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

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 not bought M&S shapewear before, but have tried some other brands. I looked up the M&S online store to see what was available and was intially impressed by the range

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 bought from in store, there wasnt a huge range so I may purchase something else on line
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?

Online the range was quite good, but not so much instore..

Q4. Do you think that the shapewear item(s) you bought were good value for money or not? Why?
I havent been able to compare like for like, but they seem a bit 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?
I have to say i find M&S sizings very confusing. As I am often a different size in trousers, skirts and underwear. I decided to go for the larger size in underwear. Even though I was wearing M&S cutoffs that day and they were practically falling off me. (in the same size as the wiast clinchers.
When I tried the waist clinchers on at home I found them uncomfortable and too tight.- I wouldnt be able to wear them all day, so yes i was disapointed
That said I usually love M&S clothing and am often dressed head to toe in M&S clothing from all the ranges.
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?
Difficult for me to say as i wasnt really with my purchase
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?
Probably not

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw!
MNHQ

I bought (online) Flatter-Me? High Rise Lace Light Shaping Shorts, which i got in a size 16 (although i am more like a 14 but always find M&S knickers are better a size up) but they were HUGE! so i took them back to a store(annoying as i d paid the p&p), unable to get the same item as it was a small store and not a huge amount of shapewear available so i exchanged for them for Secret Support Tummy Control shorts (2 pack) which seemed a smaller size 16 so i got those. They are nice, i would nt say particularly supportive or changed my shape, just comfortable, big pants.
Still have some money left to spend so off to try something else tomorrow and will report back.
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 Secret Support? Tummy Control Floral Lace Camisole BEFORE(due to a mumsnet swears by)IT DID NOT GIVE ME TUMMY CONTROL AND RODE UP BADLY, REALLY UNCOMFORTABLE AND SO WAS RETURNED.
EASY TO FIND ITEMS ON THE 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?

BOTH. ITS EASIER TO BUY ONLINE FOR ME(WITH THE BABY) BUT FELT IT WAS A SHAME TO SPEND SOME OF THE VOUCHER ON P&P (EVEN MORE ANNOYING WHEN I HAD TO RETURN THE ITEM) BUT I WOULD, IF I COULD SHOP IN STORE, TO TRY ON AND LOOK AT THE ITEMS PROPERLY.

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 ONLINE, NOT SO MUCH IN THE SMALL STORE I WENT TO.

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

SOME ITEMS SEEM EXPENSIVE, WHICH IS FINE IF THEY DO WHAT THEY RE SUPPOSED TO.
THE ITEMS I HAVE BOUGHT SO FAR HAVE BEEN OK VALUE, AS 2 PAIRS OF KNICKERS ALTHOUGH THEY DO NOT REALLY DO WHAT THEY RE SUPPOSED TO.

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 FAIRLY SATISFIED BUT WILL TRY SOMETHING ELSE WITH THE REST OF THE VOUCHER THAT MAY IMPRESS ME MORE.

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?

SEEMS TO BE A GOOD RANGE AND CHOICE ONLINE. I WILL VISIT A BIGGER M&S TO SEE HOW IT IS INSTORE.

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?

MAYBE. IF THEY WANTED COMFY BIG KNICKERS.

I got the Ultimate Magic Body Define Waist & Thigh Cincher.

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. Finding out about the garments was simple online. I was impressed by the range of sizes and styles.

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 just shopped online. I have 2 LOs and shopping instore with them woul;d have been hellish. I prefer shopping online for that sort of thing anyway, my local stores are small an don't carry much 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? One big issue I had was that I would have liked a body shaper thing- that includes a bra, but M&S don't stock my size. I am a 38JJ which admittedly is fairly large but it would have been nice. What I actually chose was available in my size (18)

Q4. Do you think that the shapewear item(s) you bought were good value for money or not? Why? It was £35 which I think is a bit steep.

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 took a bit of getting used to. First wearing it kept rolling up and slithering down my belly, which meant I had to either stand up or sit up very very straight. This was rather annoying. However second time of wearing it felt a lot better, maybe I stretched it a bit! It did hold me in very well, although my legs were a bit bulgy where the shorts ended! I had several compliments on my shape which pleased 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? As I said above, I wish they offered bigger cup sizes. DD is really not big enough I think. If I were to shop for shapewear again, I might look at Bravissimo or similar to see if they offer something for the larger of nork. More colours and more attractive styling would be nice 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? yes I would. Especially if omeone noticed how good I ws looking in my shapewear

I ordered online another pack of the firm control pants on Friday. All good, items in stock, payment processed. Got an e-mail today to say they are out of stock and they have deleted them from my order.

Not happy.

I promise to do mine tomorrow. On phone as PC was knackered snd I cant do links on phone.

I have sent an e-mail to customer services asking how I can order a different colour combination for the pants without incurring delivery charges again. Will report on what they say.

Just wanted to update - wore the body throughout the day and found that it seemed to provide more support as the day wore on. Perhaps it was my imagination but it did feel better after it had been worn for a while and I think it did what it was meant to. It gave me a smooth line under my slim fitting dress and my tummy was suitably flattened. It did start to feel a little uncomfortable under the bust with the wiring but it lasted through an hour long job interview and two hours commuting on the underground on top of a morning at work.

Furthermore, having worn it for the first job interview and been asked back for a second interview, I am planning on wearing it to the second interview in the hope that it becomes my equivalent of "lucky pants" !

Do you still need photos?

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? styles
I bought sm light anf firm control pants, the vest top with hidden support and some tights. I wanted to see if there was any difference between the light and the firm.

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 ordred online ,due to ill health I am mainly housebound so do all my shopping online. I found ordering quick and easy as I was already registered on th site so didnt have to put in my details. Delivery was quick only two 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?
I found the rage of colours poor, all the items I wanted were avalable in my size (14)

Q4. Do you think that the shapewear item(s) you bought were good value for money or not? Why?
I was impresed at how much I managed to get for my mooney though the £5 off for spending over £30 helped.

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 tights were lovely nice to find support tights with a pattern, they were comfy to wear,the light control pants didn't feel any different from ordinary pants and there was a noticable difference betwen these and the firm coontrol ones.Both sorts did though roll over at the top after I had been sitting for a while. The vest with support just seemed to me like a vest top with a bra fixed inside and the bra strap at the back made it fiddly to get on and off

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? They need to add some other colours to the range.I would probably buy from MandS again as it has the reputation as the place to go for underwear.

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? Would recommend the tights and pants but not the vest top,though can't honestly say its something I would be likely to discuss with my friends

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?

Well I did not realise it at the time, but I think I already own 2 pairs of knickers that are Shapewear I just didnt realise that M&S had a range encompassing them. I would have just said they were just control pants! When I looked online it became a bit clearer. I am a bti restricted with what I can buy to wear though as since signing up for the trial I am now pregnant and getting bigger obviously so I was looking for things that would avoid the bump area as nothing was tailored especially for that.. In end the end I got 3 of these vests www.marksandspencer.com/Secret-Support-Cotton-Rich-DD-G/dp/B0015MT5M6?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_64&nodeId=43270030&sr=1-64&qid=1339431560&pf_rd_r=0C6X77S10DACRDTD067Q&pf_rd_m=A2BO0OYVBKIQJM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=43270030&pf_rd_p=215570647&pf_rd_s=related-items-3. I am hoping they will last into my pregnancy ok and I liked them as they are good for big boobies but I am essentially wearing them as nightware or loungewear. I am a G so I don't like going braless in public might get arrested.

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 had a look online then went into store once I decided what I wanted.. I went to the store and asked for control vests and the lady showed me where they were.

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 enough stock, but I would have prefered more choice of colour.

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

At £12 each I would say thats good, but most of the range is very expensive. Although the 2 pairs of control pants that I previously owned I have had a lot of use out of so they will last for sometime. The only problem I had with those though was that they shrink in the tumble dryer and therefore at some point you have to give up with them and get another pair. Yes, I know it probably says not to tumble dry them but really that is not practical for most people.

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?

So far they have been good. One thing i would say about the pants that I bought before though is that it is VERY HARD to know what size you are. I went to a size 10 to a size 20 with my 1st pregnancy and I wanted the control pants whilst I was losing the weight so was at some point a size 14/12/16 whatever. YOu are not going to try the pants on in the shop so it is a gamble with the size. I ended up going home with 2 sizes.

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 really do think you could make items for maternity wear. I am looking for the following : a bump band; Longer tops like the ones I just bought ; and control pants that cover your bump and bum and thighs. I think by the time you are your 2nd baby you are battling the bulge aswell as the bump! My bump this time aroudn is not firm and makes me look like a right fattie.

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, the quality is good.

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 before. There was a huge range and it was comparitively easy to find things I wanted. I was looking for something to slim my waist and found plenty of options

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 started off online but in reading the reviews I realised that I needed to go instore and actually try things on. I prefered being able to research online, but needed to try on instore. The first time I went instore the member of staff was very dismissive and I went back to look online, but ultimately I bought instore

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 found that it came up quite small and had to buy a size 18 although I am a size 16. . I wanted these but they didn't have them instore so I ended up with 2 pairs of these

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

As I have never purchased shapewear before I am not sure what the going rate is but I was pleased with the shape that they gave me and will use them again

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?

Because I am tall I found that the knickers did not quite come up to my bust and so there was a muffin top. They also started to roll down towards the end of the day and were quite uncomfortable so I took them off. I then noticed that I struggled to do my trousers up so they were working before then. I was also dissappointed with the sizing. I am a 14/16 and had to buy an 18 as I couldn't get the 16 over my thighs when trying on instore.

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 liked to have been able to purchase a bodysuit, but they do not come in a big enough cup size for me to be able to test (38GG)

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 be confident recommending it, but I would also recommend that they go and try it on.

Has anyone else been wearing their pants constantly? Only ask as my hips and lower back are playing up big time for the first time in months, and its almost like my posture is affected? Sure its in a good way (making me stand not slouch) but wondered if anyone is experiencing similar from long term use?

I bought Gorgeous waist sculpt firm control floral fawn knickers (beige pants) and firm control selvedge black pants.

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, I have bought one pair of pants. I found it very easy to find out what M&S sells in the way of shapewear, by looking at the website. I did find it reasonably easy to find what I wanted, but it would be better if there were fewer catagories/ranges. They all do the same job, what I need to know is whether it is pants or a bpdy etc, and how firm the control is. Too many ranges makes it difficult to compare 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? I did both and shopping in store was easier in my case, because of the palaver of collecting the items (I didn't want to pay for delivery). More about that below!

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 in my size and plenty of colour choices online - not so much in the shop. There were several things not in the colour or size I wanted.

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

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 what I bought but the silicone irritates me a bit so it gets uncomfortable by the end of the day. There is a tendency for both to create folds of flesh when I sit down, which I don't get with my Spanx. Though both of the things I bought are a LOT more attractive than spanx!

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 buy Spanx again (from John Lewis). I would buy the M&S stuff too. I think the range is good but something that was even firmer - even if a bit uncomfortable to wear - would be good for special occasions

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

As to the shopping experience, which you asked us to think about in your email - I was NOT impressed with shopping online and delivering to the store (Leicester). WHY does it take 5 days to deliver something to your own shop? That is absurdly long. Your confirmation email is really depressing, waffly and nowhere does it say a decent thank you for choosing to shop with M&S, we value your custom etc.

Nowhere on the email or in the shop does it say where to collect your item from. I went to the lingerie counter to be told to go to customer services, and when I got to the front of the queue I was told I was in the wrong part and needed to go to Sara who had the till with the right computer - it didn't say that anywhere! If you are sending your customers an email, it would be good to include that kind of information unless you are only targetting a psychic audience. The woman in front of me obviously had the exact same experience as me.

I deliberately hung around for ten (timed) minutes in the shapewear section looking as perplexed and confused as I could, but no member of staff approached me and the only one that came near marched past with no interest. The sales counter staff were friendly, but customer services was as perfunctory as they could have been.

Oh, and back to that email - please don't waste my time by telling me I need to take my passport or driving license etc to collect my item, if your member of staff only wants to check my name from the printed off email I took with me and ask my address.

I like my items and I would buy again, but the shopping experience was pretty lame.

Collected mine instore today, will wear my undergarments and report back.

i went to my local m&s but they didnt stock shapeware, so had to travel to another town, they had a limited range in my size, but bought light control high leg pants in nude and black, would have liked the choice of nude and white, the fit is good and they do what i expected. the staff were helpful ,think the range needs to be more extensive.
Went to m&s outlet were i got a lovely swimsuit in the shapeware range lovely colour,fantastic fit,usually find swimware a pain as am quiet big busted but small body, bought right sized body and was amazed that it fit on the boobs overall very pleased with the whole experience and would recomend the range especially the swimwear, think the items are good value and quality

Grr! Just wrote feedback after wearing & it's disappeared. Here goes again. Ultimate Magic Body Define Waist & Thigh Cincher £35 in beige - bit like wearing my mum's girdle? But did quite a good job under jeans and a dress. Would usually prefer in black but bought beige so I could wear it under anything. Was quite comfortable, & only rolled down a but at the top as I thought it probably would - but not a major problem. A good product, but would still probably not splash out £35 for it.

I bought firm control selvedge knickers, light control bonded over laid lace full brief & 2pk light control cotton rich lace knickers.

1. This was the first time I have bought shapewear from m&s. The section was easy to find in my local store.
2. I shopped instore as I find sizes vary widely from brand to brand & so I wasn't sure what size to order online.
3. There was very little choice in my store, only a few products & most in a size 12. So too small for me. There is much more online & it's a shame they didn't stock much of it.
4. I didn't find the single knickers I bought value for money as £14 & £12.50 for 1 pair of ok knickers is expensive. The 2pk for £9.50 was better value.
5. I wasn't satisfied with the single knickers I bought as they roll down & are quite uncomfortable. Also they weren't terribly pretty/sexy. Also the just seem to squish my post baby belly up & out the top rather than flattern it. The 2pk are cotton & more comfy although still not flattering.
6. Prettier items & bigger sizes. I have bought these types of products from catalogues before.
7. I wouldn't necessarily recommend all of the range but some products seem good.

I bought this: swimsuit

Q1.
I simply searched M&S online for Shapewear and the collection came up. It was easy to look through online. I have a pair of control pants which are great!

Q2.
I just shopped online as there are no M&S stores near to me. I do prefer shopping instore generally, as I like to be able to see the product properly. I would never have bought a swimsuit online without the vouchers.

Q3.
Yes, the range seemed pretty good. There was stock available and easy to search by size.

Q4.
No, I think £35 for a swimsuit is expensive, but I thought the added benefit of it being shapewaer made it slightly more realistic.

Q5.
Sorry to say that I'm extremely disatisfied by it. I bought it in a size 16, so expected it to be able to cope with a larger figure, but it did not live up to expectations in several ways. The halter ties are flimsy and provide little shaping because the bust cups are padded with that awful foam that moves around inside the lining. There is a hidden mesh panel under the main body that has no control features at all, and when swimming or even just mvoing around in the water, the top layer comes up revealling a wobbly mesh-covered middle... probably the most unattractive feature imaginable in a suit supposedly designed to give a better figure. The bow on the front is not sewn in place and constantly needed retying during my swim, not least because my enthusiatic toddler was pulling on it! It's not practical, or pretty. I don't think I will ever wear it again!

Q6.
This swimsuit is the only one that is designed to look like a tankini and it needs to be redesigned, or an alternative made available in the collection. Other than M&S who I do generally like for shapewear, I'd be going to Debenhams who also have a good range.

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 think I'd recommend the lingerie that I already have, but never the swimwear. The price coupled with the awful design of this swimsuit has put me off!

I bought 1 "Light Control No VPL High Leg Knickers" which I can't link to as they appear to have disappeared from the website even though I bought them online. They were £7.50

I also bought online www.marksandspencer.com/Merino-Blend-Denier-Bodyshaper-Tights/dp/B002F678V6 which cost £12

And I bought in store www.marksandspencer.com/Pack-Light-Control-Cotton-Shorts/dp/B004Q81YLQ?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_1&nodeId=43270030&sr=1-1&qid=1339440746&pf_rd_r=0M67CJA0VQ7B0YRZJVJ0&pf_rd_m=A2BO0OYVBKIQJM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=43270030&pf_rd_p=215570647&pf_rd_s=related-items-3 which cost £14

Q1 no I haven't bought any Shapewear before. I looked online where there was a vast array to choose from and lots of different terminology. I also looked in my local very small M&S

Q2 I shopped online and instore. My local store had only a small range but I then went to the Marble Arch megastore where there was an extraordinarily large selection. I preferred this as I could feel the garments and get an idea of how controlling they were. I did think that some of the pants just looked like big knickers and wonder how much control they may have over just buying a pack of big pants.

Q3 My local store had a limited selection but appeared to have a good variety of sizes in the stock they had. The Marble Arch branch had every colour size and style you could wish for.

Q4 I certainly think the pants are good value for money. The tights are more expensive than those I normally buy, and as yet I haven't had a lot of chance to road test them. For that price I hope they will wear and last well. They feel good quality.

Q5 I am Satisfied with the products so far. I am very slim but do have that telltale "I've had babies" belly! The pants mean I can confidently wear a T-shirt dress and keep a nice shape!

Q6 Having seen the range instore I can't think there could be any more items not already in the range, there seemed so much to choose from. I think I might have looked in TKMaxx for similar products.

Q7 yes I would. There is a lot to choose from, colours and styles to suit everyone and the prices are reasonable.

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, never bought from this range before.
Not very easy in store but easy online, given the search function.
I found lots but not what I expected. I found it all looked rather bland and functional.

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

Both. Tried in store but it was crowded, cramped and i have my boy in his buggy so it was not practical! and there wasn't a large selection, so I ended up buying it all 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?

Stock in store was plentiful, of the parts of the range they had. Online was a nightmare... Everything I wanted was out of stock... I had to keep going back over several days and even then the sizes I needed were not there, so I just picked some bits that I thought might be good to try. Incidentally as I was unable to buy what I wanted I ended up getting a control vest for my husband. Who was thrilled!

I must say that the range was pretty bland looking and so functional looking! Not attractive at all. I understand that this type of range has a very practical manner about it but crikey would a few additional colours and patterns hurt! If I have to show my DH my 'suck my belly in pants' then I would at least like to look semi attractive not trussed up in a beige, old granny number!

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

Yes, the vest for my husband was great value as he won't take it off! The tights were cheap as reflected in the scags and ladders my DS helped create. I also didn't think they did what they were advertised to do to be honest. The camisole vest top was lovely, but about I didn't think it did much in the helping my contours other than help cover up the back fat a bit.

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?

DH very satisfied with vest. Will go buy some more so that I don't have to wash it every day!

As for my bits, not that impressed to be honest. Also the lack of choice in colour and pattern really put me off.

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?

Better colours and some patterns would be nice. The range is in all fairness large so I don't think I can suggest items to add, just re-evaluate the style. Wh is it aimed at? Because I don't think it appeals to the younger section of the market at all. That said I don't think the maturer lady would want to be dressed in such bland looking underwear either.

Just because you need to slim your contours or carry a bit of extra wait doesn't mean you don't want to strip off in front of your OH and feel good about your undies!

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?

No I wouldn't re: female selection, but I know my husband has already mentioned is bloody vest several times already.

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, i've bought the smaller control pants and tights. I looked on the website and it was easy to find and work out what was what. I wanted to buy a body as i thought this might eliminate the roll down factor of normal control pants

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 bought online, i have bought it store but online is better as then you can try them with the clothes you want to see the effect on.

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 really impressed with the range and it wasnt all frumpy undies either

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

I'm really impressed with the price of the suport vest top, and thet they cater for larger boobs.

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 have been very impressed with all my purchases:

1. knickers
2. vest top
3. body

The knickers are great and holding everything in and out of the way and giving smooth lines under clothes. The body is actually really nice and again serves the purposes of smoothing but then looks like sexy underwear too. The vest top will be great in the summer and means that i can actually wear a strappy vest top without a bra underneath.

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 colours in the vest top and more bodies for the larger of nork.

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, and i have, its a great, reasonably priced range.

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 never. I'd tried Spanx etc with no real luck, so was interested to try these! Found the range quite bewildering.

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 in store, I never find shopping online successful as I'm quite a difficult shape and often end up paying a lot on delivery charges.

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 wish the products with built in bras had a 32GG fitting... I ended up buying
www.marksandspencer.com/Comfort-Cotton-Control-Floral-Slimmer/dp/B006QQYBV6?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_32&nodeId=42967030&sr=1-32&qid=1339445591 and www.marksandspencer.com/Comfort-Cotton-Control-Floral-Slimmer/dp/B006QQYBV6?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_32&nodeId=42967030&sr=1-32&qid=1339445591 as the store had them in my size. (I was disappointed in how few size 12s there were on display)

Q4. Do you think that the shapewear item(s) you bought were good value for money or not? Why? I love the cotton shorts and think they are very good value - they will solve the thigh chafing issues in the summer... The slip seemed quite expensive and really I only bought it to spend the money and report back.

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 wish there had been a size 14 in the slip - the 12 is a bit neat. The shorts are great - I'm very pleased with them and love that they're cotton. I would love to be able to buy swimsuits with cupsizes please.

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?

See above about swimwear! Also would love pyjama tops with built in bra support in the range... The prices seem quite high 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?

I will be recommending the cotton shorts!

Q1.

I have bought one of those big knickers which have shorts built in in the past from M&S to wear for a friends wedding (underneath the outfit obv, not on it's own as a fashion statement ) and was happy with this past purchase. I did my shop online as my local m&s doesn't have a great range especially in my size (size 20/22) so I wanted to ease and choice of the web site. There were a couple of things I looked at that weren't in stock (or the colour options I wanted weren't) in my size and 2 of the 3 things I ordered I had to get in a different colour option to that I wanted because of out of stock. I didn't find that much choice in my size range and I particularly wanted cotton rich shapewear as too much synthetic material gives me thrush easily and it makes me sweat more-- . Wanting cotton rich cut my choice down to buying www.marksandspencer.com/Pack-Firm-Control-Cotton-Briefs/dp/B002F7DTJK?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_19&nodeId=43270030&sr=1-19&qid=1339444661 (which was out of stock in the 2 black option I wanted) this (which was out of stock on the tan and black combi I wanted) and this

Q2.

See question 1

Q3.

Would have been nice to have the black/tan options in my size from the products I chose. It also would have been good to have some kind of indication of if and when the out of stock items would be back in stock (like boden do) or if they are discontinued. Of the 7 pages of shapewear only 2 pages were in my size so not a massive choice. I also didn't buy an all in one which I was thinking of as it wasn't available in my cup size

Q4.

I've given them all a whirl and they seem pretty good. The knickers do dig in a bit when I sit down but I assume this is to be expected. One pair was quite tight and did give me stomach ache, but this ~I think is more to do with my tummy being huge and not used to being constricted (and I had af bloating) and not the product itself.

Q5.

I'm overall satisfied. I wouldn't dash back to buy more but then should the occasion arise to warrant needing a specific form of shapewear I would certainly think of and look at the M&S website to see if they had what I wanted. I would like more choice in cotton rich items though.

Q6.

More choice for plus sizes and those with larger bosoms. I'd consider going to somewhere like rigby and pellar (where I get my bras from) but may need a morgage for their shapewear!) or bravissimo or John Lewis or Debehnams.

Q7. Yes I would - they did the job well and I was pleased with the items.

I purchased; 2 pack, firm control cotton briefs. And, Ultimate Magic Secret Lace Shorts.

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 tried Shapewear before, the first time was over ten years ago so I can only assume it was the same range?
When I started investigating the range, I looked online at the products which were available, and had a look in my closest store. (Liverpool, city centre.) It was easy to see what was available and the I found what I was looking for rather easily.

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

I wanted to buy online but I find the M&S website a bit of a faff to buy from to be honest.

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?

In store, there was a more limited range on offer. I looked around for an assistant to get some ideas about sizing - but gave up after 20 minutes I felt invisible!
Think there is a decent range of styles on offer, but it would be nice to see more colours. I understand that black, white and nude are the most practical, but as others have said it would be nice to see a bigger range.
I couldn't find the firm control briefs (2 pack) in the size I wanted.

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

I thought items I bought were excellent value for money.

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?

Dissatisfied with the comfort of the briefs. After a few hours wearing I found they really dug into the top of my leg. However, I feel that this may be as I bought the smaller of the sizes I was torn between. Had there been anyone on hand to advise in store they may have suggested going with the bigger size?
Very satisfied with overall effect, and the control of the product. I felt pleased with my appearance on an important occasion.

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?

Each time I've worn Shapewear it's been to compliment a specific outfit. I think it would be good to see a more 'everyday' range. Which could maybe be reflected in a cheaper price, and perhaps nicer colours and designs.

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. M&S is always my first port of call for all underwear and I wasn't disappointed with the quality of the products.

Thanks for letting me take part!

I just ordered my shapewear. Lots to choose from which is great. However, there were a couple of items I would have purchased but were out of stock in my size. I find this a lot with M&S, whether you go in store or on-line. I am generally between a size 12 and 14.

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. I purchased the Ultimate Magic Body Define Waist & Thigh Cincher
£35.00 about a year or so ago to wear with a clingy dress. First time I wore it, it was great for about 2-3 hrs. Then it got harder to breath and I could not wait to take it off. It did not wash well either. Somehow lost that gleam and some of the elastic started coming off after the first wash but by then it was probably too late to go to customer services with it.

For todays test, I found it easy-ish. I 'googled' shapewear on the M&S search engine with did not bring up the flatter me range for some reason. Hence my question above. When you use the dropdown menu on the M&S site, it comes up. Thats strange. *

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

The first item I purchased, I got it in store, for this survey, I purchased online as most of the time, the store does not seem to have the sizes. Nor does it seem so online now.

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 am happy with the range and colours, shapes etc but M&S, please keep some more stock of the better rated items! Before and after pics of 'problem' models and solutions will also help. Not just the 'after' pictures. I understand this may cause some advertising issues.

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

*Yes, I dont mind paying for quality. M&S generally is better than most. Above items not-withstanding. And GBP 35 for one or two items is not too bad. I would say its reasonable but not cheap.

For this review, I purchased Body Solutions Firm Control Bandu Smoothing Full Slip £27.50, and a Secret Support? Cotton Rich DD-G Bra Vest
£12.00 but would have preffered to buy a vest they have run out of in my size instead. *

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?

yet to arrive so I will come back and review this. Disappointed by lack of stock.

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?

yes, something to make my boobs look smaller under t shirts and better. More non-paded underwired bras too please.

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.