It’s review time again, and this time Alison tried a pair of Spanx Higher Power Panties when she was invited out to a dinner party. We know the likes of Oprah and Ms Paltrow wear them, but did they give Alison the celeb figure she was looking for (even after three courses)?
Spanx Higher Power Panties
Get it at: Spanx US and Silk Storm UK
Sizes: S-XXL
Price: $36/£25
Comfort: Suffice to say: my Power Panties were a constant reminder not to eat more than is polite at a dinner party. Towards the end of the evening, as I was having a nightcap with friends back home, I felt a little like I did when the orthodontist tightened my braces.. they’re not so much uncomfortable as - not as comfortable as I wanted to be,but, they are like that for a reason! (and, just like the braces, I did sneak them off during a trip to the bathroom and hid them in the cupboard!)
Style: Power Panties are functional, they aren’t supposed to be pretty. They reminded me of my Great Aunt, so I kept in mind that retro is in at the moment.
Fit: They fit like a wetsuit: no gaps, no wrinkles, just pure smoothness! I would definitely recommend using the sizing guide; my mum tried to try mine on and nearly hit her head off the sink when they got stuck somewhere between her knees and her thighs and she lost balance! Buying Spanx, lesson number 1: don’t buy too small.
My Spanx are a medium and I’m around a UK size 10-12.
Functionability: They do exactly what they say on the packet: they smoothed, they held in my tummy, and, they didn’t fall down! (Oh, and they have a little opening for “when nature calls”, but I decided not to try it out)
Verdict: Spanx are brilliant, and I now want to try out their other products! They might feel a bit like your wearing a corset, but they just need a little getting used to. If you want a flatter stomach, and a smoother silhouette for a night out, get a pair - just be prepared to eat smaller portions if you go to a dinner party.
