Dress (c/o, up to xxl- I’m in xl), similar dress up to 3x, similar shoes (mine are c/o from Loft)
Image from my partnership with Loft! Be sure to check out their new arrivals.

Shapewear is a completely personal preference. No one “needs” shapewear to look a certain way, the way you look is perfectly perfect! If shapewear helps you feel more comfortable, prevents your thighs from rubbing, or allows your garments to hang the way you’d like them to, it can be a great option. Most importantly, if a little pair of shapewear makes a big difference in your confidence, that’s completely okay. To be completely honest, the main reason I began wearing shapewear was because my thighs were so uncomfortable with chafing and friction. But, I also liked how dresses didn’t cling and how they made things comfortable. So, I wanted to share my favorite shapewear that I like to wear under dresses and skirts! I also have a couple of other thigh solutions like an anti-chafing stick as well as little shorts designed for anti-chafing, that are a little more breathable and not as restrictive as shapewear (I have a full blog post on how to stay comfy in dresses in the summer heat, too). 

Truth be told, I am a Spanx stan! I think they just have the best shapewear, the best technology, and keep creating more comfort based (vs. shaping based) products. I also really love Skims, which goes up to a size 26 and has a great shade range. I’ve found that the Skims I have (and recommend below) aren’t as tight or intense (they have others with that technology or “bonding”, I just prefer the mid-compression range for comfort). Spanx however has 3 compression levels which they’ve put into a nice little guide here. 

Everything I’m covering is more thigh related, I haven’t tried shapewear tops in recent years! But I hear that Spanx and Skims both make great options there, too. 

BODYSUIT OPTIONS

Spanx Power Open Bust Mid-Thigh Bodysuit My favorite bodysuit. This is a Spanx level 2, so it smooths but uses comfortable compression so you aren’t uncomfortable throughout the day. I don’t feel constricted or like I am physically changing my appearance with this one! 

Skims Sculpting Bodysuit Mid Thigh I love this bodysuit. It’s similar to the Spanx Power Open bust but not as tight, a little more comfortable and the material is soft like butter. Skims really has nice materials that they use. 

I have also heard great things about the Spanx Thinstincts! I am going to try out the shorts that are supposed to be supportive yet thin, comfortable and breathable. This bodysuit looks ideal. 

SHORTS OPTIONS

Skims Solution Short for Dresses or Skirts with Slits  (here is the opposite leg) So I have not tried this yet, but you can rest assured I ordered this immediately. Kim markets Skims as a solution brand, and this is definitely a solution. You can now enjoy your dresses with slits or not have to avoid purchasing ones with slits if you are more comfortable with shapewear! 

Skims Sculpting Short Mid Thigh My thoughts on these shorts really echo the sentiments I mentioned with the Skims bodysuit. The material is buttery soft. The cut is fantastic and it’s a nice balance between compression and comfort. Great for everyday. 

Spanx Higher Power High Waisted Short The OG Spanx short, this one is a little more intense but the high waist is the only wait to go with shaping shorts I feel like. Otherwise, they roll! These are comfortable and just a level 2 compression so you aren’t constricted, but still have that smoothing effect. 

If you prefer mid-ride, try the Spanx Powershort !

OTHER NON-SHAPEWEAR THIGH-CHAFE SOLUTIONS

Spanx Antichafing Non-Shaping Shorts Spanx also makes simple anti chafing shorts that do no shaping but are simply designed for comfort – I am obsessed! 

Knix Antichafing Non-Shaping Shorts Another great non-shaping antichafing short option that is lightweight, breathable and comfortable for everyday.

 Megababe Antichafing Stick You guys already know about my love for this product, and if you’ve been around a while, you’ve known for years. It’s so gentle, comfortable and long lasting. They also make a mini and an unscented version!