WD Reviews: Slimming Clothes
By Abigail Cuffey
"Does this outfit make me look…thin?" It's the ultimate question on every woman's mind as she gets dressed in the morning-and one that sent Woman's Day staffers on a body-conscious quest for slimming clothing. We decided to test a variety of apparel-not undergarment shapewear, but clothes with form and function-that made claims for a sleeker silhouette. From shapely tunic tops to snug-fitting jeans, get the skinny on what's worth the hype and what deserves a pass.
1. ShapeFX Slim & Smooth Colorblock Tunic Top
$29; ShapeFX.com
Tester: Ellen Breslau, Executive Editor
What she thought: "The minute I put this shirt on, my friend and my husband told me how good it looked. The stretchy bottom really slims your waist and hip area. I loved wearing it. It was comfy, and because it's slimming, it made me feel better about my body and upped my confidence. There were two minor drawbacks: It was a little tough to take off since it has to be pulled over your head, and the length of the shirt falls mid-thigh level, so I had a difficult time finding what to wear on the bottom. I ended up going with a skirt after trying it with jeans and capris."
Would she recommend it? Yes.
2. Miraclebody Scoop Neck Top
$68; Miraclebody.com
Tester: Barbara Brody, Health Editor
What she thought: "I expected this shirt to be very uncomfortable (because it has an inner tank layer that provides mild compression), but it was actually really comfortable to wear. The outer fabric seemed to cause a mild cooling sensation, which was nice, but I don't necessarily think I looked thinner-which might have been why it was comfortable! To me, it was just a regular black shirt, so it didn't seem worth the extra cost."
Would she recommend it? "Maybe, if someone wants to minimize her chest area."
3. ShapeFX Push-Up Legging: Slim
$19-$21; ShapeFX.com
Tester: Brooke Nevils, Assistant Articles Editor
What she thought: "These leggings were surprisingly comfortable. In fact, they reminded me of support hose, which I appreciated during my 40-minute walk to work. I don't think I necessarily looked skinnier, but the leggings feel like they're made out of quality stretchy fabric, so they smoothed out my backside. I also liked the way they were cut: The elastic band landed at my waist instead of right across my tummy, so instead of visually cutting my squishy tummy area in half, it made my stomach actually look flatter. Amazing!"
Would she recommend it? Yes.
4. Marika Miraculous Uplifting Tank
$45; Marika.com
Tester: Elizabeth Mayhew, Editor-in-Chief
What she thought: "I think this top is well cut to make someone look thinner. The top-stitching on the front seemed to accentuate my shape, and the arm pockets are cut high to cover any side rolls. I really liked the side zipper because it helps with getting the tank on and off. It was comfortable, but definitely cut for someone who is long-waisted or taller than me (I'm 5'2"). Also, the removable bra pads move around too much."
Would she recommend it? Yes.
For more ways to minimize trouble-spots, try these slimming undergarments.
5. Miraclebody Samantha Boot Cut Jeans
$110; Miraclebody.com
Tester: Leah Bossio, Freelance Designer
What she thought: "Although I don't think I looked thinner, these jeans were very comfortable. They felt snug, but not constraining, and I was able to move, bend, sit, etc. People told me they fit well and looked nice, but I didn't look 10 pounds lighter as the tag promised. The jeans I wear usually feel great in the morning, and then by the afternoon, they get stretched out, loose and saggy in the rear. These jeans did not do that. They looked neat all day, which is why I think they would be great for work."
Would she recommend it? "Yes, but mainly for the fit and comfort."
6. ShapeFX Shape and Slim Skirt
$49-$54; ShapeFX.com
Tester: Ayn-Monique Tetreault-Rooney Klahre, Associate Home Design Editor
What she thought: "The skirt had an inner slip which made it hard to walk, but it was still comfortable. I think I looked thinner, but it also could have been the 5-inch heels I had to wear to make up for the long length. I did get two compliments on it, but for me, the fit was a bit weird. It was really tight around the hips and thighs but then loose at the waist. It seemed cut for someone with no waist-to-hip ratio."
Would she recommend it? Not sure.
7. Miraclebody Fly Away Top
$68; Miraclebody.com
Tester: Terri Ciccarelli, Receptionist Supervisor
What she thought: "Although it was very comfortable, I think I still looked the same size. I did get a few compliments from people saying they liked my shirt, but no one commented that I looked thinner. In my opinion, this shirt doesn't make you look as if you lost 10 pounds-or even 2 pounds."
Would she recommend it? No.
8. Flexees Fat Free Dressing Tank Top
$29; Maidenform.com
Tester: Mandy Major, WomansDay.com Associate Editor
What she thought: "The first time I wore this tank, I loved it. I tucked it into my jeans under a body-hugging silk top and it gave great coverage and streamlined my middle (though it did flatten my chest slightly). The second time, however, wasn't so great. I wore it under a dress, and without anything to keep it in place, the top kept shifting and rolling up whenever I sat down. That said, as long as you can tuck this cami into jeans or a skirt, it's a nice lightly slimming solution."
Would she recommend it? Yes.
9. Hello! SkinnyJeans NiteWash Barely Boot Cut
$178; SkinnyJeans.com
Tester: Tara Bernstein, Editorial Production Manager
What she thought: "I don't know if they made me look thinner, but they fit well, "sucked" me in and stretched a lot. My only complaint is that they were kind of low-cut, and when you're wearing jeans to make you look thinner, a low rise pushes everything up, which gives you the 'muffin top' effect. Otherwise, they were pretty comfortable and very nice. If tailored to my height (I had to cuff them a few inches), I would definitely wear a pair regularly. They were so stretchy that they almost felt like sweatpants, but still looked like regular jeans."
Would she recommend it? Yes.
10. Miraclebody Skinny Minnie Jeans
$110; Miraclebody.com
Tester: Brynn Mannino, WomansDay.com Assistant Editor
What she thought: "These jeans really fit me like a glove. Though they were a little too long-which most are, as I'm 5'3"-the current cuffing trend saved the day! They certainly flattered my shape, and everyone at work thought they looked great. These are great for someone who's looking to find 'the perfect pair of jeans' and isn't afraid to spend a little extra money."
Would she recommend it? Yes.
11. Not Your Daughter's Jeans Straight Leg
$108; NYDJ.com
Tester: Abigail Cuffey, Associate Health Editor
What she thought: "The name of this brand is genius. Although the waist is cut higher to avoid the unflattering low-rise trend (read: your daughter's jeans), there is a control panel in the tummy area that smoothes and slims without looking like a pair of the dreaded 'mom jeans.' I was skeptical at first because I thought they would be too high-cut for me, but they were actually very comfortable and flattering, lengthening my legs (which is quite a feat considering I'm 5'9" to begin with) and shaping up my backside."
Would she recommend it? Yes.
Original article appeared on WomansDay.com.
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