do those special hold-your-tummy-in pants work?

[AvonCallingBarksdale]

I have a dress I really like, planning to wear to a party next week, but I need something to flatten my wobbly belly Do Spanx and their equivalents work? Or do they just push the blubber elsewhere? I've heard that Spanx are pricey, so does anyone recommend any high street ones? TIA

Ooh, please someone advise on this! I have exactly the same question as OP!

(Feeling down about my post pregnancy x 3 belly... Got to do something to hide it a bit. Am thinking quick fix of tummy flattening pants rather than 20 hours of pilates a day.)

Yes, please, someone come and advise! I'm slightly worrid that my tummy could look flat, but there might be a huge amount of back fat instead....

They do smooth out the lumps and bumps but they won't make a Size 18 into a Size 8 (more's the pity).

M&S do a cheaper version.

I have some 'bridget jones' knickers from Costco...they are bloody brilliant!

They are grim to look at ..frumpy as hell. They really firm everything up though and leave a really smooth line under clothes.

Their leggings with a sucky in belly bit are great too.

I hate them cause they make me feel nauseas, but that might just be me.

Chimchar they sound great! I don't have aCostco card, though Will have a look at the M&S ones.

I have some black hold-it-in magic knickers from Primark to wear with a dress for a wedding. I've also rather cleverly in my own humble opinion bought a dress which is a think lace, not a smooth clingy fabric so may hide the mum tum

Primark ones were £4 - if they work I'll stock up and buy the nude ones too!

Spanx aren't very comfy. I like big knickers to do a similar job.

Sloggi big knickers are the ones I like. I buy the next size up. So comfy.

Get thee to TK Maxx where they will have a selection of undergarments at discounted prices.

I have a range of different "fat pants" that suit different dresses so it really is worth trying a few different types.

God yes I love tk max.

I never used to get tk max, but have been dragged there repeatedly by shopaholic fashion lover ds2 over the holidays and am now obsessed!

I agree with Winston - different styles for different dresses. Also do not go for a smaller size thinking they will hold more in, if hold in pants, it has to go somewhere and you could end up with a huge muffin top and then be really uncomfortable.

For everyday wear M & S do a light control all in one, the straps are about an inch wide, smooth out the lumps and bumps and cost about £20. I wear a bra underneath and they are comfy to wear all day.

I was really impressed by the M&S flatten your tummy knickers. They did the trick, but were way more expensive than what I'd pay for regular knickers. It's always a relief to take them off and be able to breath out again!

I have some M&S Secret Support shorts in nude and they make a visible difference to my tummy. They are essentailly like the top of some control tights which also comes half way down your thigh.

They gently hold it all in and smooth out my 'pot belly' Clothes definitely hang better when I am wearing them and there's no ridges on my thigh where they cut in. I think the key is to buy the size you are - don't go a size smaller or you will get bulges at the top and bottom of the garment.

Spanx do work, but they make me feel a bit sick. And last time I wore them they left bruises on the top of my leg. Although I do bruise ridiculously easily. I've got a cheaper one from marks and spencers, which is far more comfortable.

They work but they make me uncomfy. Can' get nearly enough food and wine in when I wear them

I've been really impressed with the Primark ones, but, as others say, they are just for smoothing out lumps and bumps under a straight dress or skirt - they won't "work" if you are hoping they will take you down a dress size or two. Depends on what you are hoping they will do

OK, great. I shall get myself to M&S and TX Max and Primark to have a look. I'm being realistic, I know they won't take me down a size - My dress is a 12 and it's quite thin material - jersey-ish, I guess - so I just want the wobbly tummy flattened a bit. Thanks for the help

I think they make me look fatter, it held my tummy wibble firmly up!

I've got some John Lewis ones, which are highly effective but do tend to dig into my stomach, making it hard to pig out. Which is the main reason for the wedding/dinner/party in the first place!

I've got a milder pair from BHS, which are really good!

I have primark ones and a more squashy pair that cost more.

They do indeed smooth things nicely.

But with the expensive pair I once had to dash put of a lesson and whip my knickers off asap, becuase I felt like a boa constrictor was squeezing me to death after three hpurs.

I like them. My colon does not.

Get a cheaper pair, in a size larger than you think you should, is my advice.

I have Spanx and I do love them. I personally find them pretty comfy, plus the crotchless element is handy for going to the toilet mid-event! They were pricey at the time but six years later they are still going strong and they still smooth me out really well. When they do eventually give up I'll definately be buying another pair.