Does anyone wear shapewear all the time?

[MushroomTree]

I put a pair of control pants on under leggings the other day because it was washing day and they looked so much better.

I've been watching Mad Men on Netflix and they all wear "foundation garmets" under pretty much every outfit and they look amazing.

So would I be mad to wear shapewear under everything from now on? And any recommendations for good shops/brands? Usually I head to Primark as have a very minimal budget.

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If you've found this page in search of shapewear that has been tried and tested by fellow Mumsnet users, you might find our guide to the best shapewear useful. Hope this helps! MNHQ

I'm a size 6 and I do. Smooth lines are important to me. I have issues.

@TootNCarmen where do you get your control slip from please?

Too sweaty.
Someone please invent merino shape wear. Then I’ll wear it.

I found control slips only practical with bare legs and without knickers. So, not a winter option on both accounts.

If you wear anything at all under them, they start to “walk” up to your waist as you go about the day, providing more wrinkles than they smooth.

@Jedstre

Mine are from Next online, but not sure if they are Next own brand. I’ll check for you in a bit!

Yes when I'm out of the house. Even when slim it holds my loose c section belly in!

I am a little chubby and could do with the extra support but wearing these garments can't be good for you. I have a pair of support tights from sweaty betty which are probably one size too small for me. I was wearing them for a few days to do an exercise video at home when I started suffering from a really tight chest. It took me quite a while to realise the correlation between wearing something tight around your stomach and the feeling of pressure on the chest. It felt like anxiety but it wasn't.

Forgot I posted this! Lots of replies.

I don't mean wear them for slobbing around the house. But I'm thinking of wearing them when I need to go out. I just feel more "together" and think I look better with some form of control underwear on.

Losing weight is also on the agenda but even then I think I'd feel more presentable wearing it. I like the tightness.

If you can be bothered and dont find it uncomfortable, then why not. Its hardly a corset.
Im pretty sure my nana wore a girdle daily

I wear Sainsbury's or M & S 'big' mid control knickers always under dresses or skirts. I am not massive bu have always put on weight on my tum and that + a Caesarian shelf holds me in. Can't abide a wobble feel. I wouldn't under jeans. They hold me in enough!

Sounds horrendous. Do you think any man would ever consider doing the same? We're our own worst enemies.

I wear Debenhams tummy control underwear’s in my dresses , skirts and jeans to control my tummy. I’m not big but for some reasons my tummy is a bit saggy after 4 children

@tootnCarmen

I am also interested. Don't they ride up when you walk? I have one and it is impossible to walk without the constant re arranging.....

I've been watching Mad Men on Netflix and they all wear "foundation garmets" under pretty much every outfit and they look amazing

Hate to tell you but these are likely all size 2 actresses that look amazing anyway. Nothing to do with the foundation garments.

Womens shapes in the 60’s and 70’s were less shapewear and more amphetamine based...

Also, how do you know they are wearing foundation underwear? How do you know actresses on other shows don’t? If it’s that obvious, doesn’t everyone know you’re wearing it?

Good points @bluebluezoo. You do notice it on some people. As some already mentioned, it looks like Carol Kirkwood from BBC and I also think Nigella Lawson use a lot of shapewear. It's a 'look' though, like having eyelash extensions / wearing false eyelashes or nails. Usually people can tell you are wearing them, but it's part of the 'polished' look.

I am not at all polished and have to desire to be, but I do like the look on other people, as long as they look comfortable iyswim.

Arguably, slimmer people look better in shapewear too I would think. I am not slim (a smidgen overweight if you MUST know ) and I look as if I've been stuffed in shapewear. Also I'm adding another layer, so adding bulk. Plus sweaty and uncomfortable for me.

*no desire

I wear a control slip from M&S when I'm getting dressed up for an evening out. They make my dresses look so much better and I can wear my own bra. I wouldn't fancy wearing one regularly during the day as they can become quite uncomfortable.
I did buy a spanx bodysuit a few years ago to attend a college reunion, but never wore it again as it was just too restrictive. I don't know how women can wear them regularly. I think about my gran who wore a corset/corselette thing all the time: it must have been horrendous. I suppose if its what everyone else wears you just get on with it.

Oh I know they're all tiny and would look great regardless. I think it is the polished look I'm going for and I don't see how you can look polished with lumps and bumps under your clothes.

I think I'll invest in a couple of slips and see how it goes.