Ok! So, Spanx.

I finally got my Spanx Power Panties! First of all, I love cute packaging and Spanx has that down pat. Very cute.

I've only tried them on and worn them around my apartment a bit, so I can't say that I've fully formed an opinion just yet. I will say that I was expecting them to be more pantyhose-ish, made of the typical nylon stuff that I haven't worn in... ever. The material is more like what you'd get from a pair of tights, more knit-ish than nylon-ish.

They are indeed very comfortable and non-binding. They do make the swish swish noise a little but it's not obnoxious. I think maybe I should have ordered a size down because there's pretty much no "shaping" going on. My butt and thighs probably look a bit smoother but I can't say I spent a lot of time contemplating the lumpiness of my tush.

One thing I did notice is that I'm either even more short-waisted than I thought or they run long in the torso - I can pull them all the way up to my bra band. This is probably so there's more room in the tummy to accommodate a broader range of belly sizes. I have to say that I like the extra length, though.

I can see myself wearing them under skirts on a regular basis, but not on seriously hot and humid summer days. The material is fairly thick but it seems to be pretty durable because of that. I'm sure I could find a way to snag them but not without effort.

So my final verdict - try them if you're curious. I don't have strong feelings about them either way. They're nice quality, comfortable, and do the job. I think I'd like them more if they were a bit lighter and thinner but they'd be a nice choice for a cooler spring day, or in the fall.

I think my own perfect chub rub solution would be made of a really lightweight cotton with enough spandex to retain shape and fit close to the skin. Junonia has some anti-chafe undergarments that might work better for my needs. But I will still wear the Spanx when it's cooler out... and because I already paid $25 for the things.

Comments

[gabrielle]

they sell them at loehman's for 10 bucks...i don't know if they carry plus sizes, though.

[The Rotund]

I just acquired myself a pair of the seamless bike shorts from the Avenue and, I must say, I am IN LOVE. No swish noise, no squish factor, no chub rub at all. Seriously, I could do a little dance. Actually, this morning I did. *grin*

And, at $16 on the website ($20 instore), I feel pretty good about the price point.

[Nikki McF]

Hi, I LOVE your reviews! It's so nice to get information on stuff like this before I buy. Keep up the good work!

I was wondering if you could review a new site I found? The site is swakdesigns.com. I saw them mentioned on pasazz.net and have been considering buying from them because they have some cute stuff at pretty good prices (plus free shipping! yay! :D)... but I would love the pretty pear seal of approval!

Thanks so much if you can!
Mwah, Nikki

[HeatherNola]

I've got a better solution! It's called Body Glide Anti-Friction Skin Formula. They have it at sporting goods and bicycle stores, and even Amazon. The important thing is, this is the best $7 risk I ever took. I've been using it almost daily for about 6 months (I live in New Orleans, it's always skirt weather). You put it on like deoderant. Easy peasy. And it is so effective, I bought some for my fabulously voluptuous bartender. She can finally wear skirts again!
Spread the word!
ps I swear I'm not in their PR department, I just felt so liberated that I want to shout it off a mountain. http://www.sternoff.com/skin/skin.html

[Tisha]

I was just wondering how you ended up liking your Spanx in the long run.

[Holly]

I was wondering if anyone has tried Luvees Thigh Coverall. It's a unique design. I'd like to try them, but I'd like to know if anyone already has an opinion of them.