The Best Shapewear for Women Over 50

3. Choose shapewear smoothers, not firmers, for everyday wear.

Some women will never want to wear more than a low compression level. Those who wear it daily can get all the help they need by sticking to what I call “shapewear lite.” Women over 50 who do exactly that say, “It gives me an everything-is-tucked-in feeling” and “Light shapewear is like straightening the sheets of an unmade bed.” They wear it for the feel rather than the tight, taut look, and slip their shapewear on even under relaxed, loose, flowy or oversized clothes.

Look for pieces that emphasize smoothing, such as Red Hot by Spanx Plus Size Light Control Shapewear Primers Smoothing Brief 40139R in Champagne Nude or Black ($19, kohls.com); Soma Lightweight Smoothing Tank in Bright White, Black or Warm Amber ($54, soma.com); and Secret Solutions Women’s Invisible Shaper Light Control All-In-One Shaper in Nude or Black ($57, nordstrom.com). Think of them as you do a tinted moisturizer with SPF: easy to wear, does a lot of work and provides daily peace of mind.

What to watch out for now: Shapewear levels are a marketing thing that indicates the amount of compression, support and shaping, but there’s no real standard. One brand’s idea of subtle shaping may be labeled “medium compression,” while another may label it “light.” Whether it’s a panty, short, tank, bodysuit or slip, a light control garment should feel comfy and nonrestrictive … like you, but better.

(From left) Wacoal Women’s Shape Revelation Hourglass Low Back Shapewear Thigh Shaper 805387 in Praline; Maidenform Women’s Seamless Smoothing Light Shaping Shorts in Black.

AARP (Bloomingdales, Target)

4. Step up the holding power with shaper shorts.

If there’s one shaper that’s a universal favorite for women over 50, it’s the biker short that targets the belly and thighs. Who doesn’t have a standby pair of black Spanx biker-style shorts tucked away in their lingerie drawer, if only for extra pounds or fit “emergencies”? Today, however, women are layering these basics under midi and maxi skirts for anti-chafe protection, or under trendy knit pull-on pants, wide-leg pants and jeans for a confidence boost. They say, “I’d never dare wear a knit skirt without one of these.”

New choices include innovations like the superlight DKNY Women’s Seamless Litewear Smoother Shapewear in Glow or Black ($20, macys.com) and Maidenform Women’s Seamless Smoothing Light Shaping Shorts in Black or Evening Blush ($15, target.com), and the contoured Wacoal Women’s Shape Revelation Hourglass Low Back Shapewear Thigh Shaper 805387 in Black or Praline ($74, bloomingdales.com), designed for extra curvy shapes.

An inseam of 4 to 6 inches will provide enough thigh coverage and control without exposing the shaper itself when you’re seated in a skirt or dress with front or side slits, or when crossing your legs. Don’t try to use your workout shorts — they’re thicker, bulkier and focused on wicking away sweat and moisture (and they're also designed to be seen). Shapewear shorts have way more refined fabric and are designed to disappear under clothes.

What to watch out for now: Forget super-high-waisted shaper bottoms with waistbands that extend almost to the bra band. They shorten and jam torso space for those with a big bust or a short torso. And despite claims otherwise, the waistband eventually rolls down or flips over.

(From left) MeMoi Women’s Body SmootHers Open-Bust Sculpting Cami in Nude; Naomi & Nicole No Side Show Waist Shaping Tank 7503 in White; Yummie Willow Shaping Top in Black.

AARP (Target, Kohl’s, Bloomingdale’s)

5. Let shaper tops banish back fat and muffin tops.

Smoothing and firming tanks for the torso are the next big thing in shapewear. What began not long ago as “layering pieces” to fill low-V necklines and add opacity to sheer blouses is now indispensable in stretchy fabrics enhanced with hold. They skim over back fat, flab around the bra band, torso ripples and muffin tops to make wearing fitted and semifitted tops, knits and fine-gauge sweaters a pretty anxiety-free experience.

This brings us to the what-do-I-do-about-a-bra situation. Tanks with wide straps, like the Naomi & Nicole No Side Show Waist Shaping Tank 7503 in White, Black or Warm Beige ($38, kohls.com) and the Spanx Thinstincts 2.0 Tank in Champagne, Very Black or Cafe Au Lait ($68, bloomingdales.com), and shaper tees (a new and growing category), like the Yummie Willow Shaping Top in Black ($32, bloomingdales.com), can be worn over your usual bra, since the compression does not extend to the bust. However, know that you’ll need to shimmy into these powerhouses by pulling them from the feet up or tugging them down over your head. Another option is an open bra-framing style, like MeMoi Women’s Body SmootHers Open-Bust Sculpting Cami in Nude or Black ($47, target.com), that can accommodate your favorite bra. And let’s not ignore winter skin sensitivity — these pieces also provide excellent itch and flake control under sweaters. Who couldn’t use that?

What to watch out for now: Skimpy, camisole-like shaper tops with spaghetti straps can be challenging to wear over a supportive or T-shirt bra, especially those with contoured, molded or foam-lined cups. You’re better off with a shaper tank like those above, or a torso-trimming bodysuit.

6. Whittle your shape with a one-and-done bodysuit.

You can pair a shaper tank and bottom for top and bottom control … or you can wear a bodysuit. It simplifies things. (Note that some retailers and brands call these “body briefers” or “rompers.”) Choose a short style (like a one-piece swimsuit) or a longer bodysuit that extends to mid-thigh.

One question arises: “I get the torso and belly control, but what about my bust?” There are three choices. Some bodysuits have built-in bra-like features for lift and shaping, like the Honeylove Cami Bodysuit in Vamp, Navy, White or Sand ($99, nordstrom.com) with removable soft cups (this one even has boning at the side for extra support), and the Wacoal Women’s Elevated Allure Wireless Shaping Bodybriefer 801336 in Roebuck or Black ($110, macys.com), which comes in bra sizes from 34 to 40 bands, C to DDD cups. Both are “swimsuit” styles.

Then there’s what’s known as an open-bust bodysuit, which has a gap front to accommodate your own bra. Have a look at the Maidenform Women’s Shapewear Open Bust Wear Your Own Bra Mid-Thigh Bodysuit 874 in Black or Beige ($29, target.com) and the Spanx Open-Bust Mid-Thigh Bodysuit in Champagne Beige, Very Black, Cafe Au Lait or Chestnut Brown ($88, spanx.com). Lastly, the Girl Power by TC Moderate Control Shapewear Mid-Thigh Shaping Bodysuit 4700 in Warm Beige or Black ($37, kohls.com) layers easily over a bra.

What to watch out for now: Be aware of bodysuit length, shoulder to crotch. A suit that’s too short will give you a front wedgie — an immediate sign to try another bodysuit — as will a suit that’s too long at the crotch. Always test the fit by sitting in the bodysuit, not just standing in front of a full-length mirror. Avoid bodysuits where the under-bust band or seam rests in the wrong spot (like on your breast!) or the top doesn’t encompass your whole breast. Of course, make sure the shoulder straps are adjustable and the crotch has snaps, a hook-and-eye closure or a flap gusset for bathroom runs.

(From left) MeMoi Full Coverage Smoothing Shaper Slip in Nude; Commando Classic Tailored Slip in Black; True & Co Women’s True Body Every Day Smoothing Slip Dress in Desert.

AARP (Target; Nordstrom, 2)

7. Choose a shaping slip instead of a short or bodysuit. 

Not everyone is open to every shapewear style. Some women tell me, “I need some help under dresses and skirts, but not that much.” There’s a final category that appeals to them and almost everyone who wears dresses and skirts: the shaper slips. They are full-length and updated with sleek, frill-free designs, versatile low-V and scoop necklines, and adjustable straps. They come in stretch nylon/spandex fabrics (you won’t find static cling here!) and offer built-in light control. A shaper slip is an excellent alternative to bodysuits and shaper shorts.

Perfect examples are the MeMoi Full Coverage Smoothing Shaper Slip in Black or Nude ($50, target.com); True & Co Women’s True Body Every Day Smoothing Slip Dress in Desert or Black ($64, nordstrom.com), with removable cups and convertible straps for versatility; and the Commando Classic Tailored Slip in Beige or Black ($108, nordstrom.com). All come in a knee-ish length that works under dresses of the same length, as well as with midis and maxis. Apart from smoothing, full-length shaper slips also give sheer, thin, embellished, beaded or sequined dresses a light base layer and “slippery” glide. Your dresses will never again feel bumpy or require tugging when you sit and then stand up. 

What to watch out for now: Forget about looking for a firm control slip. These are typically sold as shaper slips/dresses and are mainly a bodycon style marketed toward young women. Also, pass on a midi-length slip. You don’t need curve control from the knees down in midi and maxi skirts and dresses; a knee-length slip lets you easily cross your legs. Retro half-slips? Skip ’em! Opt for a full slip instead.