Uhm, Older Here And Gained A Few Pounds...too Many Actually

[Guest Melissa Marie]

I have been doing quite a bit of shopping lately, jeans mostly, and some other basics that I needed. Then, out of the blue, I stumbled onto shapers. I don't quite have a female body anymore.... I use too. 26 waist with 36 hips, I was really happy, and really young...lol. Anyway, now a days, things aren't where they are suppose to be, and am wondering if full body shapers would uhm, well, up the ante so to speak. To make things look right again. I am already going on some major dieting and exercise, but until then, I have no idea on what to look for in a shaper. I have my eye on one in particular, as it would also be a blessing in the "tucking" department. It has hooks at the crotch so you don't have to fight to get the thing off each time. Has hook front and zipper which would thin the waist and helps to firm up the rest of the body.

Anyone have any experience with these things?

[Guest ChloëC]

Melissa,

I have (and had) some body shapers and if you don't expect too much, they do hold a little and can provide some shaping. I know others here are into corsets which are much more body shaping, but tho I've thought about it, I've never gone that far.

I did have a full body (with legs) shaper once, but now I just have an open legged one. I only wear it occasionally and it is boned (steel or a hard plastic), but it does get uncomfortable after a number of hours.

I also suspect that you get what you pay for, the more expensive shapers probably do a better job.

Hugs,

Chloë

[Guest]

Hello Melissa,

I've recently purchased a few items. One is a girdle and a bra all in one piece. It does hold my loose parts in a little better. I also purchased one that has padding to add to my shape as well as tuck the tummy in. I'm quite pleased with both.

I've only about 15 lbs to lose, but have always had a buddha belly, even when I'm pretty thin. It's great to flatten it out, and have a shape that fits my clothes. Wearing men's clothes, I can't stand to wear anything tight. So it's been a surprise how little I notice wearing these things.

It's winter now and wearing extra layers isn't bad. I just hope I can get my own shape together before it gets warm!

Kat

[Guest Lizzie McTrucker]

I have been thinking of purchasing one myself. I've been looking at a few that JC Penneys sell that have some tummy control. My only concern would be how easy it would be to retuck after using the bathroom. Granted it has a hook-and-eye closure down there so I wouldn't have to practically disrobe to use it but I can just imagine myself in the ladies room fighting to get this thing closed again.

..maybe a test run at home would be in order.

[Guest]

HI Lizzie,

I find the hook and eye things to be a challenge, especially if there's too much in the way to see what I'm doing. Seems like it takes about 4 times as long to go to the bathroom as before. And that's without refreshing the makeup!

But the bigger issue is - not waiting until the last possible moment to go to the bathroom - it's been close...

Kat

[Guest ChloëC]

" My only concern would be how easy it would be to retuck after using the bathroom"

When I get fully dressed and plan to be that way for a considerable amount of time, I have learned, lots and lots of patience is the best way, especially when nature calls. To get everything removed or pulled up or whatever in a reasonable manner and then put all back together takes a considerable amount of time, and a shaper (or whatever additional items one uses) adds to and complicates the process.

It's a vastly different experience from the standard male mode - in, activity, wash up, out. Forget that completely. And I'm not even considering the looking in the mirror, checking everything, touching up, all that. That is in addition. A different world, for sure. But I'm sure many here have learned to take it in stride.

Hugs

Chloë

[Guest Lizzie McTrucker]

Ok, I thought I would do a quick review since I purchased a body briefer recently.

First, the link: Va Bien® Wire-Free Body Briefer

Va Bien® Wire-Free Body Briefer

The comfort of wire-free technology with the added benefit of allover smoothing and shaping.

* allover shaping defines waist and flattens tummy

* non-stretch seamed cups and undercup lining offer maximum support and durability

* adjustable stretch straps for a customized fit

* adjustable cotton-lined hook-and-eye panty closure provides ease, convenience and fit flexibility

VaBien® body briefer has nylon/spandex body and panels. Firm-control nylon lace upper cups; polyester bottom cups. Machine wash, line dry. Imported.

--------------------------------------------------

That's the description straight from the JC Penney website. Now allow me to share. First of all, I wanted to get a body briefer to cover up my tummy, or at minimum make it look smaller and this item does that. Secondly, my decision to get this particular one was mostly based on the fact that this is what my mother wears, and she seems to like it as this is the only brand of it that she's stayed with since I first started dressing.

Now originally when I got it out of the package it was a little intimidating. How the heck is this thing going to cover up and hide all of me? Well....it does! The first time I put it on I think it took me about 5 minutes to get in to. I talked with my mom about that and she said it gets easier the more you do it and when the panels stretch a little. I'll admit, the second time I put it on (today) it didn't take nearly as long.

Because of the one-piece shape, going to the bathroom is simply a matter of unhooking the closure at the bottom and refastening it. Mom warned me how it could be a struggle. I haven't...wait...let me test this now and I'll report back.

*5 minutes later*

Ok, that took some time or I'm not as limber as I used to be. Unhooking was pretty easy. Re-hooking it was a little more complicated. Suffice it to say I got one hooked by pure luck of bending over and trying, the last hook (thank goodness there's only two!) I propped one foot up on the toilet, almost like I was inserting a tampon *shudder* and I was able to get the second one.

The fabric is mostly breathable but I would love it if they had a body briefer in a similar style that had a fabric that whisked moisture away from the body.

The only downside I've found (aside from going to the bathroom) is that it's wire free. I'm used to underwire cups and with my normal bra I can put in one or two inserts and get some good cleavage going on. With this I can only use one and I have to find the right spot so the breasts look natural. The cups are half satin, half lace so right now with my forms if I were to take my top off you could see where the forms are, but under a shirt you can't tell at all, it just looks like a normal bosom. The tummy panels work well and the straps needed a little adjusting to my bust line but all in all it's a good fit, it's nice quality and I'll probably stick with this one for years.

Oh, I got it in beige so I could wear this with just about everything.

I debated about getting the long line but I figured that would make tucking way too difficult.

[Guest Lizzie McTrucker]

One positive side effect I found with wear the above named undergarment...I don't eat as much. Tonight I had four slices of pizza and I was done. Even now, six hours later, I'm not hungry. I'm hoping when I take this off I still won't be hungry. lol.

This could be the beginning of the weight loss that I needed.

[Guest ChloëC]

"I found with wear the above named undergarment...I don't eat as much"

I haven't thought about this much because I don't get the chance to wear everything as often as I would like, but now that you mention it, I understand completely. When I'm dressed with a body shaper, my desire to eat drops dramatically. I hadn't put that all together before.

Or maybe it's also because I like the way I look and wish I didn't have to wear one to get that look, and there's a subtle encouragement not to eat. Or....maybe I know that I'll have to use the facilities and the drudgery of knowing how long it will take discourages me. (except I don't mind having some liquid refreshment and that presents the same problem. oh well!)

I have been wearing a shaper I got through Victoria's Secret (online) that is open at the bottom. No hooks, but a real pain to pull up and get back down because of all the elastic. It's all about trade-offs, I guess

Chloë

[Guest Elizabeth K]

Top of the line nowdays is a device and shaper called SPANX. They come in different configurstions - but they are $$$.

Its what older women use to fit into a dress without panty and bra bulges - it is somewhat good for slimming if you are not very overweight. The key is it is seamless.

Lizzy

[Guest Lizzie McTrucker]

I've been getting better at hooking and unhooking the bottom to use the bathroom but..I've only tried it at home. It's a whole different animal if I'm in a bathroom somewhere. I think tomorrow I'll plan my drink consumption so I don't have to use the bathroom until I'm back home!

[Guest Janica Lynn]

I've been getting better at hooking and unhooking the bottom to use the bathroom but..I've only tried it at home. It's a whole different animal if I'm in a bathroom somewhere. I think tomorrow I'll plan my drink consumption so I don't have to use the bathroom until I'm back home!

Oh, confession time! I sometimes sleep in them! That hook and eye business, I do it with out looking, just by feel. You'll manage it fine after a bit of practice. What makes me a little crazy is that different brands will flip the hook/eye locations! I can get the things fastened as fast as they unfasten. So don't be fussing about that, you'll do just fine! We ladies are like that, you know!

Hugs!

Janica