Body Control Underwear

By Amanda Bown

Girls, we've said it a million times before but good underwear makes for a great silhouette. Gone are the days of granny-style girdles (although, even these are making a come-back) and today we have new technology that delivers sleek body shape underwear that slim down, shape up and smooth in all the right places.

We're not suggesting that you wear them every day (the time of suffering for fashion is over) but when your body needs a boost, they're hard to beat.

Wacoal Embrace Lace Waist Cincher from Figleaves

The Tummy Trimmers

Best for apple, pear, inverted triangle and athletic shapes and anyone who wants waist definition.

If you want a complete pull-in (for control and support) or just a little flattening of the tum, tummy trimmers work wonders for your self confidence. Some come in a high-rise design, which extends up under the bust, creating a sleeker look on your torso.

Look for options that are seam-free and made from a stretchy soft compression-style fabric, which smoothes out lumps and bumps. Soft edges are designed to prevent unsightly marks.

Try the Wacoal Embrace Lace Waist Cincher from Figleaves.co.uk: strong tummy control panel, covering entire midriff, narrowing your waistline. > Shop for more tummy trimmers

The Bum Lifters

Best for pear, inverted triangle and apple shapes and anyone who wants a better-shaped derriere.

Ladies, you can create a pert-looking bottom in one easy step. Garments are designed to lift and improve shape. Most are seamless and invisible under clothes. Look for options with straps that attach to your bra (so there is no danger of the garment slipping down). There are also styles that don't have a tight leg band (to stop bulges) and a poppers in the gusset for quick trips to the loo.

Try Spanx Slim Cognito Mid Thigh Bodysuit, which shapes the midriff, hips and bum. > Shop for more bum lifters

Bust Boosters

Best for petites, athletic and slender shapes and anyone who wants a better-defined bust.

Contour your breasts and eliminate any ‘back fat’ with super-shaping bras that work on conforming your bust and back. Plunge bras have been around for ages and will give you more cleavage but look for newer styles that have a gel filling that pushes your breasts up and in.

Try Wonderbra Lace Gel Push-up Bra – the smooth gel-filled cups uplift and support. > Shop for more bust boosters

The Thigh Reducers

Best for pear, apple and hourglass shapes and anyone who wants to slim and smooth their thighs and hips.

Usually styled in a cycle short-style and are seam-free, these styles are made from strong compression fabric, which really sucks in and firms up the body and accentuates waistline areas. Some cover the area from thighs to waistline (or just under the bust), and look out for the clever designs that have extended waistbands to reduce the feared 'muffin top'.

Try the Apparel Place Medium Control Derriere & Thigh Shaper. > Shop for more hip and thigh reducers

More advice on how to dress your body shape, including expert videos by 4Beauty’s style team and the Body Shape Finder.