The first thing many of us think of when it comes to control undergarments is Spanx, the brand made famous by celebrities like Salma Hayek, Oprah, and Meg Ryan. Or maybe skin-tight shorts eerily similar to the biker spandex look made famous in the "80s come to mind.

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While those slimmers do work wonders, there's much, much more to control undergarments. Some women may wear control undergarments only on special occasions, squeezing into a dress that hugs in all the right places. But many control undergarments can be worn every day, to add firmness to your bust, or cinch your midsection and dreaded back bulge. They can also aid posture and help support your back and stomach. Some of the most popular control undergarments today come in the form of seamless body shapers with laser cut edges, which avoid unsightly lines and offer optimum comfort.

The key to finding the ideal control undergarment is to avoid products that dig into your stomach or back. You'll want to avoid shapers that make it obvious you're sporting a body slimmer. If you're able to try them on in a fitting room, bring that cute skirt or dress you've been waiting to wear to make sure lines don't show.

The Skinny on Girdles/Cinchers

Girdles have been around for decades. Once necessary for women in the "40s to achieve that super skinny midsection known as the "wasp waist," the girdle has evolved with the fashions to become more of a cincher. Now you'll typically see cinchers extend from just below the bra to the hipbones.

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Most girdles or cinchers open at the bottom and fasten with hook-and-eye closures (think of your bra hooks, only instead of 2 or 3 there are up to 20). Some girdles are seamless, and are made of compression fabrics to pull in your tummy and provide added support.

You May Want to Try: Lytess Corrective Belt

If you don't want super restrictive support, this garment may be best for you. It extends from just below the bra to your hips, reduces your waistline, and reduces back pain. With stomach support panels and shea butter and caffeine to soothe and moisturize skin, this control undergarment will give your midsection a firmer, smoother look. Starts at size 6, $45.
You May Want to Try: SlimVest Waist Cincher

Besides immediately reducing your midsection by up to 3 inches, the SlimVest helps you lose weight by strengthening your core with its maximum compression. An added bonus: the SlimVest will raise your bust line by adding a little boost up top. This modern girdle smoothes out bulges in your lower back, and reduces signs of the dreaded muffin top. Available for sizes 0 to 24, $69.99.

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The Skinny on Slips

While flowing satin slips are great for loose-fitting dresses, when you're eyeing a slinky dress or fitted skirt, you need something with a bit more oomph. When it comes to slips with extreme slimming power, you'll want a tight-fitting number, preferably one that extends from just below the navel to mid thigh (make sure it's not longer than your skirt or dress though).

You May Want to Try: Slimplicity Half Slip

From the granddaddy (or grandmother) of all body shapers, this slip is from Spanx, by Sarah Blakely. The edges and seams on this skirt are laser cut, which creates a flat, even surface. No midriff lines here. Just one layer of compression fabric provides a trio of benefits: It flattens your stomach, thighs and hips to help you look sleek under skirts. This is a modern take on the traditional slip, since it cuts off at mid-stomach and isn't supported by shoulder straps. Size small to 3XL, $52 to $56.

You May Want to Try: Slimplicity Lingerie-Strap Slip

When you're going to sport a silhouette-hugging dress and the half slip just won't do, you'll need something that slims from mid thigh all the way to the bust line.

This slip alleviates the appearance of tummy bulge and troublesome love handles, while allowing you to customize with adjustable shoulder straps. It has darts and compression (76% nylon, 24% spandex) to compliment your shape. Size small to 3XL, $72 to $76.

Mid thigh shapers lend a bit more versatility when it comes to control undergarments. Whether you're wearing pants, shorts, skirts or dresses, thigh shapers can help provide the contouring you need. And thigh shapers also lend support to your lower stomach.

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You May Want to Try: Jockey Mini Micro Shaper - No Panty Line Promise

This shaper flattens your thighs, lower stomach and rear with an added perk: its super short hemline allows you the flexibility to wear a mini without fear of a peek-a-boo slip. This also features laser-cut edges to prevent unsightly lines through clothing. Comes with a no-panty-line promise, so you can strut your stuff with confidence. Available in size small to XL, $24.

You May Want to Try: Bali Comfortshape Seamless Firm Control High Waist Thigh Shaper

This thigh shaper helps provide contouring from just below the bust all the way down to the thighs. A double layer waistband and leg openings help eliminate belly bulge and dimpling on the thighs. The Bali shaper is made of a nylon/spandex blend that makes it a breeze to pull on clothes, whether you're wearing a tight pair of slacks or a sexy strapless dress. This undergarment also helps contour your rear without flattening. In medium to 2XL, $21.99.

So you see, you have plenty of options when it comes to "controlling" your problem areas or accentuating what you already love about your body. Just be sure to give yourself ample time to trying these super shapers at the store. If placing your order online or over the phone is more your style, make sure the retailer has a flexible return policy. Once you've found the control undergarment that works for you and you're strutting your stuff, it'll all be worth it!