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Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

You don’t need shapewear to look great. But if it makes you feel more confident or put-together, we’re here to help—because we know that finding good shapewear is notoriously difficult. The words “suffocating,” “uncomfortable,” and “unflattering” tend to come to mind.

Don’t despair: Corsets and casings are no longer the only options. (We are not Victorians, nor are we sausages.) So our style experts set out to find the best breathable options that stay put without rolling down, digging in, or creeping up, and that allow for low-stress bathroom trips.

After thoroughly evaluating 33 options—and enlisting a diverse panel for some real-life tests—we’ve found five standouts, including a sleek and seamless pair of shorts and a super-adjustable bodysuit with a built-in bra. Our recommendations are comfier than you may think, and they’ll suit a variety of bodies, occasions, and budgets.

Our 5 (actually comfortable) favorites→

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more ›

Dana Davis/NYT Wirecutter

Don’t settle for cheap drugstore pasties that show underneath your clothes and rely on icky adhesive to stay put. Instead, consider these silicone nipple covers, which are much bigger, endlessly reusable, and use body heat to grip to your skin naturally.

Our style expert tested them, putting them through their paces in a range of outfits and scenarios, including a sweaty workout and a dunk in the bathtub. She can attest that though they’re not cheap, they’re the best nipple covers she’s tried—staying in place invisibly and comfortably.

They’re virtually undetectable →

Our editor-in-chief swears by these $11 blue-light blocking glasses Even if they’re a placebo, they’re cheap, cheerful, and look great→

These stackable drawers can tame the chaos under your bathroom sink Sturdy and clear, these drawers can help corral the clutter→

The most popular Wirecutter-approved kids toys Balance bikes, scooters, puzzles, clay crafts, joke books, and more→

Photo illustration by NYT Wirecutter; source photo by iStock/hongquang09

Wirecutter’s gifts team develops more than 50 gift guides year-round, and they use four key strategies to find standouts that won’t break the bank. On this week’s episode of The Wirecutter Show, gifts editor Hannah Morrill dishes: Look for a gift that’s a really good value for the money (a $72 Baggu carry-on), play with size and scale (a tiny deck of Uno cards), search for something you’ve never seen before (a whimsical rainbow maker), or upgrade a utilitarian and beautiful thing (a pocket-sized portable charger).

Look for gifts that check any of those boxes—they don’t have to be expensive. All of this can help you avoid overspending on a bad gift that’ll end up gathering dust in the back of your recipient’s closet.

Mejuri

While our experts think diamonds make great gifts for your partner, they’re also a classic and fail-safe gift for anyone you’re trying to dazzle—and these are some of the best-priced ones we’ve found. Each of these thin, glittery hoops features 11 teensy diamonds for a subtle sparkle. We love that they’re simple and classic enough to wear every day, yet elegant enough for a big night out. As staff writer Samantha Schoech puts it: All jewelry should be so versatile.

Demure diamonds we love→

See Wirecutter’s gift of the day: more of our absolute favorites for the season—from luxe and sparkly splurges to precious stocking stuffers.

Thanks for reading.

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