Control underwear - buy a size down?

[revolutionconfirmed]

I need to invest in new control underwear to wear with my new dresses as I have a big tummy and love handles. I can't afford real Spanx so I'm buying some from ebay that I've had before but can't remember the size of.

Do I buy my dress size (18-20) or a size down (16-18)? Some say to buy a size down for maximum holding in potential but I don't know. If it makes a difference it's the ones that look like bicycle shorts that come right up under the bust.

I'd buy both, try 'em and send a pair back. It's impossible to know how strong they are and you don't want to be crushed to death.

Don't buy smaller. My good friend did this (we also work together) and spent all day in the office in pain. She had to go home early as her underwear was making her feel sick and faint......

If you're the size that both cover - the 18 then go down, but don't go a whole size down...as in get the 16-18 if you're a 20 or you'll not get them on, lol

I have never managed to find an online site where you can send underwear back.

I did read somewhere that it is better to buy a size bigger.

Next sell spanx and have a good returns policy . Primark sell great shape wear though and you could try on in the shop over your knickers?

Are the Primark ones good? I could definitely pop in next week andtry them on with knickers. I need them to be under £10 so any idea of the price tag?

God I'd never size down in control underwear - the right size is uncomfortable enough. And I doubt you'd get the smaller size on or off. [Remembers excruciating experience with a too small tummy control vest in m&s changing room]

I don't think I agree with it.

You don't agree with control underwear?

No. Just wear the dress.

M & S do a light control all in one for £20 - I like these and have one for everyday. They are comfortable and just smooth out all the lumps and bumps (gives just that bit more confidence). I wear a bra underneath too.

Can't do links yet but will have a look for the product numbers

Here it is

This is for the black size 16-18

Light Control Gathered Front Santoni Body
Product Code: 07047466 T326611
Price £19.50

4.5 stars out of 5 from 111 reviews

I'd only ever get a smaller size if i'm between sizes... no idea about primark priced but I've heard good things. I have spanx power pants and full boob tube style slip for nights out or a m&s light control slip just to smooth things out a bit for the office :)

I think wearing no underwear at all looks better, you always have a roll of fat popping up somewhere.

I have spanx and Primark .. The difference is that the spanx are more flexible . It depends what you want them for . I actually find the material of the spanx irritates my skin . Tk Maxx always have shape wear too.

The cycling shorts up to boobs Primark ones are around £8

Marks do them too, but £££

It's not a tight dress and it's being worn with black opaque tights and platform stack heels. I think I'd just feel more confident if it was a little more streamlined on me.

I'll pop in to both Primark and M&S and hope to find one in a size 18. I'm dieting but it's not so noticeable at the moment. I hope I can wear the same dress in August and have it be a little loose without the need for Spanx.

I just want them to tone down the protrusion of my tummy (it's a 'B' belly with excess skin after my pregnancies) and make my waistline to my hips a little bit smoother.

Don't buy smaller than your size, you'll be in agony

I just bought a control slip from M&S, it's great. Smoothed out my knicker line and bumps without restricting my breathing. I'm a 12-14 and bought a 14.

I hate anything too restrictive and never got on with the primark control cycling short style things. Gave me tummy ache on the first wear and they went in the recycling bag.....they had been washed!

Buy your normal size. You'll have things smoothed out a bit. Buying too small will lead to lumps in brand new places, which isn't good either.

I know what you mean about feeling more confident in them. And I think it's true; if they fit well, it makes an outfit look a lot better. Good luck!

I'm going against the general opinion here . I had ds a few weeks before my d sis wedding last year . I had Emcs and had a huge tummy still . I am normally as size 10 but put on 5 stone ( eek) . I had a size 12 maxi dress and bought size A spanx ( smallest ) and squeezed into them . They weren't horribly uncomfortable and have a flap for weeing so not problem there . The spanx are brilliant for smoothing and as the come right down your legs and under your bust there is no spillage . I'm quite small framed though and the excess weight was squishy so I'm not sure I that makes difference .

It might make a difference, bish. I'm the OP's size and I'd recommend not going a size down. I think even if it might look good from the front, there's always a bit pushed out in the wrong direction, visible from the back or someplace you won't notice until you're looking at photos later on

There might be an exception if you get the full body thing which covers almost everything but your bra area... sometimes those work out better. But still.. well, either be careful and use the all-angle mirrors in the changing room, or get a very honest friend to check you out first.

Have you considered losing some weight?

Yes, as I've stated, I'm dieting. A healthy lifestyle is long term and doesn't have instant results