Plus size ladies - rec your shapewear, please!

[poppyseed]

I'm in a wedding in October, and need shapewear under my dress. I'm a size 18/20. I've read a lot of reviews on Spanx, and most of them aren't great - are there other brands that work better?

[treedimensional]

Although I'm no longer plus size, me and shapewear go way back. I've worn it for decades, and because of my age and my huge weight loss, I wear it now more than ever.
IMO, a review is not useful without an explanation. Many people simply state that an item is good or bad without explaining why. If you read the reviews, it seems like some people give unfavorable reviews not because of how the shapewear compares to other shapewear, but because of how it compares to regular underwear, which doesn't help you evaluate the shapewear at all.
If you're unaccustomed to shapewear, it may feel tight. It will definitely feel warm in the summer. Just those two things make it intolerable to some women. Only you can decide if the bulge-smoothing results are worth it. When you're as old and saggy as me, it's a VERY EASY decision!
My biggest complaint with shapewear is not the compression or the added warmth, it is that it rolls up. This effect is worst if you have an hourglass figure (which I do, just a very flabby one). If I wear a shaping cami that comes down to my hips, it will roll up to the smallest part of my waist, just above my navel. If I wear shaping capris, the waistband will roll down several inches to the same place (where ever the narrowest part is). It is maddening! My best advice is to SIZE UP. Always buy the largest size that accomplishes the goal of smoothing out your bulges! If you've never worn shapewear before, TRY IT ON IN THE STORE first and do a lot of bending in the fitting room. Smaller sizes will NOT make you look better or appear smaller- remember, they only make you look SMOOTHER which is why they help you look slimmer and better in your clothes. They get rid of lumps, that's all. It should feel snug and firm but not tight.

Shapewear has come a LONG way. New fabrics are stronger and lighter in weight. I think a lot of women could benefit from shapewear, but they've either never thought about it or heard that it was uncomfortable.
I like Spanx, Flexies, and Sweet Nothings.
Give it a try, and good luck!

[poppyseed]

I've worn shapewear several times, but have never been happy with it. The negative reviews mainly state that they just roll up, no matter what.

I will try ordering a size up. Thanks!

[Deleted]

If you need very light coverage, I recommend Jockey Skimmies.

I like Spanx fine. I do recommend going up a size over what the packaging says.

I really hate shape wear though. I would make my case for a better dress:)

[Deleted]

Maidenform all the way.  I wasn't thrilled with spanx because they rolled.  I have gotten great deals right at the maidenform store.  

I have and love this 

www.maidenform.com/shapewear/styles/all-shapewear/flexees-fat-free-dressing-hi-waist-brief-1854

[Deleted]

Whatever brand makes the "Fat Free Dressing" line works best for me in terms of camis. I have never tried their bottoms.

I love Jockey Skimmies. I have like 10 pairs, but they don't hold in much, just smooth everything out so your clothes lay nicely.

[DirtySouth]

I despise shapewear and refuse to wear that stretchy stuff again. I've tried several brands and spent lots of $$ for weddings and special events over the years, but a few years ago I got fed up because they are so uncomfortable and annoying. The worst is when you've been dancing so you're a little sweaty and have had a couple of drinks, and then trying to get that shit back on after going pee.

I now wear a longline bra with formal wear. I think that a longline bra with boning is better at shaping than stretchy shapewear and it's a hell of a lot easier to pee. And you can also put on a garter and thigh highs and feel sexy. I personally never feel good about myself when I'm wearing shapewear like Spanks because there is just nothing sexy about it.

Of course, this is assuming that what you need is controlling your middle. If you need something that sucks in your hips and thighs then you will have to go with a stretchy thing.

And one last thought. Why do those stretchy pants type things have a hole in the crotch? Does anyone actually try to pee through that hole? I am always baffled by this because it looks like a really gross accident waiting to happen. The only thing that will make me feel less sexy than wearing hot, skin tight stretchy shorts under my dress is wearing hot, pee soaked stretchy shorts.

[jackie011]

Way back in the day I was a big fan of Nancy Ganz Body Slimmers, but I have no idea if that's still a brand out there. My most recent (plus sized) shapewear has either come from TJ Maxx or Walmart and has done the trick just fine. I only wear the "bike shorts" mainly because of my thunder thighs. It helps smooth the stomach/hip area, as well.

[whiskeytails]

I've had problems with spanx rolling down. I actually loved the shape ny cacque (lane bryant) shapewear panties. It fits my hourglass figure and compresses the stomach and holds in the sides well. Giving me a nice shape. It is sturdy and thick, but I wear with all skirts nicely.

[browneyedgirl9]

I really like the Jockey version of spanx. I don't remember the exact name if them, skimmy maybe. They are sooooo comfy. I'm a size 10/12 i wear them under my dresses all the time.

[RoxMonster]

I have some Spanx-like knock-offs I bought at Macy's probably 5 years ago and I still wear them under dresses for special occasions. They go from waist to mid-thigh (or a little higher). They don't really suck in so much as smooth things out under the dress. I can't stand stuff that sucks me in so that I can't breathe.

I haven't had issues with them rolling on the waist or at the thigh. Sorry I don't know the brand name (and it is washed off the inside of them), but I would probably just go to a department store and start trying some on to see what's comfortable.

[greeneggs]

treedimensional is wise. It's taken a long time for me to truly realize that a good pair of Spanx will never get me into a size 10 but will make my size 14 ass look much better. I used to squeeze myself into pairs that were too small that would ride and roll up but now I happily buy large and sometimes extra large pieces and I'll never go back. I personally like Spanx and Assets for my lower half and adore my Yummie Tummie shaping tank. If you're on a budget check Nordstrom Rack for shape wear, I've bought most of my good pieces there for nearly half price sometimes.

I bought a few pairs of Skimmies but lately have been falling out of love with them. They don't seem to do much for my lumps and bumps and my knit skirts and dresses sometimes cling to them in an unflattering way. I had a skirt that I banished to the back of my closet that I wore without Skimmies a few days ago and it looks just right now.