Worth It: Slimming Shapewear Sexier Than Spanx

Much unlike many a magazine editor who recommends you buy all sorts of crap that they most likely got for free, your Jezebel staff doesn’t get jack shit (other than books, unsolicited). And that’s how it should be. But on our own time, in our personal lives, we still buy stuff. So this is Worth It, our daily recommendation of random things that we’ve actually spent our own money on. These are the things we buy regularly or really like, things we’d actually tell our friends about. And now we’re telling you.

In the olden days, a lady wore foundation garments. Corsets and girdles were built to hold, constrain and shape. We were liberated from this stuff in the late ’60s and early ’70s, but today’s body-consciousness and tight-fitting clothing has brought back shapewear, the most popular of which is Spanx. Sara Blakely’s invention is thin, lightweight and slimming. But Spanx are not sexy.

But girdles can be sexy. Hear me out: You may associate them with old ladies and too-much coverage, but recently I discovered the Rago Diet Minded Panty Girdle. Silly name, great product. It’s underwear. But it slims, flattens the tummy and smooths rolls — without being constrictive, like a corset. There are no bones or stays. Just power stretch fabric that minimizes bulge. And it doesn’t roll down! (On me, Spanx always roll down.) Plus: Unlike Spanx, the panty girdle is cute. It comes in a satiny version and a lacy version. Should you be in a situation where someone sees your underwear, you don’t have to feel weird because they’re seeing your Spanx. Yes, it’s high-waisted, but the panty girdle has a retro pin-up feel. Some of them come with garters, adding to the overall sex appeal. (The Diet Minded Panty Girdle’s garters are removable.)

But wait, you say. One of the reasons I like Spanx is because of inner-thigh rub. I know, I know. I’m a size 18. I know. Rago also makes a long leg shaper. It is not quite as sexy, but I got it in black (I also got my diet minded whoseewhatsis in black) and I feel like, when I’m walking up the subway stairs or on the back of a Vespa and my dress blows up, at least I’m not rocking the weird shiny bike shorts that are Spanx. If I had to choose one over the other, I’d say I like my panty shaper more than my long-leg deal. Rago also makes a all-in-one bodysuit, and I splurged on that, too. Black, of course. It’s pretty cool for special occasions — you don’t want to be trapped in that thing all day — but the panty girdle (gah, hate those words, especially together!) is something I wear, hand-wash at night, and wear again. Over and over, because I just love the results. Anyway, mock my granny panties if you must, but I’m sold on these well-made underthings I wouldn’t be afraid to wear in the boudoir. I’ve got my eye on other Rago models: 6197, 9357(which also comes in the hot combo of black and red), and 1357, which can be ordered custom-dyed in pink.

So basically: It’s fun to wear a foxy lacy get-up under your clothes, and if it’s helping whittle your middle, even better. So worth it.

Rago 6195 Diet Minded Satin ‘N Smooth Panty Girdle, $39 at Her Room.

Rago 6207 High Waist Long Leg Shaper Girdle, $45 at Her Room.

Rago 6107 High Waist Brief Style Girdle, $35 at Brabarella.

Rago 9057 Firm Control All In One Girdle, $65 at Dollhouse Bettie.

There’s a Rago section over at Secrets In Lace.

Also find Rago products here and here.

Worth It only features things we paid for ourselves and actually like. Don’t send us stuff.