I couldn't really find an appropriate place to post this, so please bear with me. I have my sons college graduation coming up and want to look my best and I need help before I plunk down $70 plus dollars on an undergarment. Has anyone tried SPANX? And how do you know what size to get since I don't think they let you try them on first? I am 222 lbs now and have no idea what size I am, probably a 20....possibly an 18 (doubtful). The thing is, I want it to be tight enough to hold in my fat but not so tight that I cant get it on. They look so small when you look at them so I have no idea what size to get.....please help!!

I couldn't really find an appropriate place to post this, so please bear with me. I have my sons college graduation coming up and want to look my best and I need help before I plunk down $70 plus dollars on an undergarment. Has anyone tried SPANX? And how do you know what size to get since I don't think they let you try them on first? I am 222 lbs now and have no idea what size I am, probably a 20....possibly an 18 (doubtful). The thing is, I want it to be tight enough to hold in my fat but not so tight that I cant get it on. They look so small when you look at them so I have no idea what size to get.....please help!!

I use Spanx all the time, they are great! And they don't rip like panty hose so you actually get to use them more than once! I have some that I've had for a few years (... of course they are too small now!). I would go to Lane Bryant, they can help you pick the right size, they sell them on a rack by the socks and what not. If you don't have a Lane Bryant I would just go by the chart on the back, if you are worried about it you could buy a size up, they are REALLY elastic so I wouldn't worry about them being too big. I haven't used the ones with toes, I only use the traditional ones with the feet cut out.

I love love love spanx. :tongue_smilie: I've had one pair for at least two years and as long as you hand wish and air dry, you should have them a long time. I know they look small, but they definetly will fit comfortable with no problem. They smooth and really hold you in. Good Luck with the Graduation.

I bought a size up from what the chart said I should wear and they are still very tight. I think it depends on where you carry your weight and my tough spot is my belly. I also find it depends on which type you get b/c I bought the ones that are like shorts and they kind of "indent" at the bottom of them around my thighs, so under certain garments that might show. They do have some that are longer like leggings but that won't work for short dress/skirt outfit.

Congratulations on your son's graduation.

There are a few other threads about spanx that you could do a search to find.

OOH, I am so GLAD you posted a question about SPANX because I have a question also. But first to yours: I LOVE them and wore them all the time pre surgery. I'm 5'4 and was a size 18 (208 lb.) so I wore a D and they never showed under my slacks. Just go by the chart on the back and you won't go wrong. I buy the shorts style ones and they are only around $30-35. You won't regret it!

Here's my question: When, post surgery ladies, were you able to wear your spanx again? I was banded Sept. 30 and am still too swollen. Thanks!

I dont use spanx but I have used Assets and I've heard they work the same way. Assets are $17 - 30.oo they can be found at Target or The Avenue. I hope this helps.

I just wanted to say I am soooooo glad you asked this question. I am actually planning on going Tuesday to get a pair. I am just concerned about comfort. I am about 290, but probably carry a good (or not-so-good) 50-60 pounds of that in my belly. :tongue_smilie: Because of that I am still in a 32 jeans (could proabably do a 30). Pre surgery I would occasionally wear a girdle w/my pants.... but it was so uncomfortable. Are Spanx as uncomfortable as a girdle?? Thanks...julie

No they are NOT uncomfortable like a girdle. After I wore my first pair of spanx, I threw all my girdles away!

I also love my spanx! I would however suggest going up a size from what the package chart says u will need. I have the kind that reach up as high as the bottom of your bra and go down to a few inches above the knee. I swear they take a good 15 lbs off ya.

Spanx are awesome. I know the lady that makes spanx also has a line she sells at target for a lot cheaper I don't know if they are as good. On the back there is a height and weight chart. Hope this helps.

i got a pair of spanx the undershirt and what i did was try it on at nordstrom before i bought it. im 213 im 5'8 and i was able to wear an xl at 265 i can still wear it til this day but i dont think it holds anything since i lost some weight lol. so you might want to go to nordstrom and try a few on there and pick one you like then find it cheaper online or somewhere else.

Thanks so much for all your replies ladies. Now that I am armed with all your info I feel like I will be able to buy them with confidence and am in fact excited to see if they will help hold my tummy in since that is where I am the biggest and thats what seems to have shrunk the least with my weight loss. Have a great day everyone!!

I just wanted to add that I too love Spanx - I wear them all the time - word to the wise - don't buy the 70$ pair that hang - buy the 36$ pair that are in a box like pantyhose - they will last you 3-6 months and are much more elastic (hold everything in better) than the more expensive one. (both are spanx, just different options). I wear the kind that go above the knees and up to just below the bra. DONT lie when you are buying them. They only work if you are truthful on your weight and height. My first pair - I bought too small (thinking I will lose weight fast) I did, but the first couple times I wore them - it stretches them out. If they are too big - they won't hold everything in.

I def suggest going to Lane Bryant and talking to the ladies there - I guarantee they will all be wearing them too!!!

They even showed me how to pee with them on (you can't wear undies with them)

Good luck and have fun!

W

Spanx are awesome, I'm particularly fond of the "Higher Power" panties. Full rise panties with support into the mid thigh. I ended up needing smaller than the size chart said I did. I buy mine at three different places and all three let me try them on first, so don't be shy about taking them to the fitting room with you.

IME sSpanx do best when they're a little tough to get on. You don't want them to pull right up, you want to have to work a bit to get them on. That's when you'll get the best "support" and results (or I will, anyway).

Lane Bryant carries Spanx (that's one of the places I buy them) but they also have their own line of shapers, which I also use. Remember the lycra/spandex "biker shorts" that were all the rage in the 80s? They're kind of like that, only much thicker, and they have grippy in the thighs to keep them in place... kind of like what they use in thigh-hi pantyhose.

I will use the "biker shorts" for every day wear since they're so much easier to get on, and the Spanx mostly for wear with dresses, gowns, or pants that don't have the right rise (keeps the pants seams from going in your butt, one of my pet peeves and something too few women check for... buys you an emergency wear or two before you can get them altered).

They even showed me how to pee with them on (you can't wear undies with them)

that's funny! :w00t:

They even showed me how to pee with them on (you can't wear undies with them)

Don't tell me that, I guess. I always wear underwear with mine. Wouldn't think of going without.