  • SPANXsmooth: Light compression for a gentle smoothing effect.

  • SPANXshape: Medium compression for noticeable shaping.

  • SPANXsculpt: Maximum compression for a sculpted silhouette.

The Best Shapewear Pieces for Every Type of Dress

Whether you're stepping into a classic A-line or daring with a plunging neckline, there's a SPANX solution to ensure you look and feel your best.

A-Line Dress

A-line dresses are the best of both worlds—structured up top, breezy on the bottom. The goal? Keep your midsection smooth without messing with the flow. The OnCore High-Waisted Mid-Thigh Short provides firm compression, ensuring a sleek look while allowing the skirt to flow gracefully.

Strapless Dress

The allure of a strapless dress lies in its bare-shoulder bravado. To keep everything in place without visible straps, the Suit Your Fancy Strapless Cupped Mid-Thigh Bodysuit is your go-to. It offers support from bust to thigh, ensuring you dance the night away without a hitch.

Open Back Dress

An open-back dress is a showstopper, but it poses the question: what about support? The Suit Your Fancy Plunge Low-Back Mid-Thigh Bodysuit comes to the rescue. With a plunging neckline and low-back design, it offers the necessary support while staying incognito.

Maxi Dress

Maxi dresses exude effortless chic but can sometimes cling in unflattering ways. Our Invisible High-Waisted Mid-Thigh Short offers lightweight smoothing, ensuring your maxi drapes beautifully without unwanted cling.

Bodycon Dress

Bodycon dresses leave no room for secrets, which is where the OnCore Open-Bust Mid-Thigh Bodysuit comes in—sculpting without suffocating. Plus, its open-bust design lets you wear your preferred bra.

Sheath Dress

Sheath dresses offer a tailored, close fit, making seamless shapewear essential. The Invisible Open-Bust Mid-Thigh Bodysuit delivers a smooth silhouette without added bulk, perfect for maintaining the dress's sleek lines.

Shift Dress

Shift dresses are known for their straight, boxy shape. To add subtle definition, consider the OnCore High-Waisted Brief. It offers tummy control and smooths the midsection, enhancing the dress's drape without altering its classic shape.

Plunging Neckline Dress

For those daring plunging necklines, traditional shapewear might peek out. Enter the Suit Your Fancy Plunge Low-Back Thong Bodysuit. It provides the necessary support with a design that stays hidden, ensuring all eyes remain on your stunning ensemble.

Strut, Don’t Stress: SPANX Has Your Back

Shapewear isn't about reshaping who you are; it's about enhancing your natural beauty and giving you that extra boost of confidence. All it takes is the right piece to transform any dress into a runway-worthy outfit. So, next time you slip into that special dress, let your shapewear do the heavy lifting so you can strut your stuff with confidence.