Controlling Underwear
With our hectic lifestyles, it’s nice to know we have control over something. And even though the control that comes from shaping, cinching underwear may seem minor in the grand scheme of things, think of what a little confidence can do. Whether we need a bit of a nip around the middle, a boost in the bum area, or just some good old-fashioned figure flattery, there’s a pair of controlling underwear that fits the bill.
For more shapewear tips, browse our guides for the best in Spanx, sexy shapewear, and hosiery.
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Controlling Briefs
Think controlling briefs automatically equal granny panties? Think again. Lots of lingerie designers are creating briefs that subtly shape and don’t look like they came out of a Victorian trousseau.
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| Sloggi Control Full Briefs $17 for 2 pair For a drawer full of everyday undies that offer just the right amount of midsection control. There’s a doubled-up tummy panel, but you’d never know it; these mid-rise cotton panties look just like the non-shaping versions. |
Flexees Lace Briefs $22 The pretty pattern is just as seductive as anything you’d find in an upscale intimates boutique, but this lace serves a purpose: it conceals a moderately controlling panel so your abs look flat as a board. |
Wacoal “Get in Shape” Brief $45 Lace is sexy sometimes. But naked can be even sexier, and that’s just about what you are in the barely-there. These second-skin panties have a panel that keeps that tummy pouch in check, and since they’re seamless, you’ll never get a pantyline. |
High Waisted Controlling Underwear
“Muffin tops” has been a buzz phrase for a couple of years now; to ensure the phrase doesn’t apply to you, pick high-waisted briefs for a smooth, hourglass silhouette.
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| Flexees Control It! High-Waist Boyshorts $22 The last thing you want from high-waisted underwear is that uncomfortable roll-down. Take a seat with confidence when you’re wearing soft, breathable undies that won’t squeeze or roll. |
Va Bien Firm Control Hi-Waist Briefs $26 The slinky satin panel isn’t just there to look pretty (although it does!). It’s flattening those lower abs, while concealed boning on the sides creates the illusion of a waist where there isn’t one. |
Yummie Tummie High Waist Briefies $44 Do the shaping work down below. A waist that extends to just below the bustline provides the firmest control and creates a sleek shape. |
Thigh Control
Pick a pair of panties with additional thigh support for a problem area-free look under curve-hugging pants and skirts.
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| TC Fine Intimates Boyshorts $22 You don’t always want or need to wear underwear that stretches from bust to knees. For those days when you just want to nix pantylines and give your tush a little shape are ideal. The control is moderate, and since these boyshorts won’t ride up, you’ll forget you’re wearing controlling underwear at all. |
Spanx Power Panties $30 Naturally, shapewear powerhouse Spanx has thrown its hat into the controlling underwear ring. Essentially the uber-flattering top portion of their wildly successful hosiery, and they’re perfect for when you need support without the hassle of pantyhose. |
Sassybax Bottom Up Panties $55 Made of an eight-knit blend that trims hips and thighs. That’s amazing on its own, but it’s really Sassybax’ patented engineering, which lifts and separates the derriere, that gives these shorts that extra oomph. |
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