Why I LOVE the new SmartSlims!

[Coreene]

So I have a pair of SmartSlims, the new Spanx-like smoothers that just came out from SmartPak.

Now, I think that Spanx are one of the world's greatest inventions, and I don't leave home without 'em. However, under breeches and under jeans? Not so much. Too sweaty, and they make your jeans slide off.

SmartPak did SmartSlims, and they are divine. The fabric really wicks away moisture, they smooth out all the areas that need it and they don't leave some nasty-ass muffin roll above the waistband.

I got them one size up from what I would have needed, size-wise, since I have a calves of the abbondanza persuasion, and I was more comfortable with slightly larger leg bands.

I've tried them under jeans, under breeches, and while riding. Love 'em. :yes:

The top part is not designed for people who ride sans knickers. Not that I ride sans knickers, but apparently some of you do (yes, someone PM'ed me about this). :dead:

Giddyap!

[WBLover]

OOOOOOOHHH! Those sound like my new best friend for the white show breeches!! Thanks for the review!! :D

[mp]

I saw those in the last email they sent me.

I've used Assets (Target's cheap version of Spanks). They're OK, but as the body ages, I'm always looking for something better. Thanks for the review. I think I'll try a pair.

[pintopiaffe]

OK, as someone who abhors tight breeks because they cause sausage roll thighs (i.e. which cannot lie FLAT against the saddle) how do these rate in that department?

I've eyeballed them, but then think they must 'case' the legs to compress... and the wrong compression on the thigh is deadly, ya know?

[HolsteinerMare]

I totally know what you mean by sausage thigh! SmartSlim doesn't do that because they are long and have the same compression all the way from top to bottom. There aren't any tell tale lines anywhere like you get with shorter compression garments or even with control top pantyhose.

[pintopiaffe]

How many wearings do you get from a pair? (and I guess I should ask, how many wearings do you usually get from nylons? I get one... :uhoh: )

[Hampton Bay]

Wait, so they absorb sweat? I am looking for something along these lines to help keep me cool under my wedding dress this summer. I was going to get a pair of Spanx, but would these work better? I don't need the slimming properties, just something to keep me from sweating next to all that satin lining.

They do sound good to wear under white breeches too...

[redears]

I just ordered a pair right before I saw this, with my supplement. We shall see! Thanks for the review!

[HolsteinerMare]

I've been riding in SmartSlim for a little over a week. Have worn and washed them several times. They are holding up great. They're incredibly durable. I honestly don't think they are going to wear out! The material is not like pantyhose at all so it doesn't get rips and runs. I could maybe get 2 or 3 wears out of my pantyhose before they were shredded and had to be tossed.

[Fireangel]

Gosh why did I read this thread! You all just made me purchase and pair! Cant wait to try them!

[Rabbit351w]

Ok, I'm a sucker... I'm getting a pair. If I am smack between sizes, should I go up or down???

[HolsteinerMare]

I vote go down because you'll get more compression with the smaller size. I'm sort of in between sizes too and got the larger size. The fit fine and do the job, but I think I might try the smaller size at some point too to see how they fit. The OP suggested going up though so I think it really just might depend on your personal preference....

[Coreene]

I have two sizes, love both, wear the bigger size right now because I need to stretch the leg bands out a bit more on the smaller ones. As in, wear them at home for a bit instead of putting them on, throwing breeches over and giddyapping out the door.

PP, no sausage thighs. I promise.

I think they are just the best invention for under breeches and jeans since, well, since ever. Divine. Simply divine.

Here's how much I love them: I love them as much as Diet Coke, George Clooney and my old Guns N Roses CDs.

[Sonesta]

GREAT! Based on Coreene's recommendation, I'm ordering some NOW!

[Phaxxton]

Thanks so much for the review! I've been waiting to see how you liked them! Glad to hear SmartPak hit a home run on this one!

[honeydoozy]

You know, after reading this thread... my expectations may have been raised to an unattainable level! :lol: They sound almost... magical!

Okay, I was so on the fence about this one... gonna go order some today and with any luck get them ordered in time to come in my next shipment.

[whicker]

Coreene,
Is there much stretch in the waistband? I have a vertebrate that sticks out and pressure on it makes my legs go numb.... these sound wonderful.

[bonjovi_fan]

How can I pass these up? Looks like I will be ordering mine!!! Thanks!

[Nojacketrequired]

Now if they can just make a pair that go from under my bust to my ankles, I'll be thrilled!

NJR

[Mary in Area 1]

I was one of the people who expected to be able to go "commando" under these beauties. While I did not end up miserable, I did have an occurrence of the "inverness problem" for those in the know. I really wanted to get rid of the damn panty lines with my white show breeches!

Spoke with Smartpak and VOILA! They are thinking about putting a cotton crotch in the next generation. Can you imagine a company that cares about the comfort of their customers in the, uh, saddle area?

Smartpak ROCKS!!!

[Mary in Area 1]

PS I'm 32L and even though it says I'm between a small and a medium, I went with Medium and was happy. I just can't imagine being a small ANYTHING.

[avante]

These sound great. How are they on giving you a unibut thing?

[Coreene]

Whicker, there is a defined waistband on these, but you'd have to see if the waistband would be a problem. They do not create Unibutt. A good man giving you a frisky slap in the ass would be impressed by what felt like a fine, toned tush, but certainly one with two cheeks (OMGiH, I sound like Aunt Esther!!!).

[Hazelnut]

OK, I have to go order a pair....if I'm going to show...at my age....I need all the help I can get.

[Foxhound]

How slippery is the fabric?
I have a few pairs of undies that I have deemed "not for riding," since the slippery nylon/faux satin fabric causes me to slide around inside my breeches.
Also, can someone with a pair in tan try them on under a pair of white breeches and let me know if they show through?

[Coreene]

I don't have slippage, whereas Spanx make jeans slide right off.

[FancyFree]

I don't have slippage, whereas Spanx make jeans slide right off.

Your jeans are probably sliding off anyway, skinny thing!


Spoke with Smartpak and VOILA! They are thinking about putting a cotton crotch in the next generation.

That's great. I will have to order some.

[thatmoody]

I just ordered some in tan, so I'll try them on with my Tropical Rider white show breeches and report in when they get here!

[pintopiaffe]

I *have* to ask, what are you ladies wearing for jeans that you need coverage/compression?

My (one) pair of Lee Riders are so thick and heavy you can't see squat through them... They're actually pretty flattering too.

We must be talking different kinds of *jeans*... :uhoh:

[badawg]

Just ordered a pair in Large. I am also between sizes, though. Hoping the L won't be too big. I'm always looking for a nice compression garment to wear, so hopefully these will do the trick! My problem always seems to be in the crotch, though. Seems like I can never get the crotch to come up all the way...hopefully these will! Anyone able to report in on this? I have this problem with pantyhose, breeches, you name it...don't know if it's my thunder thighs or just odd conformation, but it's a consistent problem with me.

[Noctis]

How far up the waist do they go? I need something to help hide the fact that I had a baby a week ago :D I have a fairly short waist too.

[HolsteinerMare]

I wear mine with low rise breeches so I put them just below belly button level and they stay put. I could definitely pull them up higher though if I wanted to...there is enough stretch to do that. I'm 5'5".

[Coreene]

PP, it's amazing what they do under jeans. I wear Lees and Ralph Lauren, and I don't always wear a smoother, but the difference is great. Why do you think Spanx sells so many capri-length? ;)

[Mary in Area 1]

I think they are pretty adjustable as to where you want them on your waist. I am old fashioned and like my breeches to have a high rise (or "just under your boobs" as my daughters say!) Anyway, my SmartSlims went right up to my waist, the crotch area was where is should be and it all stayed there for several hours!

Imagine that!

[PiaffeDreams]

I've been reading this with considerable interest. These sound fabulous and several of the pertinent questions have been answered, particularly the unibum issue.

How are they in truly hot weather? It gets 100+ here in Nor Cal during summer shows. If they are good at wicking perhaps they may be actually more comfortable than many breeches are alone?

Also, how much riding per day has one done in these? Say showing 3+ horses in a day?

I looked at the price and at the just under $20 mark I'm likely to try them anyway, but am still curious.

[Coreene]

PD, I had them on a few days ago during a heatwave and they were fine, but you'd have to try 'em yourself and see. They've only just come out, and I don't think it's been hot enough since people started getting theirs to be able to try them in a situation like yours.

[DownYonder]

How are they in truly hot weather? It gets 100+ here in Nor Cal during summer shows. If they are good at wicking perhaps they may be actually more comfortable than many breeches are alone?

I've been wondering about this, too. I'm in the SE and I can't imagine that another layer of ANYTHING under breeches (other than undies) would be comfortable in our hot, sweltering summers (or even spring - it is supposed to be 87 F today. :eek: It was in the mid-60's this time last week. Crazy!).

[Hazelnut]

OK, two pairs are on the way. At just under $20 they are well worth the try. Thanks for the info!

[boosma47]

I have two sizes, love both, wear the bigger size right now because I need to stretch the leg bands out a bit more on the smaller ones. As in, wear them at home for a bit instead of putting them on, throwing breeches over and giddyapping out the door.

PP, no sausage thighs. I promise.

I think they are just the best invention for under breeches and jeans since, well, since ever. Divine. Simply divine.

Here's how much I love them: I love them as much as Diet Coke, George Clooney and my old Guns N Roses CDs.

Coreene, not only is your review most welcome news as this winter has not been kind to this old fart, but YOU ARE A G&R FAN, TOO!!! Yippeee :)

[Coreene]

Boosma, but of course! I knew we were soul sisters when I met you! I need to make Welcome to the Jungle my ringtone. Right now it's Ain't Talkin Bout Love. ;) As for the SmartSlims, today they get the test with jeans + half chaps, since I have too many other errands to run as well and do not "do" breeches in public outside of the barn/can't be bothered changing in and out when I'm there. Will report back!

[TrotTrotPumpkn]

Jeans range from 30-31" (depending on whether or not the are "stretch"). BUT my butt and thighs are BIG and I have Man-Calves (seriously--bigger calves than my 6'4" husband). I'm 5'9" and mainly leg (33 1/2 inseam).

Help. I just can't think I'm really meant to order a small!

I have the crotch issue (i.e. they don't get there) with nylons too.

[Lambie Boat]

Coreene, why are you still posting on the dressage forum? I heard you crossed over to where no breeches or boots required.

I will worry when you dump GNR and start up with Toby Keith

***shudder*****:dead:

[Coreene]

No crossing over, just learning another discipline as well. ;) And still waiting for pad and cinch to arrive lol.

[XTAC]

I would like clarification on the size thing too. I wear a 32 or sometimes 34L breech. Small waist and big thighs/butt..I really don't think I am meant for a small, but would a large be too large???

[FancyFree]

I will worry when you dump GNR and start up with Toby Keith

***shudder*****

What's a GNR? Great Name Rider? Grade Name Rider?

Never heard that one before.


I think I will like the SmartSlims better than Spanx. They look lighter, with move breathability. We shall see!

[boosma47]

Just ordered my pair to tame the cellulite and fat! And Fancy, GNR is the greatest hard rock band ever - Guns n Roses. Want to name a horse Axl - a fiery, tempermental and genius chestnut - ;)

Time to listen to 'Chinese Revolution'....

Thanks, Coreene, and I love Toby Keith, too.

[FancyFree]

Just ordered my pair to tame the cellulite and fat! And Fancy, GNR is the greatest hard rock band ever - Guns n Roses. Want to name a horse Axl - a fiery, tempermental and genius chestnut - ;)

Time to listen to 'Chinese Revolution'....

Thanks, Coreene, and I love Toby Keith, too.

:lol: I get it now. I thought she was talking about horses. Love GNR and old Axl. 2009 Axl, not so much. ;)

[Coreene]

:lol: I get it now. I thought she was talking about horses. Love GNR and old Axl. 2009 Axl, not so much. ;)

I always thought it would be fun to take Slash for a test ride. I mean, in my young and salad days. Couldn't try the SmartSlims with jeans/half chaps today, I was too pukey to ride (14 years after falling off Willem I still have nasty-ass vertigo days every now and then, sometimes for a few days). :no:

[rivenoak]

I have a pair on order to come with the next box o' supplements. I can't wait!

I'll be honest, I want them more for wearing under work pants than breeches. I love wearing things made in "slink" material, but it can be see-thru if the light hits you "right."

[egontoast]

A good man giving you a frisky slap in the ass would be impressed by what felt like a fine, toned tush, but certainly one with two cheeks

:lol: Now, there's a signature line waiting to happen. Go for it, Coreene!:lol:

[pintopiaffe]

Just had to say Pumpkin, men do NOT have big calves. Ever tried men's breeks or boots? THEIR XW is my... ankle... :sigh:

You are, RUBINESQUE m'dear...

Carry on...

[Androcles]

can someone just explain what we are talking about and what are spanx?

[slpeders]

Spanx is a brand of compression garment that many wear under breeches to hide bulges/cellulite etc.
SmartSlims are the Smartpak attempt (And a successful one from the reading!) at a similar but better garment for riding.

[thatmoody]

Spanx are god's gift to those over 25 (and to many under 25). You don't have to be rubenesque to have bulges OR cellulite, and breeches are notorious (particularly the white ones that the dressage demons have deemed necessary for the show ring) for showing every lump and bump. Some of us also enjoy the compression of our "muscles" so that we don't jiggle as we trot :D. Prevents "muscle" fatigue, don'tcha know.

[TrotTrotPumpkn]

Just had to say Pumpkin, men do NOT have big calves. Ever tried men's breeks or boots? THEIR XW is my... ankle... :sigh:

You are, RUBINESQUE m'dear...

Carry on...

Yes, a couple hundred years ago I could have been a model. A few centuries before that I would have been worshiped as a fertility godess...but I digress.

I'm ordering the medium. I just can't imagine wearing a small anything over my bum.

[Foxhound]

What do they feel like on hot days?
I can just imagine myself trying to pull them back up in a horse show porta-potty, and getting stuck.

[HolsteinerMare]

I live in New England. It was in the 80s this weekend which isn't crazy hot but still hot enough to get an idea of how SmartSlim is going to be in the summer. I've worn pantyhose under breeches for 15 years. When I sweat, they get wet and retain the moisture. I've nearly cried in portapotty's at horse shows trying to get my sweaty, wet pantyose pulled back up. I clearly understand that problem. SmartSlim is a more substantial material than pantyhose, and they wick moisture. I got very hot and sweaty riding this past weekend. I had no issues (although it was in a bathroom at a barn not in a portapotty) getting them pulled back on. They didn't stay wet and gross like pantyhose do. You are adding another layer under your breeches so is it hotter than wearing nothing under there...sure. Is it cooler than wearing pantyhose....absolutely!

[lorilu]

So, if they are not "commando friendly", do they hide the panty lines? I have a pair of Body by Glanz (sp?) capri length slimmers I wore this weekend; loved the way the linky fabric helped me put on the breeches, but at the end of the day, those crotch seams were.... a problem. WISH there was a seamless option!

L

[mp]

I'm 5'4" + change and usually wear a 30R in breeches. I thought I'd be a medium, but size chart puts me smack dab in the small range. Does that sound right?

[Sonesta]

Got mine in the mail yesterday and am wearing them now under riding jeans. Got to say that here in Houston in the HOT, HUMID, HORRIBLE weather.......

these are GREAT! None of that usual sticky feeling. And, best of all, I got comfortably into a pair of jeans that I couldn't even zip up two days ago!

I'm going back to the website to order more!

[Equibrit]

These are good;
http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/search/results/pid1001226-Women-s-Ultra-7-Team-Compression-Short/1001226-410

[thatmoody]

I wore them in Florida yesterday and...well, it's not like not wearing anything under my breeches, but it wasn't horrible, either. I don't think that I'll be wearing them for schooling, but they look really good under my white show breeches. They did "wick," but the nubbly fabric also felt kind of weird and sticky.

[Romany]

Costco sell a 2-pack of Jockey's version of Spanx , the style shaped a bit like bike-shorts, so they end somewhere above the knee (no visible seams AT ALL). I bought a couple of pairs, and test-wore them in the heat of the Rolex (on foot :rolleyes: ). Available in white, buff and black.

No vpls; no slipping; or as itchy as spanx; great for under white and/or tight breeches; not sweaty (cotton-lined crotch).

I recommend them heartily; much prefer them to Spanx, funnily enough.

About the sizing...I'm a women's 16 or 34, and I bought both L and XL - think I'd wear the L under breeches.

[XTAC]

Bumping this to say tht I am a size 12..a big size 12 right now, and the mediums fit perfect.. I wore them at a horse show this weekend and loved them! I even left them on for the four hour drive home. They really did give me a trimmer look and were super comfy. I am 5'11" and they were even plenty long. Highly recommend!

[Janet]

Based on the reccomendation here, I ordered a pair from Smartpack.

All I can say is that you guys must have a weird definition of "comfortable".

I put them on, they fit fine. Then I started riding,and it felt like sandpaper on my inner thighs. It got worse throughout the ride. When I finished amd took them off, the skin on my inner thigh was BRIGHT pink.

Maybe it is because I ride in full seat britches, but they were VERY uncomfortable.

What am I doing wrong?

[Quest52]

I ride in fullseat too and I find that the upper art of my thighs hurt after a few rides, the seam on the leg was sitting weird and was pinching or something right where my half chaps started and the portion around my calf to keep them down I thought would be indented permanently.

Oh... and though they do make my pants area look nice, it makes my belly area look strange, like it cuts it off in a weird spot and makes it look round