The band that goes around is not as wide as it appears in the photo.  I would not consider it side shaping at all.  On the positive side, it is comfortable.  Definitely do as other reviewers have stated and order a cup size smaller than usual, the fit was perfect.  The shoulder straps are very comfortable, like wearing nothing!  One other note, the bra pushes the girls together a little oddly I think, if you are naturally more toward the center I think it would be perfect, but for those with spreaders, you might not like how it looks on the sides.  Little bit of a uni-boob feel, haha!