The busy girl’s complete guide to slimming shapewear and how they transform your body

If you’ve ever wondered how celebrities on the red carpet look so damn perfect, you’ll be glad to know that you too can gain the same level of flawlessness.

While personal trainers and chefs definitely help in achieving lean physiques, we think it’s a little easier and a lot cheaper to cheat – with a little help from shapewear. Achieve a Photoshop-perfect silhouette by investing in these 10 pieces.

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Think of this a variant to the control slip. It helps to shape your entire torso but not your hips, making it perfect to wear under dresses with a looser lower-body portion, or tops you intend to pair with jeans or trousers.

This extremely versatile piece doesn’t just stop at being shapewear – fashion bloggers and fashion-forward individuals are wearing them as tops too, given the sheer amount of styles available these days! If you don’t need as much muffin-top control, opt for styles that feature lace or sheer panels and pair with jeans for a subtly sexy look perfect for girls’ night out.

Photo: Net-a-porter

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Achieve peak hourglass curves with a waist cincher, aka a corset. Embraced by the French court since the 1500s, women seeking a tighter, narrower and more defined waistline will quickly find this garment their new best friend!

Think of it as a wide belt worn around your waist to help “redistribute” fat more evenly around your midsection. They are available in a wide range of styles including front fastening, hook-and-eye closure, as well as the more convenient pull-on styles. Tip: you can even wear more decorative pieces (lace, ribbons etc) over a shirt for an edgier vibe.   

Photo: ASOS

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As its name suggests, the open bust slip covers your tummy, entire back and can reach down to mid-thigh (depending on the design), while leaving your bust area open, allowing for a natural look or if you prefer, paired with a push-up bra for added oomph. This piece is designed to hold in your tummy, smoothen out your waistline and sculpt away the dreaded “back fat”, making you look toned all over.

This is a great option if you are planning on wearing fitted, bodycon dresses with a lower neckline, but remember to buy it in your actual size! While it is tempting to buy a smaller size in attempt to go down a dress size, it can actually have a reverse effect and cause bulges in places shouldn’t have!

Photo: Net-a-porter

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Relatively new to the shapewear scene, the U-Plunge bodysuit is perfect to wear under tighter dresses with super-low necklines, helping to smoothen out and flatten your tummy.

Styles range from thong variants (bye bye VPL) to backless, and some even offer underwire, self-adhesive cups to give the girls a little lift! This style is perfect for most party dresses and cocktail gowns that tend to be backless and plunge lower than usual day-dresses. A must-have for every girl’s wardrobe!

Photo: Net-a-porter

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Also known as “control briefs”, the tummy tucker is designed to hold in your tummy and lift your bum for a perfectly smooth and shaped derriere. These are perfect for wearing under skinny jeans, tighter skirts or even dresses that are looser above the torso and tighter around your stomach/waist region.

Tummy tuckers come in a variety of support, from light to firm and are a great “entry-level” option if you don’t want to splurge on a full suit just yet. Some styles even offer more tummy support than others, with an extra firm panel down the front and lighter fabric along your hips.

Photo: Shopbop

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If you are looking to achieve a smooth line under tight-fitting pencil skirts, trousers or skinny jeans, then you’ll want a pair of high waist leg shapers. Starting from high up your waist down to mid-thigh, leg shapers tuck in your tummy, shape your thighs and help lift your derriere.

Some even come in fabrics that allow for more breathability, keeping your skin cool. Perfect for Southeast Asian weather!

Photo: WacoalLingerie

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Similar to the tummy tucker, high waist briefs reach all the way up to just under your bust line, allowing you to achieve a super-toned look to your entire midsection while avoiding muffin-top spillover.

This is great for wearing under tighter tops with thinner straps (or no straps) that you don’t want the straps of a camisole shaper to show. If you are wearing these under super-tight jeans or pencil skirt, opt for a thong variant to prevent VPL.

Photo: ASOS

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A well-made control slip (or body control dress) hugs all your curves, helping you to achieve a toned look and smooth silhouette. These are perfect if you’re looking to shape your thighs, define your waist and lift your bust all at once! It is typically worn under dresses as it is shaped like one, and works for a number of styles from skater to bodycon.

Ideally, you will want to get professionally fitted for these as it is a full piece and might not work as well if you do not have a very proportionate figure. If you don’t want to splurge on a custom piece, then bring along the dress(es) you plan to wear this under and try on several brands before purchasing.

Photo: Net-a-porter

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Planning on wearing a dress with a fitted top and flared bottom? Then the camisole shapewear is for you, helping to smooth your upper body and flatten your tummy.

These are much more comfortable to wear than a full body control slip, and some even come with padded cups to give your girls a little lift! You can also wear camisole shapers under a gorgeous top, to be paired with jeans, a flared skirt or high-waist pants.

Photo: Shopbop

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If your issue is with your arms, then look no further than the arm control shapewear. Perfect for wearing under dresses with long sleeves or a tight top, some arm shapers even offer a light back support, helping with your overall posture.

This is a great piece for office workers who tend to hunch over their desks, as styles with back support help pull your shoulders to a more natural position and open up your chest. Sleeker arms and a better posture? Sign us up!  

Photo: Leonisa

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