Whenever I tune in to shows like “How To Look Good Naked” of “What Not To Wear”, they seem to stress what a bonus shape control underwear (Spanx and the like) can be to achieving that lovely hourglass silhouette.
But I have never found them helpful - the versions that are same size as regular knickers just seem to push everything above the waistline, creating the illusion of an even podgier waist, whereas waist cinchers and high waisted bands just immediately roll down from the waist when I sit down. Not very handy in the office.
Am I alone in finding this? Is there some trick to control underwear that I’m missing other than to continue losing weight? (I’m a UK size 12 so that’s an American 10. I think, just in case it’s relevant.)
IANAW (I am not a woman) but I recently went though the “shopping for a wedding” process that included discussions concerning and acquisitions of “shapewear”.
I do know that a lot of the shapewear came in a “floor to ceiling” models, too, ie: shoulder to thigh and variations thereof. You could be constrained all-over.
If you’re still making muffin-tops at the ends of the elastic, I guess I’d suggest you’re really a UK size 14, American size 12.
YMMV, I have a penis, after all, and it doesn’t get “shaped”.
I would love to be able to wear the “Body” type underwear! I suspect it would solve a lot of the “rolling down” problem. Unfortunately, I have a 32H chest, 31 inch waist and 39 inch hips. I’ve never seen a control basque that would fit those dimensions, alas.
Also, it isn’t as bad as a muffin top, I should clarify (no rolls of fat). Just the sensation of having a slightly thicker waist than usual, making me wonder what the point is.
Is it worth going a size up? I would just try but these things aint cheap. And I’m a little wary of throwing good money after bad.
I cannot comment. We were in “C” cup territory with our purchasing.
However, I would suggest that a woman with your dimensions is over-worrying the problem and you should just present yourself proudly. You sound deliciously curvy.
I used a Spanx after having yet another major abdominal surgery, this one just three weeks before my son’s wedding. So pretty clearly my tummy muscles weren’t in their normal shape. It worked quite well in assisting me with the holding in of the tummy efforts.
I’d also consider trying them on at the store–no point in buying one and then not having it work for you.
Unfortunately, I suspect the stores would have problems with the notion of trying on knickers and then deciding not to purchase. fair’s fair, really
But I’m glad to hear that they do work well for some people and that they helped well for your son’s wedding.
Thanks Still, you know how it is - the authoritive tones of Trinny & Susannah have the effect of making me feel that I’m missing a trick, sartorially speaking and that I’m wondering round in stoneage, primitive underwear whilst out there, everyone else is walking around in the pants equivalent of the ipod.
When I worked in a women’s clothing store, we urged women to try on shapewear, over their own undies. The reason for this was that we couldn’t resell any that were returned, so generally we didn’t allow returns on this merchandise (of course, if the garment in question was defective, we did allow a return). At any rate, with Spanx and similar products, the goal is to shape and control, not necessarily to reduce the overall appearance. These garments can reduce or eliminate orange peel appearance and overall jiggles. Wearing a properly fitted garment will give a smoother, cleaner appearance.
These garments can also help with back pain, by the way.
Hmm. You must be watching different episodes of **What Not to Wear ** than I am. I’ve often heard them recommend getting a good bra. And getting clothes that fit. But I’ve never heard them recommend Spanx or shape control under garments. I’ll listen more closely in the future.
Yes, I thought it was standard to try on shapers and such over your regular underwear. I’ve always done this at Macy’s and TJMaxx, no one has ever said anything to me.
I have to confess that I have never asked to try any on, even over my underwear. I’ve always just assumed I would get the skunk eye from the assistant, because they are such very close fitting garments. It seems I’m being unecessarily squeamish for the stores, perhaps. And yeah, they are really expensive to just lie unused forever in the bottom of the wardrobe.
More so in their books than in the show (although I do remember Trinny literally reaching up under some poor girl’s dress and manually removing her knickers because she felt the knickers looked so bad through the clothes. :eek: )
In print, they are pretty demanding that shapewear is a must have unless you have a flat, toned stomach and/ or perfect thighs. sigh. Ridiculous now that I type it all out, really.
That’s probably a big difference between the UK and US versions of the show. Here in the US, Stacy and Clinton harp on ill-fitting bras and will give participants a hard time if their panties show. But I’ve never heard them talk very much about Spanx et al with the exception of the one episode devoted to underwear.
My guess is that if you already look fabulous, this type of undergarment could make you look extra-fabulous.
If you, like myself, really need to hold in some fat it won’t work. I have tried buying special granny panties, a la Bridget Jones, and mainly they are monstrous to get on and very very uncomfortable.
Screw spandex. Get yourself a corset. Preferably in black satin. Now that’s support. Not comfortable (not supposed to be) but it immediatly turns you into a wanton woman of the world.
You can try looking for Spanx “Higher Power” garments; the waist band goes all the way up to tuck in under the bra. This is the kind I have. They have a special “gusseted crotch” to allow you to pee without having to get undressed!
Since the OP is from the UK, she is likely watching the original WNTW with Trinny and Susannah, and not the American version with Stacy and Clinton. The UK version of the show emphasized the importance of good undergarments more than the latter. They even occasionally have the women they are making over get into the 360 mirror in nothing but their bras and panties to honestly assess their figures (and recommend better underwear.)
Thanks, KayElCee–ignorance fought. I wonder if Clinton and Stacey use that technique, too, but just don’t choose (or have the opportunity) to show it on TV. I have learned a lot from the show about clothing choices, fit, and–above all–the value of a good tailor.
My daughter wears a custom made corset when doing historical reenactments, and she claims it is extremely comfortable when properly laced–tight but not “too” tight. It provides excellent support with no-bra strap discomfort.
Ditto. I have a lot of excess skin after a big weight loss & the “Higher Power” gives me support and even more shaping. It can hold back the Hoover Dam. Worth every penny of the $36.
Still, you know how it is - the authoritive tones of Trinny & Susannah have the effect of making me feel that I’m missing a trick, sartorially speaking and that I’m wondering round in stoneage, primitive underwear whilst out there, everyone else is walking around in the pants equivalent of the ipod.