Healthy Living
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Shapewear: A Body Image Do or Don't?
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Ever since we started talking
about Lizzi,
the fabulous model that appeared on page 194 of the
magazine, the model who has become a symbol of body
acceptance, I've been rethinking my love affair with
Spanx and other shapers. Do I really need them? Do you? Are they a
body image do or don't? Let's discuss...
I've asked you
whether you think Spanx, and other shapers like them, are
addicting. Now,
Tracey over at Slaves to Fashion is asking the
question: Does shapewear make you feel that you could
conquer the world, or is it just a crutch, after all, what's
wrong with letting it all hang out
a la Lizzi Miller?
What's your opinion? Take the poll
here!
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Photo: Spanx
MORE FROM VITAMIN G:
Related: shapewear, body image, body confidence
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Posted by Jett Wed Aug 26, 2009 11:06am PDT
I'd say don't. Unless you're skinny anyway, it isn't going to fit right and will just make you feel even more uncomfortable (and if you ARE skinny anyway, you don't NEED shape wear!) I bought some to wear under my dress for my husband's 10-year class reunion — a tank with ribbing that was supposed to cover up my stomach, and something like biker shorts that was supposed to tighten up my thighs, butt, and stomach.
I felt so self-conscious the entire time because not only did it feel like I was wearing diving gear under my dress, but the tank portion of the shape wear kept rolling up so it didn't even cover my stomach most of the night and the top of it was visible at the neckline of my dress. I kept clutching at my dress all evening trying to force the shape wear back in place, and I'm not even sure it made me look any thinner. So not worth the $40.
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Posted by kc Wed Aug 26, 2009 1:14pm PDT
Ugh, I've never worn it, and doubt I'll ever try it. When I had to wear pantyhose for work, I wore the control top and always felt like a stuffed sausage. And that was in hot and humid Houston. Yuck!!
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Posted by Karrie H Wed Aug 26, 2009 2:10pm PDT
Ok so i have twin 2 yr olds and i didnt use to wear it, but now i wont leave the house with out it on. I have what you call a kangaroo pouch so it helps me hide it. But my husband hates it he says its so unatractive its like trying to sleep with a grand maw lol. IM so self conscious without it it makes me wish i never wore it because i was just fine befor but now i feel so horrible with out it.
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Posted by CaliSunshyne Wed Aug 26, 2009 2:41pm PDT
"Shapewear", such as spanx, is not a crutch. These items were intended to be worn under clothing that is form-fitting or light in color (think white pants). I opted for a spanx-like product under a silk dress I recently wore to a wedding and it worked wonders! I wasn't worried about jiggle, cellulite or accidentally showing too much skin. Seriously, it's like layering a tank-top under another shirt... just a little backup coverage!
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Posted by CaliSunshyne Wed Aug 26, 2009 2:43pm PDT
"Shapewear", such as spanx, is not a crutch. These items were intended to be worn under clothing that is form-fitting or light in color (think white pants). I opted for a spanx-like product under a silk dress I recently wore to a wedding and it worked wonders! I wasn't worried about jiggle, cellulite or accidentally showing too much skin. Seriously, it's like layering a tank-top under another shirt... just a little backup coverage!
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Posted by nancy Wed Aug 26, 2009 2:58pm PDT
I just don't understand why the advertisement for "Shapewear" or "Spanx" always shows a skinny girl! Why can't they show the "real" people?! Those girls don't need any "Shapewear"! My body is type is boyish and I have no curves. I accept not having curves. It's about how I feel inside that matters.
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Posted by CHRIS Wed Aug 26, 2009 4:16pm PDT
I save my foundation garments for dressy occasions only. Our mothers may have been a bit too overzealous with the girdles of old, but unless you're a 20 year old fitness instructor, you probably can't get away with clingy clothing without some form of shapewear.. Spanx and the like may take a little more time to put on, but it helps make your dressy clothes fit better. These garments are way more comfortable than the old fashioned girdles. I saw some seriously questionable fashion choices at a formal dinner recently. Who were the offenders? Young ladies in their 20s-30s who seem to think youth = I look good in this. NOT! Saggy boobs, fat rolls, and rippling rears do not look good falling out of a clingy dress. You don't have to be a size 2 to look good, but for the sake of the rest of us...get appopriate Shapewear. You'll look much better and feel much better when you see the photos later.
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Posted by sosoluv Wed Aug 26, 2009 4:20pm PDT
Well ive tryed the spanx and one control top once... and i hate em all! they feel sooooooo uncomfortable! yuck! when youre just a tad over weight it might look fine, but when youre conciderably bigger it does nothing but make you look like a stuffed sausage like the person above said.
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Posted by allee Thu Aug 27, 2009 1:36am PDT
Corsets and girdles. Grandma wore them, mom wore them, I occasionally wear them. It is only for certain dresses or outfits. And I only like certain styles. Nothing too stiff, nothing too stretchy. And if I cannot sit comfortably forget it.
I like the ones for the mid section, from under the boob, to the top of the hips. Not a corset, not a girdle. Not sure what to call it. But it works!!
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