If you’ve ever skipped a dress because of thigh chafing or wished for a little extra compression, the best shapewear shorts can make all the difference. They’re just as useful under a clingy wedding-guest dress as they are beneath a short skirt, preventing skin-on-skin friction on hot days while offering firm sculpting or comfortable, lightweight smoothing. High-waisted shaper shorts often target the waist and tummy, some lift your butt or slim your thighs, and most are made with breathable fabrics that stay put without rolling or riding up. Whether you’re looking for compression shorts for a special occasion or versatile shapewear to wear under dresses without committing to a full bodysuit, these Glamour editor-tested picks have you covered.
Our top picks for shapewear shorts
Best Under Dresses: Spanx OnCore Mid-Thigh Short
Spanx OnCore Mid-Thigh Short
Original video from Brigitt Earley testing SpanxSculpt OnCore Shorts
Why we love them: If you want a hardworking pair of shapewear shorts to smooth you in even the tightest of dresses, Spanx’s mid-thigh shorts are our testers’ favorite. “These high-waisted shorts are my go-to, with their strong-to-medium compression in the thighs and stomach, plus panels in the back that give my booty a subtle lift,” says Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley. “They’re breathable enough for warmer months when I still want shaping but don’t want to feel like I’m wearing an extra layer (hello, outdoor weddings).” They hit halfway down your thighs—enough to slim your thighs without peeking out of most midi dresses.
