Lingerie Blog

Jeff recently wrote about celebrities using shapeware to look slimmer for the Oscars. Well, I won’t be attending the Oscars any time soon - but I do have 2 grand events this weekend, so I decided to try a celebrity tip - Spanx.
Spanx are a popular line of body slimming and body shaping garments, mainly consisting of under-garments. They started out with one item similar to control top pantyhose without feet, to tone butt, legs, thighs, etc. Oprah says these fabulous footless hose that “suck it all in” changed her life. Even Ellen DeGeneres has been tooting the horn of Spanx.

I was going to try the Hide & Sleek Hi-Rise Panty by Spanx, a panty that comes up to the bra line, because I feel my tummy area needs the most suck-in assistance. But due to the low back ensemble I plan to wear for the weekend, I bought The Spanx Power Panties.

The Spanx description of Power Panties is: “As seen in US Weekly…The world’s first performance underwear combines the comfort of regular underwear, the feel of hosiery and the power of a shaper. Eliminating the leg band creates body shaping control that’s both comfortable and flattering.”

Here’s what I think…
1. Putting on Spanx Power Panties was like exercise. It was difficult and a struggle, more so than control top pantyhose. There are very specific instructions on the package and I followed them. But I had to stop and breathe for a moment after putting them on. My broken fingernail did not make a snag or tug in the fabric.
2. I was hoping they’d take a whole size off me. Like, I’d put on my spanx, and then put on my pants, and my pants would be too big. That did not happen. But I did look like I had a totally flat tummy and a much more toned booty.
3. I wore my new black Spanx Power Panties all day - from 9:30am until about 5:30pm. I have a desk job. I sat in them a lot. They were NOT uncomfortable. They did not make me feel like I was being sucked in all day. They did not create a roll of fabric near my waistline. I forgot about them until I had to use the restroom. Then they were a nuisance. But at 5:30pm I was ready to remove them. Comparison - even your favorite high heels are ready to be yanked off after wearing them for 8 hours!

All in all, with the right outfit, I think they help small bulges and rolls disappear. I was not conscious of my tummy once all day. They won’t take you from a size 20 to a size 10, but maybe a 12 to looking like a 10. I’ll write more after I wear them underneath formalwear this weekend. I’ll also have someone take my photo from the back so I can see my booty after it has had its due spanx-ing.