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

[emdelafield]

Back again- got the slip thing on ( by stepping in rather than pulling over my head duh) .it is amazing. I look sleek! It seems v comfy only concern it is a bit long. I am 5 ft 2 and it is not far above my knees so that would rule out short skirts ( have no intention of wearing short skirt of course but others might).
Anyway I am delighted with the slip and will buy the nude version next time.

[FrankWippery]

I got the Secret Support Body Define High Rise Knickers and the Waist Sculpt Control Bonded ones

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 think I may have bought something a hundred years ago, but nothing in recent years, no. I did all my looking online, website clear, pulled up what I wanted to see with ease and found exactly what sort of things I was looking for.

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 and had it delivered to my local store. My nearest decent store, while not all that far, is a pain the arse to go to and either involves bus/train or congestion charge and sky high parking. Unless I want to go over the bridge it's way easier to do it 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?

For me, yep plenty. No issue with stock and the items I was looking at.

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

Yes, I think so. Perhaps a few bits are a little expensive, but all in all I'd say it was reasonable.

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?

Very satisfied in the main. I'm not sure that there is a hugely noticeable difference, but felt quite streamlined I suppose, and the new dress I've bought for my DD's and Dsis's 18th/30th next weekend looks much better with the waist sculpt knickers on for sure. Very very comfortable though. In the past I have found holdy in stuff rather torturous to wear for more than 2 minutes and was very pleasantly surprised to find that this wasn't the case.

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?

Not as far as I am concerned, no. Seems like a pretty decent range to me. As with anything I would probably look around, but I am very impressed with the two items I have got, so it's highly likely that it will be a first port of call in the future.

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?

Absolutely. It's very comfortable, does what it says on the tin and it's mostly reasonably priced.

Thank you for the chance to test.

[kissmyheathenass]

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 researched online. I had no specific requirements and was interested in anything that might improve my silhouette. The website was easy to navigate around and I found the Shapewear section straight away. The reviews on the website are brilliant. I chose several items based on their many favourable reviews. Unfortunately non of the items I wanted were in stock in my size (16 or 38C).


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 the item I wanted online but it was out of stock in my size. I saw it in a local store so bought it there instead. I usually prefer to buy things instore as it is easy to try several sizes and styles at once. On this occasion, I tried on several similar items and could compare them. The slip I chose was definitely the most effective This is what I bought (the link doesnt work for some reason) Body Solutions Firm control multiway panelled dress £29.50

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?

Several of the items I was interested in were out of stock in my size online. In store, the size I wanted was available though lots of sizes were not.

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

Good value because it works so well! It seems to be well-made so I would expect to get lots of wear out of it.

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?

This slip gives such a good shape. I wore it under a tunic with leggings and I felt slimmer all day. It is very comfortable to wear and definately improves my shape. The skirt bit did ride up though when I sat down. I dont know how this could be avoided but it is the only criticism I have. I followed advice in the reviews and pulled the slip on over my head. It was impossible to step into it and pull it up.

I have several 'bodies' in my wardrobe and although they work well improving my shape, they are difficult to remove in a hurry when on a dash to the toilet. The slip is brilliant because there is no fiddling needed. After having 3 babies, my pelvic floor is not what it used to be and those precious moments saved by wearing a slip rather than a body could be crucial!


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 consider Gok Wan's range because I think the designs are quite sexy. I would definitely buy more of this kind from M&S, in fact I might buy myself the nude version.

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 it. I think it works really well and is a decent price.

[Housemum]

Will post the "proper" answers when my order arrives on Thursday, but just wanted to say that while I liked the idea of the video on the website (I've bought 2 items from the WaistSculpt range) it would be nice to see the shapewear on a "real" woman of size 14/16 proportions! The model had a pretty 1950s style figure already ie a small waist with larger hips to make the hourglass figure (as large as hips get on a model anyway!).

Before & after pics of a woman in a dress would be good - although I'm sure it is reasonably easy to make it look even more effective if she slumps in shot one and sucks in tummy in shot 2, but I'd be more suckered in if I saw the perceived effectiveness on a larger woman :)

[supamummy]

I bought the Cherry Print Skirted Swimsuit.

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 before.

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 look on line and found it quite difficult to find in one place. I did manage to find quite a few things. I di buy in store as i managed to find more range, the only problem was lack of sizes.

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 got the suit I wanted but had to comprimise on size, I got the size smaller than I was totally comfortable with, but hope to shrink the final bit into it. Sizes and styles instore differnt from online and not a great deal of it.

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

I loved spending the voucher as I would not have spent £40 on a swimsuit. I feel the range is not good value for money, as although the costume is holding me in it does not feel like it will last as long as a normal costume.

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 the style of the skirted costume, but feel the top is slightly low cut.

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?

more stock in stores, more choice of colours and styles, range of sizes kept in store, make it easier to fin together online.

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 would definately talk about it, not sure about recommending as so expensive

[FEEdec]

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 haven't brought it before. I started looking online first and found it really easy to see the range by just typing 'shapewear' into the search box or by going into lingerie and selecting shapewear there. I wanted something that would hold in my wobbly post-baby belly, ideally something that didn't incorporate a bra section as I'm still breastfeeding so need 'easy access' (I've also tried a control body before and hated the feeling on my bust as the cups didn't sit right).

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 did both. I looked online first to get an idea of prices and what I fancied then went in store to try them on. I'm glad I did as I found the items I tried in my size were just too uncomfortable so I ended up having to go up a size for comfort. I brought some firm control knickers //www.marksandspencer.com/Control-Panelled-Selvedge-Waist-Cincher/dp/B0055WEIEM?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_36&nodeId=43270030&sr=1-36&qid=1339341231 in store and then when i got home had another look online and ordered a tummy control swimming costume //www.marksandspencer.com/Tummy-Control-Halterneck-Spotted-Swimsuit/dp/B0056K1RLK?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_4&nodeId=42966030&sr=1-4&qid=1339341408 which I collected from my local M&S food store to save postage. I preferred buying in store as I could try the items on and rule out anything too uncomfortable or which didn't suit my body shape.

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 were a few items I'd seen online that weren't available in store which I was a little disappointed about (I'd wanted to try this but they didn't stock it //www.marksandspencer.com/Gorgeous-Waist-Sculpt-Wear-Your/dp/B0014T8WXS?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_13&nodeId=43270030&sr=1-13&qid=1339341569 Size wise I didn't struggle to find my size. Online availability was fine, no problems.

Q4. Do you think that the shapewear item(s) you bought were good value for money or not? Why?
Yes, both items I brought were very reasonably priced. I also thought the price of the bodies were very reasonable at £35-40

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?
The control knickers I bought were very good - although they couldn't magically make my big belly disappear, they did smooth its shape so that when i sucked my tummy in it looked almost flat (I wore them for a family photo shoot and think they hid my belly pretty well). Initially I found them really comfortable but after 6-7 hours of wear I was desperate to get them off as the band at the top was feeling quite constricting! i think any control underwear would be the same though. As for the swimsuit - I was a little disappointed that it didn't seem to have any tummy control, it just seemed like a normal swimsuit. However the style is gorgeous and very flattering so I'm actually really happy with it. It was a great price too!

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?
Possibly ensure that the same items that are available online are also available in store? I'd consider buying shapewear from John Lewis and Debenhams, although M&S is likely to be my first port of call as I trust the brand & buy most of my underwear from them.

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 - in fact I already have as I was telling my mother-in-law about my control pants yesterday and she was interested in getting some for herself!

[gingercat12]

Please, do not get upset, but I will respond twice, as I have done the shopping today, but I changed my mind. It is all supamummy's fault. I had a look at the cherry print skirted swimsuit and now I have to have one of those, or something similar. If we have summer this year (unlikely I know) I will also get Cool Comfort? Waist Sculpt? Panelled Full Slip

I bought the Perfect Fit Lace Panelled Body Light Control

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 always buy M&S's tummy control swimsuits, but never bought lingerie which was part of the shapewear range.
I had a look at the website guide, and that was quite useful. It helped a lot. I was not sure what I wanted, but when I went into the store the nicest shapewear items were exhibited very tastefully, so that made my mind up what to try 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 tried both. I am in need of shapewear, so I need to try it on. But interms of advice the website far superior. Our M&S lingerie deaprtment is always super helpful. They helped me through my pregnancy lingerie issues. But today I must have found the one uninterested shop assistant. I kept pressing the button for help, as it is not easy to do the back clasps on your own on these shaping bodies. No answer. When I asked her advice she just suggested very politely not to buy any of the items, if I am unsure.

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 like my lingerie in black and white mostly, so it was fine. Amazingly every single item I wanted to try on was available in my size. I am 38B,and somehow my size is never on the racks, but shapewear was different.

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

I thought £35 was a little bit steep, but I did not shop around, so I could be worng.

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 fitted me nicely. This was the only one that did not push the fat up onto my underarm. It looked quite nice even on me.

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?

Not sure how to improve it. I always shop around, so would definitely check Next, John lewis, Fenwicks and Debenhams.

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. They seemed quite feminine.

[georgieandjess]

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 them before. Online it was easy to find the different types of shapewear and decide what to buy.

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 first to decide what to get and then bought it in store. I prefer to actually look and feel the items first so that is why I bought in store. I bought some Control Cotton Rich High Rise Shorts and a secret support vest.

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 a limited choice of shapewear in the store I went to. I did get what I wanted but they had very little compared to what I had seen online.

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

I think they are slightly overpriced. I just hope they are quality items that last a long while.

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 liked the shapewear I bought, as it is not too obvious as being shapewear. I have previously bought shapewear from M&S and the top seams of the pants have unravelled after a period of time, I hope this is not the case with the new items I have bought.

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?

Have a better range of colours and have more stock available in their stores.

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 recommend it to a friend if it came up in conversation as they are good at what they do, the pants are comfortable to wear and I feel more confident wearing them.

[WhereYouLeftIt]

I bought the Ultimate Magic Body Define Waist & Thigh Cincher in black, size 20 and the Body Solutions Firm Control Smoothing Full Slip in nude, size 22.


Q1a. Have you bought Shapewear from M&S before?
No, I haven't bought any M&S Shapewear before. It's been years since I bought a "control garment" - Trinny & Susannah?s magic knickers for an upcoming wedding ? which I didn't actually wear for said wedding.

Q1b. 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?
It was easy to find out about the range, I did it all on the website. Watched the video, looked at the style guide, browsed the whole range. Incidentally M&S, depending how you navigate the site, you see more or less of the range. Look for bodies via the Shapewear Style Guide and you get 12 results. Navigate from Shapewear, then under 'Narrow by Categories' select 'bodies' and you get 18 choices.

Q1c. Did you find what you had in mind?
What I had in mind changed once I'd been on the M&S site. I'd had a vague notion I'd like a body ? I wore them a lot in the 80s but I'm a lot fatter bigger now and the only one that would accommodate my ample bosom looked like something my mother would have worn in the 50s. Or possibly my gran. (Note well, M&S ? a woman staring 50 in the face considered your Traditional Floral Embroidered Corselette too old-fashioned.) So I changed my mind, and looked for something to smooth out my midriff instead. Pity, I really like bodies and the lack of a VBL (visible bra-strap line) on your back.

Q2a. Did you shop for shapewear in store or online, or both?
Both. I browsed online to see what was available and to decide what to buy. I had planned to go to a larger store to buy (either Birmingham or Fosse Park), since my own local store is quite small and I thought I'd have more choice in the bigger stores, and more chance of them having my size in stock. But I popped into my local store anyway, and found that they did have what I was looking for, so I bought them locally after all.

Q2b. Which method do you prefer for buying things like shapewear and why?
This is how I prefer to do it; I can take my time online to find out everything I want to know about what I'm planning to buy, and do it at a time to suit me (usually whilst also watching TV, with a cup of tea in my hand). But for an article like this, where fit is so important, I definitely prefer to try before I buy. It might look perfect online but be horrible in real life, and if I have to send it back and order a different size/item instead, it slows the whole thing down.

Q3a. Do you think there is enough choice in terms of styles, shapes, sizes, colours etc. or not?
There is enough choice in styles and shapes, less so in sizes (the bigger you are, the less choice you have) and colours ? which are essentially just black, white and nude. Traditionally I suppose corsets etc. were not to be seen, hence the standard discreet colours ? but really, a lot of this range deserves nicer colours, because you might be perfectly happy for it to be seen after all.

Q3b. How was the stock availability when you did your shopping?
Quite poor, but adequate for me. A lot of the range just didn't exist in my local store ? e.g. there were only a couple of bodies there (as opposed to the 18 online) and only in smaller sizes. There were lots of shaping knickers, although not so many in the larger sizes, and a few slips.

Q3c. Were you able to get what you wanted in your size or not?
I really would have liked to have tried the Ultimate Magic Secret Support? Body Define DD-G Body, but it just didn't exist at my store. Even online, that body is out of stock on most of the G cups and many of the F cups. There's a clue there M&S ? you could sell more to the bigger women if you would just have them in stock! So, I bought my second choice, the Ultimate Magic Body Define Waist & Thigh Cincher in black, size 20 and the Body Solutions Firm Control Smoothing Full Slip in nude, size 22. I would probably have gone for the size 22 in the cincher had it been in stock, but it wasn't. I tried on the 20 just in case, and it was fine.

Q4. Do you think that the shapewear item(s) you bought were good value for money or not? Why?
Yes, I do. The cincher, at £35, costs the same as the Trinny & Susannah equivalent, and that was a total waste of money because it was such a pain to get on and off I decided not to wear it. The M&S cincher was, by contrast, totally wearable. The cincher and the slip both did their job of smoothing my midriff, for a reasonable price (I have been browsing e.g. spanx prices for comparison).

Q5a. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the shapewear item(s) you bought and why?
I was pretty satisfied with the Waist & Thigh Cincher. The silicone chest-band stayed in place perfectly ? I had half-expected it to creep down at the back when I was sitting. It didn't restrict movement at all - even when my hip was at maximum flexion putting on socks, it stretched to accommodate. It was comfortable to wear, even slightly comforting. It was easy to put on and take down/off. It did create a smoother midriff for me, and it did hold my stomach in a little; but as a size 20/22 apple shape, it really couldn't be described as cinching my near-nonexistent waist. But then, I didn't expect it to.

I was less satisfied with the slip, but mainly because it's largely superfluous, doing essentially the same (for me) as the waist cincher. It smoothed out my midriff under a t-shirt and skirt to give a better look overall. It did slightly flatten my chest; but, meh, I'm a G-cup, who's going to notice bar me? It didn't ride up when walking, which I was half-expecting given that it falls to mid-thigh.

Q5b. Is there anything you were particularly impressed with?
The overall comfort, and the silicone band on the cincher keeping it in place. The ease of getting it on and off.

Q5c. Or anything you were disappointed by?
It didn't actually manage to cinch my waist, not in the slightest.

Q6a. Do you think there's anything M&S could do to improve the range?
Better availability of larger cup sizes. More colours, not just the usual black, white or nude ? some of the range are far too nice to behave as if they're just something functional, to be embarrassed about and want to hide. OK, the waist cincher is probably OK in just those three, but the bodies and the knickers I would like to be able to buy in 'this year's colours'. Certainly I'd want to match the knickers to my bra. For example, Bravissimo stock a particular bra that is always available in black, white and nude, but also in a 'fashion' colour which changes every year. What about something similar to that? Because if you only stock those three colours, I'll probably only buy one. But if you bring out other colours, I might be tempted to buy additional ones to go with particular outfits.


Q6b. Do you think there are any items missing from it at the moment?
Not really, no.

Q6c. If you were going to shop for shapewear again, which other retailers (if any!) would you consider buying from?
I honestly can't think of another high-street retailer, but I might be tempted to go online and look at Spanx. Although they are pricey compared to M&S, so they'd have to perform miracles to be worth it to me.

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. Mainly for the general M&S advantages ? being able to take back/exchange an item that you've changed your mind about, and they're reasonably priced. Plus I found the items I bought to be comfortable and effective.

[goingmadinthecountry]

Have just ordered online - 2pk light control seam free knickers and body solutions firm control smoothing full slip. Would have preferred the multiway one but 38 bust only has them up to d cup. Delivery may not be till next Sat, Not great.

[AuntySib]

I bought Body Solutions Firm Control Smoothing Full Slip.
I have bought Shapewear previously, but approx 15 years ago. Found it uncomfortable then, but thought I'd give it another go. Was hoping to find something more comfortable that didn't look like my granny's underwear. This slip was the only i found ( and tried on loads) that I could bear to wear. I could see the online range, but need to be able to see and feel fabric of clothes before buying, so usually buy instore. I didn't really fins what I was looking for - colours drab, and thought the range was pretty unsexy, not to speak of uncomfortable.

1. Shopped instore for reasons mentioned above.
   
2. I was in a large store ( Brent Cross) but felt that the range wasn't as big as it could have been, and size availability was a bit hit and miss.
   
3. I don't feel it was particulalrly good value for money - I would not have bought it had I needed to pay for it myself, and only bought it because the voucher needed to be spent on Shapewear. I didn't much like it, just felt it was the only item which was wearable for me.
   
4. I tried the all in one bodies, but found the crotch press studs uncomfortable and slightly too wide, and bust sizes not big enough (38E) . Don't like control pants because they just push the flab into a muffin top, so a slip was the only other choice. I haven't worn it yet, despite 2 big nights out since buying it - it doesn't work with low cut tops.
   

6.The range could be improved by using nicer fabrics and colours( bought a red all in one years ago from M&S which was lovely) . I felt the colours of this range were dull and the cut and fabric utilitarian - it didn't feel nice to touch.
& Not really, except to mention that M&S do a range of control underwear if I was specifically asked.

[nickiminja]

Jacquard lace knickers; Santoni high leg; New no vpl.

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?
had some long leg shorts when they first came out about 20 years ago. Comedy memories of wearing them on the pull...
I typed 'shapewear' into the search box and more products came up than there were in the shapewear section. This was a bit odd

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. Our M&S is so small there isn't much choice, plus cost of parking and stress of changing rooms/small child is worse than coughing up for a delivery charge.

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 wanted a vest to sort out my midriff, only size 14s were in stock ( I need 18). I only ever wear casual trousers (jeans, combats) so bought 6 pairs of knickers. Very disappointed in colours. Had to get mainly white and 'skintone' both vile imo. Prefer black, navy, red, pinks anything but white and flesh urg!


Q4. Do you think that the shapewear item(s) you bought were good value for money or not? Why?
So expensive. I couldn't justify £6 for a pair of knickers unless it was a big ocassion.

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?
Jacquard lace - looked a bit grannyish but were actually the best fitting. However they were a bit too high at the back and rolled down, no good for close fitting clothes. They didn't shape anything but offered a bit of firmness and good coverage to my amply wobbly tum
New No VPL - best looking of my bunch, lovely and soft, however the back was far, far too high and the waistband rolled down adding almost an inch to my waist all the way round!!! It would have looked dreadful in a dress. Also the edges were just cut and not sewn, I suspect for the no vpl effect, however some of the cutting was not very neat and looked like my 3 year old had done it at preschool with some plastic scissors.
Santoni high leg - again too high at the back but fine at the front, so they rolled down quite considerably defeating the object. The major problem with these was the gusset, it's not cotton and is grown on rather than sewn on meaning that a panty liner won't stick on. Sorry if it's TMI but that's a bit of a deal breaker for me and my weak bladder so I can't wear the pants again!

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?
Nicer range of colours, cotton gussets. Need to look at cut - While people need fullness at front, not so much material at the back? Or perhaps I just have an odd shape wear it all fits at the front but is too high at the back...

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 have been hoiking up my pants so everyone can have a look!

[chrisrobin]

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 some control pants from many years ago, which were a very firm control and quite uncomfortable. I was pleasantly surprised by the choice available now both in design and in the areas of the body which can be shaped. It was very easy to find online so had a good look online and chose what I thought I would buy in store but when I went in store I found the range was all in the same area so it was very easy to see it all and changed my 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? I liked the ability to look online so I knew what I was looking for in store but I prefer to buy the items in store so I can get an idea of the fabric and whether the sizing is right for me

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 were plently of styles and colours to choose from in all the sizes in store. I had no trouble picking what I wanted in my size, there seemed to be at least 2 of every item in each size. I got what I wanted, although this had changed since choosing online.

Q4. Do you think that the shapewear item(s) you bought were good value for money or not? Why? I bought a 2 pack of tummy control knickers (light control) which were £12.50 which I thought was good value as they are comfortable and for everyday use. I also bought the Secret Support Body (firm control) which was £25, this seems a little steep for a very plain body.

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? They both did the job well. The knickers were very comfortable but still held the tummy in, they also showed no vpl as promised. The body was also confortable and did provide enough support to give me a bit of my hourglass shape back- which surprised me. The quality control however was lacking on the body- there was some stitching which I had to fix before I could wear the body. In the store the first one I picked up had a pull along the length of the cup so I put that back and picked up the second- I didn't think to check the stitching. When I got it home I realised the stiching was coming away on approx 1.5cm on the seam holding the front panel to the side (have photo if you want it). I couldn't take it back as I live too far away from M&S so had to try and fix it myself as it could not be used with a gap in the side support. It was very disappointing and I just hope I have fixed it well enough to use long term (I am not known for my skills with a needle and thread!)

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? No, its a great line, the range is vast. I haven't really looked at other retailers for shapewear, I generally do all my underwear shopping at 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. It's confortable and does the job well. Thanks for letting me try the shapewear, I am now a convert!

[SuePBlovesaDiamondJubilee]

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?

Yes, ages ago when I was much slimmer but for a very clingy dress. It was the cycling short style knickers and they nearly killed me.

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 because I live 20 miles away from an M&S and it's a small store. I would probably buy online in any case - better selection and I wouldn't try them on if I bought in store so there'd be no advantage to going in. I used a code for £5 off and bought on a free delivery weekend which helped. The parcel arrived quickly.

I found the comments and rating very 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?

Stock available for everything I chose, arrived quickly. Not much choice in colour and the black/nude options are a bit boring.

Q4. Do you think that the shapewear item(s) you bought were good value for money or not? Why?
The two-packs were, not so much with the individual items. I looked at the slips, cinchers and roll-ons but was put off by the price (yes, even though I wasn't paying). I'd be very unlikely to spend £35 on one item.

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?

The shorts were very comfortable and didn't roll down from the waist. They do tend to get eaten by your bottom when you bend or squat - I selflessly tested this by loading the washing machine. The quality of all the items was good and they seem to be washing well. With shapewear it seems to be a choice whether it rolls down from the waist, or rolls up from the leg. I am yet to find the Holy Grail of Pants that doesn't do either.

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 have bought from Tu at Sainsbos before but M&S would be my first stop for big pants. If there were other department stores locally I suppose I would try there.
The sizes do seem a bit random - I bought a size up because of the (useful) comments online but that worked less well with the lighter control (Flatter Me) pants.
More colours and styles and shorts that don't get eaten by bottoms would be good.

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, no reason not to. I'd tell them to wait for free delivery or order into store. Quick delivery and good value for the items I bought - the shorts in particular.
I did order something online to collect in store (not part of this trial) and the assistant was very pleasant and helpful.

Bought:

02211244 Lace 'pantee'
09939301 2 pack shorts
04533146 Lace trim brazilian knickers
03531471 shorts

[NoKnownAllergies]

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 shape wear in the past. It was easy to investigate. I liked the range but the choice of colours was somewhat limited. I found the knickers I was looking for.

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 went into store to buy. I HATE shopping with the DCs I have to get I and get out! I did not try the items on but I regularly buy M&S underwear so was pretty confident of 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?

Not enough colour choice for my liking. I would have liked something other than nude, white, black. I liked the range just not colour options.

I am still BF my DS and I would have liked something to suit this in the shapewear range. I couldn't see any item that held you in enough but allowed easy boob access.

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

The items were the prices I expected.

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 like the way the items have washed up. Sometimes with 'hold you in' underwear the elastic doesn't hold up on washing.

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?

It's to an item I look for regularly. I would probably look in M&S and Debenhams.

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. If it came up. I would recommend because I liked the fit and how the items have washed.

[megabored]

I suppose I cant use these vouchers for 'flatter me' wear at M&S? Is that considered 'shapewear'?

[SuePBlovesaDiamondJubilee]

I bought one item from that range Megabored as it came up under the shapewear section online.

[brawhen]

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?

Have bought tights before, but nothing else. Had a quick look in store, but difficult to know what is 'shapewear' and what is not, and find choice and layout of lingerie section overwhelming. Much easier to search & filter online. Yes, range was similar to what I had in mind - more choice than I expected. Sometimes hard to tell the difference between different products.

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. Prefer this for tights / pants etc as much easier to make sense of the choice, find your size etc. Picked up from local store (which I walk past most days)

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?

Plenty of choice, my sizes available online. Horrendous to search out sizes in store.

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

Pants were very expensive! (I usually buy the cotton 5 packs, so £12.50 for 2 pairs - a cheap shapewear option - was a lot). Will see how long they last before declaring value - but my basic cotton M&S ones can keep going for several years...

Tights were OK - I find you have to spend more to get decent non-baggy tights.

I also got a 'soft santini body' - at £19.50 I thought that was OK.

(I spent total of £41.50 - was difficult to get a range of stuff for just the £35. there was also a £5 off offer)


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?

Tights - good fit. They should have a label inside them as no way to tell them from any other tights in my drawer otherwise - this is a pet hate I have with M&S tights.

Pants - are OK. A bit synthetic and thrush-inducing. Size 12 'light control' are quite comfy. Size 14 'firm control' dig in round the waistband but are baggy on the bum. Can't feel much difference between 'firm' and 'light', except for the digging in waistband.

Body - pleasantly surprised by this in some ways. The shaping effect was good on waist and made a nice difference under a dress and was v comfy. But - gusset too wide thus digging in to me on one side - reminded me of poorly fitting sanitary towel experiences from teenage years . The bra bit was along lines of genie bra - which are great (M&S should do these) - but didn't have any moulding inserts thus just squashed breasts in v unattractive manner. Stuck my own genie pads in it and was good to go. So I will keep, but am using in a bit of a fudged-together manner.


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?

Sort out bra bit of the body, as above.

Cut the number of repetitive choices, or explain the differences better.

Would probably buy again - in M&S or online (Amazon?).

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, if it came up in conversation.

[brawhen]

To add - I bought:

• 07047428 Soft Santini Body Size 12-14
  
• 08522269 New 2PP Low Leg Size 14
  
• 04872992 2PP New No VPL Size 12
  
• 20118303 10D Slimming M

[brawhen]

And I like underwear in black, white & nude. HATE stupid patterned bright coloured malarkey

[cassiepetal]

I have bought things from M&S shapewear before ? mostly to suit a specific dress. I checked the options online before going to the largest local store. I didn?t have anything specific in mind, but it was reasonably easy to find ?Shapewear? within the lingerie department.

I went into the store, only because I would rather try on something like shapewear before I buy it. As it turns out, I?m really pleased I did. I tried on a tummy control vest and it was such hard work getting it on, I ended up all sweaty and dishevelled. I didn?t buy it.

I did end up buying the Secret Support Cotton Rich Bra Vest in 36DD (£12) because it was really comfortable. Oddly, when I looked online the only colour choices were black and pink, however, in store there is a white option available too. I would have bought it, but there were no more left in my size and there wasn't a staff member nearby to check stock for me.

The bra vest is very good value for money, however I also bought the Light Control All-Over Lace High Rise Shorts (£12.50) which are not. The waist rolls over and the day I wore them I was forever unravelling them, exposing my not so flattering white belly to the world as I did so. Also, they have this annoying seam right down the middle, which does absolutely nothing for comfort in my nether regions while I am trying to roll them back up!

I was particularly impressed with the selection of shapewear available and, white bra vests aside, most things were available in my size. I think certain aspects of design could be worked on, such as (ahem) crotch seams, roll down waists, and maneuverablity into and out of garments. I love that the bra vest has the clasps, but everything remains relatively seamless.

I can?t think of anything in particular that is missing, and I would probably come back to M&S for any future shapewear needs, or consider an online retailer such as Figleaves, so long as I knew what I was buying (as I said before, I prefer to try things on).

I would definitely recommend M&S shapewear, at the very least as a first point of call because it has all the basics covered and a good selection of sizes.

[Flisspaps]

I am testing:
Waist Sculpt? Firm Control Bonded Knickers (£19.50)
Secret Support? Cotton Rich DD-G Bra Vest (£12)

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?

Never bought any M&S Shapewear before. It was pretty easy to find online, and to find out what the items did. The sort of thing I wanted was there.

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 - I have a baby and a toddler, and the nearest M&S is a bus ride away so it's far more convenient for me to shop from home.

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 seemed to be a good range. The item I wanted (Crossover V-Neck Slimming Camisole) wasn't in stock in my size. My second choice (Waist Sculpt? Bonded Full Slip) also wasn't in stock in my size.

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

The vest is reasonable value for money. It has washed well and gives good support.

The knickers are reasonable value for money, they give good support and don't give VPL at the bottom. However, I could do with an extra inch and a half at the top of the knickers - they seem to come up short of my bra on me which gives a rather ugly band of squashed flesh between the knickers and my bra. I've not got a particularly long body and I'm not tall (5ft 6ins) so I can imagine taller women might find the problem even worse.

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 reasonably satisfied, but because the knickers don't really come up high enough I have to be careful what I wear them with as I don't want to be showing a sausage of fat under my boobs - if I'd bought a bigger size I wouldn't get the support I wanted and they'd still not come up any higher!

I do like the vest, at the moment I am breastfeeding so a wired bra is a real novelty but I managed to (just about!) feed in it.

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?

Have more size 14 items in stock - these seemed to be in short supply on the website and it's a common size.

Add some more to the length of the knickers so they come right up and the top can be hidden under the bra line rather than coming up an inch below the bra.

Perhaps the support vest would be good with detachable straps - that would then allow it to be used more easily for breastfeeding and would make it more versatile. Make the vest in more colours too!

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?

If they mentioned they were going to get some magic pants I'd mention that M&S have some that might be worth looking at.

[brawhen]

And lastly - the tights. Had something about eco credentials all over the cardboard packet. And then had totally ridiculous second plastic bag packaging inside the cardboard. I actually thought there was some kind of EU directive banning that?!

[Flisspaps]

Ooh, I'd forgotten about the top of the knickers folding over on itself - and adding insult to injury I seemed to have a reaction on the silicone, but the label says this is possible and just to stop wearing them.

[Mushkin]

I went online and have spend perhaps about 30 minutes to look for a product that would hide my post pregnancy belly. I had never bought shapewear before from M&S and found customer feedback for different products very useful; in fact I was guided by them for my final purchase. The size guide worked well for me as the product is exactly my size.
One thing that I found a bit annoying was that I did not have the option of seeing all products on one page; it?s a personal preference I like to be able to see them all in one page with the star reviews and prices it?s a good visual guide. Also the system would not work when I was selecting the ?top rated? option.
In terms of product choice I found there were enough options (perhaps not enough colours), unfortunately some sizes were out of stock. I purchased the Ultimate Magic Body Define Thigh Slimmer in black. The prices where a bit too expensive, not sure if I would have spent my own money. I had already bought two similar products from different shops recently (each of them no more than £10). However when I got the product and tried it for couple of days I was very satisfied with it. It?s so comfortable that now I do think it?s was worth it. The previous two products I had bought in other shops where waste of money.
To be honest I was very sceptical about buying shapewere online from a shop I had never bought before, but I would not hesitate to go back to the store and purchase another product if the prices are a bit more compatible, and yes I would recommend it to others.