Tuesday 24 January 2012

Maidenform: Best Supporting Role

As any lover of fashion, vintage or modern will agree, the right undies are vital. Not just for support and smoothing, but for comfort too. Which can lead to a tragic, ugly secret. A shame hidden behind the most innocuous little black dress as well as the WAGgiest WAGtastic white sequin number. The boringly functional greige support knicker. I don't care if Gok loves 'em, I don't.
If only we could have it all- something that nips and smooths but looks sumptuous and sophisticated too. Well, the fabulous people at Maidenform obviously heard my cries of despair (or perhaps saw me attempting to cram my behind into a pencil skirt post Chrimbo from a hundred miles away) and sent me their famous high-waist brief to review. However, this brief has a key difference to your usual support item; it's from their Valentine's Day 'Roses Are Red' collection and intended to look as good alone as when worn with clothes atop, designed to offer "the ultimate combination of femininity and function'.


So what are they like? The fabric is a smooth, silky satin - the design red roses over a subtle black animal print. This would go well with matching items of plain black or red satin, or of lace, as the front panel has lace decoration. The lace does make it very slightly textured, so it isn't 'seamfree' in its smoothness, but it is pretty delicate and can be worn subtly under most dark tops and dresses. Obviously, being red and black, this range doesn't have the 'wear under anything' advantage of flesh-coloured support, however it certainly looks better. They are still very evidently 'big pants' (I held them up to His Lordship and said 'what are these?', he recognised them for such immediately, but also commented that they're of a far classier and more attractive style than usual).

The slimming effect is promised over "tummy, waist and bottom", and it does give a good smooth line. The inner, stretchy support panels do only extend to the front, however, so I would say its most powerful slimming effect is for the tummy and waist, rather than the behind. That said, the job it does on the waist is highly noticeable both in feeling and in the mirror. Around the top - which extends almost up to my bust- there is good sturdy elastic which keeps the pants from rolling or slipping. They felt very secure on, which to my mind is a good thing in this kind of underwear.

The range comes in several styles: the Hi Waist Briefs (£28) which I tried, the Waist Nipper (£28), the Bustier (£32) and the Full Slip (£42). In terms of price for quality, I would rate these - they performed as well as some more expensive branded support knickers, with the added advantage of integrating into the 'pretty' side of the underwear drawer far more easily.

I shall be taking them out under a pretty frock soon, even if just to the Norf Star for a cider and I shall report back with pictures of me looking svelte and sophisticated. Or maybe just svelte, if they're taken post cider.

If you're interested in finding out more, check out Maidenform's UK Website or follow them via twitter...

13 comments:

  1. but this undies are almost to beautiful to keep them hidden under other clothes;) really like that gorgous print!
    kiss,mary

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  2. Tis very pretty - but what about using the loo. Thats my main bug bare with shapewear - the undoing and reassembling. But still - very pretty :)

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  3. They are very pretty, think maybe a full slip would be better for me and my unruly bumps!! X

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  4. It is lovely and aren't Maidenform a long established firm? However, I agree with LG, what about needing the loo, in a pub, a bit drunk?

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  5. This is just what I need, the lumps are out of control right now! x

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  6. very pretty.


    Oh I tagged you, sorry,
    http://www.seafrontdiary.com/2012/01/ohh-i-got-tagged.html

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  7. Sweet! I will definitely check these out - they look fab!

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  8. So sexy these undies are!!!! I have never worn anything like it! I have owned and loved many a Maidenform undergarments over he years but nothing like this! Me want!!!!

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  9. Gorgesous rose print! Love maidenform.
    I would wear them on the outside.
    Yeah the loo came in to mind also, i have problem with wearing this type of under garment, makes me look rounder.
    I prefer corselettes.
    Besios

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  10. This looks visually lovely, but shapewear makes me feel sick (how tight it is!) Spanx make me nauseous, as do corsets! Guess I'll have to let it all hang out eh? ;)

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  11. Crickey, I don't think it would work on me (too tight) but it looks beautiful.

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  12. I can't stand flesh coloured underwear. This looks amazing!

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Let me know what you think!