Please Educate Me on Spanx!

Sammyantha13

I have never worn spanx, so I don't know anything about them.  I'm trying to figure out if it's worth spending the money to get some for the wedding dress.  

Just for reference, here is my dress (Allure 8800):  http://forums.theknot.com/discussion/1015875/my-dress-arrived#latest

In that pic I am wearing a mermaid slip, and I'm NOT going to be wearing a slip for the wedding.  It's a sheath dress so it'll just hang down.  The only reason I considered wearing a slip was because I felt like it balanced out my wide hips, but I really love the look of the dress the way it is made, without the slip. 

I don't know if wearing spanx will even do anything for me, because it's mainly just that I have wide hip bones.  Now, if they made a corset-like thing for hips, then I'd be all over that!  Haha.  

I'm also struggling with whether or not the spanx are too unsexy and will therefore make me self conscious about choosing to wear them.  I'm sure if I asked FI, he would tell me I absolutely don't need them and he wouldn't find them attractive.  But it's like when I put on my dress all I'm seeing is BAM! hips.  Sigh.  

So what should I do?  Is there a place to try these things on first without purchasing them?

theartistformerlyknownas

You can try them on at Kohl's. I wore the spanx "Assets" reversible shorts under my dress (mermaid style) because I was worried about my thighs rubbing together and chafing. I was really glad I did.

ETA: they did make an indentation where they ended, so if your dress is really thin that might show.

mschristie123

You look amazing in your dress! I don't know if it's an absolute necessity, but I wore spanx and I loved them. I'm a fan of spanx in generally when I need a little bit of a lift/smooth when I'm wearing dresses. I think most department stores, you can try them on. I tried on a zillion pairs at Von Maur with my mom when I went looking for underthings.

NYCMercedes

You look perfect in your dress. The spanx aren't going to make anything go away because you don't have any extra flesh, it appears. So, I think they wouldn't be worth it.

NYCMercedes

You look perfect in your dress. The spanx aren't going to make anything go away because you don't have any extra flesh, it appears. So, I think they wouldn't be worth it.

NYCMercedes

Wow, 2x. Guess I really meant it that you look perfect.

Maggie0829

I like spanx and wear them a lot with skirts and dresses for work.  Not only do they just smooth you out they also are great for possible thigh chaffing.  The pair that I wear are ones that hit at the waist and then come down to about mid thigh.

There are plenty of different kinds to choose from so I would go to a store that sells them (or a similar product) and try them on to see which is best for you.

As for the sexiness factor.  My feeling is that what you wear under your wedding gown should be for comfort and support purposes only.  Once you get back to your hotel room that night, that is when you can slip the more sexy stuff on.  But really you want something on underneath your dress that you will be comfortable in all day long.

hikebikebemerry

I feel like spanx help skirts and dresses to not slide up as much.  (Sorry if someone already mentioned that!)

blabla89

I love that dress! It looks great on you as it is. But if you feel the need for something to tuck it all in (not that you need it) you can go to your local department store (Macy's, Nordstrom or whatever you have nearby) and peruse the shapewear section. They should have plenty to try on.

Spanx Power Panties are great for smoothing the butt/thighs area, but I find that they don't provide a lot of control around the midsection. If you want something to tuck in the midsection, you could get an elastic waist cincher.

beethery

If I end up not needing spanx, I'm going to get these things called Bandalettes. They're like the top part of thigh-high stockings and are supposed to be awesome for preventing thigh chafe.

cosenti7

You look amazing in your dress and you probably won't need to wear heavy-duty spanx at all! Spanx makes a reasonably priced line you can get at Target with medium or minimal coverage if you want something just to smooth. It's actually comfortable and inexpensive and doesn't feel too constricting!

larrygaga

I don't want to like one-up you or make your problem sound insignificant, but you look amazing and your hips are not huge AT all. Men love hips, it's a sign of fertility and attractiveness so it's like ingrained in their membranes to love them. Wear spanxs if you want, but you really look great and spanxs are not comfortable. 

ohannabelle

No no no no. I looked at the picture again, and you don't need any kind of spanks. I don't see hips, aside from a perfect hourglass shape. The dress is perfect, and your figure is amazing. You're seeing something that isn't there. I swear it. If I thought differently, I would recommend which sort to buy, because I'm an honest (sometimes too much) person.

You look perfect in that gown. 

JCbride2015

beethery said:

If I end up not needing spanx, I'm going to get these things called Bandalettes. They're like the top part of thigh-high stockings and are supposed to be awesome for preventing thigh chafe.

I have also considered these.  I don't necessarily need/want control all the time, but my thighs rub together at the top and sometimes I wear Spanx or Jockey shorts just to be comfortable.  The Bandalettes look super cute.

SmileDamnit

Loved loved loved wearing a spanx under my dress. Mine was similar to yours in that it had a thin underlay with a very delicate shell. Pros:

1. It simply made me feel better. I didn't' NEED it, but I liked it.

2. Definitely helped with thigh rubbing.

They make a light weight one now that is much more comfortable than the old school ones. And way more "breathable" so you don't get all sweaty. I'd recommend trying one and just seeing how it feels. Does your seamstress have samples? 

hellosweetie1015

larrygaga said:

I don't want to like one-up you or make your problem sound insignificant, but you look amazing and your hips are not huge AT all. Men love hips, it's a sign of fertility and attractiveness so it's like ingrained in their membranes menbrains to love them. Wear spanxs if you want, but you really look great and spanxs are not comfortable. 

FIFY.

(I am so sorry. I saw it and really just couldn't resist the bad-pun urge. I'll go sit in the corner now.)

Don't wear the slip. Definitely. (I know you said you wouldn't, but don't.)

Spanx - if you want them/think they'll make you feel better about your hips, then I'd go for it, simply because you want to feel like you look awesome. THAT BEING SAID - you look absolutely awesome without and if I had your gorgeous figure there's no way in hell I'd be stuffing myself into Spanx. I hate them. They are irksome and they squish me all over and they are just generally not my favorite. (I will be getting some though. Because they do make me look good.)

ashley8918

beethery said:

If I end up not needing spanx, I'm going to get these things called Bandalettes. They're like the top part of thigh-high stockings and are supposed to be awesome for preventing thigh chafe.

You are my god damn hero. Thank you for alerting me to the existence of these! I chafe like nobody's business.

Sugargirl1019

You are BEAUTIFUL in that dress! I have hips, and love me some spend, but I say you do not need spanx for this dress. I wore a petticoat slip under my dress, which sucked me in and made the dress slide nicely over my hips. But it came off the time with my dress, so DH never knew or saw it. If you're not worried about chafing (I didn't have a problem) the slip night be good to stick with! Mine came up just under the bust line.

Seriously though, you look so beautiful in that dress.

Sammyantha13

Thanks for the tips and encouragement, everyone.  I think I will go and find the thinner ones that are good for smoothing, and try them on and see what I think.  

I'm mad because I bought the mermaid slip from the bridal shop ($90), washed it a few times as they instructed me to so the crinoline would lay down some, and now the elastic is shot and the spandex material is all stretched out.  So even though I decided not to wear it with my dress I was hoping to sell it online to get some of the cost back but now I can't.  I know it's only $90 but in my mind every little bit adds up!

Maggie0829

Sammyantha13 said:

Thanks for the tips and encouragement, everyone.  I think I will go and find the thinner ones that are good for smoothing, and try them on and see what I think.  

I'm mad because I bought the mermaid slip from the bridal shop ($90), washed it a few times as they instructed me to so the crinoline would lay down some, and now the elastic is shot and the spandex material is all stretched out.  So even though I decided not to wear it with my dress I was hoping to sell it online to get some of the cost back but now I can't.  I know it's only $90 but in my mind every little bit adds up!

I would go back to your bridal shop and complain about this.  You were following their instruction so you shouldn't be held completely responsible because the slip is now fucked up.

lurkergirl

To me seeing "BAM! hips" is a good thing

If you're wanting spanx for support/smoothing, I don't think you need it.  FWIW I have a very similar Allure dress and similar shape to you and I'm not doing any shape wear.

If you're worried about chafing and don't want the extra fabric, I very highly recommend something called Bodyglide.  It's an anti-chafing balm that comes in a stick.  Like deodorant for your thighs.  Gold Bond makes a similar product that FI prefers.

raissyrais

lurkergirl said:

To me seeing "BAM! hips" is a good thing

If you're wanting spanx for support/smoothing, I don't think you need it.  FWIW I have a very similar Allure dress and similar shape to you and I'm not doing any shape wear.

If you're worried about chafing and don't want the extra fabric, I very highly recommend something called Bodyglide.  It's an anti-chafing balm that comes in a stick.  Like deodorant for your thighs.  Gold Bond makes a similar product that FI prefers.

Hmm kind of remind me of these. FI ordered them as presents for his GMs. He has a sense of humour.

http://www.freshballs.com/us/

sarahufl

I am also a tad on the hippy side and bought a dress that didn't really need Spanx. BUT- my tailor bullied me into wearing them, and I have to say- I am so happy I did.

They just smooth things out- fat or not fat, they make everything lay really nicely. I got the kind that look like bike shorts and come a couple inches above the knee. They just made my dress look a million times better and were actually decently comfy.

The talk of thigh-chafe is also pretty accurate. It was nice to not have to worry about that.

lurkergirl

raissyrais said:

lurkergirl said:

To me seeing "BAM! hips" is a good thing

If you're wanting spanx for support/smoothing, I don't think you need it.  FWIW I have a very similar Allure dress and similar shape to you and I'm not doing any shape wear.

If you're worried about chafing and don't want the extra fabric, I very highly recommend something called Bodyglide.  It's an anti-chafing balm that comes in a stick.  Like deodorant for your thighs.  Gold Bond makes a similar product that FI prefers.

Hmm kind of remind me of these. FI ordered them as presents for his GMs. He has a sense of humour.

http://www.freshballs.com/us/

Well...that's pretty much what he uses it for! 

I only use it if we're camping/hiking/sweating while wearing shorts.  I wear dresses for about 98% of the summer and have never had thigh chafe from just general activity.

snk1987

I am wearing the same dress and have been looking for not only just a shaker but bra, as I am on the bustier size (34D). I just got my Dmondaine rita slip. It was expensive, but its perfect with the low back, smooths, and supports my bust! Love it!!

lovesclimbing

raissyrais said:

lurkergirl said:

To me seeing "BAM! hips" is a good thing

If you're wanting spanx for support/smoothing, I don't think you need it.  FWIW I have a very similar Allure dress and similar shape to you and I'm not doing any shape wear.

If you're worried about chafing and don't want the extra fabric, I very highly recommend something called Bodyglide.  It's an anti-chafing balm that comes in a stick.  Like deodorant for your thighs.  Gold Bond makes a similar product that FI prefers.

Hmm kind of remind me of these. FI ordered them as presents for his GMs. He has a sense of humour.

http://www.freshballs.com/us/

-------------------


Oh my goodness, that guy has a knack for telling a good story!! I will never forget the mental pictures. "Like they were being sautéed in olive oil." "Like two powdered donut holes." "I probably could have struck a match on my balls."

Dying over here. LOL!