Circa 1963, my mother wore bras and girdles, so they were my foundation garments of choice when I began femulating. (I really had no choice; Mom wore bras and girdles, so that is what I borrowed when I femulated.)
When I mustered up enough courage to purchase my own foundation garments (in person at Frederick's of Hollywood and JCPenney), I stuck with bras and girdles (like mother, like son). However, since I was more Rubenesque than my mother, I bought longline bras and waist cinchers to supplement the girdles.
That combination of foundations suited me well for a very long time.
Then I discovered Spanx shapewear and its copycats. I packed away the girdles and waist cinchers and switched to a variety of Spanx-like shapewear, typically the Bali and Hanes brand knock-offs because Avon sells them and since I am an Avon rep, I can buy them at a discount.
In addition to losing the heavyweight girdles, I also packed away the longline bras because the Bali and Hanes shapewear permits me to wear regular bras like the cute, sexy bras sold by Victoria's Secret ("Hello, Bombshell").
Occasionally, I strap on my heavy-duty corset-like waist cincher if I think I will need a little extra curvature, but normally, Bali or Hanes and Vicky are all I need.
I'd love to hear what you all are wearing beneath it all. (Does anyone still wear a girdle or has everyone switched to Spanx?)
Last week, Forbes had an article about Sara Blakely, the creator and owner of Spanx.
ReplyDeleteBlakely, the creator and owner of the line of women's and men's slimming, smoothing undergarments, is the youngest woman ever to make the list as a self-made billionaire, meaning she didn't inherit or marry into the money.
She's one of several billionaires who appear on the cover of the latest Forbes issue.
According to Forbes, Blakely was 29 when she was looking for something flattering to wear under her white slacks. She ended up inventing a new line of shaping underwear. She invested $5,000 — her entire life savings — to start the company.
On Thursday, Blakely appeared on "CBS This Morning" and talked about her rise to wealth.
"I've always had that gratitude that I had the opportunity to pursue my potential," she said. "So I think my story says that, when women are given the chance and the opportunity, that we can achieve a lot.
"We deliver. We can make the world a better place, one butt at a time."
I find that being a AARP carrying card member, keeps me in shapeweasr from Miraclesuit, Bali and Maidenform as a daily choice.
ReplyDeleteThe Spanks are great but much more uncomfortable for me.
I am more of a "naturalist" and love to feel the soft fabrics on as much of my skin as I can. So if possible I try to avoid restricting undergarments.
ReplyDeleteSad to say however, with my hormone regiment I am gaining pounds and better consider exercise or "Spanx" soon!
Oh yes--
ReplyDeleteIt was the same for me as a latch-key kid, i started in the 4th grade. I would have preferred the pretty dresses my classmates wore, but Mom's girdles, hi-heels, bras they were fine.
Nowadays, I love to wear spanx and regular bras, I just love pantyhose, But often stop and admire the old fashion girdles and shapers I see in the stores
Hi Stana-
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried these yet,although they look wonderful-and seamless. But would one wear any padding around the hips with, say, a hi-waist brief, or with any of the all-in-one body shapers? I like a little extra around my hips to fill out my curves.
I wear an open bottom girdle every evening and will not give it up. I do so because I love the clothes and not to attain a girly shape. Jan.
ReplyDeleteThats always nice to hear someone making it big on their own, go Sara!
ReplyDeleteI have a pair of them and while seemingly snug at first, you forget you have them on. The instructions say to wear them alone, but I wear panties underneath. Convenient for g girls as they have a slit so going doesn't require them to come off. They do take 10lbs off you and are rather comfortable.
Yes. I wear girdles. Longline girdles are my favrite. I would wear a longline bra all the time if I could.
ReplyDeleteStana, Just love your blog. We seem to have lots of similarities. But, I still wear a girdle and bra, sometimes AIO. The satin panel firm control OBG gives me the needed support and shaping. It also makes potty breaks lots easier. Playtex 18 hr. OBG is super comfortable, but hard to find in high-waist style.
ReplyDeleteSpanx don't quite do it for me. Maybe I could stand to drop a dress size? ;) But I need something a little bit firmer.
ReplyDeleteFor a casual occasion, I tend to use a long-line bra or a waist cincher (nothing fancy --- from Sears or Penney's) but for formal occasions, I go with a Vedette corset.
@Linda: I saw the story about Sara Blakely! She ought to be an inspiration to anyone who wants to start their own business or follow a dream.
Hi Stana,
ReplyDeleteI wear Bali Bras. Bali Panties are my favorite. I would wear a long line bra all the time if I could.