See how 52 women over 40 tested the 23 best slimming bodysuits available in the UK

In this article:

• You’ll see how the right bodysuit can help restore your figure from years past
• You’ll discover which shapewear actually works on mature figures without being uncomfortable
• You’ll learn about the top 5 best bodysuits in the UK – tested by real women over 40

As we age, our bodies naturally change. Skin loses its firmness, metabolism slows down, and our silhouette doesn’t look quite the same as it did years ago. Many women feel they no longer look good in their favourite dresses, blouses, or jeans. But that doesn’t mean you need to replace your entire wardrobe.

A good slimming bodysuit can help restore proportions from years past, smooth your silhouette, lift sagging areas, and help you feel like yourself again. This isn’t just shapewear – it’s a clever tool that helps you fall in love with your reflection once more.

Over the past 6 months, we tested 23 slimming bodysuits on a group of women over 40 – including those going through menopause, struggling to fit into old clothes, or simply wanting to look slimmer without dieting or exercise.

52 women aged 40-65 took part in our tests. Each had a consultation with a stylist, then tested different bodysuits in everyday situations – at work, weddings, under casual outfits and elegant dresses.

We compiled all results based on before-and-after photos, body measurements, user opinions, and discussions with our expert – stylist Emma Richardson, who has spent 15 years advising women over 40 on dressing for their changing figures.

This guide will show you that you don’t have to give up your favourite clothes – slimming underwear is one of the simplest ways to look brilliant again in that special dress waiting in your wardrobe.

What can you expect from a good slimming bodysuit?

Getting your figure back

A well-chosen bodysuit can work wonders, making your silhouette look up to 10 years younger. It’s not just about looking slimmer – it’s about balancing proportions, lifting your bust, flattening your tummy, smoothing your back, and gathering folds that previously showed through clothing.

In our tests, up to 91% of women noticed they looked better after putting one on. A bodysuit that properly holds your tummy without creating bulges elsewhere can completely transform how dresses and blouses fit.

Looking slimmer instantly – without diet or exercise

Most participants looked 1-2 sizes smaller immediately after putting it on. In the best-fitted bodysuits, your silhouette looks natural without feeling squeezed or having trouble breathing.

The effect is as if you’ve lost several pounds in all the right places – and we all know losing weight is never that simple. The most stubborn areas always slim down last.

Support where your body needs it most

As we age, our body changes – some areas become softer whilst others gain more fatty tissue.

A good bodysuit adapts to these changes and supports your silhouette cleverly: cinching the your waist, lifting your bottom, smoothing love handles and creating a flat, toned tummy.

It’s the perfect solution for women who miss their former firm silhouette.

Which women will see the biggest difference?

Women going through menopause – when the body loses firmness and it’s harder to get back to your previous shape

Women who don’t fit into their old clothes – looking for quick solutions without drastic changes

Women over 40 who want to look good in dresses again – but are bothered by folds, tummy bulges, or lack of waist definition

Women wanting to look slimmer instantly – and feel more confident in their bodies, especially during important occasions like weddings or family gatherings

The problem with choosing the right bodysuit

Most shapewear brands design their products with younger customers in mind. That’s why models in photos are often 25-30 years old with perfectly toned, youthful skin. Usually their figures don’t need any correction whatsoever.

Meanwhile, a woman over 40 needs something completely different. A bodysuit must:

• cope well with body temperature changes (like during hot flushes during menopause)
• properly support tummy, back, and bottom
• be easy to put on and take off, especially when using the loo
• fit well on bodies with less taut skin

The problem? Most products on the market don’t meet these needs.

3 Most Important Things When Choosing a Slimming Bodysuit

1. Designed for women over 40

Most shapewear brands design their bodysuits with young women in mind – which you can see from their product descriptions alone. When manufacturers don’t mention menopause, loss of firmness, or changes in silhouette after forty, that product wasn’t created with you in mind.

We found that women who wore bodysuits designed for their age and needs were 3 times more satisfied with how they looked. That’s a huge difference.

A woman’s body after 40 has completely different needs. It requires more support around the tummy, gentle lifting of the bottom, and proper balancing of the silhouette – not forcing it into shape, but restoring natural proportions.

If all the photos in a shop show only 20-year-old models with perfectly smooth silhouettes, you can be certain the product was created exactly for them.

2. Comfort and practicality

Even if a bodysuit perfectly shapes your figure, it doesn’t matter much if you can’t function normally whilst wearing it. A good bodysuit should allow free breathing and mustn’t squeeze your tummy or ribs too tightly.

Particularly important for women was whether they could comfortably spend an entire day wearing the bodysuit. Whether for work, weddings, dates, or simple restaurant visits. They also noted practical solutions like comfortable crotch fastening that lets you use the loo without taking off the entire bodysuit.

Material breathability was also a big plus, especially in summer when many cheaper models cause sweating and discomfort after just minutes of wear.

3. Hassle-free returns

Shapewear isn’t a lipstick – you need to try it on your own skin, and not all products are available in physical shops near you.

Therefore, easy returns are crucial. In this article, we also looked at brands’ return policies: return time, postage costs, and how to contact them.

The best brands let you test several sizes and return those that don’t fit. This significantly reduces the risk of buying the wrong thing.

How we tested slimming bodysuits

We created our ranking based on our criteria plus additional benefits these products offer. We tested 23 different slimming bodysuits and picked the 5 best.

Our testing process included:

• Over 6 months we tested 23 bodysuits on 52 women aged 40-65
• Tests included daily wear, special events, and everyday situations
• We gathered over 1000 data points from surveys, before-and-after photos, and measurements
• Each bodysuit was judged on comfort, how it looked, and how well it fitted different body types
• We worked with Emma Richardson – stylist for women 40+ – and lingerie boutique owners

Top 5 Best Shapewear Bodysuits for Women Over 40

#1 Winner – My Dream Shapes Bodysuit

MyDreamShapes is a relatively new European shapewear brand that focuses exclusively on shaping lingerie for women over 40. Unlike other companies that design products with younger customers in mind, MyDreamShapes has concentrated on mature figures from day one.

Their Classic Shaping Bodysuit came first in our tests, getting top scores for both how it looked and how comfortable it was to wear.

Test results

In our tests, MyDreamShapes performed the best:

• 91% of women noticed they looked better after first wearing it
• Average waist reduction: 2 inches
• Comfort rating: 4.4/5 – highest among all products tested
• 83% of participants looked 1-2 dress sizes smaller

Actually designed for women over 40

This is the key difference between MyDreamShapes and popular brands like Skims or Spanx. Whilst competitors design universal products, MyDreamShapes creates bodysuits specifically considering:

• Loss of skin firmness – special shaping panels work smoothly without causing bulges on mature bodies
• Women’s hormonal changes – material is more breathable and doesn’t heat up during hot flushes in menopause
• Reduced body flexibility – bodysuit is easier to put on and take off than traditional models

Emma Richardson, the stylist working with us on tests, noted: “This is the first bodysuit that really understands how a woman’s body changes after forty. Instead of forcing you into some unrealistic shape, it works with your body to gently support and enhance your natural curves. Women who wear it don’t feel constricted – they can move freely and comfortably all day long.”

How it makes you look

Tummy flattening up to 2 inches The special tummy panel in MyDreamShapes worked best among all products tested. Unlike competitors that often cause fatty tissue to bulge above or below the tummy, this model smoothly distributes the pressure.

Natural bust lift Built-in support under the bust works like a well-fitted bra, lifting by about 1 inch on average. This is important for women over forty, when breasts naturally lose firmness.

Back and side smoothing 78% of participants noticed complete smoothing of back folds – a problem often ignored by other brands that focus mainly on the tummy.

Comfortable all day

Breathable material MyDreamShapes uses a nylon blend with micro-ventilation that’s 40% more breathable than materials used by well-known shapewear brands. This is crucial for women going through menopause.

Easy loo visits Comfortable crotch fastening got high ratings from participants – 94% said using the toilet was “no problem at all”.

No digging in Unlike cheap alternatives, the material didn’t dig into skin even after 8 hours of wear and allowed proper blood circulation.

Build quality

Materials

• 68% nylon with micro-ventilation
• 32% elastane
• Flat seams that don’t show under clothing

How well it lasts After 3 months of regular use (2-3 times weekly), 89% of bodysuits looked like new, whilst the rest showed only minor signs of wear.

What real users say

“After two pregnancies, I thought I’d never wear a fitted dress again. This bodysuit changed everything!” – Charlotte K., 46

“During menopause I gained 2 stone mainly around my tummy. This makes me feel and look 10 years younger.” – Sarah M., 53

“For the first time, I feel shapewear was created for people my age. It doesn’t squeeze me where it shouldn’t and I can wear it all day.” – Rebecca W., 49

Where to buy and trial period

The brand is currently available online only, but offers:

Fast 24-hour shipping across Europe

30-day trial period with return option

Free size exchange within 30 days

Summary

What’s good:

• Best visual results for mature women
• Actually designed for women over 40
• Breathable material perfect during menopause
• Comfortable crotch fastening for easy loo access
• Wide size range (S-4XL)
• 30-day money-back guarantee

What’s not so good:

• More expensive than typical shapewear
• Available online only
• 4-5 working days delivery

MyDreamShapes Classic Shaping Bodysuit is our clear winner. This bodysuit was designed with women over forty’s needs in mind and shapes your body without sacrificing comfort.

Stylist Emma Richardson sums up: “If you’re over 40 and looking for a bodysuit that will make you feel confident in your favourite dress again, MyDreamShapes is spot on. The designers truly understood what a woman’s body looks like after forty and how to make it looks younger.”

#2 Triumph True Shape Sensation Bodysuit

Triumph is a German lingerie brand with over 130 years of experience. Their True Shape Sensation line offers bodysuits that combine body shaping with built-in bras. Unlike most shapewear products, this model was designed as a proper bra with additional shaping functions.

Test results

In our tests, Triumph performed solidly:

• 73% of women noticed they looked better after wearing it
• Average waist reduction: 1.5 inches
• Comfort rating: 3.8/5
• 61% of participants looked 1 dress size smaller

Proper bra built in

Triumph’s biggest advantage over competitors is the built-in underwired bra. Unlike other brands offering only light bust support, Triumph True Shape provides real lift and breast shaping at good bra level.

Built-in underwires are flat and comfortable – they don’t dig in even during long wear. The model also includes shaped cups that give breasts a rounded shape and proper cleavage.

Emma Richardson notes: “This is the only bodysuit in our tests that fully replaces a bra. For women with larger busts, this is brilliant – they don’t need to faff about with additional lingerie pieces.”

How well it works in practice

Tummy flattening up to 1.5 inches The tummy panel in Triumph works well, though not as strongly as MyDreamShapes. The material provides moderate compression – noticeable but fairly comfortable.

Back and side smoothing The bodysuit does the trick with folds under bras and smooths love handles. 68% of participants noticed improvement in this area.

Seamless design Seamless construction means the bodysuit stays invisible under clothing.

The sizing problem

Triumph’s main issue is limited sizing. The bodysuit is only available in bra sizes (32C-40E), which significantly limits who can use it.

“My bust size is 36B, but my hips are size 42 – I couldn’t find a size that would fit me” complained one participant.

For women with very different top/bottom proportions, this model simply isn’t an option.

Build quality

Materials

• 57% Polyamide, 42% Elastane, 1% Polyester
• Soft, silky feel material
• Hand washing required

Practical bits Crotch fastening with hooks and two-stage length adjustment lets you customise the fit and makes loo visits easier.

What users think

“It looks great, but the material rolls up when I sit – I’m shorter (5’2″)” – Sophie, 45

“Finally a bodysuit that properly lifts the bust. But choosing size is a little confusing” – Helen, 48

Price and where to buy

At £70.00, Triumph sits in the mid-price range. The product is available in Triumph shops and online, so you can try before buying.

Summary

What’s good:

• Professional underwired bra built into bodysuit
• Good material quality
• Available in physical shops
• Seamless construction

What’s not so good:

• Very limited sizing (bra sizes only)
• Material may roll up on shorter women
• Hand washing required
• Not specifically designed for women over 40

Triumph True Shape Sensation is a solid product for women who fit its specific bra sizing system. Unfortunately, limited sizes rule out many potential users.

“If you’re lucky and it fits sizewise – it’s a good choice. The problem is most women over forty have different proportions than bra sizing assumes” comments stylist Emma Richardson.

#3 Magic Bodyfashion Tone Your Body Briefer

Magic Bodyfashion is a Dutch brand with over 30 years of experience, focusing on practical solutions at reasonable prices. Their Tone Your Body Briefer is a corset-bodysuit model that shapes the silhouette from torso to hips whilst leaving the bust without additional support.

Test results

Magic Bodyfashion achieved average results in our tests:

• 64% of women noticed they looked better after wearing it
• Average waist reduction: 1.4 inches
• Comfort rating: 3.6/5
• 52% of participants looked 1 dress size smaller

Briefer-style design

Magic Bodyfashion Briefer is a hybrid model – it covers the area from bust to hips but doesn’t provide real breast support. This differs from full bodysuits in that the bust is just covered by material without any supporting elements.

This means you can wear your own bra underneath or go for natural bust positioning – but without additional lift or shaping.

Eco-friendly material

Magic Bodyfashion uses material that’s 85% recycled (85% Recycled Polyamide, 15% Elastane), which sets the brand apart from competitors.

“This is the only product in our tests that genuinely cares about the environment. The material is pleasant, though perhaps slightly less durable than premium synthetics” notes Emma Richardson.

How well it shapes

Tummy flattening up to 1.4 inches The tummy panel works reasonably well, though not as strongly as products higher in our ranking. Strong compression around the waist gives a noticeable “firm shaping” effect.

Strong waist and back shaping The manufacturer calls it “firm shaping” and indeed – compression is noticeable and effective at getting rid of folds on back and sides.

Minimal bust support The bodysuit covers the bust area but doesn’t provide real support or lift. The material simply wraps around breasts without additional support elements.

Practical bits

Crotch fastening Instead of typical back fastening, the model has hooks at the crotch. This makes loo visits easier but makes putting it on alone more difficult.

Seamless edges Edges are invisible under clothing thanks to bonded edge technology.

What users think

“For this price, you can’t complain. It doesn’t work miracles, but does the job” – Victoria, 48

“Material is pleasant and doesn’t make you sweat. Effect is average” – Amazon review

Cheapest option

At £37.88, Magic Bodyfashion is the cheapest option in our ranking. This makes it accessible to women with various budgets.

The brand often runs promotions and offers free shipping, bringing costs down even more.

Summary

What’s good:

• Cheapest in our ranking
• 85% recycled material
• Seamless finishing
• S-XXL sizes
• Can wear with any bra

What’s not so good:

• Weaker shaping effect than competitors
• No bust support
• Back fastening makes putting on tricky
• Basic design

#4 Spanx Tank Brief Bodysuit

Spanx is the shapewear pioneer and most recognisable brand in the category. Tank Brief Bodysuit is their classic model – a bodysuit in vest form with built-in knickers, designed for daily body shaping.

Test results

Spanx showed mixed results in our tests:

• 69% of women noticed they looked better after wearing it
• Average waist reduction: 1.1 inches
• Comfort rating: 3.1/5
• 48% of participants looked 1 dress size smaller

Fancy material technology

Spanx uses advanced LYCRA FitSense Print Technology providing 360-degree shaping through special compression prints on the material.

The material (55% Nylon, 45% Lycra Elastane) is thin as a second skin and breathable. This is undoubtedly one of the best material qualities in our ranking.

The fit problems

Spanx’s main issue turned out to be fit. The manufacturer themselves admit the bodysuit has “slightly small” fit and “slightly short” length, which caused problems for many participants.

“Even in my standard size I felt squeezed. And I’m average height – I can’t imagine how tall women feel” comments one tester.

Emma Richardson adds: “Spanx designs products with younger figures in mind. Women over forty have different proportions and needs.”

Disappointing results

Tummy flattening up to 1.1 inches Despite the fancy technology, the actual shaping effect was disappointing. Special compression panels worked subtly – too subtly for what we expected.

No bust compression The bust panel is flexible and doesn’t flatten breasts, which should be considered a good thing.

360-degree shaping Sounds impressive in theory; in practice means gentle smoothing without spectacular effects.

How it feels to wear

The material is genuinely comfortable – soft, breathable, and you barely notice it on your skin. However, sizing problems often cancelled out these advantages.

Crotch fastening Standard snap solution worked without problems.

Non-adjustable straps Lack of strap length adjustment is an additional problem when the sizing doesn’t fit properly.

Expensive for what you get

At £60 (promotional, regular £80), Spanx is among the pricier options in our ranking. Unfortunately, the results don’t justify this price.

An additional problem is the “Final Sale” policy – limited return rights mean you’re buying at your own risk.

What users think

“Famous brand, but disappointing. I expected more for this price” – Rachel, 44

“Material is lovely, but minimal effect. Perhaps for younger women” – Amazon review

Summary

What’s good:

• Most recognisable shapewear brand
• Advanced material technology
• Available in prestigious shops
• Very comfortable material

What’s not so good:

• Sizes run small – fit problems
• Weaker shaping effect than expected
• High price for average results
• Limited return policy (“Final Sale”)
• Designed for younger figures

Spanx is a brand living on reputation, but our tests show it’s not the best option for women over 40.

“Spanx is classic, but classic from when shapewear was designed mainly for twenty and thirty-somethings. Times have changed, and women over forty’s needs are different” concludes Emma Richardson.

#5 Shapermint All Day Every Day Bodysuit

Shapermint is an American brand focusing on daily wearing comfort and size inclusivity. All Day Every Day Bodysuit in Scoop Neck version is their bestseller, designed to be so comfortable you can wear it from morning to evening.

Test results

Shapermint achieved the weakest results in our ranking:

• 58% of women noticed they looked better after wearing it
• Average waist reduction: 0.8 inches
• Comfort rating: 4.1/5 – high score
• 41% of participants looked 1 dress size smaller

Comfort first

Shapermint truly delivers on all-day comfort promises. The material is soft, breathable, and stretchy. Many testers forgot they were wearing a bodysuit – which is both good and bad.

“This is the most comfortable bodysuit I tested. The problem is you can barely feel it doing anything to your shape” comments one participant.

Minimal pressure = minimal results

Tummy flattening up to 0.8 inches This is the weakest result in our entire ranking. The tummy panel provides gentle smoothing, but there’s no dramatic change to your silhouette.

Subtle bottom lift The manufacturer promises a “lifting effect”, but in practice it’s barely noticeable.

No bust compression – but no support either The bodysuit doesn’t flatten breasts but doesn’t lift them either. For women with larger breasts, this might mean lack of proper support.

The expectations problem

Shapermint’s main issue is that the “shapewear” name creates certain expectations about shaping effects. In practice, this is more comfortable underwear with minimal compression.

Emma Richardson notes: “Shapermint is a good choice if someone wants to feel better psychologically but doesn’t expect visible changes to their silhouette. It’s more comfort wear than shapewear.”

Great sizing range

One of Shapermint’s biggest advantages is S-4XL sizing. This is truly inclusive, covering women with very different figures.

Adjustable straps allow better fit – this is the only bodysuit in our ranking with this feature.

Very reasonable price

At £29.99 (promotional from £50.00), Shapermint is one of the cheaper options. Sometimes even bigger promotions are available.

60-day return policy is an additional advantage – you can test the product risk-free.

What users think

Shapermint has the best user reviews (4.5/5 from 747 opinions), but remember they’re mainly rating comfort, not shaping effects.

“I wear this daily to work. Super comfortable, though effect is subtle” – Jennifer, 52

“Finally shapewear for real women. Doesn’t squeeze, doesn’t hurt” – Angela, 48

Summary

What’s good:

• Most comfortable in our ranking
• Wide sizing (S-4XL)
• Adjustable straps
• Very reasonable price
• 60-day return policy
• Can wear all day without discomfort

What’s not so good:

• Weakest shaping effect in ranking (0.8 inches)
• Very minimal compression
• May not provide enough support for larger busts
• Visual effects barely noticeable

Which bodysuit should you choose?

MyDreamShapes Classic Shaping Bodysuit Best option for women over 40 looking for proper results with high comfort. Designed specifically for mature figures with breathable materials perfect during menopause. Reduces waist by up to 2 inches whilst being comfortable enough for all-day wear. Perfect for women wanting to look brilliant in their favourite dress again and willing to invest in top quality product.

Triumph True Shape Sensation Bodysuit Best choice for women needing proper bust support combined with body shaping. Features built-in underwired bra that genuinely lifts and shapes breasts whilst smoothing the torso. Ideal for women with larger busts wanting everything in one garment, but limited to bra sizing system (32C-40E).

Magic Bodyfashion Tone Your Body Briefer Best budget option for women wanting basic tummy control without overspending. Made from 85% recycled material, offers strong waist and back shaping whilst leaving bust free. Ideal for environmentally conscious women or those trying shapewear for the first time, preferring moderate compression for £37.88.

Spanx Tank Brief Bodysuit Best choice for women prioritising brand name and material quality over dramatic results. Features advanced LYCRA FitSense technology with premium materials, but sizes run small and effects are subtle. Most suitable for younger women or those wanting gentle smoothing rather than significant body reshaping.

Shapermint All Day Every Day Bodysuit Best option for women prioritising all-day comfort over dramatic effects. Offers highest comfort rating (4.1/5) with minimal compression you can forget you’re wearing. Perfect for women wanting a psychological confidence boost rather than visible body transformation, especially those needing large sizes (S-4XL available).

Remember that shapewear only provides temporary improvements to how you look. The best long-term results come from combining quality shapewear with a healthy lifestyle, good posture, and clothes that flatter your natural body shape. Choose shapewear based on your specific needs, budget, and comfort priorities, not just brand recognition.