A one-piece shaper cut low at the back so it disappears under an open-back dress, with a wire-free moulded cup bra built into the top. Five plastic bones run through the body to stop it rolling at the waist, and the back closes on three rows of hooks so it can be taken in as you wear it.

Women looking for a backless bodysuit shaper, a compression body shaper with a built-in bra, or medium-control shapewear to wear under a dress end up here. It is also listed for postpartum and workout wear, so it gets used well beyond one occasion.

The details

• Type: one-piece body shaper
• Control level: medium
• Bra: wire free, thin moulded cup
• Boning: 5 plastic bones
• Straps: adjustable
• Fastening: 3 rows of hooks
• Fabric: polyester, cotton and spandex; terry lining
• Colours: black, nude
• Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL

Choosing a size

The range is S to XXXL. Shapewear is meant to be firm, not painful — sizing down for more compression is what makes a shaper roll at the waist and dig at the leg. Take your usual size and use the three rows of hooks and the adjustable straps for the fine tuning.

Care

Hand wash cold with mild soap, or machine wash cool in a mesh bag with the hooks fastened. Never tumble dry — heat destroys the spandex that does the shaping. Dry flat, and store it unfolded so the moulded cups keep their shape.