For those interested, Shaper

[Pythos]

So, when picking up a new pair of hose, I see on the display the semi new shapers. Though these ones were not Spanx, they are the same general idea. I have always found it funny how women that complain about pantyhose find these things much better, and more comfortable. The pics I have seen of them make them seem like just the control top portion of a pair of hose.

So I went and got one of the correct size for me.

Upon taking the item out of the box I see that it is quite a long garment of fairly thick spandex. As I thought it has a very striking resemblence to the top par of control top hose, just with some defined thicker areas, and a very wide waist band. There are several "shaping" panels on this item.

So I got prepped for trying this thing on, and began getting into it. It actually was a bit of work, more so than even a brand new pair of sheer energy control tops. Instead of stepping into it like one does with a pair of spandex shorts, I had to pull each leg cuff up my legs. The legs are quite short, and a snug to say the least. The cotton gusset fits well with the leg cuffs about 5 inches down. The fit is interesting, it has a very tall upper body that comes up to about mid chest. I may have gotten a size too large for me (medium), but according to the fitting guide the small may not have fit.

The garment IS tight though, and it does shape. The leg cuffs are pretty wide though, and I was thinking they would be very visible under leggings. So I grabbed my D*sco pant, and worked them on. One needs to be mindful of the leg cuffs as pants come up around them, they will begin to roll up. Once in the pats, with the cuffs smoothed down, I went to the mirror. There is a very slight depression where the cuffs are, but the rest looked good.

I then tried it under the spandex shorts I had worn for the shopping trip. The leg cuffs falls right at the leg bands of the shorts. The look is good, the shaper is hardly noticeable. I then tried under my tightest catsuit. The result was not so good. The shine of the suit really accentuated the leg cuffs, but another problem is the very high waistband, which under the suit appeared as a very defined line running just under my chest. So with something like a catsuit, this garment does not work. Honestly I had expected this, there is little more than a pair of hose that can be worn underneath such a suit without leaving ridges, even thongs. That would be why for me it is hose or nothing.

Then I tried two skirts, my short tight mini, and my long tight pleather skirt. With the pleather skirt I found this garment cannot be worn. Why, because of the high slit on it's left side. Next the mini. LOL, not a chance. In order for it to work with this skirt, one would have to bunch up the legs, which causes ridges, which defeats the purpose of this garment. Another potentially serious problem is the height of the garment. This would require the lowering of the skirt, in order to use the facilities.

Overall, this is a garment that works well with loose fitting, or thick tight pants. If one uses it with a skirt it will make restroom use inconvenient to say the least. Comfort wise. The thing is tight, but not overly tight.

Would I recommend it for others. I think I would, but I would warn against wearing it with skirts, unless you don't mind undoing your skirt like you would a pair of pants.

It was not that expensive, about 7 bucks.

Post your review if you try one of these out.

Thanks for reading.

[ChrisM]

Hi Pythos. I wear a shaper on formal occasions (under trousers) to reduce a little middle-aged paunch. Mine is bikini-style as opposed to your short-legged style. Your style is indeed functionally equal to Bike Shorts which are not uncommon as outerwear.

I also have some discomfort on long truck drives, which I have found is nicely prevented by wearing an open-bottom girdle. Given your interest in skirts and tight clothes I thought you might also like to look into the open-bottomed girdles.

I have found very good values on these and related garments at www. aronsales . com


Best regards,

Chris