We all have those formative moments that stick with us — and one of mine happens to be buying my first bodysuit from the (not yet bankrupt) American Apparel store in Uptown, Minneapolis. It was solid black with a high neckline and a brief-style bottom — but more important than how it looked was how put-together and effortless it made me feel. No longer was I wrangling a scrunched-up T-shirt into the waistband of my jeans; instead, I had a smooth and cinched silhouette. Not to mention that the bodysuit reminded me of the stretchy, Jane Fonda–esque pieces that I grew up admiring in my mom’s closet (she competed as a rhythmic gymnast for the Canadian national team in the ’80s — so she knew a good leotard when she saw one).
Now, about ten years after buying the American Apparel bodysuit, I’ve purchased many more from other brands and still build almost every outfit around one. Yes, I know they have some detractors — but to me, bodysuits are the perfect wardrobe staple because they essentially combine your favorite top and underwear into one. And since I’ve been hunting for them for so long, I now have pretty high standards for how they should fit and feel. My ideal bodysuit needs to be comfortable and stay in place all day long, and the bottom closure shouldn’t be impossible to snap up in a tiny bathroom stall. The right balance of stretch and support is also key, and it has to stand up to regular machine washings. Finally, bodysuits can be quite pricey, so I’ve always looked for options that are affordable without sacrificing quality.
As one of the Strategist’s resident experts on clothing basics, I’ve tested many of the most popular styles on the market. Below are some of my favorites — all of which are hanging in my closet right now — including the bodysuit that outranks them all.
The powerhouse (that’s a worthy Skims dupe)
I stumbled across this Amazon bodysuit while scrolling through TikTok (shocker, I know). It’s made of 76 percent polyamide and 24 percent elastane — the exact material makeup of the Fits Everybody fabric from Skims — so I quickly placed an order to test it for myself. It’s now my hero bodysuit. I wear it on repeat because it’s so damn dependable: The crewneck is ideal for layering or wearing on its own, and the fabric is exceptionally soft and smooth. It pulls me in without feeling constrictive, and I’ve never had any issues with the snap-button closure. A stylish friend of mine actually mistook it once for Skims, which says a lot about how solid of a dupe it is. I’ve since purchased it in more colors and own other styles from Pumiey, and I’m happy to report that they all fit just as well and cost under $30.
The one I own in three colors
Aritzia’s signature Contour bodysuits are well known for their stretchy and smoothing double-layer fabric. The first style I bought from the brand was the popular square-neck long-sleeve, which became my most-worn bodysuit for many years. The sturdy material, made of a blend of nylon and elastane, keeps its shape all day but is lightweight enough to feel like a second skin. It’s double-lined, meaning my bra won’t show through, and it has enough support that sometimes I even opt for going braless. I can pair it with practically any kind of bottoms — a skirt, jeans, or even leggings — making it particularly versatile. I also appreciate the shade range Aritzia offers; I own it in black, camel, and a mauve-y pink. Just note: All Aritzia bodysuits are final sale, so I suggest going in-store if you’re unsure about sizing.
The go-tos for layering
Skims makes our favorite shapewear, and I’m also a big fan of its bodysuit selection. Its coveted Fits Everybody fabric, which consists of polyamide and elastane, truly does live up to the hype. It’s compressive yet breathable, and the high-cut leg ensures a barely-there feel whether I wear it under a pair of jeans or trousers. Slim adjustable straps give customizable support on top; meanwhile, on the bottom, the thong back means there’s no VPL (visible panty line), making it much easier to layer. It also has a strong two-button closure. Personally, I prefer pulling the crotch fabric way to the side to use the toilet, and these snaps have never come undone during that process. The brand’s inclusive sizing — from XXS to 4X — is another reason I recommend its bodysuits. The only drawback is the $60 price tag, which makes this one of the pricier options on this list.
Here’s another tank-style bodysuit that I own from the Fits Everybody collection. I find the square neckline and wider straps also make this one versatile and easy to layer.
I’ve been super impressed with the quality and affordability of Abercrombie’s clothing basics. I don’t own this exact bodysuit, but the one I have — a tank with a V-neckline and wider straps — is made from the brand’s same Soft Matte material. It’s a blend of nylon and elastane, which I think feels softer than Aritzia’s Contour fabric (probably because it contains a higher percentage of elastane). I would also consider it to be the thickest on this list, but it’s never suffocating. I like to wear mine under a cardigan or sheer top for extra coverage.
The ones I wear for special occasions
I also own this deeper V-neck from the Contour line, which I like for dressier events. It offers a nice held-in effect (although I find the neckline verges on being a little too revealing for more casual gatherings).
I’m a sucker for a one-shoulder top, which is why I purchased this asymmetrical long-sleeve number. It’s polyester and elastane, so it’s high-stretch and feels slightly silky. It also feels cool to the touch, so I never overheat when wearing this bodysuit. It’s not a style I reach for super often, but I like that it can take me from day to night.
I bought this off-the-shoulder bodysuit about a month ago, and though I’ve only worn it a few times, it’s been a nice addition to my closet for transitional spring weather. I chose the beige shade and can confirm that the Contour fabric is still as sturdy as ever with lots of coverage, even in this lighter color.
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