The Best Body Shapewear for Every Holiday Dress

The holiday season comes with a packed calendar—office parties, family gatherings, festive dinners, and at least one event that requires sequins. And while the spotlight might be on your dress, the real magic happens underneath it.

That’s where body shapewear comes in. Whether you’re slipping into a strapless satin gown or a cozy knit midi, the right base layer smooths, sculpts, and supports so you can move (and mingle) with total confidence.

Ahead, we’re breaking down the best shapewear for five classic holiday dress styles—and the SPANX pieces designed to keep you feeling as good as you look all season long.

Shapewear for Strapless or Off-the-Shoulder Dresses

There’s nothing quite like the glamour of a strapless or off-the-shoulder holiday dress. The only catch? Staying supported without visible straps or constant readjusting. For those sleek, shoulder-baring styles, look for shapewear that stays put, smooths seamlessly, and gives you lift where you need it.

Our pick: SPANXshape Suit Your Fancy Strapless Cupped Mid-Thigh Bodysuit.

This strapless bodysuit features built-in cups for structure and lift, silicone grips for stay-put support, and medium compression that smooths your torso and thighs while keeping you comfortable. The mid-thigh length disappears under everything from minis to full-length gowns, and the breathable fabric ensures you’ll stay cool under those party lights.

Wear It With: strapless velvet gowns, off-the-shoulder cocktail dresses, or satin jumpsuits that need invisible, all-around support.

Shapewear for Backless or Low-Back Dresses

The holidays are the perfect excuse to wear something bold—like a backless or low-back dress. But while those silhouettes turn heads, they can make finding the right shapewear tricky. You want smoothing and lift without any visible straps or panels peeking out.

Our pick: SPANXshape Suit Your Fancy Plunge Low-Back Mid-Thigh Bodysuit.

Designed with a deep plunge front and open back, this piece stays completely hidden while providing targeted shaping through your waist, tummy, and thighs. Adjustable straps let you customize your fit, and moderate compression smooths without feeling restrictive.

Wear It With: backless slip dresses, halter gowns, or metallic low-back styles that need support with no show-through.

Shapewear for Bodycon or Fitted Dresses

If your dress fits like a glove, you’ll want shapewear that feels equally seamless. Bodycon fabrics—especially knits, sequins, and satin—reflect light, meaning every line or bump can show through. The key is high-compression shaping that defines your curves while staying invisible.

Our pick: SPANXsupersculpt TotalContour Open-Bust Mid-Thigh Bodysuit

This powerhouse piece delivers our strongest level of compression to give you that sculpted, hourglass effect. It’s powered by flexible built-in boning and LYCRA® FitSense® print technology for extra core, waist, and thigh support—engineered for 360° sculpting. Adjustable straps prevent rolling, the open-bust design lets you wear your favorite bra, and back seam shirring gives your booty a natural lift.

Wear It With: sequin bodycon dresses, fitted midi gowns, or any sleek look that calls for confident curves and a snatched silhouette.

Shapewear for Long-Sleeve or Midi Dresses

Long-sleeve or mid-length dresses are winter staples—but thicker fabrics and layered fits can make you want a little extra contouring underneath. You need shapewear that sculpts and supports from every angle without adding bulk.

Our pick: SPANXsculpt Seamless Power Open-Bust Mid-Thigh Bodysuit

Engineered for powerful, 360° sculpting, this bodysuit is medium-to-strong compression at its best. The 4-way stretch fabric moves with you while maintaining a firm hold through your core and thighs. It’s center-seam-free for a completely invisible look under clothes, features an easy double gusset for convenience, and has adjustable straps that stay flat and secure all day (and night).

Wear It With: ribbed sweater dresses, long-sleeve midis, or any structured dress where you want definition and smoothness from top to bottom.

Shapewear for Flowy or A-Line Dresses

Not every holiday look calls for firm sculpting—sometimes, you just want subtle smoothing that keeps lighter fabrics draped beautifully. For A-line, wrap, or pleated dresses, opt for shapewear that smooths your core and thighs with gentle compression that feels barely there.

Our pick: SPANXshape Invisible Open-Bust Mid-Thigh Bodysuit

This fan favorite offers light-to-medium compression and a second-skin feel. The ultra-breathable micro-fiber fabric smooths your tummy, waist, and thighs without flattening your natural shape. It’s designed to disappear under airy fabrics—so you can move, sit, and celebrate comfortably.

Wear It With: A-line satin dresses, pleated midis, or wrap styles that call for subtle shaping and all-night comfort.

FAQs: Best Shapewear for Holiday Party Dresses

What shapewear should I wear under a strapless dress?

Choose a strapless bodysuit with built-in cups and silicone grip bands to stay in place without straps. Look for mid-thigh length styles that provide smoothing from bust to thighs while remaining invisible under your dress. SPANX strapless bodysuits offer medium compression with breathable fabric to keep you comfortable through long events.

How do I choose the right shapewear for a bodycon dress?

Bodycon dresses require seamless, high-compression shapewear with no visible lines. Opt for bodysuits with laser-cut edges, thong-back designs, or bonded seams that won't show through clingy fabrics like sequins, satin, or jersey knits. Firm compression styles sculpt your silhouette while the seamless construction ensures a smooth finish under fitted styles.

Can you wear shapewear with a backless dress?

Yes! Choose low-back or open-back shapewear bodysuits specifically designed with deep scoop backs that stay hidden while providing tummy and thigh smoothing. Look for styles with adjustable straps and plunge necklines that work with backless, halter, and low-back dress cuts without any visible panels.

What level of compression do I need for holiday dresses?

Light compression works for flowy A-line dresses and casual gatherings. Medium compression suits most dress styles and provides noticeable smoothing for cocktail parties. Firm or high compression is ideal for bodycon, fitted, or formal gowns when you want maximum sculpting and waist definition. Start with medium if you're new to shapewear.

Should shapewear be tight or comfortable?

Shapewear should feel snug but never painful or restrictive. You should be able to breathe normally, sit comfortably, and move freely. If you're experiencing discomfort, red marks, or difficulty breathing, size up. Quality shapewear uses flexible compression that shapes without squeezing, allowing you to wear it comfortably for hours.

What size shapewear should I buy?

Order your typical dress size for most shapewear styles. If you're between sizes or prefer lighter compression, size up. Shapewear runs true to size and is designed to stretch and conform to your body. Check the size chart on each product page and measure your bust, waist, and hips for the most accurate fit.

How do you keep shapewear from rolling down?

Look for shapewear with silicone grip strips, bonded waistbands, or adjustable straps that prevent rolling. Bodysuits inherently stay in place better than separate pieces. Make sure you're wearing the correct size—shapewear that's too small is more likely to roll. Features like built-in boning and targeted compression zones also help shapewear maintain its position throughout the day.

Will shapewear show through my holiday dress?

No, when you choose the right style. Seamless shapewear with laser-cut edges and bonded construction stays invisible under all fabrics. Match your shapewear color to your dress or skin tone—nude shades for light dresses, black for dark dresses. Avoid shapewear with thick seams, decorative trims, or hardware that could create visible lines under fitted or thin fabrics.

Can I wear my own bra with shapewear?

Yes, with open-bust shapewear styles. These bodysuits provide tummy, waist, and thigh shaping while leaving the bust area open so you can wear any bra style—strapless, plunge, push-up, or convertible. This gives you flexibility to choose the right support and style for your dress neckline while still getting full-body smoothing everywhere else.

How long can you comfortably wear shapewear?

Quality shapewear with breathable fabrics and proper compression can be worn comfortably for 8-12 hours. SPANX designs feature moisture-wicking materials, ventilated panels, and flexible construction that moves with your body. Take breaks when possible, and always remove shapewear before sleeping. If you experience discomfort after a few hours, you may need to size up.

Why SPANX Makes the Best Shapewear for Holiday Dresses

From sculpting your curves to keeping you comfortable through every event, SPANX shapewear is designed with real women—and real parties—in mind. Each piece combines targeted compression, breathable fabrics, and seamless design so you can look polished without sacrificing comfort.

Whether you’re wearing a strapless cocktail dress or a floor-length showstopper, SPANX shapewear bodysuits make sure your dress fits the way it was meant to—smooth, confident, and completely you.