diff --git a/docs/components/split-panel.md b/docs/components/split-panel.md
index ff039e029..61bd97823 100644
--- a/docs/components/split-panel.md
+++ b/docs/components/split-panel.md
@@ -583,11 +583,11 @@ const App = () => (
 
 ### Customizing the Divider
 
-You can target the `divider` part to apply CSS properties to the divider. To add a handle, slot an icon or another element into the `handle` slot. When customizing the divider, make sure to think about focus styles for keyboard users.
+You can target the `divider` part to apply CSS properties to the divider. To add a custom handle, slot an icon into the `divider` slot. When customizing the divider, make sure to think about focus styles for keyboard users.
 
 ```html preview
 <sl-split-panel style="--divider-width: 20px;">
-  <sl-icon slot="handle" name="grip-vertical"></sl-icon>
+  <sl-icon slot="divider" name="grip-vertical"></sl-icon>
   <div
     slot="start"
     style="height: 200px; background: var(--sl-color-neutral-50); display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center;"
@@ -608,7 +608,7 @@ import { SlSplitPanel, SlIcon } from '@shoelace-style/shoelace/dist/react';
 
 const App = () => (
   <SlSplitPanel style={{ '--divider-width': '20px' }}>
-    <SlIcon slot="handle" name="grip-vertical" />
+    <SlIcon slot="divider" name="grip-vertical" />
     <div
       slot="start"
       style={{
@@ -640,9 +640,9 @@ const App = () => (
 Here's a more elaborate example that changes the divider's color and width and adds a styled handle.
 
 ```html preview
-<div class="split-panel-handle">
+<div class="split-panel-divider">
   <sl-split-panel>
-    <sl-icon slot="handle" name="grip-vertical"></sl-icon>
+    <sl-icon slot="divider" name="grip-vertical"></sl-icon>
     <div
       slot="start"
       style="height: 200px; background: var(--sl-color-neutral-50); display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center;"
@@ -659,15 +659,15 @@ Here's a more elaborate example that changes the divider's color and width and a
 </div>
 
 <style>
-  .split-panel-handle sl-split-panel {
+  .split-panel-divider sl-split-panel {
     --divider-width: 2px;
   }
 
-  .split-panel-handle sl-split-panel::part(divider) {
+  .split-panel-divider sl-split-panel::part(divider) {
     background-color: var(--sl-color-pink-600);
   }
 
-  .split-panel-handle sl-icon {
+  .split-panel-divider sl-icon {
     position: absolute;
     border-radius: var(--sl-border-radius-small);
     background: var(--sl-color-pink-600);
@@ -675,11 +675,11 @@ Here's a more elaborate example that changes the divider's color and width and a
     padding: 0.5rem 0.125rem;
   }
 
-  .split-panel-handle sl-split-panel::part(divider):focus-visible {
+  .split-panel-divider sl-split-panel::part(divider):focus-visible {
     background-color: var(--sl-color-primary-600);
   }
 
-  .split-panel-handle sl-split-panel:focus-within sl-icon {
+  .split-panel-divider sl-split-panel:focus-within sl-icon {
     background-color: var(--sl-color-primary-600);
     color: var(--sl-color-neutral-0);
   }
@@ -690,15 +690,15 @@ Here's a more elaborate example that changes the divider's color and width and a
 import { SlSplitPanel, SlIcon } from '@shoelace-style/shoelace/dist/react';
 
 const css = `
-  .split-panel-handle sl-split-panel {
+  .split-panel-divider sl-split-panel {
     --divider-width: 2px;
   }
 
-  .split-panel-handle sl-split-panel::part(divider) {
+  .split-panel-divider sl-split-panel::part(divider) {
     background-color: var(--sl-color-pink-600);
   }
 
-  .split-panel-handle sl-icon {
+  .split-panel-divider sl-icon {
     position: absolute;
     border-radius: var(--sl-border-radius-small);
     background: var(--sl-color-pink-600);
@@ -706,11 +706,11 @@ const css = `
     padding: .5rem .125rem;
   }
 
-  .split-panel-handle sl-split-panel::part(divider):focus-visible {
+  .split-panel-divider sl-split-panel::part(divider):focus-visible {
     background-color: var(--sl-color-primary-600);
   }
 
-  .split-panel-handle sl-split-panel:focus-within sl-icon {
+  .split-panel-divider sl-split-panel:focus-within sl-icon {
     background-color: var(--sl-color-primary-600);
     color: var(--sl-color-neutral-0);
   }
@@ -718,9 +718,9 @@ const css = `
 
 const App = () => (
   <>
-    <div className="split-panel-handle">
+    <div className="split-panel-divider">
       <SlSplitPanel>
-        <SlIcon slot="handle" name="grip-vertical" />
+        <SlIcon slot="divider" name="grip-vertical" />
         <div
           slot="start"
           style={{
diff --git a/docs/resources/changelog.md b/docs/resources/changelog.md
index 2268077c7..5fffc7512 100644
--- a/docs/resources/changelog.md
+++ b/docs/resources/changelog.md
@@ -10,6 +10,8 @@ New versions of Shoelace are released as-needed and generally occur when a criti
 
 ## Next
 
+- 🚨 BREAKING: removed the `handle-icon` part and slot from `<sl-image-comparer>` (use `handle` instead)
+- 🚨 BREAKING: removed the `handle` slot from `<sl-split-panel>` (use the `divider` slot instead)
 - Added `header-actions` slot to `<sl-dialog>` and `<sl-drawer>`
 - Added the `expand-icon` and `collapse-icon` slots to `<sl-details>` and refactored the icon animation [#1046](https://github.com/shoelace-style/shoelace/discussions/1046)
 - Fixed a bug in `<sl-tree-item>` where `sl-selection-change` was emitted when the selection didn't change [#1030](https://github.com/shoelace-style/shoelace/pull/1030)
@@ -22,6 +24,7 @@ New versions of Shoelace are released as-needed and generally occur when a criti
 - Improved IntelliSense in VS Code, courtesy of [Burton's amazing CEM Analyzer plugin](https://github.com/break-stuff/cem-plugin-vs-code-custom-data-generator)
 - Improved accessibility of `<sl-alert>` so the alert is announced and the close button has a label
 - Refactored all styles and animations to use `translate`, `rotate`, and `scale` instead of `transform`
+- Removed slot wrappers from many components, allowing better control over user-applied styles
 - Removed unused aria attributes from `<sl-skeleton>`
 - Replaced the `x` icon in the system icon library with `x-lg` to improve icon consistency
 
diff --git a/src/components/alert/alert.styles.ts b/src/components/alert/alert.styles.ts
index 93e957a85..1881cdff8 100644
--- a/src/components/alert/alert.styles.ts
+++ b/src/components/alert/alert.styles.ts
@@ -83,6 +83,7 @@ export default css`
 
   .alert__message {
     flex: 1 1 auto;
+    display: block;
     padding: var(--sl-spacing-large);
     overflow: hidden;
   }
diff --git a/src/components/alert/alert.ts b/src/components/alert/alert.ts
index 7ad448343..c94a3bbb8 100644
--- a/src/components/alert/alert.ts
+++ b/src/components/alert/alert.ts
@@ -197,13 +197,9 @@ export default class SlAlert extends ShoelaceElement {
         aria-hidden=${this.open ? 'false' : 'true'}
         @mousemove=${this.handleMouseMove}
       >
-        <span part="icon" class="alert__icon">
-          <slot name="icon"></slot>
-        </span>
+        <slot name="icon" part="icon" class="alert__icon"></slot>
 
-        <span part="message" class="alert__message" aria-live="polite">
-          <slot></slot>
-        </span>
+        <slot part="message" class="alert__message" aria-live="polite"></slot>
 
         ${this.closable
           ? html`
diff --git a/src/components/avatar/avatar.ts b/src/components/avatar/avatar.ts
index 018e97187..a35593461 100644
--- a/src/components/avatar/avatar.ts
+++ b/src/components/avatar/avatar.ts
@@ -67,11 +67,9 @@ export default class SlAvatar extends ShoelaceElement {
         ${this.initials
           ? html` <div part="initials" class="avatar__initials">${this.initials}</div> `
           : html`
-              <div part="icon" class="avatar__icon" aria-hidden="true">
-                <slot name="icon">
-                  <sl-icon name="person-fill" library="system"></sl-icon>
-                </slot>
-              </div>
+              <slot name="icon" part="icon" class="avatar__icon" aria-hidden="true">
+                <sl-icon name="person-fill" library="system"></sl-icon>
+              </slot>
             `}
         ${this.image && !this.hasError
           ? html`
diff --git a/src/components/badge/badge.ts b/src/components/badge/badge.ts
index 7eaf97ccc..b0ea10a38 100644
--- a/src/components/badge/badge.ts
+++ b/src/components/badge/badge.ts
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ export default class SlBadge extends ShoelaceElement {
 
   render() {
     return html`
-      <span
+      <slot
         part="base"
         class=${classMap({
           badge: true,
@@ -43,9 +43,7 @@ export default class SlBadge extends ShoelaceElement {
           'badge--pulse': this.pulse
         })}
         role="status"
-      >
-        <slot></slot>
-      </span>
+      ></slot>
     `;
   }
 }
diff --git a/src/components/breadcrumb-item/breadcrumb-item.ts b/src/components/breadcrumb-item/breadcrumb-item.ts
index aa2f7dfe7..238eaf482 100644
--- a/src/components/breadcrumb-item/breadcrumb-item.ts
+++ b/src/components/breadcrumb-item/breadcrumb-item.ts
@@ -55,9 +55,7 @@ export default class SlBreadcrumbItem extends ShoelaceElement {
           'breadcrumb-item--has-suffix': this.hasSlotController.test('suffix')
         })}
       >
-        <span part="prefix" class="breadcrumb-item__prefix">
-          <slot name="prefix"></slot>
-        </span>
+        <slot name="prefix" part="prefix" class="breadcrumb-item__prefix"></slot>
 
         ${isLink
           ? html`
@@ -77,13 +75,9 @@ export default class SlBreadcrumbItem extends ShoelaceElement {
               </button>
             `}
 
-        <span part="suffix" class="breadcrumb-item__suffix">
-          <slot name="suffix"></slot>
-        </span>
+        <slot name="suffix" part="suffix" class="breadcrumb-item__suffix"></slot>
 
-        <span part="separator" class="breadcrumb-item__separator" aria-hidden="true">
-          <slot name="separator"></slot>
-        </span>
+        <slot name="separator" part="separator" class="breadcrumb-item__separator" aria-hidden="true"></slot>
       </div>
     `;
   }
diff --git a/src/components/button-group/button-group.ts b/src/components/button-group/button-group.ts
index 0af88bf56..e693f11c7 100644
--- a/src/components/button-group/button-group.ts
+++ b/src/components/button-group/button-group.ts
@@ -63,9 +63,9 @@ export default class SlButtonGroup extends ShoelaceElement {
   }
 
   render() {
-    // eslint-disable-next-line lit-a11y/mouse-events-have-key-events -- focusout & focusin support bubbling whereas focus & blur do not which is necessary here
+    // eslint-disable-next-line lit-a11y/mouse-events-have-key-events
     return html`
-      <div
+      <slot
         part="base"
         class="button-group"
         role="${this.disableRole ? 'presentation' : 'group'}"
@@ -74,9 +74,8 @@ export default class SlButtonGroup extends ShoelaceElement {
         @focusin=${this.handleFocus}
         @mouseover=${this.handleMouseOver}
         @mouseout=${this.handleMouseOut}
-      >
-        <slot @slotchange=${this.handleSlotChange} role="none"></slot>
-      </div>
+        @slotchange=${this.handleSlotChange}
+      ></slot>
     `;
   }
 }
diff --git a/src/components/button/button.styles.ts b/src/components/button/button.styles.ts
index 826361c4d..b7e7fee14 100644
--- a/src/components/button/button.styles.ts
+++ b/src/components/button/button.styles.ts
@@ -61,7 +61,11 @@ export default css`
     pointer-events: none;
   }
 
-  .button__label ::slotted(sl-icon) {
+  .button__label {
+    display: inline-block;
+  }
+
+  .button__label::slotted(sl-icon) {
     vertical-align: -2px;
   }
 
@@ -574,6 +578,8 @@ export default css`
     z-index: 1;
   }
 
+  /* Focus and checked are always on top */
+  :host(.sl-button-group__button--focus),
   :host(.sl-button-group__button[checked]) {
     z-index: 2;
   }
diff --git a/src/components/button/button.ts b/src/components/button/button.ts
index a2e9838a1..ce2e9adff 100644
--- a/src/components/button/button.ts
+++ b/src/components/button/button.ts
@@ -270,15 +270,9 @@ export default class SlButton extends ShoelaceElement implements ShoelaceFormCon
         @focus=${this.handleFocus}
         @click=${this.handleClick}
       >
-        <span part="prefix" class="button__prefix">
-          <slot name="prefix"></slot>
-        </span>
-        <span part="label" class="button__label">
-          <slot></slot>
-        </span>
-        <span part="suffix" class="button__suffix">
-          <slot name="suffix"></slot>
-        </span>
+        <slot name="prefix" part="prefix" class="button__prefix"></slot>
+        <slot part="label" class="button__label"></slot>
+        <slot name="suffix" part="suffix" class="button__suffix"></slot>
         ${
           this.caret ? html` <sl-icon part="caret" class="button__caret" library="system" name="caret"></sl-icon> ` : ''
         }
diff --git a/src/components/card/card.styles.ts b/src/components/card/card.styles.ts
index c138a77fa..375ba748b 100644
--- a/src/components/card/card.styles.ts
+++ b/src/components/card/card.styles.ts
@@ -23,13 +23,14 @@ export default css`
   }
 
   .card__image {
+    display: flex;
     border-top-left-radius: var(--border-radius);
     border-top-right-radius: var(--border-radius);
     margin: calc(-1 * var(--border-width));
     overflow: hidden;
   }
 
-  .card__image ::slotted(img) {
+  .card__image::slotted(img) {
     display: block;
     width: 100%;
   }
@@ -39,6 +40,7 @@ export default css`
   }
 
   .card__header {
+    display: block;
     border-bottom: solid var(--border-width) var(--border-color);
     padding: calc(var(--padding) / 2) var(--padding);
   }
@@ -53,10 +55,12 @@ export default css`
   }
 
   .card__body {
+    display: block;
     padding: var(--padding);
   }
 
   .card--has-footer .card__footer {
+    display: block;
     border-top: solid var(--border-width) var(--border-color);
     padding: var(--padding);
   }
diff --git a/src/components/card/card.ts b/src/components/card/card.ts
index ee65e4857..8df835bed 100644
--- a/src/components/card/card.ts
+++ b/src/components/card/card.ts
@@ -45,21 +45,10 @@ export default class SlCard extends ShoelaceElement {
           'card--has-header': this.hasSlotController.test('header')
         })}
       >
-        <div part="image" class="card__image">
-          <slot name="image"></slot>
-        </div>
-
-        <div part="header" class="card__header">
-          <slot name="header"></slot>
-        </div>
-
-        <div part="body" class="card__body">
-          <slot></slot>
-        </div>
-
-        <div part="footer" class="card__footer">
-          <slot name="footer"></slot>
-        </div>
+        <slot name="image" part="image" class="card__image"></slot>
+        <slot name="header" part="header" class="card__header"></slot>
+        <slot part="body" class="card__body"></slot>
+        <slot name="footer" part="footer" class="card__footer"></slot>
       </div>
     `;
   }
diff --git a/src/components/checkbox/checkbox.styles.ts b/src/components/checkbox/checkbox.styles.ts
index e9b16e5b6..bf420dda1 100644
--- a/src/components/checkbox/checkbox.styles.ts
+++ b/src/components/checkbox/checkbox.styles.ts
@@ -89,6 +89,7 @@ export default css`
   }
 
   .checkbox__label {
+    display: inline-block;
     color: var(--sl-input-label-color);
     line-height: var(--sl-toggle-size);
     margin-inline-start: 0.5em;
diff --git a/src/components/checkbox/checkbox.ts b/src/components/checkbox/checkbox.ts
index adbcb9707..7ebe51299 100644
--- a/src/components/checkbox/checkbox.ts
+++ b/src/components/checkbox/checkbox.ts
@@ -171,9 +171,7 @@ export default class SlCheckbox extends ShoelaceElement implements ShoelaceFormC
             : ''}
         </span>
 
-        <span part="label" class="checkbox__label">
-          <slot></slot>
-        </span>
+        <slot part="label" class="checkbox__label"></slot>
       </label>
     `;
   }
diff --git a/src/components/details/details.styles.ts b/src/components/details/details.styles.ts
index fe3da1ddb..2152dbc1a 100644
--- a/src/components/details/details.styles.ts
+++ b/src/components/details/details.styles.ts
@@ -77,6 +77,7 @@ export default css`
   }
 
   .details__content {
+    display: block;
     padding: var(--sl-spacing-medium);
   }
 `;
diff --git a/src/components/details/details.ts b/src/components/details/details.ts
index 370b3e01b..6b10c4ec6 100644
--- a/src/components/details/details.ts
+++ b/src/components/details/details.ts
@@ -192,9 +192,7 @@ export default class SlDetails extends ShoelaceElement {
         </header>
 
         <div class="details__body">
-          <div part="content" id="content" class="details__content" role="region" aria-labelledby="header">
-            <slot></slot>
-          </div>
+          <slot part="content" id="content" class="details__content" role="region" aria-labelledby="header"></slot>
         </div>
       </div>
     `;
diff --git a/src/components/dialog/dialog.styles.ts b/src/components/dialog/dialog.styles.ts
index 47fe467d8..83b213b3b 100644
--- a/src/components/dialog/dialog.styles.ts
+++ b/src/components/dialog/dialog.styles.ts
@@ -86,6 +86,7 @@ export default css`
 
   .dialog__body {
     flex: 1 1 auto;
+    display: block;
     padding: var(--body-spacing);
     overflow: auto;
     -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;
diff --git a/src/components/dialog/dialog.ts b/src/components/dialog/dialog.ts
index 5c61bfe91..e030be35d 100644
--- a/src/components/dialog/dialog.ts
+++ b/src/components/dialog/dialog.ts
@@ -296,9 +296,7 @@ export default class SlDialog extends ShoelaceElement {
               `
             : ''}
 
-          <div part="body" class="dialog__body">
-            <slot></slot>
-          </div>
+          <slot part="body" class="dialog__body"></slot>
 
           <footer part="footer" class="dialog__footer">
             <slot name="footer"></slot>
diff --git a/src/components/drawer/drawer.styles.ts b/src/components/drawer/drawer.styles.ts
index 11346c388..bdaefb66e 100644
--- a/src/components/drawer/drawer.styles.ts
+++ b/src/components/drawer/drawer.styles.ts
@@ -117,6 +117,7 @@ export default css`
 
   .drawer__body {
     flex: 1 1 auto;
+    display: block;
     padding: var(--body-spacing);
     overflow: auto;
     -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;
diff --git a/src/components/drawer/drawer.ts b/src/components/drawer/drawer.ts
index e83dc994f..3a248314c 100644
--- a/src/components/drawer/drawer.ts
+++ b/src/components/drawer/drawer.ts
@@ -327,9 +327,7 @@ export default class SlDrawer extends ShoelaceElement {
               `
             : ''}
 
-          <div part="body" class="drawer__body">
-            <slot></slot>
-          </div>
+          <slot part="body" class="drawer__body"></slot>
 
           <footer part="footer" class="drawer__footer">
             <slot name="footer"></slot>
diff --git a/src/components/dropdown/dropdown.styles.ts b/src/components/dropdown/dropdown.styles.ts
index 40976a8f0..945e992be 100644
--- a/src/components/dropdown/dropdown.styles.ts
+++ b/src/components/dropdown/dropdown.styles.ts
@@ -42,6 +42,7 @@ export default css`
   }
 
   .dropdown--open .dropdown__panel {
+    display: block;
     pointer-events: all;
   }
 
diff --git a/src/components/dropdown/dropdown.ts b/src/components/dropdown/dropdown.ts
index f33205750..e6c515839 100644
--- a/src/components/dropdown/dropdown.ts
+++ b/src/components/dropdown/dropdown.ts
@@ -46,8 +46,8 @@ export default class SlDropdown extends ShoelaceElement {
   static styles: CSSResultGroup = styles;
 
   @query('.dropdown') popup: SlPopup;
-  @query('.dropdown__trigger') trigger: HTMLElement;
-  @query('.dropdown__panel') panel: HTMLElement;
+  @query('.dropdown__trigger') trigger: HTMLSlotElement;
+  @query('.dropdown__panel') panel: HTMLSlotElement;
 
   private readonly localize = new LocalizeController(this);
 
@@ -126,16 +126,14 @@ export default class SlDropdown extends ShoelaceElement {
   }
 
   focusOnTrigger() {
-    const slot = this.trigger.querySelector('slot')!;
-    const trigger = slot.assignedElements({ flatten: true })[0] as HTMLElement | undefined;
+    const trigger = this.trigger.assignedElements({ flatten: true })[0] as HTMLElement | undefined;
     if (typeof trigger?.focus === 'function') {
       trigger.focus();
     }
   }
 
   getMenu() {
-    const slot = this.panel.querySelector('slot')!;
-    return slot.assignedElements({ flatten: true }).find(el => el.tagName.toLowerCase() === 'sl-menu') as
+    return this.panel.assignedElements({ flatten: true }).find(el => el.tagName.toLowerCase() === 'sl-menu') as
       | SlMenu
       | undefined;
   }
@@ -293,8 +291,7 @@ export default class SlDropdown extends ShoelaceElement {
   // To determine this, we assume the first tabbable element in the trigger slot is the "accessible trigger."
   //
   updateAccessibleTrigger() {
-    const slot = this.trigger.querySelector('slot')!;
-    const assignedElements = slot.assignedElements({ flatten: true }) as HTMLElement[];
+    const assignedElements = this.trigger.assignedElements({ flatten: true }) as HTMLElement[];
     const accessibleTrigger = assignedElements.find(el => getTabbableBoundary(el).start);
     let target: HTMLElement;
 
@@ -415,25 +412,23 @@ export default class SlDropdown extends ShoelaceElement {
           'dropdown--open': this.open
         })}
       >
-        <span
+        <slot
+          name="trigger"
           slot="anchor"
           part="trigger"
           class="dropdown__trigger"
           @click=${this.handleTriggerClick}
           @keydown=${this.handleTriggerKeyDown}
           @keyup=${this.handleTriggerKeyUp}
-        >
-          <slot name="trigger" @slotchange=${this.handleTriggerSlotChange}></slot>
-        </span>
+          @slotchange=${this.handleTriggerSlotChange}
+        ></slot>
 
-        <div
+        <slot
           part="panel"
           class="dropdown__panel"
           aria-hidden=${this.open ? 'false' : 'true'}
           aria-labelledby="dropdown"
-        >
-          <slot></slot>
-        </div>
+        ></slot>
       </sl-popup>
     `;
   }
diff --git a/src/components/image-comparer/image-comparer.styles.ts b/src/components/image-comparer/image-comparer.styles.ts
index 7fae39013..e49f10a19 100644
--- a/src/components/image-comparer/image-comparer.styles.ts
+++ b/src/components/image-comparer/image-comparer.styles.ts
@@ -20,13 +20,14 @@ export default css`
 
   .image-comparer__before,
   .image-comparer__after {
+    display: block;
     pointer-events: none;
   }
 
-  .image-comparer__before ::slotted(img),
-  .image-comparer__after ::slotted(img),
-  .image-comparer__before ::slotted(svg),
-  .image-comparer__after ::slotted(svg) {
+  .image-comparer__before::slotted(img),
+  .image-comparer__after::slotted(img),
+  .image-comparer__before::slotted(svg),
+  .image-comparer__after::slotted(svg) {
     display: block;
     max-width: 100% !important;
     height: auto;
diff --git a/src/components/image-comparer/image-comparer.test.ts b/src/components/image-comparer/image-comparer.test.ts
index e161f89a9..f9c1dfbd7 100644
--- a/src/components/image-comparer/image-comparer.test.ts
+++ b/src/components/image-comparer/image-comparer.test.ts
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ describe('<sl-image-comparer>', () => {
     `);
 
     const afterPart = el.shadowRoot!.querySelector<HTMLElement>('[part~="after"]')!;
-    const iconContainer = el.shadowRoot!.querySelector<HTMLSlotElement>('slot[name="handle-icon"]')!;
+    const iconContainer = el.shadowRoot!.querySelector<HTMLSlotElement>('slot[name="handle"]')!;
     const handle = el.shadowRoot!.querySelector<HTMLElement>('[part~="handle"]')!;
 
     expect(el.position).to.equal(50);
diff --git a/src/components/image-comparer/image-comparer.ts b/src/components/image-comparer/image-comparer.ts
index 267642abb..cfe08db09 100644
--- a/src/components/image-comparer/image-comparer.ts
+++ b/src/components/image-comparer/image-comparer.ts
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ import type { CSSResultGroup } from 'lit';
  *
  * @slot before - The before image, an `<img>` or `<svg>` element.
  * @slot after - The after image, an `<img>` or `<svg>` element.
- * @slot handle-icon - The icon used inside the handle.
+ * @slot handle - The icon used inside the handle.
  *
  * @event sl-change - Emitted when the position changes.
  *
@@ -30,7 +30,6 @@ import type { CSSResultGroup } from 'lit';
  * @csspart after - The container that holds the "after" image.
  * @csspart divider - The divider that separates the images.
  * @csspart handle - The handle that the user drags to expose the after image.
- * @csspart handle-icon - The handle icon's `<slot>`.
  *
  * @cssproperty --divider-width - The width of the dividing line.
  * @cssproperty --handle-size - The size of the compare handle.
@@ -109,19 +108,16 @@ export default class SlImageComparer extends ShoelaceElement {
         @keydown=${this.handleKeyDown}
       >
         <div class="image-comparer__image">
-          <div part="before" class="image-comparer__before">
-            <slot name="before"></slot>
-          </div>
+          <slot name="before" part="before" class="image-comparer__before"></slot>
 
-          <div
+          <slot
+            name="after"
             part="after"
             class="image-comparer__after"
             style=${styleMap({
               clipPath: isRtl ? `inset(0 0 0 ${100 - this.position}%)` : `inset(0 ${100 - this.position}% 0 0)`
             })}
-          >
-            <slot name="after"></slot>
-          </div>
+          ></slot>
         </div>
 
         <div
@@ -133,7 +129,8 @@ export default class SlImageComparer extends ShoelaceElement {
           @mousedown=${this.handleDrag}
           @touchstart=${this.handleDrag}
         >
-          <div
+          <slot
+            name="handle"
             part="handle"
             class="image-comparer__handle"
             role="scrollbar"
@@ -143,10 +140,8 @@ export default class SlImageComparer extends ShoelaceElement {
             aria-controls="image-comparer"
             tabindex="0"
           >
-            <slot part="handle-icon" name="handle-icon">
-              <sl-icon library="system" name="grip-vertical"></sl-icon>
-            </slot>
-          </div>
+            <sl-icon library="system" name="grip-vertical"></sl-icon>
+          </slot>
         </div>
       </div>
     `;
diff --git a/src/components/input/input.styles.ts b/src/components/input/input.styles.ts
index cec9a9cd0..79870d093 100644
--- a/src/components/input/input.styles.ts
+++ b/src/components/input/input.styles.ts
@@ -147,8 +147,8 @@ export default css`
     cursor: default;
   }
 
-  .input__prefix ::slotted(sl-icon),
-  .input__suffix ::slotted(sl-icon) {
+  .input__prefix::slotted(sl-icon),
+  .input__suffix::slotted(sl-icon) {
     color: var(--sl-input-icon-color);
   }
 
@@ -172,11 +172,11 @@ export default css`
     width: calc(1em + var(--sl-input-spacing-small) * 2);
   }
 
-  .input--small .input__prefix ::slotted(*) {
+  .input--small .input__prefix::slotted(*) {
     margin-inline-start: var(--sl-input-spacing-small);
   }
 
-  .input--small .input__suffix ::slotted(*) {
+  .input--small .input__suffix::slotted(*) {
     margin-inline-end: var(--sl-input-spacing-small);
   }
 
@@ -196,11 +196,11 @@ export default css`
     width: calc(1em + var(--sl-input-spacing-medium) * 2);
   }
 
-  .input--medium .input__prefix ::slotted(*) {
+  .input--medium .input__prefix::slotted(*) {
     margin-inline-start: var(--sl-input-spacing-medium);
   }
 
-  .input--medium .input__suffix ::slotted(*) {
+  .input--medium .input__suffix::slotted(*) {
     margin-inline-end: var(--sl-input-spacing-medium);
   }
 
@@ -220,11 +220,11 @@ export default css`
     width: calc(1em + var(--sl-input-spacing-large) * 2);
   }
 
-  .input--large .input__prefix ::slotted(*) {
+  .input--large .input__prefix::slotted(*) {
     margin-inline-start: var(--sl-input-spacing-large);
   }
 
-  .input--large .input__suffix ::slotted(*) {
+  .input--large .input__suffix::slotted(*) {
     margin-inline-end: var(--sl-input-spacing-large);
   }
 
diff --git a/src/components/input/input.ts b/src/components/input/input.ts
index 0c701e929..29b95bf17 100644
--- a/src/components/input/input.ts
+++ b/src/components/input/input.ts
@@ -422,9 +422,7 @@ export default class SlInput extends ShoelaceElement implements ShoelaceFormCont
               'input--is-firefox': isFirefox
             })}
           >
-            <span part="prefix" class="input__prefix">
-              <slot name="prefix"></slot>
-            </span>
+            <slot name="prefix" part="prefix" class="input__prefix"></slot>
             <input
               part="input"
               id="input"
@@ -460,60 +458,64 @@ export default class SlInput extends ShoelaceElement implements ShoelaceFormCont
               @blur=${this.handleBlur}
             />
 
-            ${hasClearIcon
-              ? html`
-                  <button
-                    part="clear-button"
-                    class="input__clear"
-                    type="button"
-                    aria-label=${this.localize.term('clearEntry')}
-                    @click=${this.handleClearClick}
-                    tabindex="-1"
-                  >
-                    <slot name="clear-icon">
-                      <sl-icon name="x-circle-fill" library="system"></sl-icon>
-                    </slot>
-                  </button>
-                `
-              : ''}
-            ${this.passwordToggle && !this.disabled
-              ? html`
-                  <button
-                    part="password-toggle-button"
-                    class="input__password-toggle"
-                    type="button"
-                    aria-label=${this.localize.term(this.passwordVisible ? 'hidePassword' : 'showPassword')}
-                    @click=${this.handlePasswordToggle}
-                    tabindex="-1"
-                  >
-                    ${this.passwordVisible
-                      ? html`
-                          <slot name="show-password-icon">
-                            <sl-icon name="eye-slash" library="system"></sl-icon>
-                          </slot>
-                        `
-                      : html`
-                          <slot name="hide-password-icon">
-                            <sl-icon name="eye" library="system"></sl-icon>
-                          </slot>
-                        `}
-                  </button>
-                `
-              : ''}
+            ${
+              hasClearIcon
+                ? html`
+                    <button
+                      part="clear-button"
+                      class="input__clear"
+                      type="button"
+                      aria-label=${this.localize.term('clearEntry')}
+                      @click=${this.handleClearClick}
+                      tabindex="-1"
+                    >
+                      <slot name="clear-icon">
+                        <sl-icon name="x-circle-fill" library="system"></sl-icon>
+                      </slot>
+                    </button>
+                  `
+                : ''
+            }
+            ${
+              this.passwordToggle && !this.disabled
+                ? html`
+                    <button
+                      part="password-toggle-button"
+                      class="input__password-toggle"
+                      type="button"
+                      aria-label=${this.localize.term(this.passwordVisible ? 'hidePassword' : 'showPassword')}
+                      @click=${this.handlePasswordToggle}
+                      tabindex="-1"
+                    >
+                      ${this.passwordVisible
+                        ? html`
+                            <slot name="show-password-icon">
+                              <sl-icon name="eye-slash" library="system"></sl-icon>
+                            </slot>
+                          `
+                        : html`
+                            <slot name="hide-password-icon">
+                              <sl-icon name="eye" library="system"></sl-icon>
+                            </slot>
+                          `}
+                    </button>
+                  `
+                : ''
+            }
 
-            <span part="suffix" class="input__suffix">
-              <slot name="suffix"></slot>
-            </span>
+            <slot name="suffix" part="suffix" class="input__suffix"></slot>
           </div>
         </div>
 
-        <div
+        <slot
+          name="help-text"
           part="form-control-help-text"
           id="help-text"
           class="form-control__help-text"
           aria-hidden=${hasHelpText ? 'false' : 'true'}
         >
-          <slot name="help-text">${this.helpText}</slot>
+          ${this.helpText}
+        </slot>
         </div>
       </div>
     `;
diff --git a/src/components/menu-item/menu-item.styles.ts b/src/components/menu-item/menu-item.styles.ts
index a21d64e41..4184fdd6b 100644
--- a/src/components/menu-item/menu-item.styles.ts
+++ b/src/components/menu-item/menu-item.styles.ts
@@ -33,6 +33,7 @@ export default css`
 
   .menu-item .menu-item__label {
     flex: 1 1 auto;
+    display: inline-block;
   }
 
   .menu-item .menu-item__prefix {
@@ -41,7 +42,7 @@ export default css`
     align-items: center;
   }
 
-  .menu-item .menu-item__prefix ::slotted(*) {
+  .menu-item .menu-item__prefix::slotted(*) {
     margin-inline-end: var(--sl-spacing-x-small);
   }
 
@@ -51,7 +52,7 @@ export default css`
     align-items: center;
   }
 
-  .menu-item .menu-item__suffix ::slotted(*) {
+  .menu-item .menu-item__suffix::slotted(*) {
     margin-inline-start: var(--sl-spacing-x-small);
   }
 
diff --git a/src/components/menu-item/menu-item.ts b/src/components/menu-item/menu-item.ts
index 766cfd25b..4c4eaf730 100644
--- a/src/components/menu-item/menu-item.ts
+++ b/src/components/menu-item/menu-item.ts
@@ -96,17 +96,11 @@ export default class SlMenuItem extends ShoelaceElement {
           <sl-icon name="check" library="system" aria-hidden="true"></sl-icon>
         </span>
 
-        <span part="prefix" class="menu-item__prefix">
-          <slot name="prefix"></slot>
-        </span>
+        <slot name="prefix" part="prefix" class="menu-item__prefix"></slot>
 
-        <span part="label" class="menu-item__label">
-          <slot @slotchange=${this.handleDefaultSlotChange}></slot>
-        </span>
+        <slot part="label" class="menu-item__label" @slotchange=${this.handleDefaultSlotChange}></slot>
 
-        <span part="suffix" class="menu-item__suffix">
-          <slot name="suffix"></slot>
-        </span>
+        <slot name="suffix" part="suffix" class="menu-item__suffix"></slot>
 
         <span class="menu-item__chevron">
           <sl-icon name="chevron-right" library="system" aria-hidden="true"></sl-icon>
diff --git a/src/components/menu-label/menu-label.styles.ts b/src/components/menu-label/menu-label.styles.ts
index 69ec644da..3cdfafb4c 100644
--- a/src/components/menu-label/menu-label.styles.ts
+++ b/src/components/menu-label/menu-label.styles.ts
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ export default css`
   }
 
   .menu-label {
+    display: inline-block;
     font-family: var(--sl-font-sans);
     font-size: var(--sl-font-size-small);
     font-weight: var(--sl-font-weight-semibold);
diff --git a/src/components/menu-label/menu-label.ts b/src/components/menu-label/menu-label.ts
index 7efc8c1ef..0ad1f0890 100644
--- a/src/components/menu-label/menu-label.ts
+++ b/src/components/menu-label/menu-label.ts
@@ -19,11 +19,7 @@ export default class SlMenuLabel extends ShoelaceElement {
   static styles: CSSResultGroup = styles;
 
   render() {
-    return html`
-      <div part="base" class="menu-label">
-        <slot></slot>
-      </div>
-    `;
+    return html` <slot part="base" class="menu-label"></slot> `;
   }
 }
 
diff --git a/src/components/progress-bar/progress-bar.ts b/src/components/progress-bar/progress-bar.ts
index 6115bc77c..8bd689dd4 100644
--- a/src/components/progress-bar/progress-bar.ts
+++ b/src/components/progress-bar/progress-bar.ts
@@ -56,13 +56,7 @@ export default class SlProgressBar extends ShoelaceElement {
         aria-valuenow=${this.indeterminate ? 0 : this.value}
       >
         <div part="indicator" class="progress-bar__indicator" style=${styleMap({ width: `${this.value}%` })}>
-          ${!this.indeterminate
-            ? html`
-                <span part="label" class="progress-bar__label">
-                  <slot></slot>
-                </span>
-              `
-            : ''}
+          ${!this.indeterminate ? html` <slot part="label" class="progress-bar__label"></slot> ` : ''}
         </div>
       </div>
     `;
diff --git a/src/components/progress-ring/progress-ring.ts b/src/components/progress-ring/progress-ring.ts
index 192fc53c0..041e09ceb 100644
--- a/src/components/progress-ring/progress-ring.ts
+++ b/src/components/progress-ring/progress-ring.ts
@@ -72,9 +72,7 @@ export default class SlProgressRing extends ShoelaceElement {
           <circle class="progress-ring__indicator" style="stroke-dashoffset: ${this.indicatorOffset}"></circle>
         </svg>
 
-        <span part="label" class="progress-ring__label">
-          <slot></slot>
-        </span>
+        <slot part="label" class="progress-ring__label"></slot>
       </div>
     `;
   }
diff --git a/src/components/radio-button/radio-button.styles.ts b/src/components/radio-button/radio-button.styles.ts
index b15fedce1..63ded3983 100644
--- a/src/components/radio-button/radio-button.styles.ts
+++ b/src/components/radio-button/radio-button.styles.ts
@@ -4,10 +4,14 @@ import buttonStyles from '../button/button.styles';
 export default css`
   ${buttonStyles}
 
-  label {
-    display: inline-block;
+  .button__prefix,
+  .button__suffix,
+  .button__label {
+    display: inline-flex;
     position: relative;
+    align-items: center;
   }
+
   /* We use a hidden input so constraint validation errors work, since they don't appear to show when used with buttons.
     We can't actually hide it, though, otherwise the messages will be suppressed by the browser. */
   .hidden-input {
diff --git a/src/components/radio-button/radio-button.ts b/src/components/radio-button/radio-button.ts
index cc8ed6698..78a937c52 100644
--- a/src/components/radio-button/radio-button.ts
+++ b/src/components/radio-button/radio-button.ts
@@ -122,15 +122,9 @@ export default class SlRadioButton extends ShoelaceElement {
           @focus=${this.handleFocus}
           @click=${this.handleClick}
         >
-          <span part="prefix" class="button__prefix">
-            <slot name="prefix"></slot>
-          </span>
-          <span part="label" class="button__label">
-            <slot></slot>
-          </span>
-          <span part="suffix" class="button__suffix">
-            <slot name="suffix"></slot>
-          </span>
+          <slot name="prefix" part="prefix" class="button__prefix"></slot>
+          <slot part="label" class="button__label"></slot>
+          <slot name="suffix" part="suffix" class="button__suffix"></slot>
         </button>
       </div>
     `;
diff --git a/src/components/radio-group/radio-group.ts b/src/components/radio-group/radio-group.ts
index b5a3ac602..37dfdc492 100644
--- a/src/components/radio-group/radio-group.ts
+++ b/src/components/radio-group/radio-group.ts
@@ -300,14 +300,15 @@ export default class SlRadioGroup extends ShoelaceElement implements ShoelaceFor
             : defaultSlot}
         </div>
 
-        <div
+        <slot
+          name="help-text"
           part="form-control-help-text"
           id="help-text"
           class="form-control__help-text"
           aria-hidden=${hasHelpText ? 'false' : 'true'}
         >
-          <slot name="help-text">${this.helpText}</slot>
-        </div>
+          ${this.helpText}
+        </slot>
       </fieldset>
     `;
     /* eslint-enable lit-a11y/click-events-have-key-events */
diff --git a/src/components/radio/radio.styles.ts b/src/components/radio/radio.styles.ts
index 574a6a75c..2d8509eef 100644
--- a/src/components/radio/radio.styles.ts
+++ b/src/components/radio/radio.styles.ts
@@ -95,6 +95,7 @@ export default css`
   }
 
   .radio__label {
+    display: inline-block;
     color: var(--sl-input-label-color);
     line-height: var(--sl-toggle-size);
     margin-inline-start: 0.5em;
diff --git a/src/components/radio/radio.ts b/src/components/radio/radio.ts
index 13d93d2f7..cedd4683f 100644
--- a/src/components/radio/radio.ts
+++ b/src/components/radio/radio.ts
@@ -99,9 +99,7 @@ export default class SlRadio extends ShoelaceElement {
           ${this.checked ? html` <sl-icon part="checked-icon" library="system" name="radio"></sl-icon> ` : ''}
         </span>
 
-        <span part="label" class="radio__label">
-          <slot></slot>
-        </span>
+        <slot part="label" class="radio__label"></slot>
       </span>
     `;
   }
diff --git a/src/components/range/range.ts b/src/components/range/range.ts
index c604a73fa..5b93fa778 100644
--- a/src/components/range/range.ts
+++ b/src/components/range/range.ts
@@ -310,14 +310,15 @@ export default class SlRange extends ShoelaceElement implements ShoelaceFormCont
           </div>
         </div>
 
-        <div
+        <slot
+          name="help-text"
           part="form-control-help-text"
           id="help-text"
           class="form-control__help-text"
           aria-hidden=${hasHelpText ? 'false' : 'true'}
         >
-          <slot name="help-text">${this.helpText}</slot>
-        </div>
+          ${this.helpText}
+        </slot>
       </div>
     `;
   }
diff --git a/src/components/select/select.styles.ts b/src/components/select/select.styles.ts
index 56a944661..f01fcfef8 100644
--- a/src/components/select/select.styles.ts
+++ b/src/components/select/select.styles.ts
@@ -196,7 +196,7 @@ export default css`
     min-height: var(--sl-input-height-small);
   }
 
-  .select--small .select__prefix ::slotted(*) {
+  .select--small .select__prefix::slotted(*) {
     margin-inline-start: var(--sl-input-spacing-small);
   }
 
@@ -208,7 +208,7 @@ export default css`
     margin-inline-end: var(--sl-input-spacing-small);
   }
 
-  .select--small .select__suffix ::slotted(*) {
+  .select--small .select__suffix::slotted(*) {
     margin-inline-end: var(--sl-input-spacing-small);
   }
 
@@ -239,7 +239,7 @@ export default css`
     min-height: var(--sl-input-height-medium);
   }
 
-  .select--medium .select__prefix ::slotted(*) {
+  .select--medium .select__prefix::slotted(*) {
     margin-inline-start: var(--sl-input-spacing-medium);
   }
 
@@ -251,7 +251,7 @@ export default css`
     margin-inline-end: var(--sl-input-spacing-medium);
   }
 
-  .select--medium .select__suffix ::slotted(*) {
+  .select--medium .select__suffix::slotted(*) {
     margin-inline-end: var(--sl-input-spacing-medium);
   }
 
@@ -282,7 +282,7 @@ export default css`
     min-height: var(--sl-input-height-large);
   }
 
-  .select--large .select__prefix ::slotted(*) {
+  .select--large .select__prefix::slotted(*) {
     margin-inline-start: var(--sl-input-spacing-large);
   }
 
@@ -294,7 +294,7 @@ export default css`
     margin-inline-end: var(--sl-input-spacing-large);
   }
 
-  .select--large .select__suffix ::slotted(*) {
+  .select--large .select__suffix::slotted(*) {
     margin-inline-end: var(--sl-input-spacing-large);
   }
 
diff --git a/src/components/select/select.ts b/src/components/select/select.ts
index 56f828e06..7751e3cae 100644
--- a/src/components/select/select.ts
+++ b/src/components/select/select.ts
@@ -533,9 +533,7 @@ export default class SlSelect extends ShoelaceElement implements ShoelaceFormCon
               @focus=${this.handleFocus}
               @keydown=${this.handleKeyDown}
             >
-              <span part="prefix" class="select__prefix">
-                <slot name="prefix"></slot>
-              </span>
+              <slot name="prefix" part="prefix" class="select__prefix"></slot>
 
               <div part="display-label" class="select__label">
                 ${this.displayTags.length > 0
@@ -561,9 +559,7 @@ export default class SlSelect extends ShoelaceElement implements ShoelaceFormCon
                   `
                 : ''}
 
-              <span part="suffix" class="select__suffix">
-                <slot name="suffix"></slot>
-              </span>
+              <slot name="suffix" part="suffix" class="select__suffix"></slot>
 
               <span part="icon" class="select__icon" aria-hidden="true">
                 <sl-icon name="chevron-down" library="system"></sl-icon>
@@ -588,14 +584,15 @@ export default class SlSelect extends ShoelaceElement implements ShoelaceFormCon
           </sl-dropdown>
         </div>
 
-        <div
+        <slot
+          name="help-text"
           part="form-control-help-text"
           id="help-text"
           class="form-control__help-text"
           aria-hidden=${hasHelpText ? 'false' : 'true'}
         >
-          <slot name="help-text">${this.helpText}</slot>
-        </div>
+          ${this.helpText}
+        </slot>
       </div>
     `;
   }
diff --git a/src/components/split-panel/split-panel.ts b/src/components/split-panel/split-panel.ts
index 216aa71a9..af804a2af 100644
--- a/src/components/split-panel/split-panel.ts
+++ b/src/components/split-panel/split-panel.ts
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ import type { CSSResultGroup } from 'lit';
  *
  * @slot start - The start panel.
  * @slot end - The end panel.
- * @slot handle - An optional handle to render at the center of the divider.
+ * @slot divider - The divider. Useful for slotting in a custom icon that renders as a handle in the divider.
  *
  * @cssproperty [--divider-width=4px] - The width of the visible divider.
  * @cssproperty [--divider-hit-area=12px] - The invisible region around the divider where dragging can occur. This is
@@ -249,11 +249,10 @@ export default class SlSplitPanel extends ShoelaceElement {
     this.style[gridTemplateAlt] = '';
 
     return html`
-      <div part="panel start" class="start">
-        <slot name="start"></slot>
-      </div>
+      <slot name="start" part="panel start" class="start"></slot>
 
-      <div
+      <slot
+        name="divider"
         part="divider"
         class="divider"
         tabindex=${ifDefined(this.disabled ? undefined : '0')}
@@ -262,13 +261,9 @@ export default class SlSplitPanel extends ShoelaceElement {
         @keydown=${this.handleKeyDown}
         @mousedown=${this.handleDrag}
         @touchstart=${this.handleDrag}
-      >
-        <slot name="handle"></slot>
-      </div>
+      ></slot>
 
-      <div part="panel end" class="end">
-        <slot name="end"></slot>
-      </div>
+      <slot name="end" part="panel end" class="end"></slot>
     `;
   }
 }
diff --git a/src/components/switch/switch.styles.ts b/src/components/switch/switch.styles.ts
index 8453cf436..72a91e434 100644
--- a/src/components/switch/switch.styles.ts
+++ b/src/components/switch/switch.styles.ts
@@ -123,6 +123,7 @@ export default css`
   }
 
   .switch__label {
+    display: inline-block;
     line-height: var(--height);
     margin-inline-start: 0.5em;
     user-select: none;
diff --git a/src/components/switch/switch.ts b/src/components/switch/switch.ts
index 616fce654..ef1c1e729 100644
--- a/src/components/switch/switch.ts
+++ b/src/components/switch/switch.ts
@@ -176,9 +176,7 @@ export default class SlSwitch extends ShoelaceElement implements ShoelaceFormCon
           <span part="thumb" class="switch__thumb"></span>
         </span>
 
-        <span part="label" class="switch__label">
-          <slot></slot>
-        </span>
+        <slot part="label" class="switch__label"></slot>
       </label>
     `;
   }
diff --git a/src/components/tab-group/tab-group.styles.ts b/src/components/tab-group/tab-group.styles.ts
index 0bd5bede0..38e510a28 100644
--- a/src/components/tab-group/tab-group.styles.ts
+++ b/src/components/tab-group/tab-group.styles.ts
@@ -33,6 +33,7 @@ export default css`
   }
 
   .tab-group__body {
+    display: block;
     overflow: auto;
   }
 
diff --git a/src/components/tab-group/tab-group.ts b/src/components/tab-group/tab-group.ts
index d850c6f6a..07a985ff0 100644
--- a/src/components/tab-group/tab-group.ts
+++ b/src/components/tab-group/tab-group.ts
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ export default class SlTabGroup extends ShoelaceElement {
   private readonly localize = new LocalizeController(this);
 
   @query('.tab-group') tabGroup: HTMLElement;
-  @query('.tab-group__body') body: HTMLElement;
+  @query('.tab-group__body') body: HTMLSlotElement;
   @query('.tab-group__nav') nav: HTMLElement;
   @query('.tab-group__indicator') indicator: HTMLElement;
 
@@ -131,8 +131,7 @@ export default class SlTabGroup extends ShoelaceElement {
   }
 
   getAllPanels() {
-    const slot = this.body.querySelector('slot')!;
-    return [...slot.assignedElements()].filter(el => el.tagName.toLowerCase() === 'sl-tab-panel') as [SlTabPanel];
+    return [...this.body.assignedElements()].filter(el => el.tagName.toLowerCase() === 'sl-tab-panel') as [SlTabPanel];
   }
 
   getActiveTab() {
@@ -405,9 +404,7 @@ export default class SlTabGroup extends ShoelaceElement {
             : ''}
         </div>
 
-        <div part="body" class="tab-group__body">
-          <slot @slotchange=${this.syncTabsAndPanels}></slot>
-        </div>
+        <slot part="body" class="tab-group__body" @slotchange=${this.syncTabsAndPanels}></slot>
       </div>
     `;
   }
diff --git a/src/components/tab-panel/tab-panel.styles.ts b/src/components/tab-panel/tab-panel.styles.ts
index 70ba2bcb4..7d0b86a51 100644
--- a/src/components/tab-panel/tab-panel.styles.ts
+++ b/src/components/tab-panel/tab-panel.styles.ts
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ export default css`
   }
 
   .tab-panel {
+    display: block;
     padding: var(--padding);
   }
 
diff --git a/src/components/tab-panel/tab-panel.ts b/src/components/tab-panel/tab-panel.ts
index 179720619..23bdbfca1 100644
--- a/src/components/tab-panel/tab-panel.ts
+++ b/src/components/tab-panel/tab-panel.ts
@@ -45,15 +45,13 @@ export default class SlTabPanel extends ShoelaceElement {
 
   render() {
     return html`
-      <div
+      <slot
         part="base"
         class=${classMap({
           'tab-panel': true,
           'tab-panel--active': this.active
         })}
-      >
-        <slot></slot>
-      </div>
+      ></slot>
     `;
   }
 }
diff --git a/src/components/tag/tag.ts b/src/components/tag/tag.ts
index 0b7fe704c..14a5a2a7e 100644
--- a/src/components/tag/tag.ts
+++ b/src/components/tag/tag.ts
@@ -70,9 +70,7 @@ export default class SlTag extends ShoelaceElement {
           'tag--removable': this.removable
         })}
       >
-        <span part="content" class="tag__content">
-          <slot></slot>
-        </span>
+        <slot part="content" class="tag__content"></slot>
 
         ${this.removable
           ? html`
diff --git a/src/components/textarea/textarea.ts b/src/components/textarea/textarea.ts
index 1445dd839..1da86110d 100644
--- a/src/components/textarea/textarea.ts
+++ b/src/components/textarea/textarea.ts
@@ -336,14 +336,15 @@ export default class SlTextarea extends ShoelaceElement implements ShoelaceFormC
           </div>
         </div>
 
-        <div
+        <slot
+          name="help-text"
           part="form-control-help-text"
           id="help-text"
           class="form-control__help-text"
           aria-hidden=${hasHelpText ? 'false' : 'true'}
         >
-          <slot name="help-text">${this.helpText}</slot>
-        </div>
+          ${this.helpText}
+        </slot>
       </div>
     `;
   }
diff --git a/src/components/tooltip/tooltip.styles.ts b/src/components/tooltip/tooltip.styles.ts
index 7bae9a385..2361486f3 100644
--- a/src/components/tooltip/tooltip.styles.ts
+++ b/src/components/tooltip/tooltip.styles.ts
@@ -39,6 +39,7 @@ export default css`
   }
 
   .tooltip__body {
+    display: block;
     width: max-content;
     max-width: var(--max-width);
     border-radius: var(--sl-tooltip-border-radius);
diff --git a/src/components/tooltip/tooltip.ts b/src/components/tooltip/tooltip.ts
index a3c5ddef6..ec9a1094a 100644
--- a/src/components/tooltip/tooltip.ts
+++ b/src/components/tooltip/tooltip.ts
@@ -292,9 +292,16 @@ export default class SlTooltip extends ShoelaceElement {
       >
         <slot slot="anchor" aria-describedby="tooltip"></slot>
 
-        <div part="body" id="tooltip" class="tooltip__body" role="tooltip" aria-hidden=${this.open ? 'false' : 'true'}>
-          <slot name="content" aria-live=${this.open ? 'polite' : 'off'}> ${this.content} </slot>
-        </div>
+        <slot
+          name="content"
+          part="body"
+          id="tooltip"
+          class="tooltip__body"
+          role="tooltip"
+          aria-live=${this.open ? 'polite' : 'off'}
+        >
+          ${this.content}
+        </slot>
       </sl-popup>
     `;
   }
diff --git a/src/components/tree-item/tree-item.styles.ts b/src/components/tree-item/tree-item.styles.ts
index 60934cfca..b7018c164 100644
--- a/src/components/tree-item/tree-item.styles.ts
+++ b/src/components/tree-item/tree-item.styles.ts
@@ -125,6 +125,7 @@ export default css`
   }
 
   .tree-item__children {
+    display: block;
     font-size: calc(1em + var(--indent-size, var(--sl-spacing-medium)));
   }
 
diff --git a/src/components/tree-item/tree-item.ts b/src/components/tree-item/tree-item.ts
index 8ef3b653a..566f6c56f 100644
--- a/src/components/tree-item/tree-item.ts
+++ b/src/components/tree-item/tree-item.ts
@@ -264,22 +264,20 @@ export default class SlTreeItem extends ShoelaceElement {
                   ?checked="${live(this.selected)}"
                   ?indeterminate="${this.indeterminate}"
                 >
-                  <div class="tree-item__label" part="label">
-                    <slot></slot>
-                  </div>
+                  <slot class="tree-item__label" part="label"></slot>
                 </sl-checkbox>
               `,
-            () => html`
-              <div class="tree-item__label" part="label">
-                <slot></slot>
-              </div>
-            `
+            () => html` <slot class="tree-item__label" part="label"></slot> `
           )}
         </div>
 
-        <div class="tree-item__children" part="children" role="group">
-          <slot name="children" @slotchange="${this.handleChildrenSlotChange}"></slot>
-        </div>
+        <slot
+          name="children"
+          class="tree-item__children"
+          part="children"
+          role="group"
+          @slotchange="${this.handleChildrenSlotChange}"
+        ></slot>
       </div>
     `;
   }
diff --git a/src/styles/form-control.styles.ts b/src/styles/form-control.styles.ts
index b1d95a797..ff17d5a09 100644
--- a/src/styles/form-control.styles.ts
+++ b/src/styles/form-control.styles.ts
@@ -38,9 +38,6 @@ export default css`
   .form-control--has-help-text .form-control__help-text {
     display: block;
     color: var(--sl-input-help-text-color);
-  }
-
-  .form-control--has-help-text .form-control__help-text ::slotted(*) {
     margin-top: var(--sl-spacing-3x-small);
   }