I went to the store and tried on a couple different styles and sizes. The large was a workout just to get them on and I was afraid I'd mess up my back getting them on. Since I was only trying them on, I didn't feel comfortable getting them much past my hips, didn't want to streth them out for the person actuall buying them. The XL went on smoothly but didn't do much compression.

Are you supposed to struggle to get them on so you look good? Or am I expecting too much from body shapers? Those tv commercials make it look like magic.

I'm short and big busted so I have problems getting clothes that look good on me without getting that frumpy middle age look. When I wear clothes that are close fitting, my boobs take up my whole middle section-it's like head, neck, boobs, waist, hips not much between space between the boobs and waist. I was hoping the shapers would help differentiate the parts.

I wear plunge bras by Elomi to lift my breasts up high and make cleavage. I wear Spanx for shapewear, and if I can't breath, there's a problem. I buy the tightest that I am comfortable in.

My experience is that it's meant to be a bit of a workout to get into them, but once you are in you should be comfortable and able to breathe, and nothing should actually dig into you such as leg elastic and straps. They have really strong elastic in them, don't be worried you'll stretch it by trying it on, that's for delicate fabrics. So long as you are not worried you are going to split a seam open go back and try the smaller size again, and engage those abs while you are pulling to make sure you protect your back.

Just a tip: You should always step in from the bottom, even if it's a vest or bra top, they are designed to pull upwards, if you pull it down over your head it will squash in all the wrong places.

It seems like some parts are made from nylon, the easy to poke a hole in and run type. I was afraid I was going to rip a seam when I was pulling them up.

I was thinking it would be great if they made ones that you put on easily, then push a button and make it shrink as tight as you want it. And when you want to take it off-puch a button and woosh it loosens up again.

I think that's the premise of the old style corsets-the ones that had ties up the back and you had to have a dresser person pull it tight and fasten it.

Oh well wishful thinking.

You can get modern corsets with steel busk in them that you can pull in yourself, some even lace at the front... just a thought!

I want a corset!!! But I'm gonna wait til I hit a bit smaller... like under 200 somewhere.

I ordered a spanx. I'm hoping I ordered the right size, etc. LOL I just couldn't bring myself to go try some on.

I wear body shapers every day. I tried A LOT of brands and styles in the beginning to find one that fit just right. I have a drawer full of unworn shapers LOL. I can't stand the corset style or full body bathing suit shapers. They make me feel like a sardine in a can . The most comfortable style I have found is a tight stretchy spandex camisole undershirt (spanx is one brand but there are others). I have since stockpiled on these. The ones I wear are a bit tight to get on but they are not a huge struggle. I would try a size bigger if you are having that much trouble getting it on. Once it is on, it doesn't really make me a lot smaller but it flattens up the stomach area and makes my loose skin feel supported. I am to the point now that if I don't wear one, I feel like my stomach is so lose. If you are large busted, I would recommend the style below. You can wear your own bra and it just controls the stomach area. I tend to buy mine a little longer than the one shown. They tuck nicely into jeans and adds some control the hips too

Anyone try the nononsense body shapers?
http://www.nononsense.com/Shaping.aspx

It looks like the control top part of the pantyhose. You can get it with hose or without. I'm going to buy some today, I noticed on line they are much less then the store, free shipping over $35 and they'll give 6 pr of socks to needy families with every purchase of $35. Win, win.

I liked the control top pantyhose back in the day when I needed to wear hose-thank goodness that's over. So I'm not expecting complete miracles at $5 a pr. but we'll see. Plus they are made in the US. So few companies still have manufacuring here that I feel I need to support them if I can use their products.

Sarah