Shapewear Showdown: Size 14 Review vs Skims
Gone are the days of uncomfortable shapewear that leaves you feeling restricted and suffocated. Today, shapewear has evolved to offer greater comfort, wearability, and even the option to double as outerwear, thanks to brands like Skims and M&S. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right shapewear for your needs. That’s why we enlisted the help of size 14 Paige Pilgrim, 29, to review and rate some of the most popular shapewear brands out there.
Skims: £70
Paige tried out Skims, the shapewear brand founded by Kim Kardashian, known for its innovative designs and celebrity endorsements. While Paige found that the Skims shapewear provided excellent support for the bottom half of her body, she noted that the bust area lacked the same level of structure and support. She also mentioned that the shapewear was quite see-through, requiring an extra layer like a bra to provide adequate coverage.
• Price: 1/5
• Comfort: 3/5
• Shaping: 3/5
Rosie ContourWear at Marks & Spencer: £40
Next, Paige tried the Rosie ContourWear range at Marks & Spencer, which features bonded panels and bum-lift technology for shaping. Despite the higher price point compared to other brands, Paige found that the structure of the shapewear was excellent for her bust, providing much-needed support. She also appreciated the convenience of the gusset hole, allowing for easy bathroom access without having to completely undress.
• Price: 4/5
• Comfort: 5/5
• Shaping: 5/5
Primark: £11
Surprisingly, Paige’s favorite shapewear turned out to be from Primark, a budget-friendly option at only £11. She praised the Primark shapewear for its ability to boost, shape, and hold like more expensive brands. The only drawback she noted was the lack of a gusset hole for bathroom use, requiring the wearer to remove the shapewear entirely.
• Price: 5/5
• Comfort: 4/5
• Shaping: 5/5
Next: £24
Paige also tested shapewear from Next, which she found to be effective at cinching her waist but mentioned that it could become uncomfortable after extended wear. She also pointed out that the lack of an included bra meant wearing one underneath, resulting in double straps that might not look seamless under clothing.
• Price: 4/5
• Comfort: 2/5
• Shaping: 3/5
Pretty Little Thing: £15
Finally, Paige tried shapewear from Pretty Little Thing, which she found to have good support around the bum and create a defined waist. However, she noted that it didn’t provide the same level of structure and hold for her bust as other brands. Despite this, she felt that the price point was reasonable for the quality of the shapewear.
• Price: 4/5
• Comfort: 5/5
• Shaping: 2/5
In conclusion, the world of shapewear offers a wide range of options to suit every body type and budget. Whether you’re looking for all-day comfort, maximum shaping, or a balance of both, there’s a shapewear brand out there for you. Remember to consider factors like price, comfort, and shaping ability when choosing the right shapewear for your needs. And don’t be afraid to mix and match brands to find the perfect combination that works for you.