I recently discovered the miracle that is Spanx. I’m telling you, girls, Spanx is our merciful Lord’s gift to Mothers-of-Four like me. To say that I am a little bit “jiggly” (or “wiggly“, as my four year old says–he‘s lucky I love him so much) and slightly lumpy would be an understatement. But not to worry, Spanx have come to my rescue. I LOVE these things. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. While they definitely trim my silhouette a bit, I think my favorite thing about them is the way they smooth it. I love having a curvy, womanly, voluptuous silhouette, without a doubt, but a lumpy one? Not so much. I know some people talk about Spanx being uncomfortable, that has not been my experience at all. I actually prefer wearing them to not. I like the added boost of confidence I get from knowing that my “wiggly” bits are under lock and key, and not threatening to assault anyone! The only complaint I have is that they are a little hard to get on but I suppose that kind of comes with the territory. Believe me, it’s worth it.
All of the above having been said, these things are expensive! I think I paid $70 for my one pair. When I was informed that the creator of Spanx has put out a more economic version called Assets
Assets is like a good girlfriend, here to bring the best out of you. But Spanx, Spanx is like your Fairy Godmother. She is here to work her magic on you. She’s going to dress you to the nines, send you to the ball and snag you that prince! I would invest in one good pair of Spanx over two or three pairs of Assets any day. But, that’s just me. I’d love to hear what you guys think if any of you have compared the two.
Oh, and one last little tip from Gwyneth Paltrow. For extra (and I do mean EXTRA) control you can wear two pairs of Spanx, one on top of the other. Word has it that’s what the Hollywood elite does. Why Gwyneth Paltrow, who can’t be an ounce over 100 pounds, has to double up on Spanx, I will never know, but there you have it.
The Verdict: You get what you pay for. Spanx is worth the extra money.
(Head on over to Works For Me Wednesday at Rocks in My Dryer to find a treasure trove of helpful advice! Thank you for being such a lovely hostess, Shannon!)
16 Comments
I have a pair of Spanx that I wore to my 20th reunion this summer. A friend asked me if I wanted to go to the pool, and I said "NO!". She asked my why and I told her I basically had an illusion going and if I put on a suit, the illusion would go away! I did like them though. I was on the border between two sizes. The sales girl told me to always go a size up, that way they are not uncomfortable.
I have been coveting Spanx for awhile now. I may have to break down and get some.
Great tip! Thanks for the heads up.
What an excellent WFMW post. I have been wanting to purchase Spanx but was hedging. I think your post just sealed the deal!!
Have a great day!
Kristin
My WFMW this week is Pack & Ship
I *puffy heart* Spanx! You can buy them cheaper off Ebay. I got some brand new in the pack (because, really, would you want to wear someone else's Spanx?)for $35. Much better than retail!
Gwynneth Paltrow wore the Spanx post pregnancy. I only know that because I've been looking into various belly binding type options for after my baby is born (third baby in under three years, I need SOMETHING!).
My question is, how the heck do you go to the bathroom in Spanx? Do you have to take the whole entire garment off? Isn't that a pain? Or do they have a little button flap like old-timey kids pajamas?
I hope that's not an inappropriate question, I am seriously wondering!
Hi Catherine!
From the Spanx website:
"…and the cotton double gusset makes Mother Nature's call a breeze to answer."
LOL! Despite their awesomeness, it would have been a deal breaker had they required that I strip down everytime Mother Nature called.
Nice to "meet" you all!
I have also been considering Spanx. I would have probably opted for the cheaper ones, but now i plan to go for the real deal! I do feel a little jigglier, so maybe this will be great. Thanks for posting!
This is VERY useful information–thanks! I have a Spanx shaper, but I think I got too big a size, because it's not uncomfortable, and it doesn't really shrink me.
And I'm wondering, if you wear two spanxes (is that a word?) is the one on top a smaller size than the inner one?
I found your blog through Shabby Apple. And you were talking about Spanx. Check out QVC.com. The prices are usually a little cheaper and they have a wide variety of products. Plus, the thirty day guarantee. You can wear them and if you don't love them, you can send them back. I also have tried Assets. They do not wash up as well and the material seems to stretch out and not return. It is worth every penny for the original Spanx.
Good question, Becky. I'm going to ask around. Let me know if you find out!
Thanks for the tip, Brindi! They are SO expensive. I must be really vain to be willing to pay so much for them. LOL!
I just bought a pair of Spanx last week. I got the one that goes from under your bra to your thighs. I paid $38 total at a local boutique. It is absolutely wonderful. I am a singer in a band. I was watching a video from a nights performance and WOW! I looked so smooth. In my opinion, Spanx rocks. I did go to the bathroom in them and YEA!! no dribble. Just really can't wear a pantyliner with unless you wear pants. lol
If you buy Spanx, get 'em on EBAY! Way cheaper AND brand new! All of my girlfriends bought theirs on ebay. I recently bought a pair of Power Panties (less than $20, including shipping) for a formal event, and though they were hysterically difficult to put on, they enhanced my curvy figure. And peeing was easier than I thought. I think every woman should own at least one pair of Spanx to have fun with.
Hello ladies! I am new to the fabulous world of Spanx. I got my first pair last week and have worn them every day. I love the convenient pee hole. I saw assets in the store(saw they were cheaper) and wondered if they have a pee hole too. Please respond!
No "pee hole" in the Assets sadly!
I'm so glad I found this site! I just purchased my first pair of Spanx from ebay as advised and am SO EXCITED! Thank you for the great advice! I almost broke down and bought a cheaper version of Spanx, but now I think I made the best choice going with the real thing, plus I paid almost half price!!!
So glad i found this site! I was about to plunk down another 38 bucks on assets that will run and not really do the job that needs to be done after 3 c-sections! AND I work out but some things cannot be undone!