Spanx (if you are male this thread will contain TMI !!)

[valanhb]

I only have about 100 questions about them! Or perhaps about 10 but I may come up with more depending on the answers I get.

I'm going on a cruise and bought a really cool snow-leopard pattern, faux wrap skirt that hits just above the knees to wear for one of the evenings/nights. This isn't the typical cruise - it's the Monsters of Rock Voyage with 24 1980s-90s hard rock/hair metal/glam bands who will be performing on 3 stages over the course of 3 nights. Honestly, I think they could take the cruise ship just out of sight of Florida and come back and no one would know the difference. I don't foresee a whole lot of people sightseeing at our destinations (Bahamas & Key West) too much. It's been billed as a huge Party Boat and that's what it's going to be! :beerpals: :music3: :smokin: :beerpals: So whatever night I decide to wear it, there's going to be dancing and drinking involved! At least no one has to drive home!

I haven't worn a skirt in, literally, years. I've been losing weight and starting to feel a bit better about myself and my appearance so I thought I would give it a go. I am still a bigger girl and have lumps that I would rather not have or at least not show (as prominently). I also have a couple new bras that should Obviously Spanx aren't my grandmother's girdle (since they are made for all sizes, not just the rotund), I don't own them, and they aren't exactly cheap so I wanted to get some info from the ladies I trust before investing upwards of $60 in one undergarment if it doesn't do what I expect.

• Do you have them? Would you recommend them?
• Would you go with the high-leg cut (like panty briefs) or the mid-thigh cut?
• Do you wear them as underwear or with undies underneath?
• Do you have any with a "flap" that is supposed to allow using the restroom without removing them? Does it actually work???? :anon:
• How much do they hold it?
• How comfortable are they for long periods of time?

Thank you!

 

[capt_jordi]

*preface this with I am smaller size, around a 6 or so, but there are some dresses I own that I feel like these types of undergarments make look 1000x better. Also I have gained a lot (for me) of weight in the past year so I use them when I need something to fit like it used to.

I have a pair of actual spanx and a pair that I got from Ross for under $20 that is a different brand. I honestly CANNOT tell the difference between the two. I usually do wear undies with both. But I also go with the lace thong style from Victorias Secret or Aerie which I wear with everything and they NEVER show lines! Comfortable: They are pretty comfortable. They are pretty stretchy so that helps a lot! Seriously check on Ross, Marshalls, and TJ Maxx for similar ones! They can be much cheaper and are great to try on the different styles!

The Spanx: high waisted brief style, no flap for going potty.

The pros: holds everything in place, doesnt show under short dresses or skirts.

The cons: it really sucks to have to go pee really badly... on me I feel like they leave a pretty noticeable panty line. I usually wear this pair with A line skirts that I just need a little help around the waist line.

The off brand: I think the tags had Marilyn Monroe on them? full body tank style.

The pros: Great for tank dresses. Wore it for a friends wedding. The shorts are fairly short, but could stand to be a little more so. Has a little hook and eye piece to go potty. No panty lines. Great for hiding problems in your thighs

The cons: not very sexy... lol! Visible if you arent careful with your hem lines. Not as comfortable. And, from personally experience, rather difficult to get out of if you drank a little too much LOL!

 

[natalie_ca]

What the heck are Spanx?!

EDIT: Never mind, I looked it up. Looks like a girdle made out of lycra or that material from control top pantyhose.If that is the case, it's likely very difficult to put on. I've dislocated fingers trying to pull up control top pantyhouse, or putting on compression stockings on patients.

 

[x2006nkg]

Your cruise sounds like it will be so much fun!!! I'm jealous!!

I do have two pairs, one which goes from mid-thigh to just under the bra, and one is high-leg cut up to my high waist. I used to wear them when I had to wear dresses for fancier events when I was a size 12-14. I've lost some weight and I am now around a size 6-8. I'll still wear them with tighter dresses and they make things smoother and still make it all look better. 

My high-let cut one does not have a "flap" but my mid-thigh ones do. I'll still wear underwear with them, as if I'm wearing my pair with the "flap" and a dress, with no tights it feels a little to "breezy" for comfort lol. So I'll wear lace panties or a thong. The flap can be helpful but it's always stressful thinking you're gonna slip up and make a mess on yourself (tmi?? lol)

I find they hold me in good and make it all smoother. I find they're comfortable for longer periods of time, but if your dancing and moving around a lot I sometimes find the top part can slide down a bit and it can be annoying (go to the bathroom, open the top of the dress and pull it back up) and if you have some drinks it can be like a Chinese finger trap trying to get out of them. 

I would recommend getting a pair for anyone who was interested. I know they can be pricey, but I found it would give me a little boost when looking in the mirror and liking how my clothes look compared with when I wasn't wearing them 

 

[calico2222]

Your cruise sounds like it will be so much fun!!! I'm jealous!!

Ohhhh, me too! Can I hijack the thread for a second and ask what bands are playing??

I don't have any experience with the Spanx or any other brand like that (due to finances not lack of necessity!), so I'm interested in the responses as well. Sorry, I'm not much help.

 

[rosiemac]

• Do you have them? Would you recommend them? Yes l have a couple of pair, skin tone and black, and yes l would recommend them
• Would you go with the high-leg cut (like panty briefs) or the mid-thigh cut? Mine are these ones because they smooth the thigh http://www.spanx.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4058277&cp=2992553.4058787&parentPage=family
• Do you wear them as underwear or with undies underneath?  I still put underwear underneath
• Do you have any with a "flap" that is supposed to allow using the restroom without removing them? Does it actually work???? Mine do but l never use them like that, l still pull them down
• How much do they hold it? Quite a bit!!. They mainly smooth and lumps and muffin tops you have if your wearing a dress
• How comfortable are they for long periods of time? I'm ready to remove mine by the end of the night, especially if i've had something to eat!!.

I first got mine when l had a personal dresser for a wedding outfit. Their not easy to pull up either so once you have them on don't drink much

 

[margecat]

I shop at Ross a lot, and I do believe the brand is Marilyn Monroe. Sorry, this reply was for Capt. Jordi's post! It didn't work with that for some reason.

 

[valanhb]

Thanks for the feedback so far!

Your cruise sounds like it will be so much fun!!! I'm jealous!!
 
I do have two pairs, one which goes from mid-thigh to just under the bra, and one is high-leg cut up to my high waist. I used to wear them when I had to wear dresses for fancier events when I was a size 12-14. I've lost some weight and I am now around a size 6-8. I'll still wear them with tighter dresses and they make things smoother and still make it all look better. 
 
My high-let cut one does not have a "flap" but my mid-thigh ones do. I'll still wear underwear with them, as if I'm wearing my pair with the "flap" and a dress, with no tights it feels a little to "breezy" for comfort lol. So I'll wear lace panties or a thong. The flap can be helpful but it's always stressful thinking you're gonna slip up and make a mess on yourself (tmi?? lol)

Congrats on the weight loss! That's a big difference in sizes!! :bigthumb:

Your (tmi??) thought is exactly what I was wondering and didn't know how to phrase it! I saw in one of the reviews on Lane Bryant that the "flap" works great but I wanted to hear more people's experiences with them. It almost sounds too good to be true - sucks everything in and you don't have to take them off to use the bathroom???

Ohhhh, me too! Can I hijack the thread for a second and ask what bands are playing??

Oh, gee...I don't know if I want to talk about the cruise... teehee! I'm so excited I can't hardly stand it, so YES you can definitely hijack!

The one that I am most looking forward to is John Corabi but I've been obsessed with his voice & songwriting since his first album came out with The Scream (before he briefly (1 album, 5 years) joined Motley Crue). Not only is his music amazing, he's definitely not hard on the eyes. I think he looks even better now than he did back then... (and he looked good back in the day!)



But anyway, the full lineup is:

Tesla
Cinderella
Night Ranger
UFO
Stryper
Kix
Firehouse
Rhino Bucket
XYZ
Odin (they were featured in Decline of Western Civilization Pt. 2 - the guy with the buttless pants - they are actually reuniting for the cruise!)
DC4 (the brothers who founded Odin's band)
Lynch Mob
Helix
Keel
Black N Blue
Faster Pussycat
Bang Tango
Flametal (Apparently they mix flamenco and metal guitar???)
John Corabi (singer from The Scream, Motley Crue, Union & releasing a new acoustic album this month - I'm pretty sure the Release Party will be on the boat ))
Eric Martin (singer from Mr. Big)
Ted Poley (singer from Danger Danger)

The last 3 guys are doing unplugged/acoustic performances.

Somehow ALL of these bands, plus a couple cover bands (Motley, Inc. and Atomic Punks), plus DJs at a night club/disco, plus a couple "special guests" (Eddie Trunk, Big John & Luc Carl (DJ on Hair Nation on Sirius/XM)) are all performing during the 4 (3, really) day, 3 night cruise. I don't see ANY sleep for about that long!

• 
  I first got mine when l had a personal dresser for a wedding outfit. Their not easy to pull up either so once you have them on don't drink much :lol3:
  

• 
  
  That ain't gonna happen! I never get to go out when I'm home and this is the first real vacation I've ever had as an adult. Oh yes...there will be drinking and as much debauchery as I can fit in. Well, as a 39 year old married woman can have anyway!
  
  
  

  I shop at Ross a lot, and I do believe the brand is Marilyn Monroe. Sorry, this reply was for Capt. Jordi's post! It didn't work with that for some reason.

  Do you know if they carry Plus Sizes in those?

 

[aimerlee]

I tried the bodysuit types before and they just weren't for me! My thighs aren't my trouble area anyways so I don't really need those, my biggest problem area is my stomach. I have a few of the slimming camis (not Spanx brand, I get the cheaper kinds) and they work wonders! They're great. I recommend going to Target or a department store and trying on different brands there. They're cheaper, but still work just fine. Bring the skirt with you, or one similar to it and see what works best. 

 

[sillyitiliangrl]

I'm a bigger girl, and I LOVE my spanks!  I have both name and off brand, love them all.  I wear them everytime I'm in a dress or a skrit, esp If I'm not wearing tights!  I keep mine on all day pretty comfortably, but around the 12-18hr mark I'm ready to get out of them (as I am with pretty much anything that isn't sweats and a tshirt lol)  I do wear undies with me, never tired the flap!  I suggest the high waisted mid thigh ones over any others, though I don't find the REAL spanks that difficult to pull on and take off, the off brand seems a bit more of a struggle.... just don't wait till last min to go pee!

Have a great time!

 

[gailc]

Target sells a lower price version of Spanx.

 

[aimerlee]

If you're looking for coverage in the waist as well, I would recommend getting something like this:

http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/...1?ID=514355&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results

The straps up top keep it from slipping down, which can be really annoying!! They have some shapewear without the straps that have anti-slip "grips" but they get itchy! Also the straps help to push your boobs up! 

 

[capt_jordi]

yes, they do carry them in plus size at Ross and Marshalls usually. I think last time I was there they went up to XXXL. 

 

[wendyb]

I use the the Higher Power Panties.  They're the ones that come up just under my braline and down to just above the knee.  While they have an opening to go to the bathroom, I don't trust it so I take them down and I do wear panties; though usually a thong since they cover everything.

On me they do a wonderful job of squishing the lumps and bumps into smoothness.  And I do wear a plus size.

 

[snake_lady]

I don't have the actual Spanx, but I do have what I call "suck em inners" LOL. The same thing, just cheaper from say Walmart.

so some random points:

- I have a couple pairs of briefs ( covering waist down )

- I have one that is more of a full body type

I will stick to commenting on the briefs since thats what you are posting about

- I have high waisted mid thigh ( top band sits basically under boobs, and the thigh part goes mid-upper thighs)

This one is great for me: my trouble zone is love handles and the glutes aka saddlebags.

It slims those out, so it promotes my natural curves, without showing the handles/muffin top/whatever you call it.

In an A line dress, these make my hips look smaller cuz the dress just flows nicely.... If the undergarment is off, then the dress can hang on my love handles and be not so flattering.

Mine does NOT have a flap for potty.

Once it is on once, I have no problem getting it off and on to potty. It's just the initial on that is difficult. It does take a little more time, but.... I don't wait till the last minute to go.

*note* remember my hand issues..... I have difficulties pulling on compression stockings, so the above, says a lot about the undergarment.

I do have experience with the ones with flaps...... they can be difficult depending on type of closure... some have snaps, some have hooks like a bra. I prefer snaps. Never had a prob with them getting in the way of potty duties.

I wear them with or without panties...... The ones that have a cotton lined crotch (sorry, don't know what other word to use, hope its not considered a bad word) I will wear without panties. The ones that don't, then I wear panties.

- the ones that are basically like a high waisted brief, I don't wear often as they actually make things worse as they show off the saddlebag area more because of them sitting like a panty.

All in all, my preference is ones that go up to the bra line, then you don't have any waist lines showing........ and come down mid thigh.

Negatives to any "suck em inner", they do take a little more time to get on/off....they are pricey..... (go to a store that you can try some on, before you invest the money)....and if they have hooks in the crotch, that is a pain.

otherwise, I've had great experience for smoothing out my curves. One other thing to note: I don't use em to suck in a belly..... I just use them to smoothen the areas mentioned, otherwise it looks like there's a gap between my love handle area and my glutes. That is what I do not like.

 

[thembcat]

I don't have any name brand Spanx products but the creator of Spanx, Sara Blakely, made a budget friendly version for Target, which I own a pair of. The problem area that I have issues with is a pretty hard area to hid. The fat I have acumilated over the years have made its home on either side of where the waist bands of most of my pants sit, which gives my hips an hour glass shape of their own.  I got a pair of Assets that were suppose to be for your waist and hips and they do work...just not as much as I would like.  

I've heard that with Assets, you pay half as much as Spanx so you get half the effectiveness BUT if you just want to slim down a bit I'm sure Assests would would great, the one I have works great for my thighs and my waist/tummy but not as much as I'd like on my awkward hips lol

 

[valanhb]

Thanks Everyone!

Since this is a very special occasion and the tax refund is coming in I think I'm going to splurge and get the Spanx. Thanks everyone for your input! I'm really excited to see how they fit and work out!

 

[rockcat]

Let us know, please!

 

[alleygirl]

No advice, since I've never tried them. Just wanted to say.....






TAKE ME WITH YOU PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!