New Year’s gym memberships notwithstanding, few of us are as toned as we’d like to be.  Fortunately we can smooth and solidify what Mother Nature (and Ronald McDonald) gave us – thanks to new techno underlayers.

Call them shapewear, body shapers, slimmers – whatever – but put one on and you’ll look instantly trimmer and more sleek. Bumps and bulges disappear. You'll look better in everything you wear.  Ah, the magic of Spandex!

Choose from these categories:

• Body-shaper panty hose smooth you from the waist to your toes. They differ from old-style control tops because the Spandex diminishes gradually from the waistline down rather than ending abruptly (BULGE) in the fleshy part of your thigh. I personally swear by Great Shapes from www.NoNonsense.com.  Buy a pair at a local store to try, but order quantity online for convenience and savings.
• Tummy/thigh shapers are body-compressing shorts that end just above or below the knee – not at a soft spot where the garment edge could create a bulge.  The upper edge might ride at your waistline or extend all the way up to the bottom of your bra.  Look for styles with extra hold at your personal trouble spots.

• Shaper camisoles smooth that darned soft tissue across your back (no, we are NOT going to call it "back fat") and at the sides of your waistline.  Some are shaped to fit over your bra without flattening your bust; others are cut away below the bra cups and still others include an underwire or soft-cup bra built right in.

When you shop for these wonder garments, consider:

• Benefits - not all shapers are created equal. Each has a particular emphasis - some  excel at making the tummy flatter, others do miracles for the butt and thigh area. Choose the shaper that's created for only the specific advantages you want.
• Comfort – a shaper should be so comfortable you forget you’re wearing it.  If it’s uncomfortable you’ll leave it in the drawer … and it won’t do your figure any favors in there.  Pick the item that corrects your specific issue – tummy, hips, thighs - and nothing more. Some manufacturers also rate their items by degree of hold – a bit less hold generally equals more comfort for daily wear.
• Size – despite the tendency to buy the smaller size in order to get more squoosh value, you should actually do the opposite.  Let’s face facts – that extra “you“ has to go somewhere.  If you’re packed too tightly, the result will inevitably be bulges instead of a smooth line. Try on the actual item to determine your most flattering fit. This is one time you don't want to order online.
• Color – shades that mimic your skin tone will be the most invisible under clothing of all colors.  Black is an alternative under darker garments.  White is likely to create a shadow-through effect.
• Price – correlates to both the number of body areas impacted and the quality of the fabric and construction.  Don’t pay for features you don’t need, but do pay for the best quality you can afford.  Spanx – the best-known shaper brand – is fairly pricey. The same company’s Assets line is more affordable, but not quite as powerful or as beautifully finished.
• Care – protect your investment with hand washing or a gentle, cool machine setting and air drying.

Check out a few of the options at www.SPANX.com , www.maidenform.com/shapewear , www.yummietummie.com  and www.NoNonsense.com.