NOW CLOSED M&S shapewear testers review thread

[TheOtherHelenMumsnet]

This thread is for the members of the M&S Mumsnet panel who have been trying out M&S shapewear.

We've posted some feedback questions below to get you started but please feel free to add any other comments you have. Everyone who adds their feedback will be entered into a prize draw to win a £50 M&S giftcard.

Please remember to include details of which shapewear item(s) you bought with your £30 voucher in your response.

Q1. Have you bought Shapewear from M&S before? When you first started investigating the shapewear range as part of this product test, how easy or difficult was it to find out about the different types of garments available? Did you find what you had in mind?

Q2. Did you shop for shapewear in store or online, or both? Which method do you prefer for buying things like shapewear and why?

Q3. Do you think there is enough choice in terms of styles, shapes, sizes, colours etc or not? How was the stock availability when you did your shopping? Were you able to get what you wanted in your size or not?

Q4. Do you think that the shapewear item(s) you bought were good value for money or not? Why?

Q5. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the shapewear item(s) you bought and why? Is there anything you were particularly impressed with? Or anything you were disappointed by?

Q6. Do you think there's anything M&S could do to improve the range? Do you think there are any items missing from it at the moment? If you were going to shop for shapewear again, which other retailers (if any!) would you consider buying from?

Q7. Lastly, if it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend M&S shapewear to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw!
MNHQ

Just typed out a long post and it has gone so not happy. Tech sort it out!

I have spent my gift card on 2 items. these in pink and these in nude.

I haven't worn them yet as waiting for AF and don't want them ruined.

Other reviews wanted as follows -

The member of staff who I asked for help was so friendly, kind and knowledgable I wonder if she is aware of this test as generally the staff there are pretty dismissive and are great at making you feel stupid if you aren't sure what you need.

I was very impressed with the number of items in the range. I never expected there to be so many. The stock was messed up in places with different items on one hook but I know that is often down to the customers.

I thought he colour choces were okay if predictable but a navy and deep red would be nice.

I spent £37 buying both items but paid £32 as I had a £5 voucher from the paper. I spent the remainder in the food hall. I would say they are good value for money if they do what they say they will.

these in pink

the ones listed above as in pink were actually bought in nude.

Links on previous thread. Can not do them again!

Q1. Yes, and the website was reasonably good for finding out about what was available. In store, it was very difficult - I couldn't even find the control vests amongst the other vests.

Q2. Both. I prefer online because the store seems so disorganised.

Q3. There was no availability for anything online when I looked. So I had to go to the store, and even then there was only 1 pair of pants there in a 14.

Q4. I bought one pair of pants for £35. ONE PAIR FOR THIRTY FIVE OF YOUR BRITISH POUNDS I wanted the £15 shorts, there was none available.

Q5. I am reasonably satisfied once I forget the cost of one pair of pants but I am disappointed with the top of the control pants, it's similar sticky elastic to hold up stockings, except more uncomfortable and not as efficient.

Q6. If everything that's on the website was in stock, it'd be fine. Personally I prefer the mesh control vests (not secret support) - a mesh control vest with built in underwire/decent support bra top would be fantastic.

Q7. I can't even imagine it coming up in conversation

1. I've bought some firm control knickers from the M+S shapewear range before, uncomfortable things they were too! It was very easy to search for Shapewear on the website and everything I thought would be there was.

1. I prefer online, I can't bear shopping instore anywhere unless I absolutely have to. The crowds put me off and having to look for things I find much harder instore than online.

1. Stock availability seemed fine for my sizes, I would like to see more in terms of styles for the secret support camisoles, the one they have may be perfect for smaller cup sizes but sizing it up hasn't worked( see Q5) I was able to get everything in my size.

The colour choices are very limited too, really not enough choice. I too would like to see a navy, red and well just more options really!

1. I think overall the range as a whole was OK value for money but not great, the camisole especially is almost identical to one in Primark in terms of quality but is £10 more expensive.

1. : I got the secret support camisole topwww.marksandspencer.com/Secret-Support-Cotton-Rich-DD-G/dp/B0041ENVRA?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_22&nodeId=43270030&sr=1-22&qid=1338993194 and the light control shorts type knickers www.marksandspencer.com/Pack-Light-Control-Cotton-Shorts/dp/B0037GGRZQ?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1 The knickers are great, really comfy and do what they're meant to.

The camisole is a huge disappointment. The quality isn't great: the stitching across the front top bit is making that seam twist also its cut really low around the armpit which makes the whole thing lose its support. This probably wouldn't be a problem for smaller bra sizes but for the large of nork results in a bit of unsightly overhang.

1. They really need to look at the larger cup sizes and adjust the fit and styling of things, we need better support and better side support than the range currently seems to have. It seems if they've just sized up without considering this. The range seems quite broad in general in terms of all the different products. I'd maybe consider John Lewis as an alternative retailer, they are certainly better at bra fitting so I trust them already for lingerie.

1. I would if the friend is after knickers or tights etc, I could only recommend the top to someone with a C cup or less.

Q1. I haven't bought Shapewear before. I shopped online - it was easy enough to filter for Shapewear and I was impressed how many products there were.

Q2. I shopped online as I can't get to the shops in the week, and didn't want to drag my children round in half-term. The sizing in M&S underwear is pretty reliable so I wasn't too worried about trying stuff on.

Q3. Yes, I found everything I wanted. I wanted knickers and there was plenty of choice and in the colours I wanted.

Q4. Yes, I got a huge amount for my £35!

Q5. Very pleased. The shorts are comfy and are great with trousers, the bigger mummy pant things flatten everything nicely, and the lacy light control knicks are pretty and just great everyday pants!

Q6. Maybe some red garments? I wasn't sure about the camisoles as I wasn't sure if they would flatten everything, whereas I could do with some uplift in the norkage area! If I wanted good quality underwear I'd go to M&S or John Lewis.

Q7. Yes, I liked the colours, quality and choice of styles. Thanks for picking me for this trial!

Q1. Have you bought Shapewear from M&S before? When you first started investigating the shapewear range as part of this product test, how easy or difficult was it to find out about the different types of garments available? Did you find what you had in mind?

no ive never bought it before. i looked on the website and it seemed to be fairly self explanatory and a fair range of things available. i got ultimate magic waist and thigh cincher, which is pretty much the kind of thing i was thinking of spending the voucher on

Q2. Did you shop for shapewear in store or online, or both? Which method do you prefer for buying things like shapewear and why?

i got it online, was thinking of going in to store but normally i find theres always more online in terms of different items, sizes, and everything else so its just easier! so i thought why waste a trip to the store when ill most likely have to come back and order online anyway.

Q3. Do you think there is enough choice in terms of styles, shapes, sizes, colours etc or not? How was the stock availability when you did your shopping? Were you able to get what you wanted in your size or not?

yes there seemed plenty of choice of styles and sizes available on the website

Q4. Do you think that the shapewear item(s) you bought were good value for money or not? Why?

what i got was 35 pounds, but there was a code LINGERIE for 5 quid off, so it came down to 30 quid and free delivery on the website for jubilee weekend, so i felt it was fair value as i did get those 2 offers on it. i think shapewear does not tend to be any cheaper than that in other shops ive seen in the past, so wouldnt say its too expensive

Q5. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the shapewear item(s) you bought and why? Is there anything you were particularly impressed with? Or anything you were disappointed by?

its not arrived yet, i just got a red card thru the door so must have missed it. i will come back and give feedback once its redelivered on friday and i tried the item

Q6. Do you think there's anything M&S could do to improve the range? Do you think there are any items missing from it at the moment? If you were going to shop for shapewear again, which other retailers (if any!) would you consider buying from?

theres not much in the way of corset type stuff, i could only see one and it does not look nice - quite grannified. i would say all of it looks very functional and not that "nice" but i suppose that is the case with most shapewear really

Q7. Lastly, if it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend M&S shapewear to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?

will come back and answer this one once ive tried it. if it does work and gives a smoother and thinner looking shape then yeh i would

Q1. Have you bought Shapewear from M&S before? When you first started investigating the shapewear range as part of this product test, how easy or difficult was it to find out about the different types of garments available? Did you find what you had in mind? This was my first time. I popped my shapewear M&S cherry I knew what I wanted and I found it v easily - on the first page online!

Q2. Did you shop for shapewear in store or online, or both? Which method do you prefer for buying things like shapewear and why? Online. Shopping instore is 'orrible. V embarrassing rifling through knickers in public.

Q3. Do you think there is enough choice in terms of styles, shapes, sizes, colours etc or not? How was the stock availability when you did your shopping? Were you able to get what you wanted in your size or not? I thought there was loads of choice available but some were sold out. Actuallu heard a few complaints of stock being sold out.

Q4. Do you think that the shapewear item(s) you bought were good value for money or not? Why? Fantastic VFM. It's super quality and it's washed nicely too. I guess the proof will be when it's been washed/worn a few times but I was v impressed.

Q5. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the shapewear item(s) you bought and why? Is there anything you were particularly impressed with? Or anything you were disappointed by? I love my item. I bought this and it stayed firmly 'up' round my ribcage without rolling down, which was my main concern. The best bit was that the legs are sort of tapered in their 'strength' so you don't get a bulge when they end.

Q6. Do you think there's anything M&S could do to improve the range? Do you think there are any items missing from it at the moment? If you were going to shop for shapewear again, which other retailers (if any!) would you consider buying from? I would like to see the nude version in shades of colour so it's not just white skinned people that can have blended underwear. Pretty poor show in that respect. It's 2012, M&S...

Q7. Lastly, if it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend M&S shapewear to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not? Yes I would. I'm very pleasantly surprised how well it smooths and how well it stayed up. I'd recommend for sure.

Q1. Have you bought Shapewear from M&S before? When you first started investigating the shapewear range as part of this product test, how easy or difficult was it to find out about the different types of garments available? Did you find what you had in mind?

I haven't bought Shapewear from M&S before. This was my first time. Before I received the voucher I initially investigated what was available online. When I looked in store I found very little available. I did eventually find what I had in mind but could only find the items online and also had to settle for what was available as everything I chose seemed to be out of stock.

Q2. Did you shop for shapewear in store or online, or both? Which method do you prefer for buying things like shapewear and why?

I shopped online as the only items available in my local store were control briefs. I do prefer to buy items such as Shapewear in store as I like to look at quality and sizing.

Q3. Do you think there is enough choice in terms of styles, shapes, sizes, colours etc or not? How was the stock availability when you did your shopping? Were you able to get what you wanted in your size or not?

I felt limited in my choices. I wanted a Shapewear body but my cup size (F) was not available. I found a body without cups but when I tried to order this was out of stock. In the end I had to order a more lightweight body which I could wear with a bra. The colours available were limited to black or nude. I tried to order a number of different items but stock availability of my size was poor. I didn't have a lot of choice and was forced to go with what was available.

Q4. Do you think that the shapewear item(s) you bought were good value for money or not? Why?

Although I was unable to get exactly what I wanted to do love the bodies I purchased and yes, I do think they are excellent value for money.

Q5. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the shapewear item(s) you bought and why? Is there anything you were particularly impressed with? Or anything you were disappointed by?

Q6. Do you think there's anything M&S could do to improve the range? Do you think there are any items missing from it at the moment? If you were going to shop for shapewear again, which other retailers (if any!) would you consider buying from?

I would like to see more colours/a more attractive range. I realise the nude colour is practical but it isn't very attractive. I know Shapewear isn't generally attractive but I think it could be made more so. The bodies I purchased are beautiful and look gorgeous on, they don't look like Shapewear at all, with very attractive lace panels. It would be nice to see more feminine styling so we don't feel the need to whip it off in the loo before getting undressed, iyswim

I love the skirt slip but sadly it was out of stock so I couldn't buy it. It appears only to be available in nude, I would like to see it available in black and white also. I would also like to see the cupped bodies available in larger cup sizes.

Q7. Lastly, if it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend M&S shapewear to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?

I would definitely recommend the bodies I purchased, they are pretty while being supportive and very comfortable to wear. I would recommend M&S Shapewear but I was disappointed that much of what I wanted to order was out of stock.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to test the items, it has been a pleasure

I went into Glasgow Argyle Street branch. I found the shapewear section no problem. I was looking at control slips as I have lost a lot of weight (and still have a few stone to go) after surgery and suffer with excess skin/flab all over my abdominal area and any other item would result in overspill from one area or another. I asked a member of staff what size the strappy slip went up to. She didn't know but helped me look til we found out. In the end I didn't buy the strappy one, but the vest style straps one, in black for 27.50. I thought it was expensive, as I've bought similar from places like primark and matalan for less. It doesn't give the most firm support of all I've tried but it holds me a bit and is very comfortable. There was a good range of sizes in stock, I took various style slips in size 22 to the fitting room as a starting point but it didn't pull me in at all. I asked a fitting room assistant to see if she could get me an 18 or 20, she brought both and I bought the 18. I would recommend the shapewear but caution that its a wee bit pricey.

I bought the light control floral bandeau body and the 2 pack of firm control knickers

Q1. Have you bought Shapewear from M&S before? When you first started investigating the shapewear range as part of this product test, how easy or difficult was it to find out about the different types of garments available? Did you find what you had in mind?

A - I have never bought shapewear before. It was easy to find what I was looking for on the M&S website.

Q2. Did you shop for shapewear in store or online, or both? Which method do you prefer for buying things like shapewear and why?

A - I prefer to shop online as my local M&S does not carry the full range of stock.

Q3. Do you think there is enough choice in terms of styles, shapes, sizes, colours etc or not? How was the stock availability when you did your shopping? Were you able to get what you wanted in your size or not?

A- As I was looking for a body in nude, I had no difficulty in finding my size and colour. Stock was available in my size.

Q4. Do you think that the shapewear item(s) you bought were good value for money or not? Why?

A - The body was expensive at £28, so not good value for money. The pants were 2 pairs for £10 and are excellent value.

Q5. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the shapewear item(s) you bought and why? Is there anything you were particularly impressed with? Or anything you were disappointed by?

A -I was very satisfied with the firm control pants, they were comfortable and held in my tummy, they have also washed very well. I was less satisfied with the body. It looked great on, held in and uplifted as it should but the gusset poppers face inwards and it felt like a label had been left in. The body, at the section between it and the bra straps also dug into my back.

Q6. Do you think there's anything M&S could do to improve the range? Do you think there are any items missing from it at the moment? If you were going to shop for shapewear again, which other retailers (if any!) would you consider buying from?

A -The range could be improved by lowering the prices. I last bought shapewear from Debenhams and would do so again.

Q7. Lastly, if it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend M&S shapewear to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?

A -I would recommend the pants but the range is too expensive.

Crikey, I haven't had chance to go into M&S yet, when's the deadline?

Not answering questions yet as I haven't bought anything yet!

Went into my main store to have a look around and saw a couple of things that looked interesting, but were OOS in my size so decided to order online and get it delivered to the store (there's a good online deal atm too!) Unfortunately I can't spot what I was looking at in store on the website (might just be because photos just look different enough to throw me off) and most of what I can see on the website is OOS in my size... I'm not having much luck! I shall go back into the store on Monday after work and get something, I promise

I bought the Ultimate Magic Body Define Waist & Thigh Cincher (£35)

Q1. Have you bought Shapewear from M&S before? When you first started investigating the shapewear range as part of this product test, how easy or difficult was it to find out about the different types of garments available? Did you find what you had in mind?
I have never bought shapewear from M&S before but I have worn various other ?control? underwear from other brands. I thought the range was really good, and I was impressed that there was a selection of pretty items as well as the standard black and nude colours

Q2. Did you shop for shapewear in store or online, or both? Which method do you prefer for buying things like shapewear and why?
I looked online but then bought in store as I wanted to try items on to check that they fitted, actually held my belly in etc.

Q3. Do you think there is enough choice in terms of styles, shapes, sizes, colours etc or not? How was the stock availability when you did your shopping? Were you able to get what you wanted in your size or not?
The store (Reading High Street) had a decent selection of the range and a good selection of sizes, although there were a lot more sizes available in sizes 16+, but I suspect it?s just a case of the more popular sizes selling out faster.

Q4. Do you think that the shapewear item(s) you bought were good value for money or not? Why?
I must admit I was shocked at the £35 price tag for a pair of big pants, and if it hadn?t been for the voucher I would not have spent that much, that said?. I am actually going to see if they do them in a nude or white and order another pair as I really like them.

Q5. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the shapewear item(s) you bought and why? Is there anything you were particularly impressed with? Or anything you were disappointed by?
I really liked the pants I bought, and would be wearing them today if I hadn?t noticed that there was a hole in the stitching on one of the legs (I swapped the pair I tried on as it had no price tag attached to it), I will be attempting to exchange them tomorrow and hope that they will swap them out for a pair that has been finished correctly.

Q6. Do you think there's anything M&S could do to improve the range? Do you think there are any items missing from it at the moment? If you were going to shop for shapewear again, which other retailers (if any!) would you consider buying from?
I had originally wanted one of the body?s as I thought they looked quite pretty ? my problem was that having a very long back none of the bodies fitted me (even using the longer setting of fastners) so if I had chosen to go with one of those, I would have either ended up with it all bunched up in wedgie fashion, or with the cups sitting about my lower rib cage ? any chance of doing a tall size???? I will definitely buy more of the pants ? if they exchange my current defected pair

Q7. Lastly, if it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend M&S shapewear to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?
Definitely! It sucks my tummy in without being uncomfortable; I have worn waist cinchers with ?boning? in, that stick into your rib cage or hip bones, I just hope that the quality issue is a one off and not indicative of the entire range.

Q1. No, this was the first time I had bought any Shapewear from M&S. I had only purchased once before and that was from House of Fraser. I first did my research online and found lots of tools to help me pick. I then purchased in store so I could get a better grips at what the sizes looked like.

Q2. Did you shop for shapewear in store or online, or both? Both. If not for the test purposes I probably would have just purchased online as it was much more convenient. There was also much more aids available online with videos, size charts etc that I may have been too embarrassed to ask about in store.

Q3. Do you think there is enough choice in terms of styles, shapes, sizes, colours etc or not? I think the choice is fantastic although I was a little disappointed in some of the size limits. I was really looking for some shapewear that was pretty/elegant. There were two gorgeous bodies with details and patterns however these only went up to a D cup. As a 34E, I was sad that I couldn't go for these and only had what I deemed a little frumpy bodies in my choices.

Q4. Do you think that the shapewear item(s) you bought were good value for money or not? I ended up buying the Magic Ultimate Waist and Thigh Cincher after not finding what I wanted in the bodies. I think it was great value for money and would have been even more so had I purchased it online with the current promotion.

Q5. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the shapewear item(s) you bought and why? I was really happy with my choice. It did exactly what it promised and infact I would not have worn the outfit I had chosen for a special occasion without it. It smoothed my hips and thighs perfectly. Also the material was lovely to the touch.

Q6. Do you think there's anything M&S could do to improve the range? Larger cup sizes in some of the more feminine/younger designs. I would definitely buy from M&S shapewear again as the quality of my product was great.

Q7. Lastly, if it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend M&S shapewear to a friend? Absolutely, I would probably only recommend the one I have experience of but would do so without thinking twice.

Q1. Have you bought Shapewear from M&S before? When you first started investigating the shapewear range as part of this product test, how easy or difficult was it to find out about the different types of garments available? Did you find what you had in mind?
No I have never bought any shapewear before. I enjoyed looking on-line and had a few ideas of what to get.

Q2. Did you shop for shapewear in store or online, or both? Which method do you prefer for buying things like shapewear and why?
Instore. I never buy clothes online, I prefer to have them to hold straight away rather than rely on pictures Even though I did look online before I went to buy anything

Q3. Do you think there is enough choice in terms of styles, shapes, sizes, colours etc or not? How was the stock availability when you did your shopping? Were you able to get what you wanted in your size or not?
The M&S near me is fairly small so there wasn't a huge selection, but there was a selection for different areas of the body to shape (ie thigh slimmer, waist clincher etc) I did have a choice of items that would fit me though.

Q4. Do you think that the shapewear item(s) you bought were good value for money or not? Why?
Yes, they were well made and did the job.

Q5. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the shapewear item(s) you bought and why? Is there anything you were particularly impressed with? Or anything you were disappointed by?
It smoothed me out and made me less wobbly, though I found it was a bit uncomfortable so wouldn't use it for everyday use, just those special occasions.

Q6. Do you think there's anything M&S could do to improve the range? Do you think there are any items missing from it at the moment? If you were going to shop for shapewear again, which other retailers (if any!) would you consider buying from?
I would have a look round, but only because I do like to buy the cheapest option available at the time. I certainly wouldnt dismiss M&S, though I do think for me Id only ever have one or two items in my possession as they would only come out on very special occassions.

Q7. Lastly, if it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend M&S shapewear to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes I would as it does the job.

1. very easy to find, And the explanations for each garment were clear

2)shopped online using ( I think) a mobile app as did it all on my iPod touch!

Q1.
Yes I have purchsed before, the online site had plenty of information and the customer reviews were helpful. Yes, I found what I had in mind very easily.

Q2. I purchased online as I don't live near a shop...but it is good to buy onlone as items can be tried on with the dress you want to wear.

Q3.
There was plenty of stock when I ordered and I found a good selection in my size nad requirements (colour etc).

Q4.
Yes they are good value. The firm control pants at 2 for £9.50 are good and the waist clincher was a bit expensive but very fit for purpose.

Q5.
I like them all, although waht si containes does "bulge out" at the edges of the shapewear so you have to be careful what you choose for each outfit.

Q6. Yes I would but again, natural is the best dolour

Q7.
Yes I would, and already have, recommended items as I feel they are good value and comnfortable.

I went today to do my shapewear shopping and left my voucher st home so will have to go at the weekend.

Q1. Have you bought Shapewear from M&S before? When you first started investigating the shapewear range as part of this product test, how easy or difficult was it to find out about the different types of garments available? Did you find what you had in mind?

I have bought shapewear from M&S years ago. The item I originally wanted wasn't in stock, but it was easy to find other things online

Q2. Did you shop for shapewear in store or online, or both? Which method do you prefer for buying things like shapewear and why?

I tried a store first then online. Online was easier

Q3. Do you think there is enough choice in terms of styles, shapes, sizes, colours etc or not? How was the stock availability when you did your shopping? Were you able to get what you wanted in your size or not?

There was lots of choice in theory but stocks were very low. I did eventually find something suitable in a size smaller than I am (a 14 and I'm a 16)

Q4. Do you think that the shapewear item(s) you bought were good value for money or not? Why?

I thought it was very good value. I bought the black waist nipper knickers

Q5. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the shapewear item(s) you bought and why? Is there anything you were particularly impressed with? Or anything you were disappointed by?

I'm very satisfied, it gives me a great shape and great waist and really smooths everything out, fabulous.

Q6. Do you think there's anything M&S could do to improve the range? Do you think there are any items missing from it at the moment? If you were going to shop for shapewear again, which other retailers (if any!) would you consider buying from?

Stock more of them, and maybe make those waist nipper knickers just slightly higher waisted so they reach right under boobs.

Q7. Lastly, if it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend M&S shapewear to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?

I absolutely would, I'm very impressed and going to buy the bodyshaper next (the all in one swimsuit style one except lingerie, if that makes sense....)

1. Not bought before. Very easy to look through the range online and decide which item was the one I needed.

1. Instore. I would always buy items like this instore because I might want to try on two or three garment, possibly in different sizes, to get the best fit.

1. Yes, lots of sizes available and I got what I wanted no problem

1. I bought the Ultimate Magic Body Define Waist & Thigh Cincher and it was £35 which I wouldn't have bought if I had been spending my own money. It seems a lot.

1. It's amazing! I am an apple shape and always, always have a muffin top with jeans. Not any more! It's really comfy to wear and really does smooth out lumps and bumps. I can't recommend it highly enough.

1. I could do with a version of the Ultimate Magic Body Define Waist & Thigh Cincher without the thigh smoothing bit. My legs are fine it's just the waist bit I need help with. I would probably look at the Spanx range as well if looking for another item.

1. I already have! Mainly because of the excellent results.

Q1. Have you bought Shapewear from M&S before? When you first started investigating the shapewear range as part of this product test, how easy or difficult was it to find out about the different types of garments available? Did you find what you had in mind?

No, this was my first time. There was very little in my small local store so I had to go to a larger one some way away. There were lots of control ranges in the larger store I went to and it took a while to spot the Shapewear range.

The shop assistant I spoke to was very friendy and helpful, knew what the available products and colours were and showed me some of the other control ranges for a contrast.

Q2. Did you shop for shapewear in store or online, or both? Which method do you prefer for buying things like shapewear and why?

In store. Onlline might be better, more anonymous, but being able to see and check the items was helpful.

Q3. Do you think there is enough choice in terms of styles, shapes, sizes, colours etc or not? How was the stock availability when you did your shopping? Were you able to get what you wanted in your size or not?

I was disappointed that most items were only available in nude/beige and would have preferred more black, white and other actual colours. The range in store was a moulded body, a slip and knickers, which was a bit limited. Not all sizes were available.

Q4. Do you think that the shapewear item(s) you bought were good value for money or not? Why?

I'm not sure that £29.50 for a stomach and waist shaper was great value, even though it worked well and was good quality, so it should last well.nI also bought a £22.50 less firm stomach and waist shaper that was OK but didn't work as well. The body was £37 soo I didn't get that, and the slip was over £20.

Q5. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the shapewear item(s) you bought and why? Is there anything you were particularly impressed with? Or anything you were disappointed by?

I'm impressed by how well it worked, it reduced my waist and stomach by 1-2 inches and I looked better in clothes, which was good. However, the nude colour was visible through my finer black trousers and skirts.

Q6. Do you think there's anything M&S could do to improve the range? Do you think there are any items missing from it at the moment? If you were going to shop for shapewear again, which other retailers (if any!) would you consider buying from?

Perhaps have more colours and also bigger cup sizes for the bodies.

Q7. Lastly, if it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend M&S shapewear to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?

I would if they mentioned they were looking for a stomach and waist trimming garment.

I bought these and these. I also got £5 off at the till courtesy of the lady who served me so I bought some cake . probably why I need shapewear.

Q1. Have you bought Shapewear from M&S before? When you first started investigating the shapewear range as part of this product test, how easy or difficult was it to find out about the different types of garments available? Did you find what you had in mind?

I bought some shapewear 7ish years ago for a wedding I was going to, and having had a baby not long before, they certainly did the trick still have them now
I did all my investigating online, looking at what I possibly wanted. Was very easy to see what was on offer.

Q2. Did you shop for shapewear in store or online, or both? Which method do you prefer for buying things like shapewear and why?

I browsed online before I decided what I wanted then went instore to buy what I wanted. I prefer buying instore so I can feel the material and check size etc.

Q3. Do you think there is enough choice in terms of styles, shapes, sizes, colours etc or not? How was the stock availability when you did your shopping? Were you able to get what you wanted in your size or not?

There is quite a wide selection both online and in store. Although I knew what I wanted I found the stock in store a bit all over the place, some items placed next to others on the rails so had to sort through a few things. But they did have my size in both items so was happy enough with that.

Q4. Do you think that the shapewear item(s) you bought were good value for money or not? Why?

Definitely. The waist sculpt knickers are well worth the money.

Q5. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the shapewear item(s) you bought and why? Is there anything you were particularly impressed with? Or anything you were disappointed by?

I wore the waist scult knickers under an outfit for a night out and felt much more slinkier. They were very comfortable, much more than what I was expecting. They were also easy to pull up/down after a few bottles glasses of wine.
The light control shorts are very comfortable and have worn them with jeans. Very snug and comfortable and the material is very soft. Almost felt like I wasn't wearing any underwear.

Q6. Do you think there's anything M&S could do to improve the range? Do you think there are any items missing from it at the moment? If you were going to shop for shapewear again, which other retailers (if any!) would you consider buying from?

The selection is fine as it is, perhaps larger size bust in the full body ones.
I have tried cheaper shapewear from another high street shop and it does not match the quality of M&S. Would use M&S again.

Q7. Lastly, if it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend M&S shapewear to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, definitely.

Q1. Have you bought Shapewear from M&S before? When you first started investigating the shapewear range as part of this product test, how easy or difficult was it to find out about the different types of garments available? Did you find what you had in mind?

I bought 1 pair of control pants many years ago. They are so uncomfortable I only wear them to very very very special occasions, approx once a year so they are still going strong. Cut me at the waist and at the top of the legs.
Yep, quite easy, all the information was online!

Q2. Did you shop for shapewear in store or online, or both? Which method do you prefer for buying things like shapewear and why?
I didn't even look in my local store for items as I knew they wouldn't carry anywhere near the full range so I bought online instead.
Usually I buy stuff like this in the shops to make sure about quality fit etc, but felt I had no choice really.

Q3. Do you think there is enough choice in terms of styles, shapes, sizes, colours etc or not? How was the stock availability when you did your shopping? Were you able to get what you wanted in your size or not?
Stock availability was ok in that eventually I managed to buy 3 items. However there were a fair few items I would have bought first.

Q4. Do you think that the shapewear item(s) you bought were good value for money or not? Why?
To be honest I was quite surprised at the cost of these items. I used the promo code for £5 off and also got the underwear delivered to my local store so I didn't have to spend money on delivery.
I worked very hard to spend the £35 exactly and it took me ages. I suppose really i was a bit narked with how difficult it was. When you do a product test you don't expect to have to bump up the money to enable you to get a good range of products.

Q5. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the shapewear item(s) you bought and why? Is there anything you were particularly impressed with? Or anything you were disappointed by?
I bought 3 items:
Light control pants in nude (the ones with the liney bits on the side) and I wore them to Coldplay at the Emirates on Monday night. Fair play I am impressed with them. They made me feel a lot tidier round the middle (once I had pulled them up enough!) and they were comfy too.
Secret support cami in black: haven't wore this yet, I'm a big girl (34G) so wonder exactly how supportive it will be!
Waist clincher lacy cami in nude: bought it in a 14, can only just get it over my large norks, and keep getting stuck in it! Same old, same old, a woman with g cup boobs could never be a 14 could she??

To be honest though I am currently struggling to work out where I am going to wear the 2 camis. I will come up with something, but I am secretly wishing I had bought more pants. Although prob couldn't have bought all pants without either leaving money on the gift card, or paying something myself.

Q6. Do you think there's anything M&S could do to improve the range? Do you think there are any items missing from it at the moment? If you were going to shop for shapewear again, which other retailers (if any!) would you consider buying from?

For some reason when I think about underwear like this I automatically think of M&S. However that is no reason to get complacent. There is just something about this type of product which never quite works how you think it will! And also, the prices of the some of the items are ridiculous.

Q7. Lastly, if it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend M&S shapewear to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes to the pants, possibly not anything else.

Q1. Have you bought Shapewear from M&S before? When you first started investigating the shapewear range as part of this product test, how easy or difficult was it to find out about the different types of garments available? Did you find what you had in mind?

I havent had shapewear before but always fancied a pair of the spanx type shorts for under slinky dresses. I looked online and watched the online advice video which was informative. but then when I went to buy online EVERYTHING I chose was out of stock in my size.. I eventually found 1 Qty Body Solutions Cupless Panelled Slip when the item came it was exactly what I wanted... until I tried it on under my slinky dress.. then I could see all the seams from the slip which completely defeated the objet. it is going back.

my local store only stocks clothes for old ladies. I tried to return it instore today but the first time there was a long queue and when I went back later there was no one at the order/customer service till so I still have it. I think I will have to travel up to Bluewater or Hemstead vally to take it back and choose soemthing else so a bit disappointed at the moment.

Q2. Did you shop for shapewear in store or online, or both? Which method do you prefer for buying things like shapewear and why?
I chose to shop online because our local store stocks so little.. also they look a bit frumpy so prefere to buy online.

Q3. Do you think there is enough choice in terms of styles, shapes, sizes, colours etc or not? How was the stock availability when you did your shopping? Were you able to get what you wanted in your size or not?
as I have said the availability for me size 12 was shocking with nearly everything out of stock. if it had been in stock there is pleanty of choice