Spanx or Primark?

[Sparklegeek]

OK, 40th birthday party looming & have a v fitted clingy dress. Am Shredding like mad but would like a bit of extra help. Have read so many great reviews of Spanx but am balking at the £25-ish price tag. So my question is, are they worth paying 5 times as much for as ones I can get in Primark? Unfortunately I have nowhere locally I can try the Spanx on so can't compare - and the cheapest place online doesn't accept returns as they're underwear. Can anyone advise, if they're as wondrous as some people think I will swallow the cost - but are they?

[Sparklegeek]

Now I know strictly-speaking hold in knickers are neither style nor beauty, but surely someone here has tried either? :o

[Icanboogie]

I have some of Marks and its great and pricewise is halfway ? Its hard to fault M&S for their underwear...

They probably have some in the sale basket as well at your local store. I've always got mine for the £5 -£10 mark. They work great - My fave are the big knicks - up to my bra height... makes me like stroking my tummy

[TracyK]

If you buy from asos - you can return them - free P&P and returns.
I got a variety of sizes to try as they are v tight on.

[ZillionChocolate]

The cheap Primark ones make a difference for me, have never tried Spanx.

[Sparklegeek]

Hmmm, not sure what to do...Asos are £10 more than the other place I've found. I did read on here a recommendation that you buy a size down or they won't do anything for you but am highly dubious about that approach with regard to getting in & out of them!

[Sparklegeek]

Thanks Chocolate, I suppose before I go ahead with the Spanx I should go into Primark with my dress & try on! I just keep reading in the reviews not to bother with other makes etc as the Spanx are miracle workers

[HappyAsASandboy]

I have tried spanx on and thought they were rubbish. Didn't buy them.

I have several pairs if marks and Spencer up-to-your-bra knickers and think they're great. Tesco and primark are similar to each other and good, tho a little warm!

I'd go with primark and see what they're like. If they don't work, go for marks and you've still not spent spanx money ...

[TracyK]

The one I went for was the flexee onsie. I'm a 16 and got the XL and it is VV tight to get on.
The M&S highwaister ones rolled down on me - maybe they were too big?? I think I got an 18.

[TracyK]

The onesie is more like a wee mini dress so no vpl.

[Gunznroses]

I have both marks ones and primark. Don't waste your money on M and Buy primark, worth every little penny and you'll save yourself a fortune.

[ElectricSoftParade]

I am impressed and compressed by the Primark ones. Haven't tried the Spanx ones as am too tight poor. I like the Primark pants and vests but do not recommend the leggings as they roll down in a very confortable way.

Bet you will look fantastic and have a good time :)

[ElectricSoftParade]

uncomfortable

[TracyK]

Are the Primark ones in the underwear section?

[ThighsTheLimit]

The primark ones that go right up to your bra are fab.

[ElectricSoftParade]

They are in the underwear section but I haven't seen the ones Thighs mentioned. I will though!

[ElectricSoftParade]

I have the Avon ones which reach up to your bra and they are good but not quite firm enough. Nice enough though.

[Sparklegeek]

Oooh, I can feel a trip to Primark coming on. I have the big knickers that come up to your bra & they're not bad, but I need some cycling short type ones attractive (but still coming up to bra,) as mine still have a VPL with my tight dress. Will come back here with my verdict once I've been!

[noddyholder]

this is great really light and makes you feel slim but you can breathe and eat!

[TIDDLYMUM]

I have spans and they are the most innards crushing things known to man, I once had to whip off on train journey. Last week I bought a fairly unforgiving dress and bought the John lewis pants they came mid thigh but they do longer or shorter. Excellent and my innards were in no way crushed. I am size 14 and they said to get size 8-10 and they were fine , really comfy, undetectable and probably the only size 8-10 garment I will ever get into :o. £16

[Sparklegeek]

Thanks Tiddlymum, have just had a look at those JL ones. Did they tell you in the store to go for the 8-10? I am a 12 but can't imagine being comfortable in anything with a size 8 on the label!

[Ifancyashandy]

I'm a size 10 / 12 and bought Spanx to wear under an unforgiving dress. Hated them - they rolled down (were 'to the bra' ones). Ended up folding them over. Waste of money. Heard only good things about the primark ones.

[WhatstheScenario]

I havent tries the Primani ones.

Spanx are good, though. They last years. You have to get the right product/range for you, though. I hate the shorts-type Spanx, but love the big knickers that roll up and attach to your bra with little hooks. Takes inches of me (am size 12 but have bigtime mum tum)

[Sparklegeek]

I don't think I can do the big knickers ones as the VPL would show under the dress. It's gotta be the shorts. As much as I don't want it to be as ugly as the shorts are - I don't actually need any thigh shrinkage to speak of but just need the invisible line the shorts would (hopefully!) give.

[teejwood]

sparkle this flexees slip is half the price of spanx equivalent but gives better results imho - and because it's a slip with integrated pants you won't get vpl. I have bought and hated a lot of shapewear over the years but am now converted.
Will be more expensive than primark, though...

[TracyK]

I think that's the one I got from asos. Tis quite good. Flexes have their own website too maidenform I think to compare the HoF prices.