Shapewear under your Formal Wear?

[helenb]

I've had those kinds of problems as well, Schmoo. That's why I like Spanx. I often find that the cheaper brands drive me nuts! (rolling,. etc.)

As for comfort, they should feel like wearing control top pantyhose. (Yeah, I know I'm old for even mentioning pantyhose... isn't it a fashion faux pas now? We're all supposed to freeze our legs off and sweat barefoot in our shoes...)

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I've had those kinds of problems as well, Schmoo. That's why I like Spanx. I often find that the cheaper brands drive me nuts! (rolling,. etc.)

As for comfort, they should feel like wearing control top pantyhose. (Yeah, I know I'm old for even mentioning pantyhose... isn't it a fashion faux pas now? We're all supposed to freeze our legs off and sweat barefoot in our shoes...)

I'm not too crazy about control-top panyhose, either (yes I'm old enough to know how it feels) They always rolled down from the top on me. I guess I'm just built funny.

 

[Ltl Mermaid]

I didn't realize pantyhose (I call them nylons) were such a faux paus and I am 29! I wear them (with control top) all the time at the office since it helps out the glaring white of my legs and smooths everything out....

In terms of shapewear I have used the spanx brand under formalwear and love it, I feel that it is better than control top nylons but also a bit more confining.... which is why my mom won't wear them. I don't find them too uncomfortable though.

Has anyone used a "full body" shaper? I have only used the ones that look like shorts and am considering the full body one for my upcoming cruise

 

[helenb]

I don't get it either. I still wear nylons/pantyhose in medium cool days to work, and tights in the winter. I don't want to go barefoot in my shoes or show off my pale legs. Somewhere along the way they became a fashion faux pas and I totally missed it until I looked way out of place.

I'm not sure what you mean by 'full body shaper'. I've worn the ones that go from just below the bustline to above the knee (higher power Spanx style) but they don't cover the bust. They're nice because they don't dig into my waist as much (which can produce a 'roll' effect).

 

[Ltl Mermaid]

The full body shaper I have seen has tank top likes straps and then a low scoop that lands under the bustline and a low back that ends at around the curvature of the lower back with regular short type spanx that end about 5 inches above the knee or so. I thought it might be nice to avoid that bulge at the waistline and also smooth out my back a bit but wasn't sue if it felt strange or was a hassle to go to the restroom in.

FWIW I will continue to wear nylon even if it looks out of place....to me it looks a lot better than my pale legs (no one wants to see that ) and it does make for a slightly smoother look .

 

[IrenicMom]

The full body shaper I have seen has tank top likes straps and then a low scoop that lands under the bustline and a low back that ends at around the curvature of the lower back with regular short type spanx that end about 5 inches above the knee or so. I thought it might be nice to avoid that bulge at the waistline and also smooth out my back a bit but wasn't sue if it felt strange or was a hassle to go to the restroom in.

Yep. Have two. Love 'em both. Not sure of the manufacture - I believe one is Spanx, one is not.

One has a hook and eye closure, similar to a bra. It's a PITA to wear when you know you'll need a restroom break. I practically have to stand on my head to close it up, and when a wine package has been involved? Yeah. That's not safe.

The other has a split seam style. It definitely takes some getting used to, but once you've mastered it, it's SO much easier.

TMI? Probably. But hey. We have to stick together when it comes to this kind of thing, right?

 

[helenb]

Okay, I know what you're talking about. I can't go for those, because I have an extremely long torso. One piece outfits just don't fit me, and that goes for one piece undergarments.

That being said, the Higher Power Spanx work really well for me to go over the waist.

Pantyhose wearers, unite!

 

[Wendy&Grumpy]

I find that even when a dress is 'loose' I still need the Spanx to hide the 'underwear line'. I hate underwear lines!

That one is easy to solve... wear thongs or go commando!

(Yeah, I know I'm old for even mentioning pantyhose... isn't it a fashion faux pas now? We're all supposed to freeze our legs off and sweat barefoot in our shoes...)

What?! Pantyhose are a thing of the fashion past? Who knew??? I stopped wearing them when I moved to Florida simply because I HATE them!!! Good to know it's now PC!!

And yes, I have Spanx to wear under my formal wear. I have the full body one that goes to mid-calf with the split seam - I tried the mid-thigh ones and they were too uncomfortable on my legs.

Honestly, I find it much easier to buy looser fitting styles in dresses though - especially when wine packages are involved!

 

[Jordan'sMom]

One has a hook and eye closure, similar to a bra. It's a PITA to wear when you know you'll need a restroom break. I practically have to stand on my head to close it up, and when a wine package has been involved? Yeah. That's not safe.

TMI? Probably. But hey. We have to stick together when it comes to this kind of thing, right?

Visualizing this....too funny! After wine, you are so right...NOT SAFE!!!

 

[Plaid Sheep]

Visualizing this....too funny! After wine, you are so right...NOT SAFE!!!

I think I will just buy some flowy dresses, go native and let it all hang out. Last thing need is to being in a stall, on a rocking ship trying to tinkle after many fruity beverages..... Ugh. I am not that coordinated any longer... And it's not a pretty outcome!!

Let the jiggly bits jiggle! VIVA LE MUFFIN TOP!

 

[eagleapk]

I don't get it either. I still wear nylons/pantyhose in medium cool days to work, and tights in the winter. I don't want to go barefoot in my shoes or show off my pale legs. Somewhere along the way they became a fashion faux pas and I totally missed it until I looked way out of place.

I'm not sure what you mean by 'full body shaper'. I've worn the ones that go from just below the bustline to above the knee (higher power Spanx style) but they don't cover the bust. They're nice because they don't dig into my waist as much (which can produce a 'roll' effect).

The full body shaper I have seen has tank top likes straps and then a low scoop that lands under the bustline and a low back that ends at around the curvature of the lower back with regular short type spanx that end about 5 inches above the knee or so. I thought it might be nice to avoid that bulge at the waistline and also smooth out my back a bit but wasn't sue if it felt strange or was a hassle to go to the restroom in.

FWIW I will continue to wear nylon even if it looks out of place....to me it looks a lot better than my pale legs (no one wants to see that ) and it does make for a slightly smoother look .

 

[ArielRae]

The full body shaper I have seen has tank top likes straps and then a low scoop that lands under the bustline and a low back that ends at around the curvature of the lower back with regular short type spanx that end about 5 inches above the knee or so. I thought it might be nice to avoid that bulge at the waistline and also smooth out my back a bit but wasn't sue if it felt strange or was a hassle to go to the restroom in.

FWIW I will continue to wear nylon even if it looks out of place....to me it looks a lot better than my pale legs (no one wants to see that ) and it does make for a slightly smoother look .

I see your new to the DIS. You replied to a 10yr old thread.

 

[Travel60]

There's a brand Shapeez that is a bra and shaper (to hips or shorter). It's not cheap but very smoothing under dresses/t-shirts. You have to figure out your size and have choices of styles, lengths. Sold online.

 

[igrsod]

It's amazing what we do all in the effort to look good for others. It's actually kind of sad that we feel like a little tummy, or pale legs would be offensive to others eyes.
As I approach 50, I'm really going to try and make an effort to feel happy and comfortable with who I am.
Fashion always perplexes me. When you read about what humans did throughout history to look "good", it's incredible.
I say just wear what you like, be comfortable, and enjoy life.
P.S. This post in no way is to put anyone down... just reading all the posts made me a bit sad. You are all amazing!!

 

[Snowwhyt]

I see your new to the DIS. You replied to a 10yr old thread.

I blame the new post suggestions section at the bottom. I’ve noticed a few old ones come up that are zombies in that area.
This was back when formal wear was actually worn on formal night. I miss those days.