I have very strong opinions when it comes to shapewear.
Avoid, Avoid, Avoid.
It’s uncomfortable – and deceptive. If you want to tone up, come on… eat less! Go to the gym… don’t strap on a girdle!
There was one exception… last year I bought a pair of lovely lace tights from Spanx. The pattern was just so beautiful that I was willing to overlook the fact that wearing them would most likely result in a terrible stomach ache.
My love of these tights was ruined this Fall when a male friend of mine put his arm around me, gasped in horror, and exclaimed… “EW! ARE YOU WEARING… SPANX!?!” I was instantly mortified and vowed to find a pair that was just as cute – without the shaping panel. (I still have yet to find such a pair, so the Spanx tights remain in my closet.)
This was a horrifying experience. It’s one thing to be uncomfortable and suffer through for fashion’s sake… but to be called out on it? Terrible. I vowed I’d never buy Spanx or anything remotely like it.
And then recently, I’ve been hearing a lot about a brand called Yummie Tummie. All of the beauty/fashion bloggers I follow rave about the tank tops, which naturally piqued my curiosity. They make tank tops that are extra long and designed to be layered. The bottom and top parts are 100% cotton and can peak out from whatever you are wearing over it… but the middle is a top secret shaping panel.
I was intrigued so I tried out their extra long basic white tank. And I have to tell you, it’s pretty awesome. What I like most is the length… it’s perfect for layering. (I always have the hardest time finding long tank tops to layer under my t-shirts..) It looks/feels like a James Perse or C&C tank… long, lean, and perfect for layering.
As for the shaping benefits? Let’s just say it’s perfect if you drank too much beer the night before… but it’s not at all uncomfortable or corset/girdle-y.
Check out Yummie Tummie here.
