Shapewear put to the test….
Finding the perfect dress for your big day is one of the most important things you will do in the lead up to the wedding but finding the perfect underwear is often left to the last minute. Most women want to find underwear that will make them look their absolute best in their dress. There are so many different options when it come to sculpting and slimming underwear, so I went on a mission to test out lots of the popular options that are available….
M&S Magic Knicker – Waist and Thigh Cincher
They say: These thigh slimmers work like magic with with targeted control areas to shape you where you need it most. They gently flatten tummies, smooth hips and lift bottoms for a flattering, shapely look. They’re comfortable, breathable and easy to move in and a special finish keeps you cool and dry
My verdict: These were my absolute favourite, they were quite a struggle to get in to as they are very tight but once I got them all the way up and looked in the mirror I was like ‘where has the rest of me gone!!” the results were amazing, I looked a whole size slimmer and when I put my jeans back on they were actually baggy around the stomach, I don’t know how they do it but they are simply brilliant! Everything was smooth, no lines or muffin tops, I felt fantastic in them!!
£35
www.marksandspencer.com
Lipo Contour – Classic Body
They say: Made from a patented, double layer fabric, the Lipo Contour garment has been specially designed to micro massage those problem areas, where the tissue is more relaxed and fatty. The constant micro massage increases circulation, helping to break down cellulite whilst giving specific support to the stomach, hips, thighs and buttocks.
Immediate visible effects: The modulated compression is proven to instantly slim your silhouette and give you an incredible shape. Ideal for the special occasions when you want to look your best.
Long lasting effects: To achieve the best results, the Lipo Contour garment should be worn for a minimum of 8 hours a day, for up to 8 to 12 weeks. The results obtained progressively improve and are usually visible after four weeks.
My verdict: I don’t know if I noticed any difference to my appearance after wearing these for a while but when they are on they are definitely good for pulling everything in and smoothing out the silouette, on the downside I didn’t find them very comfortable, they were not very soft and they were very hot!
£49.98
www.lipocontour.co.uk
Trinny and Susannah Magic Knickers
With these magic knickers you’ll loose inches in an instant within this Bum, Tum and Thigh Reducer. Just like magic knickers, they will flatten the appearance of your tummy and thighs and lift your bum.
Styled in a static fee material with minimal seams, it’s perfect for wearing under close fitting garments.
My verdict: These were brilliant, in the ivory colour they will be completely invisible under a clingy or sheer dress, As soon as I got them up I could notice a real difference, my stomach looked flatter and my bum looked pert and smooth, they are really lovely and soft and very comfortable to wear. These would be great under any type of dress.
£35.00
www.lingerieplease.co.uk
BHS Belly Buster Firm Control Brief
They say: Firm control belly busting brief. The high-waisted stretch band in this brief helps flatten and smooth the belly for a slimmer and smoother looking silhouette
My verdict: This one is great, it’s well structured to really pull you in and flatten out your stomach, it gives a nice smooth silhouette. They were also nice and comfortable. A really good affordable option.
£12
www.bhs.co.uk
Aristoc Body Toners – Cool Cotton Hourglass Waist Cincher
They say: The cotton fabrication not only ensures optimum comfort and support but also has excellent breathable probperies, making them perfect for summer wear. This product is full of technically advanced features that will help you create smooth lines under trousers or floaty dresses.
The cool cotton hourglass waist cincher has a secret support front and back panel that gives you full control that flattens and smoothes the tummy to enhance your waist definition for an hourglass look.
My verdict: I really like these, as soon as I put them on I could see a real difference, they pulled everything in and made my stomach look flat and my wait look defined. Although they were a little hot they would be quite good for Summer as they don’t have the long legs. On the downside they could do with being a little bit longer as they did slightly cut in on the top of my thighs/hips where they finished at the bottom. They would be brilliant under certain dresses to give you a flat stomach and defined waist but not under anything clingy around the thighs.
£25.45
www.aristoc.com
Spanx - Hide & Sleek Hi-Rise Panty with Thong Back
They say: Rise to the occasion with the Hide & Sleek Hi-Rise Panty with Thong Back! This smoother features a comfortable, flattering lace thong and offers high-waisted control. Gentle double-layer compression starts just under the bra line and extends down, creating a firm tummy and smooth midriff. A soft, brushed elastic waistband in back maximizes comfort, while providing a stay-put fit. Surged edges around the legs eliminate pinching and binding. With no front waistband or center seam, this high-performing panty is perfectly concealed even under the lightest of fabrics.
My verdict: I have to say I didn’t rate these at all, firstly they didn’t hold my stomach in as their was no structure to the fabric, it was way too soft, the second problem was because in the leg they are quit high rising they really didn’t do anything for smoothing out the lumps and bumps around the very tops of my thighs. I really just don’t see the point in these at all, a magic knicker that came down to the mid thigh or knee would eliminate the reason to have a thong and also smooth your entire silhouette. Not worth the money in my opinion!
£39.00
www.spanx.com
M&S Magic Knicker – Firm Control Body DD-G
They say: This clever body works like magic with targeted control areas to shape you where you need it most. It’s comfortable, breathable and easy to move in and a special finish keeps you cool and dry
My verdict: Like the M&S Magic Knickers this body is fantastic, I tried a lot of all in one body’s and most of them just don’t work, they either don’t hold you in or have a useless bra part that gives you a weird shape around the bust, well this both holds you in and flattens your stomach and has a great bra that gives you great support and a perfect shape and smooth silhouette. I would highly recommend this.
£39.50
www.marksandspencer.com
Masquerade – Hestia Basque and Thong
Thhey say: This gorgeous silk basque will boost your boobs and create a sleek silhouette under your special outfit. Beautiful satin ribbon cleverly conceals the hook and eye fastenings. Detachable shoulder straps and suspenders.
My verdict: This is fabulous, if you are too self conscious to wear something flesh coloured and knee length and want something a little sexier under your dress then I would definitely recommend this basque. It really pulled me in and stopped my tummy from sticking out and it looks gorgeous, along with the matching thong it makes perfect bridal underwear!
£54
www.bravissimo.com
Everything under the dress – Nearly Nude Slimming Slip Dress
They say: This style fits comfortably and helps to shape and accentuate your waistline while minimising your tummy. With our signature knitting around the mid drift and smooth seamless lines this piece is a summer and winter essential.
This slip also features our two in one breast support system to ensure you are supported while still feeling totally comfortable. Designed to fit just above the knee it is an ideal length to go under almost anything in your wardrobe.
Perfect to wear under any casual or formal dress that requires a smooth line or that needs additional support.
My verdict: I have mixed feelings about this one, in my opinion it definitely didn’t slim me down, when I put it on I felt my figure looked exactly the same, it didn’t pull my stomach in at all but it did give a smooth silhouette and slightly smoothed out my muffin tops (because I had no underwear lines). I would not go for this if you are looking for something that will slim you down but if you are looking for something to just completely smooth out your silhouette under a clingy dress then this would be good for that, wear this with no knickers underneath and no bra as it is quite supportive around the bust.
£39.95
www.everythingunderthedress.com
Yummie Tummies Peek-a-boo Cami
They say: Slimming slip dress with a sole neckline finished with lace trim.
Designed to peek out the bottom of your favorite dress. The slimming panel which extends from just under the bust to below your bum, slims and smoothes away unsightly lumps and bumps! Created with adjustable straps for personalized fit.
My verdict: I am not a big fan of the slip style shapewear as they generally lack the structure for holding you in. As far as they go this one from Yummie Tummies was not too bad, it smoothed out all my lumps and bumps but did not hold anything in. Definitely good for when you can’t wear underwear under a tight clingy dress but don’t go for this one if you want to look slimmer.
£79
Available from www.yummietummie.co.uk or Harvey Nichols
JML – Slendesse Slimming Belt
They say: “Slendesse control wear gives a more flattering silhouette, whilst helping to firm and tone skin. The revolutionary microcapsule technology carefully treats and supports. Includes slimming agents caffeine and shea butte. Gradually absorbs into the skin. Remains active for twenty washes. Strong elastic waist.
My verdict: I really like this slimming band, it just sits around your whole waist and stomach pulling everything in and streamlining everything, it gave completely smooth lines under clothes and made my little muffin top sides disappear. The only disadvantage of this is if you have underwear underneath this then it will still show the underwear lines and could create bulges where the underwear cuts in. I wore it a little bit lower so that the bottom sat just below the bottom of my butt and wore no underwear this way it was a flawless smooth finish, it depends which bits bother you as to how high or low you wear it, it’s very flexible. I would really recommend this under a clingy silk dress..
£24.99
www.JMLdirect.com
Esbelt – Slimming Corset Waist Cincher
As seen on How To Look Good Naked this triple filtered cotton lining Shapewear Corset from Esbelt provides excellent absorption and perfect comfort. Ideal for accelerating weight loss through high compression, perspiration and micromassage. You can expect to lose 1-4 inches within 30 days and an immediate reduction in your waistline.This Corset is latex on the outside and 100% cotton lined.
Your posture and waistline will be instantly and visibly improved. Most kinds of lower back pain will be relieved by this world leading Corset (please consult your Doctor). This Corset has double hook and eye front closures and flexible boning to prevent the Corset from rolling up.
My verdict: I did like this corset as it really pulled my stomach in and held it in, it also accentuated my waist, the problem with this one was it has metal hooks all down the front and this takes away from the seamless, smooth look, so with certain dresses it would be totally fine but not under anything that clings to your body. It was also a little bit sweaty.
£38
www.uppercup.com
Slimline Leggings
They say: Made from a unique fabric containing caffeine to help mobilise fat and shea butter to keep legs moisturised and smooth, these ‘miracle leggings’ have been found to not only reduce the appearance of cellulite but also reduce thigh measurements by up to 3.1cm!
My verdict: I wore these leggings for about 3 weeks and I think I noticed a slight difference to the appearance of my thighs! Even if the difference was phycological I really liked having a pair of skinny leggings! Hehe, I definitely felt like they pulled everything in and gave a slimming look to my legs. These are perfect for all that running around in the lead up to the wedding!
£35 www.damart.co.uk
