No-Sweat, Breathable Summer Shapewear

The beauty of shapewear is that it offers silhouette-sculpting compression to emphasise your natural figure. This makes it an ideal foundation for occasion outfits, or even to make you feel your best on an average day. However, all that is for nought if you’re not comfortable, or if your shapewear makes you feel restricted and overly warm on a humid summer’s day.

We have therefore put together this guide to easy-to-wear, summer-ready shapewear: the what’s what of moisture-wicking fabrics and breathable fits.

SHOP SHAPEWEAR

Shapewear for a sweaty day

Shapewear works by sitting close to your body, hugging your figure and providing a base layer to your outfit. When you’re out and about, especially when the weather is warm, there’s nothing worse than your shapewear trapping sweat on your skin, and wreaking havoc with both your physical comfort and self-confidence.

The good news is that you don’t have to suffer through this. There are shapewear designs available that utilise sweat-wicking fabrics and summer-suitable shapes to keep you cool and comfortable even on hot days.

In this section, we break down what you should be looking for in terms of fabric and fit.

The best breathable fabric for shapewear

What you should look for in your summer shapewear fabric is something that offers compression without restriction, softness without absorbency, and strength without stiffness.

Here at Heist, our Shapewear is made from a carefully-engineered combination of soft but durable Polyamide and flexible Elastane, and equipped with HeroPanels™ that mould to your unique shape and give strong, even compression in all the right places. What’s more, we’ve enhanced these HeroPanels™ with 20,000 laser perforations to let your body breathe.

Our Shapewear fabric also offers summer-essential sweat-wicking properties. Moisture-wicking fabrics work by mimicking how your capillaries function, drawing sweat away from the surface of the skin so it can evaporate from the surface of the material itself rather than your skin. This is what minimises odour and leaves you feeling less sweaty and sticky throughout the day.

The best breathable fabric for shapewear

How should your shapewear fit?

If your shapewear doesn’t fit comfortably, it isn’t fulfilling its job. Shapewear should compress in all the right places, without pinching or ‘digging in’ in others. It shouldn’t ride up or fall down, but instead offer a seamless layer that almost blends in with your skin.

In our Shapewear, we utilise our signature HeroPanels™. These are bonded, laser-perforated shaping panels that act almost like a second skin, offering even and strategically placed compression to sculpt without squeezing. With HeroPanels, your body isn’t ‘trapped’ in a way that sweat would struggle to escape, but enhanced in a way that is breathable, cool and enables a full range of movement.

Discover Heist Shapewear…

As with all our designs, Shapewear at Heist is all about foundationwear that works for you. It aims to support your natural shape and doesn’t compromise on comfort. Explore the range below…

THE HIGHLIGHT SHORT

The Highlight Shorts are ultra-lightweight cycle-style shorts that are great for wearing under dresses or skirts for extra comfort. They lift and define the bum, while sculpting your hips, stomach and thighs.

Shapewear shorts

SHOP HERE

THE OUTER BODY

Our shaping bodysuit — The Outer Body — is all about sculpting support for your waist, stomach and bust. Ideal as a base layer or, if you prefer, as a solo star to show off with high-waist trousers or jeans.

SHOP HERE

THE HIGH WAIST

High-waisted shapewear knickers that are breathable with a flexible waist… The perfect foundation piece for wedding dresses, evening wear or everyday tailoring.

SHOP HERE

Looking for something specific for your big day? Check out our Wedding Shapewear Edit for further advice on foundationwear for underneath bridal outfits or occasion wear.

You can also take our Shapewear Finder quiz to find the right piece for you.

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In a world overflowing with choice, finding styles that truly suit you (and feel amazing) can be a challenge. The same goes for tights. Tights can be worn in many ways. You can layer them under clothes or wear them as a statement piece. They come in every shape, color, and style you can think of. So, how do you know which ones will look best and when to wear them?

While we can’t make the decision for you, we can share a few tips to help you find your perfect pair, and how to make the most of your Heist Tights.

Sheer to Opaque: How a Plain Black Tight Can Save the Day

Classic and timeless for a reason, a black tight is the ultimate wardrobe essential. Perfect under skirts or trousers for warmth and comfort, or paired with a mini skirt and boots for a night out, black tights are the unsung heroes of any outfit.

Heist Tights are known for their lasting wear and flawless finish. No digging, rolling, snagging, bobbling, or sagging - just smooth, sculpting comfort, whatever the denier.

When to Wear Sheer Tights

Sheer tights are perfect for warmer days or evenings out. When the weather’s mild - think autumn days with clouds and light showers - try The Fifteen or The Thirty-Five for a touch of coverage without overheating.

For a natural, second-skin look, The Nude, The Bare Nude or The Contour Nude add just enough warmth and confidence for in-between days. For nights out, pair your sheer tights with a mini dress or skirt for a sleek, elegant look (and a little extra warmth on the way home).

When to Wear Opaque Tights

When temperatures drop, opaque tights are your best friend. Ideal for work events, monochrome outfits, or those freezing mornings when you need an extra layer, our go-tos are The Sixty, The Eighty, and The 125. They deliver warmth, coverage, and polish in equal measure.

Stylist and long-time Heist friend Aimée Croysdill says:

“I always love a monochrome look - it feels chic and fashion-forward. Sticking to a single shade makes a simple but strong statement.”

How to Wear Colours and Patterns

Whether you’re drawn to bold prints, subtle textures, or unexpected hues, colour and patterned tights instantly elevate an outfit and add depth to your look. From timeless classics to modern statement pieces, Heist Tights make experimenting with colour and pattern effortless and endlessly wearable.

Lace Tights

Once seen as daring, floral tights have become a staple. They’re perfect for nights out or layered under long skirts. We love styling them like socks - peeking out from ballet flats or pumps - or making them the star of the show with a mini skirt and heels. Go classic in Black, or bold in Vintage Ivory - especially chic for brides-to-be.

Polka Dot Tights

A timeless favourite. Our Polka Dot (or Spot Tights) have been top of the hosiery drawer for years. Simple, reliable, and endlessly versatile, they come in multiple colours to suit every outfit and occasion. Available in classic Black, or refreshed in rich Burgundy or Vintage Ivory.

Simplistic but Bold Patterns

Transitioning from plain tights to patterns doesn’t need to be intimidating. With tights now recognised as both a practical essential and a fashion statement, we’ve designed pairs that make the switch effortless.

The Fine Line – Empowered yet subtle. A delicate upgrade from your usual sheer tights, offering a hint of difference that’s wearable for every day.
The Oversized Leopard – Bold and fashion-forward. Designed in collaboration with Aimée Croysdill, this reimagines a classic leopard print into something chic and sophisticated. Aimée recommends pairing it with your favourite LBD for coverage with a stylish edge.
The Overknee – The mini skirt’s best friend. Understated yet playful, this design adds a twist to a simple outfit—best paired with heels.
The Fishnet – A true classic. Season after season, The Fishnet remains a go-to for adding texture and interest to dark, monochrome looks. Try it in Chocolate Brown for an on-trend alternative to black.

Building an Outfit Around Tights

We’ve all had those moments when you love one piece but can’t build the outfit around it. Tights can be the solution. Pairing boots with dresses and tights is one of our favourite go-to formulas - it’s easy, stylish, and endlessly adaptable.

Chocolate Brown Tights and Bodysuits

Neutral tones and soft “colourful neutrals” have taken centre stage in recent years. Right now, rich browns and hot chocolate hues are trending as chic alternatives to black. This autumn, we’ve been pairing a Chocolate Brown Secondskin bodysuit with black suit trousers, jeans, and skirts.

Burgundy Tights

Another colour we can’t resist? Burgundy. Worn beautifully by Isabella Wei at our launch dinner for The Perfect 10 Collection (in collaboration with stylist, Aimée Croysdill), burgundy tights can be either a standout feature or a subtle accent. We love The Sixty for everyday wear, and The Eighty as temperatures drop.

An unexpected but beautiful combination we’ve been loving is powder blue and burgundy.

“Burgundy pairs well with black, grey, white, or tonal colours - but this season’s hero pairing is burgundy with baby blue,” says Croysdill. “Ground it with black or white so it stays fresh and cool - not too sweet.”

So, How Do You Choose?

Start with the basics. If there’s a colour or trend you’re curious to try, tights are the perfect (and affordable) way to experiment. Your favourite all-black outfit can instantly feel new with a pop of burgundy, chocolate brown, or powder blue.

If you’re dressing for functionality, work backwards from your needs. Ask yourself:

How formal is the occasion?

Will sheer or opaque tights suit best?

Will you be inside or outside?

Do you want a pop of colour, or to keep it simple?

The options are endless - but that’s part of the fun. Tights are a chance to refresh your wardrobe with layers that feel good and look amazing, no matter the season.