Shapewear - worth it or clutching at straws?

[PlaymobilPirate]

I've got a debenhams voucher and was thinking about buying a 'wear your own bra' hold in slip thing.

Have you got one? Does it make a difference? I'm a big bellied 5'2" size 16.

m.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_158010532760_-1

I've got the sainsburys version and love it!

Really Trixie? I know it's not going to make me look slim but I'm hoping it'll tame the bumps a bit!

Yes, i have a Primark leotard thing which is quite similar.

Worn with knee-length Spanx when the outfit demands it!

I don't see how it is 'clutching at straws', it just gives you a smoother shape under fitted clothes.

Yes, the dress style one where you can wear your own bra? I've worn it under dresses for weddings and every time it's made a difference to a smoother less bellied outline. It's not too restrictive either and doesn't give you lumps like pants can. I love mine.

And I'm a very curvy size 12 - with csections belly!

Makes a massive difference. The difference between curvy and voluptuous and lumpy

Thanks! Do you buy your true size? Or size down?

I buy a size up! Otherwise you're like Ross from friends with the leather trousers......

Does sizing up still hold you in though??

Try them on. It's a fine line between holding you in and being able to breathe!

I love mine! I have a slip one to wear under dressed and an all in one with cycling shorts that I wear under trousers. Everyone always gasps and says I have lost so much weight when I wear them.... Which is nice! I would wear them all the time but mine are so bloody tight that I am always desperate to get them off by the end of the day!

It depends what you're hoping for from it.

When I had a big post-section belly, those 'wear your own bra' things were useless. They just smoothed out my rolls into a pregnant-looking bump .

But now I have just a bit of a tum/overhang, I wouldn't be without one! I wear it underneath fitted dresses from work and it makes a big difference to my overall silhouette.

M&S and Next both do decent ones. Try a few on under the sort of thing you'll be wearing over, too, as some steles have seams that are visible under any thin r clingy fabric like jersey.

I always buy true to size,

If you size down you'll never wear it as it'll be so uncomfortable.

Sob - I bought it but it just doesn't what Brenda said and makes me look pregnant