The best all-around shaping shorts: Spanxsculpt OnCore Mid-Thigh Short
Best for
These sleek, moderately compressive high-waisted shorts shape effectively without squeezing, digging, or pinching. Plus, they’re virtually undetectable beneath clothes.
These sleek, moderately compressive mid-waisted shorts shape effectively without squeezing, digging, or pinching. Plus, they’re virtually undetectable beneath clothes.
Spanx makes great shapewear!? Not exactly breaking news. What is remarkable is that our testers were nearly unanimous in choosing the Spanxsculpt OnCore Mid-Thigh Short—available in high-waisted and mid-waisted versions—as their favorite.
These sleek, seamless shorts offer firm-but-flexible tummy and waist control and gentle thigh smoothing—with a comfortable fit that doesn’t pinch, squeeze, or leave you breathless. “If you’re only going to own one piece of shapewear, make it this,” one tester concluded.
They delivered our favorite balance of compression and comfort. “I feel shaped, but can actually forget I’m wearing them,” raved one panelist (5-foot-9, size M). “It’s a miracle!”
The hold level of the OnCore shorts is a happy medium between the light embrace of our Shapermint Essentials All Day Every Day High-Waisted Shaper Shorts pick and the structured control of our Honeylove SuperPower Short pick.
Most of the shorts’ compression targets the midsection: There’s a tummy-flattening panel on the front of the garment, while two side panels sculpt the waist and hips. Around the thighs, the OnCore shorts use a lighter touch—it’s just enough to smooth lumps and bumps. The fabric covering the butt cheeks has no compression (goodbye, pancaking).
They’re lightweight yet substantial. Made from a silky, comfy blend of nylon and elastane, these shorts have a smooth, firm waistband that doesn’t roll down, and they also have seamless, whisper-thin legs that don’t ride up. And they don’t rely on silicone strips to grip onto skin, so they don’t itch, pinch, or collect sweat.
The majority of our testers found the OnCore shorts relatively easy to pull on and off (a rare quality in shapewear). Still, I was thankful for the double-gusseted design—the crotch has an open flap, for easier bathroom runs.
You can choose between a high-waisted version or a really high-waisted version. The higher-waisted model (XS to 3X, in regular and petite sizes) extends up to your bra band, while the mid-waisted version (XS to XL) hits a couple of inches above the belly button. (Only the high-waisted pair comes in petite sizes.) You may prefer the mid-rise pair if you have a short torso, or if you don’t want shaping around your upper abdomen and back.
These shorts disappear beneath clothing. The OnCore shorts have seamless edges that lie flat, so they’re practically invisible, even under a bodycon dress. They’re simply the most versatile of our picks. “The transitions from where the shapewear ends to where my body begins are very smooth,” marveled a panelist (5-foot-6, size L).
Testers of all heights loved the upper- to mid-thigh length of the shorts—they’re a touch shorter than other “mid-thigh” styles we tried, but they still prevent chafing. “I can wear them with shorter skirts without fear of the shorts peeking out,” commented one panelist (6 feet, size M).
They’re a solid investment. While the OnCore shorts aren’t cheap, they are priced competitively. They’re incredibly good at what they do and constructed for staying power. After multiple launderings—Spanx recommends machine-washing on cold and laying flat to dry—my test pair continues to deliver excellent fit and performance.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
- Two panelists complained that these shorts were hard to pull on—though they weren’t half as difficult as some of the others we tried.
Specs
- Sizes: XS to 3X (high-waisted); XS to XL (mid-waisted); Petite XS to 3X (high-waisted version only)
- Sizing notes: true to size
- Material: 80% nylon, 20% elastane
- Colors: four (black, three skin tones)
- Style variants: high-waisted short, mid-waisted short
Ultra-comfy, less expensive shorts for light smoothing: Shapermint Essentials All Day Every Day Shaper Shorts
Best for
These budget friendly, ultra-stretchy high-waisted shorts are the softest, comfiest pair we tested but they offer more light smoothing than actual “shaping.” They also run one size large.
These budget friendly, ultra-stretchy mid-waisted shorts are the softest, comfiest pair we tested but they offer more light smoothing than actual “shaping.” They also run one size large.
When you think of shapewear, phrases like “velvety-soft,” and “easy to turn cartwheels in” don’t typically spring to mind. And yet they’re fitting descriptors of the Shapermint Essentials All Day Every Day Shaper Shorts, which come in high-waisted and mid-waisted versions. These shorts gently smooth the midsection, without noticeably altering your silhouette. They’re so comfy that, as the name promises, you really could wear them every day.
They offer gentle smoothing versus true shaping. The All Day Every Day shorts are the least compressive of our picks. (Shapermint describes the high-waisted shorts as having a “high” level of compression and the medium-waisted shorts as “medium” compression; we disagree.)
“The strip across the lower stomach and top of the hips is effective, but it’s not constricting,” said one panelist (5-foot-6, size XL/2XL). For others, the effect was a bit too subtle. “I like the airier feel,” said another tester (6 feet, size XS/S). “But frankly, they’re not doing much.”
The high-waisted version extends up to your bra band, while the mid-waisted version sits just above the belly button. The fabric on the butt and thighs is non-compressive; it provides chafe-protection and some lift.
They’re deliciously soft and stretchy. Our testers gave the All Day Every Day Shorts the highest overall score for comfort (an average of 4.3 out of 5). One panelist even compared them to wearing pajamas.
These shorts are made from a plush-yet-breathable blend of nylon and spandex. Of the 14 shaping shorts I tested, these were among the stretchiest and easiest to maneuver. They run big—and are remarkably elastic—so we recommend getting one size down.
Unlike our other shorts picks, the All Day Every Day Shorts don’t have an easy-access crotch flap. But their stretchiness ensures that you won’t wind up in a wrestling match when nature calls.
One (literal) sticking point: The All Day Every Day Shorts stay put with a combination of thin silicone strips and 2-inch-long flexible boning at the waistband. Some testers found those features unobtrusive, yet others noticed them digging in by day’s end.
They’re ideal for casual, everyday wear. The All Day Every Day Shorts won’t be much help if you’re trying to shimmy into a snug ensemble—but they will comfortably support loose skin or help a flowy fabric drape more smoothly.
They aren’t as incognito as our Spanx OnCore pick, either. The tabs around the waistband could be visible beneath clingier fabrics. And the legs—1.5 inches longer than those on our Spanx pick—won’t disappear under higher hemlines.
They also come in a boyshort, if that’s your bag. Three panelists tested the High-Waisted Shaper Boyshort, a mini-skirt–compatible variant of this pick with a shorter, 4-inch inseam. The material around the waist and stomach on these is thicker and more compressive, and there are no flexible stays at the waistband. The boyshorts didn’t roll down on our testers, but one panelist (5-foot-6, size L) complained that the legs rode up.
The price is right. Costing under $50 (and often less, since they’re frequently on sale), the All Day Every Day Shorts are the least expensive shaping shorts we recommend, so they’re a great option for those who are shapewear-curious (but wary of dropping $100).
Shapermint recommends machine-washing this pair on cold and tumble-drying on low. And after putting my pair through several laundry cycles, I noticed a couple of loose threads. But their overall performance remains the same. However, since the fabric is so stretchy, we suspect that this pair will begin to lose its compressiveness and stretch out more quickly than our other shorts picks.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
- The compression was too light for some testers.
- The silicone strips and flexible boning at the waist could be uncomfortable.
- Since they’re thin and stretchy, these shorts may not have a long lifespan. We’ll update this guide over time with our findings.
Specs
Structured shorts for maximum sculpting: Honeylove SuperPower Short
Best for
These high-waisted, mid-thigh-length shorts pack a real punch, offering a powerful combo of targeted compression and flexible boning to create an hourglass figure. For the sculpting they offer, they’re pretty darn comfortable—but shapewear with boning isn’t for everyone.
These high-waisted, upper-thigh-length shorts rely on a combination of targeted compression and flexible boning to create an hourglass figure. For the sculpting they offer, they’re pretty darn comfortable—but shapewear with boning isn’t for everyone
There’s shapewear, and then there’s capital-S shapewear. For those seeking the latter, consider the Honeylove SuperPower Short, available in mid-thigh and girl-short versions (that is, upper-thigh) lengths. These structured shorts nip the waist, suck in the tummy and inner thighs, and boost the derrière. Yes, boning is involved, but most of our testers reported that they felt contained rather than constricted.
They’re engineered to create an hourglass shape. As one panelist put it, “These sure are shapewear-ish.”
On each side of the SuperPower Short, long strips of flexible boning provide structure. Two smaller pieces of boning extend down the back of the garment for added support.
Powerful bands of compression criss-cross the midsection, defining the waistline, flattening the tummy, and smoothing the back. The inner- and back-thigh areas also provide firm compression (and booty-lifting). Non-compressive mesh at the front of the thighs and just under the butt (on the mid-thigh version only) offer a breath of fresh air.
You can choose between two inseam lengths. Most of our testers chose these shorts in the mid-thigh version, with a 7-inch inseam. These shorts are about the same length as our Shapermint All Day Every Day pick, and they’re approximately 1.5 inches longer than our Spanx OnCore pick.
Two panelists tested the girl-short version, which measures about 2 inches shorter in the legs, and they gave the length a thumbs-up: “I can wear them under shorter skirts, but they still cover enough to keep my thighs from rubbing,” said one (5-foot-3, size 2X). Unlike our other shorts picks, these shorts don’t come in a mid-waisted version.
They’re our thickest, most supportive pick. The SuperPower shorts are made from a firm, silky blend of nylon and Spandex. They feel notably more substantial than our other picks; they’re also the only shorts that are fully lined. This pair wouldn’t be our first shapewear choice on a hot, humid day.
Some of our testers found them comfy, yet others did not. The testers gave the SuperPower shorts mixed reviews on comfort—not surprising, considering they’re our most-engineered pick. They scored a couple of fours and fives, but also some dismal twos.
Honeylove suggests sizing up if you have proportionally larger hips or thighs; we actually think you’re better off ordering your regular size for firm compression. (Two panelists sized up based on Honeylove’s guidance and wished they hadn’t.)
Since they’re structured, these shorts are relatively easy to take on and off. (If you do have trouble, they come with a set of straps that hook onto the waistband for hoisting them into place.) And we were grateful for their double gusset—the open flap at the crotch—which allows for easier bathroom trips.
The boning is … polarizing. Our panelists used words like “old-fashioned” and “over-designed” to describe the boning in these shorts. “It’s like there are two rulers stuck down my sides,” said one tester.
Personally, I wasn’t bothered by the boning—it’s positioned skillfully enough that I could (almost) forget it was there. And it’s highly effective at keeping the waistband from rolling down. Silicone grips along the backside of the waistband make doubly sure they stay put.
They’re ideal for special occasions. When you want serious sculpting, the SuperPower shorts will deliver—but they may feel like overkill for everyday. “They’re definitely not casual-wear,” remarked one panelist.
Keep in mind that the boning—and thick side seams—in these shorts may be visible beneath thin or clingy fabrics. They do their job best under more structured materials and cuts.
They’re seriously sturdy. At around $90, these shorts are pricey—but they’re built to last.
I used my teeth to clamp the boning into a sharp angle—for science!—and it bounced back, unharmed.
Honeylove recommends hand-washing the SuperPower Shorts in cold water and laying them flat to dry. I’ve been lazily machine-washing mine on warm and tumble-drying them on regular heat, in a garment bag, and their performance is as snappy as ever.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
- With their thick fabric and multi-layered construction, these shorts are not the most breathable option.
- Their boning and prominent side seams will be visible under certain clothing—and some folks may consider boning a no-go.
Specs
- Sizes: XS to 3X
- Sizing notes: true to size.
- Material: SuperPower Short: 75% nylon, 25% Spandex (body); 80% nylon, 20% Spandex (lining); 100% cotton (gusset). Girl Short: 64% nylon, 36% Spandex (body); 72% nylon, 28% Spandex (lining); 100% cotton (gusset)
- Colors: four (black, black with sheer panels, two skin tones)
- Style Variants: mid-thigh short, girl short
