Women all over America know the struggle of the belly pooch. There’s always some event, party, or occasion that you want to look stunning for, but one thing shows up every time to ruin it.
No, not your ex. We’re talking about that little fat deposit just over your bikini line that just won’t quit.
For a lot of women, this is the first thing they think about when choosing clothes.
A beautiful bodycon dress or pencil skirt looks stunning on girls of every shape and size but nothing is ever perfect and there’s usually one lump or bump that’s sent from Hell just to ruin our gorgeous feminine silhouettes.
If it doesn’t seem to matter how many salads you eat or morning runs you take, you’ve still got a stubborn pouch of belly fat over your jeans, you’re not the only one.
Stubborn belly fat is an age-old rite of passage for pretty much all women regardless of your age and body type.
Fortunately, while our ancestors had no choice but to beat their curves into submission with the help of the man-made corset, we have better resources now. Yes, shapewear. That’s what we’re talking about.
If that word sends you into panic mode, thinking about constantly adjusting your underwear in public to stop your grandma pants rolling down or not being able to breathe in too deep while trapped inside what feels like a lycra tomb, then banish the thoughts.
We’re talking about good-quality shapewear products that gently compress for the look you’ve always wanted without the risk of bunching, roll-down waistbands, or general discomfort.
Let’s find out what the market has to offer for quality shapewear that will take care of that stubborn lower belly fat pouch.
No, they don’t do the dishes or fold the laundry for you but they give you super-powered confidence. These shorts feature targeted compression in a targeted X shape that covers exactly where that stubborn stomach fat likes to hang out.
They come with optional straps for if you have a long torso, but they don’t roll down even without the straps. They are also bathroom friendly, which is a serious consideration for anyone who plans on peeing ever again while looking fabulous.
Their quality matches their price tag which is unfortunate if you’re on a tight budget, but there are plenty of more affordable quality shapewear options available too.
Spanx is a trusted brand in shapewear and most budget versions of their signature designs don’t have the same quality that makes you feel secure but able to breathe.
The OnCore shorts has been developed with whole stomach compression in mind and feature smoothing panels, but you don’t need to worry about these squeezing so much they stop your blood flow.
Spanx really knows what they’re doing in terms of comfort.
Mid-length thigh shorts aren’t to everyone’s taste though.
These would be great for a respectable-lengthed dress cut just above the knee, but let’s face it, there are plenty of times when a shorter skirt or dress is the only way to go, and on those occasions, your shapewear is sure to be showing which is not the desired effect.
Another thing you may want to consider when ordering these is that customers say they run small, so size up if you’ve got some generous curves.
Shapermint is newer to the scene than some other brands, but they still deliver results at a really affordable price. Catch these babies on sale and there will be no stopping you from getting two or more pairs because the price is pretty reasonable.
These are great for smoothing out your lumps and bumps for everyday wear or for a special occasion.
They are comfortable and effective, though they focus less on targeted shaping and sculpting and more on whole area smoothing, so if your stomach pooch is very pronounced, you might not feel like these do the job well enough for your specific needs.
Shapermint does offer great quality for the price though and provides a great all-around shaper short.
Kim Kardashian is considered to be one of the most beautiful women in contemporary celebrity culture.
She’s also arguable one of the strangest shaped, curve-confident socialites in the glossy magazines, so we imagine she would know a thing or two about comfortable shapewear that works.
Clearly she does because she has her own underwear empire called Skims and this high-waisted thong is one of her creations. It slims the waist and gently compresses the lower belly without anything harness-like about it.
The thong is considered a great design for those with ample butts they want to show off like Kim, but want a more streamlined middle than they have naturally.
It’s a great buy if you’re not wanting to make your beautiful butt look smaller because that’s what short-style shapewear does. It just holds you in, everywhere.
As far as mid-range priced shapewear goes, these are a great selection. They aren’t shorts and they aren’t a thong either but a high-wasited panty.
They offer tummy control and a light butt boost too. Shapermint claim these feel as light as wearing tights and are comfortable enough for everyday wear.
The only thing we would say is that if you have thighs that need some support, you wouldn’t feel comfortable in these as these will accentuate the fat at the top of your thighs.
If you are a pear shaped lady, you might want to go for the full short, but if you only want tummy control, these will fix you right up.
If you are really wanting something to smooth your natural curves on a budget, then these will work for you. They are high waisted shorts with a double layer of compression fabric.
They give tummy control, thigh and butt support for a very affordable price. Our recommendation is to size up if you have generously sized thighs though, because by the look of the lower thigh band, that will pinch after a while if they are too tight.
So if you’re tied between two sizes, maybe go for the bigger one. These will be great for occassionwear though, so you can feel fabulous at that event you’re looking forward to for a pocket-friendly price.
Honey Love features again on our list despite the price, because of the targeted X shape control panels that smooth out your stomach pooch without making annoying panty lines under your clothes.
These are a great choice if the tummy is the only part you want to keep under control. The rest of the panty is super comfy and flattering without making you feel like you’re in a full body spandex wetsuit.
This is a pretty great price for shapwear that works, but as we’ve said before, you get what you pay for with quality brands like Honey Love and Spanx.
They are the bosses of the industry really, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get good results from lower-end products like these.
Final Thoughts
Whatever the reason you’ve read up to here, we hope you’ve found something to suit your needs and budget.
Shapewear is a very personal product, but there’s no need to be ashamed of it. Nature can be pretty cruel to women and our bodies go through a lot, so there’s no shame in making the best of our bodies and allowing ourselves to feel beautiful.
The best kind of shapewear feels like you’re not wearing anything at all and you can’t even remember what is making you feel so confident and fabulous. Our advice is go for the best quality product you can afford and you won’t be disappointed by the results.
Hi, my name is Miranda Cole, and I’ve been working in the makeup industry for the last 10 years. I began my journey as a beautician, and now I specialize in both makeup and hair.
Over the last 10 years, I have watched as the latest trends change, and have seen the evolution of beauty and makeup in particular. As a result of this, I have a good knowledge of different makeup products, and hairstyles that will suit specific complexions or face shapes.
I want Fabulyst to be an extension of my day job, so that I can help educate others on everything they need to know about fashion and beauty. From the latest style pieces to wear, to the best hairstyles, I will be covering everything there is to know.
