Do You Wear Underwear with Shapewear? Expert Tips for Comfort and Style

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Do I wear underwear with shapewear?”—you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we hear from customers new to the world of smoothing, sculpting, and shaping. Whether you’re rocking a bodysuit, high-waisted shorts, or a shaping tank, the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all—it depends on comfort, outfit, and personal preference.

At SPANX, we believe shapewear should support your confidence, not complicate your routine. So we turned to our real-life customers to share how they wear their shapewear—and what makes it work for their unique bodies and styles.

Should You Wear Underwear with Shapewear?

Short answer: it’s totally up to you. Most SPANX shapewear styles are designed with a built-in cotton gusset, meaning they can be worn with or without underwear. But many customers still prefer to layer with their favorite panties for added comfort or hygiene.

Let’s hear what real SPANX shoppers have to say.

Real Talk: What Customers Are Saying

“It fits perfectly—and I wear underwear for extra comfort.”

“I have a longer torso and DDD cups, which can make bodysuits tricky, but this one fits great. I found it most comfortable to wear underwear underneath so the thong doesn’t go places it shouldn’t.”

— Tammy

Takeaway: If you prefer more coverage or want to avoid irritation from a thong-style design, layering underwear under your shapewear can keep things more comfortable.

“It’s like a second skin—no underwear needed!”

“The OnCore High-Waisted Mid-Thigh Short Spanx are smooth, breathable, and stay in place. They have a cotton gusset so I can wear them without anything else underneath—and honestly, I forget I’m even wearing them!”

— Ashley

Takeaway: SPANX styles like the OnCore High-Waisted Mid-Thigh Short are designed for underwear-free wear, which helps eliminate panty lines and keeps you feeling sleek from top to bottom.

“I love how thoughtful the design is—now I wear them under everything.”

“In my 20s I wore shapewear to look snatched for a night out. Now in my 30s, I wear them for weddings, work events, or whenever I want to smooth things out under silk or modal. These High-Waisted Spanx take care of the bra bulge, underwear pooch—everything.”

— Julie

Takeaway: For women looking for a seamless look under clingy fabrics, SPANX styles offer invisibility and smooth finishes that eliminate the need for wearing underwear.

Pro Tips from SPANX Stylists

• Try it both ways. The best way to find your preference is to test it. Many customers start with underwear and transition to going without once they feel confident in the fit.
• Choose the right size. A too-tight fit can cause digging and discomfort whether you wear underwear or not. When in doubt, size up—several reviewers mentioned that this improved their experience.
• Wash with care. If you’re going without underwear, make sure to wash your shapewear after each wear, just like you would your panties.

So, do you wear underwear with shapewear?

The answer is simple: whatever makes you feel most comfortable and confident. At SPANX, our shapewear is designed with flexibility in mind—whether you’re layering or going commando, you’ll get support, smoothing, and style all in one.

Still not sure what shapewear is right for you? Start with our most-loved styles and explore what works best for your body and wardrobe.