TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Beauty Board: Body Shapers

ADVERTISEMENT

@tampatrib.com

Published: November 29, 2008

Ashley Stewart Second Skin Shaper

Available at Ashley Stewart stores and www.Ashleystewart.com; $10

"Special design firmly yet comfortably smoothes and shapes with no panty lines."

Rating: F

Cloe says: I'm not ashamed to admit it: I wear body shapers all the time. I love the way they make me look in my clothes, and there's no VPL. Mom always said if I wore one regularly, the compression would make my body stay that way. (OK, so that hasn't happened yet.) But shortly after I squeezed into this one, I knew I was in trouble. It was hot, binding and uncomfortable. It actually created bulges where I didn't have any. When I sat down, the leg band rolled up and the top rolled down. Even worse, the fabric chafed my thighs and the shaper caused a flat, uni-butt look. Sorry, but I'm giving this shaper the boot.

Cloe Cabrera, 42, is the fashion and beauty reporter for the Tribune.

Bali Never Ending Smooth Thigh Slimmer

Available at department stores and at www.balicompany.com; $26

"Gives you continuous, smooth lines without bulges at your waist and legs."

Rating: B+

Michelle says: I know, I know. Why not just lose the 10 or 15 pounds and be done with these body shapers? Because the cocktail party is in THREE days and there's no time to shimmy into that slinky black number I must wear. I specifically requested a tummy tucker for my test product, but somehow got this thigh slimmer. However, there's this nifty panel in the front that does some stomach sucking and a nice tight rear section that flattens the butt. The best part: I didn't feel like a sausage stuffed in casing. This shaper, similar to bike shorts, was comfortable, fluid and kept those unsightly bulges to a minimum. And I could still breathe with ease. I'm hooked, at least until I shed those extra pounds. And with the holidays fast approaching, that ain't gonna happen until January.

Michelle Bearden, 53, covers faith and values for the Tribune.

No Nonsense Ultimate Shapers Butt Lifting Panty

Available at drug stores, grocery stores and discount department stores; $6.49

"Lifts rear and flattens tummy."

Rating: F

Kim says: I wear shapers to get a smooth line under pants and skirts, and not so much for the nip and tuck effect, so I usually buy a size larger than I need. A medium would have been appropriate with this shaper (I wear a size 4 or 6), but I got the large. It was still too small - like tugging on a pair of child's tights. The "no-roll waistband" rolled. The "comfortable leg band" clenched. This shaper isn't much more than a pair of pantyhose without the legs - and it got a run the first time I wore it! I'll stick to Flexees by Maidenform, thank you very much. The shapers are more expensive, but they last for years.

Kim Franke-Folstad, 50, is the editor of 4you and Baylife Magazine.

Assets by Sara Blakely, Sensational Shaper - Nude

Available at Target, online at www.loveassets.com and some clothing stores, including Jessica McClintock and Arden B; $20

"Minimize your waistline and improve your rear view."

Rating: B+

Sara says: There are a slew of body shapers out there and most of them have the same result for me - constant fidgeting. They are made to smooth the midriff, tummy, thighs and rear, but the shapers I've used cause new problems. For example, the top usually rolls down every two seconds, or a replacement bulge forms beneath the elastic band on my thighs. I was pleasantly surprised by this shaper. It provided the smoothness and support I needed and was quite comfortable. This shapely woman found them to be quite an "asset" to her wardrobe.

Sara Minton, 31, coordinates the events listings for TBOEXTRA.com and Friday Extra.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT