The Shapewear Brand Fashion Editors Actually Want to Wear

Shapewear is typically a very specific type of lingerie—it smooths out lines and can make you feel more confident about wearing a figure-hugging dress, but it’s not usually the sort of thing you’d want to wear by itself (although the Kardashians have made that much more common).

So when Heist, those clever people behind the comfiest tights ever (they’re seriously good—you really should get a pair) launched black, beige and brown Outer Body bodysuits, the brand found its customers started to wear it not just as shapewear but also as part of their usual wardrobes.

Much like the brand’s approach to tights, these bodysuits were originally created to change our perception of shapewear. It wasn’t just about being functional; it was about it being beautiful—something we can more than get on board with.

The feedback from customers was that the suits do everything they’re supposed to while also being comfortable, and it gave them the confidence to wear it as part of their outfits (not just hidden away). As it's part of our job to try on clothing, we ensured we gave the bodysuits a real test-run and give our verdicts and which outfits we'd be wearing with them. Keep scrolling for more...

Elinor Block, Assistant Editor

I’ve been a fan of Heist’s tights since its launch, so I was excited to try the shapewear. I’ve worn bodysuits before, but as I’ve always worn beige colours (usually under a dress), I’ve been wary about the thought of accidentally flashing it through my clothes.

That said, I decided to try it as a part of my outfit, paired with faux-leather trousers and a blazer, an outfit I would definitely repeat again. As for support, this was surprisingly good, considering I would usually never go braless.

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Emma Spedding, Editor

"This certainly feels like shapewear, as it’s very snug from below the bra cups, but it doesn’t feel restrictive or like there’s too much ‘sucking in’ going on. It gives you a subtle smoothing and I can see that it would be useful under blouses and tops that are a little too see-through, but I wouldn’t want to wear this alone as a top or expose the bra area, as the lack of cups give the body a very Rachel Green ‘Hey, I’ve got no bra on’ effect.”—Emma Spedding

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Zoe Anastasiou, Fashion Editor

"I fell in love with Heist’s black bodysuit the moment I tried it on, thanks to the flattering fit and comfortable stretch fabric. It’s not something I would think to wear by itself, but it works perfectly under my long-line blazer. I can also imagine it looking fab with high-waisted, wide-leg trousers.”—Zoe Anastasiou

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Next up, the biggest autumn/winter 2020 fashion trends to know. 

This piece was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.