Now, we all know that “shapewear” is nothing new.
Spanx are a weedy girdle, those things with hooks and eyes that come in a scary flesh colour are just modern waist cinchers and “bodyshapers” are just corselettes. All they’ve done is removed the suspenders because everyone seems to wear tights these days.
I am a massive fan of all this stuff. I have many curves, not always in the places I want them. Anything that makes me look slinky and smooth, but still curvy, has a definite home in my dresser drawer! It’s just the styling that always just seems dull as hell to me on modern versions. I understand the need for a smooth line under body skimming clothes, but why so much flesh coloured mesh?
Well, no more. I’m quite taken with the Autumn Winter Gok Wan shape wear at Simply Yours.
It’s got “kooky” Gok Wan esque names, but we all know that this “Sassy Slip” is a corselette
It even comes with detachable suspenders. I can’t see them up close though, so I suspect they’re the plastic “not really any good” type, though I suppose you could always replace them.
There’s also a longer line bra and high waisted knickers. I really want a longer line bra to combat that annoying little bulge under the bra line with tight jumpers. This comes in a range of colours, but I’m quite fond of the leopard print!
Gok Wan Mesh Longer Line Bra £32 Gok Wan Deep Brief £18
The knickers also come with detachable suspenders.
I’m also quite keen on this range with contrast piping. This picture is the “slicker knickers” but it also has a range of other products and colours such as “papparazzi pants” which look kind of hideous being a large pair of boned shorty things, but I bet they actually work and “Curve Controllers” which are high waisted pants.
Gok Wan’s Slicker Knickers £22
I like the nod to vintage styling and acknowledgement of the roots of modern shapewear, without sticking with boring patterns and scary unattractive colours. This is shapewear that can be pretty AND worn under more modern things like jersey dresses, where I often find that “vintage style” lingerie, no matter how discreet the gorgeous trims, will still show through.
I actually like it a lot, and as you said, an “in-between” option, not too plain and not too pretty to end up being unpractical. Love the leopard print one (how can I not, I just like anything in leopard) but the last one is truly pretty.
Hi Retrochick! 🙂 They all look so gorgeous!! I wonder if they are any different from the others that feel so tight around the body? I’ve tried loads and they restrict my movement so much and I can’t breath…I always end up taking them off in the loo!!! LOL! I love the black ones and the leopard!!! So pretty!!! 🙂
Try buying one size up from your true size. You will get the smoothing effect of controlling underwear without restricting your breathing! Obviously, this trick does not work with anything with a bra attached to it.
OMG, that purple one is so sexy. Your site makes me wish I were curvier! Gok Wan reminds me of my sister who emigrated to London a couple of years ago. She is a huge fan.
I actually love the feel of good shapewear I like that restriction feeling, I guess this is as a result of wearing 50s stuff for over 20 years, there’s lots of boning and restriction going on anyway!
I tried some spanx, they’re blumming awful!
I like the leopard print but I bet I know without even looking they won’t do my cup size :o( Personally I don’t think you can beat What Katie Did for this type of thing!
These look great, much better than the Trinny and Susannah ones which just make you feel unattractive.
The leopard print is faaabulous
Grand review. I have been eyeing some of this stuff for a while now. Might have to take the plunge. 🙂
OMG I take it all back he has my cup size!!! The problem now is I’m broke!!
Oh, those look fab! Should help solve the usual Christmas party nightmares.
I’ve never owned any proper shapewear as I’m too in love with the prettiness of slips etc but now I think it might be time, it looks comfortable too and I like that there is a suspender option!
Great post
x
Thank you for your review! I will surely think about getting one of this nice piece of lingerie!!!
B.
P.S. Can I add your link to my blog?
Oh! They look very pretty!!!! I´ll have to check ebay for those as we don´t have em in Germany.
Absolutely gorgeous retro-look. 🙂 I was doing some research on retro styles and got to your updates. I will bookmark your page. Best from Dusseldorf
The last picture, the black and white Gok Wan’s Slicker Knickers has the perfect retro look. Nice post. Congrats on being in the weekly roundups this week!
I really love the first one. I find it hard to feel as powerful, and sexy when I know I’m wearing something underneath that is ugly an amazing dress.
I’ve got generous thighs..loving the look of this but slightly scared of not being able to get out of them on time and peeing my pants as a consequence. I guess there’s only one way to find out..