Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Battle of the Body Shapers

For every body, there is a shaper on the market that can lift, separate and smooth whatever it is you have going on. I notoriously (and vocally) dislike most shapers, especially Spanx. My issues with Spanx are the cost (too high) the comfort (too low) and the results they produce on my body (not enough to justify the cost or the comfort issues).  So I've been testing three body shaping alternatives to Spanx over the past month.

I prefer shaping camis because they allow me to wear my own bra (as opposed to smushing my cleavage down) and because they allow for easy access when using the restroom. Because I am not coordinated enough to deal with that little slit in full body suits.  You know what I'm talking about.

Let me say a few things before I get into the reviews. One, the opinions below reflect how these shapers worked on my body. Your body is different and you might have a different experience with them. If so, let me know in the comments so other readers can see a different perspective. For reference, I'm 6"1' and wear a size 18/20 (or 2X) at most retailers.

Two,  I'm not an avid body shaper wearer. I have lumps and rolls, but prefer to mask them with the cut of my clothes - not body shapers. So I'm no expert.  I don't expect a body shaper to make my size 18 frame suddenly look like a 14. I do expect them to smooth over my rolls while allowing me to breathe comfortably for 8 hours with minimal sweating. Too much to ask?  We shall see!

The Contender: Torsette Camisole from Full Beauty*
Cost: $34.99
Size: 1X (per sizing chart online waist: 34-37.5"  hips: 42.5-46")
Construction: 92% Nylon, 8% Spandex

*This product was provided to me for review by Full Beauty
Pros
  • Light, breathable material was soft on the skin and didn't make me feel like a stuffed sausage.
  • Long length makes this a good option for taller women, like myself - although I don't think it would be a problem for petite ladies, either.
  • Did a great job smoothing back fat.

Cons
  • Created armpit fat on me because the garment was very short from shoulder to bust.
  • No banded bottom, so the garment rolled up.
  • Very light smoothing over the torso, so my stomach roll was still in full effect.
Verdict: This is a good option for summer when you're looking for light smoothing that won't make you sweaty. If back fat is a main concern, this is a terrific option. I would wear this with pants or a skirt, rather than a dress, to minimize issues with it rolling up.

The Contender: Smooth Vixen Body Briefer by Rhonda Shear Intimates*
Cost: $25
Size: 1X (per sizing chart online: waist 37-39", hips 46-48")
Construction: 92% Nylon, 7% Spandex, 1% Cotton

*This product was provided to me for review by Rhonda Shear Intimates
Pros
  • Provides medium slimming through tummy and rear end
  • Handled back fat well
  • Good option for petite women
Cons
  • Scratchy fabric.
  • Was tiny...very, very tiny despite the fact that the measurements  on the website's size chart were actually larger than the Comfort Choice measurements.
  • Too short for my torso.
  • The legs were even tighter and tinier than the rest of the garment.
The Verdict: Admittedly, it's hard to get a really accurate read on this body shaper because it was too small for me. The size chart is a major issue for this garment because it's wildly inaccurate. This might be a good option for a petite woman, but I recommend sizing up.
 
The Contender: Maidenform Dream Torsette from Avenue
Cost: $34.99
Size: 2XL (per sizing chart online: dress size 18/20, 45-50" waist)
Construction: 80% Nylon, 20% Elastene
 
I bought this one myself
 
Pros:
  • Seams along the sides provide good support in torso
  • Banded bottom keeps garment from rolling up
  • Soft fabric
  • Medium to strong slimming
  • Very wide straps
Cons:
  • Seams are visible under very tight or shear fabrics
  • Sizing chart is somewhat confusing
  • Very wide straps
The Verdict: For me, this shaper was the all-around best. I think it would work for a variety of shapes and heights.  The wide straps can be a pro or a con, depending on what type of bra and clothing you're wearing with this garment.  I ordered a size 2X knowing very well that I wear a size 18/20 in Avenue's clothes - but for someone who is less familiar, the chart could be more clear.
 
There you go - a few alternatives to Spanx. What do you think about body shapers? Do you wear them? Love them/loathe them? What's your go-to style and brand?
 


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