Honeylove Shapewear Review: Is it better than Spanx? - Reviewed
We tested the Honeylove SuperPower Short Shapewear that claims to fit and feel better for all body sizes—but is it actually better than Spanx?
Does Honeylove shapewear really work for all bodies?
Written and Tested byMelissa Rorech, video producer who tests products and writes about LGBTQ+ and plus-size topics Updated February 4, 2025
Like most everyone I know, I dread putting on shapewear. Whether it’s for a wedding or a night out on the town, it’s always a horrid experience—not to mention, I’m morally against the concept because I believe you shouldn’t try to hide your curves. But sometimes you just need to squeeze into a dress that doesn’t quite fit anymore, and desperate times call for desperate measures. So when I was asked to test Honeylove shapewear, a brand with bold claims of comfort designed for plus-size bodies, I had my doubts. Could I fall in love with shapewear? For the sacrifice of all womankind, I took the plunge—and (perhaps unsurprisingly) came away with mixed feelings.
-
Structured boning
-
Comfortable while moving/sitting
-
No chafing in the thighs
-
Compresses “problem areas”
-
Hard to get on
-
Rips easily at the thigh
-
Not size inclusive
-
Hard to pee in
Credit: Honeylove Honeylove shapewear incorporates structured boning to stay up without bra straps and claims it is made for “women of all shapes and sizes.”
Honeylove founder Betsie Larkin had similar issues with shapewear, but as an accomplished vocalist, she had to wear it regularly to keep things in check while performing in front of audiences. Larkin developed her own shapewear that incorporates a technology she called “SoftFlex.” Hidden at the side seams of the waist, this soft but structured boning holds up Honeylove’s pieces without traditional rubber grips.
Further, the “Sculptwear” smart compression panels are placed in areas where you’d want more compression, like across the stomach and around the upper thigh. The pieces have less compression in areas where you’d want more flexibility or movement, such as around the rib cage and along the legs. Fans claim these design characteristics help to lift the booty, give you more posture support, and even tone your legs.
I tested the SuperPower Short, the shapewear equivalent of the compressive bike shorts that I typically wear under a dress. The SuperPower Short comes in four neutral colors and women’s sizes XS to 3X and costs $89 a pair. In addition to the shorts I tested, the style is also available in brief, thong, and queen brief variations that offer different levels of coverage, depending on your needs.
Honeylove SuperPower ShortThese compressive shaping shorts offer waist definition, lift, and smoothing.
BUY NOW at Honeylove
What I like about the Honeylove SuperPower Short
Credit: Honeylove Despite the SuperPower Short being hard to get on, once it was on, I could barely tell I was wearing shapewear—it was so comfortable!
It moves well
After a lot of shimmying and maneuvering (more on that coming), I made it into the SuperPower Short. I could see pretty quickly why people like this shapewear so much. It was very comfortable and didn’t restrict my stomach—I could take deep breaths and sit down with ease. Honeylove is super easy to move around in and, although the nylon/spandex material is thin, my thighs never had an issue with chub rub.
It creates a smooth silhouette
The top of the shorts goes all the way up to the bra line, smoothing the entire waistline with no muffin-top issues. The structured boning on both sides as well as the compressive sections on the tummy keeps these shorts from rolling down and keeps your body feeling supported.
What I don’t like about Honeylove SuperPower Short
Credit: Honeylove You can’t say you “embolden women of all shapes and sizes” and then not make shapewear that goes above a size 20. That’s the bare minimum of plus-sizes.
It’s not really plus-sized
My biggest issue: I would not classify Honeylove as a plus-size shapewear company. It advertises to “women of all shapes and sizes,” with the largest size being a 3X. I normally wear a size 14 to 16, which puts me at the lower end of the plus-size category in general. However, after taking my measurements, I wound up going with a 2X, because the company suggests that if you have “a wider thigh or proportionally bigger hips,” you should size up. Given that I was in the second-largest Honeylove size, I’d hardly say that the company caters to most women.
It’s really hard to get into
When I received the shapewear in the mail, the shorts looked cute but also much smaller than I expected. As soon as I pulled them up to my thighs, I laughed—I knew we were gonna have a problem. I then spent 15 minutes—no exaggeration—trying to get the shapewear comfortably on. The uppermost section where your stomach goes is structured and made of thick compression material, so you can use that sturdy material to pull them up, but the thighs are made out of a featherlight nylon/spandex—you risk ripping the fabric if you pull too hard on that area.
Indeed, on just the second wear, I tore a quarter-sized rip in one of the outer thighs while trying to get them on. With each subsequent wear, the rip grew larger and larger.
Once it’s on, it moves well and looks smooth…but getting into the Honeylove shapewear is another story.
They can be a challenge in the bathroom
Although there’s a gusset between the legs for easy access when nature calls, I never felt confident enough to go to the bathroom in the SuperPower Short. Maybe it’s just my nerves, but I felt like there just wasn’t enough access to pee without making a mess. That means I would have to take off the entire piece to use the bathroom, and then put it back on afterward—another 15-minute ordeal.
I’ve worn Spanx a handful of times to formal events and I had no problems with peeing or getting those on or off. Sure, Spanx can also be a little hard to get on because of its tight spandex content, but it wasn’t the painstaking process I endured with Honeylove.
Is the Honeylove SuperPower Short worth it?
Credit: Honeylove I’m disappointed to say this comfortable shapewear isn’t made for plus-size bodies.
It’s worth considering (if it fits you)
If you happen to fit within the size range, I’d say the Honeylove SuperPower Short is worth considering, even if you have to wrestle a bit to get them on. But if you’re a plus-size person who wears anything larger than an 18, you’ll have to pass: This shapewear might’ve been designed with your body in mind, but in reality, your size isn’t stocked.
Smaller bodies could have an easier time getting in and out of the shapewear without so much shimmying and cursing, and once they’ve finally squeezed in, I suspect they’ll appreciate the structured contouring and comfortable material even more than I did. As for me, I would wear it to a wedding or special event, but I wouldn’t choose to wear this outside of a handful of formal special occasions.
Honeylove SuperPower ShortThese compressive shaping shorts offer waist definition, lift, and smoothing.
BUY NOW at Honeylove
Related content
feature
These things from Spanx have hundreds of rave reviews—and none are shapewear
feature
The best places to buy plus-size underwear
feature
These things from Spanx have hundreds of rave reviews—and none are shapewear
feature
The best places to buy plus-size underwear
These things from Spanx have hundreds of rave reviews—and none are shapewear The best places to buy plus-size underwear Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, or Flipboard for the latest deals, product reviews, and more.
Meet the tester
Melissa Rorech
Senior Multimedia Producer
@MelissaRorech Melissa Rorech is the Senior Multimedia Producer for Reviewed. She is always up-to-date on the latest trends since she helps run Reviewed’s TikTok account (@reviewed). Aside from her video work, Melissa is a product tester, writer, dog lover, cat parent, coffee connoisseur, and so much more.
See all of Melissa Rorech’s reviews Melissa Rorech
Senior Multimedia Producer
@MelissaRorech Melissa Rorech is the Senior Multimedia Producer for Reviewed. She is always up-to-date on the latest trends since she helps run Reviewed’s TikTok account (@reviewed). Aside from her video work, Melissa is a product tester, writer, dog lover, cat parent, coffee connoisseur, and so much more.
See all of Melissa Rorech’s reviews
Checking our work.
Our team is here to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and experts obsess over the products we cover to make sure you’re confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we’ll compare notes.
Shoot us an email Our team is here to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and experts obsess over the products we cover to make sure you’re confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we’ll compare notes.
Shoot us an email Expert advice and our favorite products dropped right in your inbox. You’re all set to get the latest from Reviewed. Tell us a bit more about you so we can get to know each other better. We added you to the list. We’ll be in touch soon. Expert advice and our favorite products dropped right in your inbox. You’re all set to get the latest from Reviewed. Tell us a bit more about you so we can get to know each other better. We added you to the list. We’ll be in touch soon.
FAQ
Is Honeylove sold in department stores?
You’ll find Honeylove in-store at Nordstrom, Von Maur, and Dillard’s, and online at Bare Necessities, Amazon, and Bloomingdale’s. Product selection may vary by location. To find a store near you, click the links below: Visit Nordstrom’s website & find a store near you!
Is Honeylove hard to get on?
Our Sculptwear garments are meant to be snug, but that doesn’t mean you have to struggle getting them on.May 6, 2025
Is Honeylove sold in the store?
You’ll find Honeylove in-store at Nordstrom, Von Maur, and Dillard’s, and online at Bare Necessities, Amazon, and Bloomingdale’s. Product selection may vary by location.
Should I size up or down in Honeylove?
For bras, Honeylove recommends sizing up if you’re in between cup sizes. If you’re in between band sizes, it’s best to size up if you want a looser and more comfortable fit or size down if you want a more supportive fit.Mar 26, 2025
Which is better third love or Honeylove?
Both brands prioritize sustainability and ethical production practices, and offer a wide range of sizes to ensure a perfect fit. However, Honeylove goes beyond shapewear and offers a variety of stylish and functional products, while ThirdLove stands out with their innovative fit finder tool and charitable donations.
Miss-Sexy.com offers comprehensive insights into Honeylove bras, featuring detailed reviews, sizing guides, and purchasing options to help you find the perfect fit.
This site only collects related articles. Viewing the original, please copy and open the following link:Honeylove Shapewear Review: Is it better than Spanx? - Reviewed
