Have you ever fancied looking a size smaller without having to starve yourself or exercise until there is no life left in you? If that is the case, then you might have considered wearing corrective or slimming underwear. The problem is that until recently slimming underwear has been either awfully uncomfortable or a passion killer.

However, let me tell you that things have changed and nowadays corrective underwear is an essential addition to a women's wardrobe. And I say corrective because this type of underwear not only makes you look slimmer and sleeker, but it can also help correct posture troubles. Modern corrective underwear is comfortable and apart from improving your figure it will boost your self confidence.

Some women are against wearing slimming underwear because when they have tried it, they looked even worse; slim on one area but with the fat just hanging over the top and bottom of the slimming garment, giving them unsightly bulges. And of course, we have all seen the horror of Bridget Jones (the movie) when Hugh Grant takes her dress off to discover her enormous slimming panty. After that scene, none of us would like to be seen wearing one of those!

Thankfully for us, things have changed. Not only new materials have appeared but also more women designing underwear for women. There is an emphasis to make slimming garments invisible under your clothes and not only to flatten but to flatter your curves.

What to look for in slimming underwear:

• Look for products that are tailored to suit different body shapes. A pear-shaped woman will need different support than a woman who is shaped as an inverted triangle.
• Garments that are made to offer different kind of support in different parts of your body. You need a strong hold in problem areas and only a smooth hold in other areas.
• Choose well your materials: Something soft, but with a strong hold.
• A sexy design! Remember that not all slimming underwear has to look like ‘punishment underwear'. There are very nice corsets out there that will make you look instantly slimmer and sexy at the same time.

This is a collection of my favourite slimming underwear. It flatters curvy figures and it looks great under your clothes.

Victorian Lace Corset Slip- From onehanesplace.com

The look of the garment also means that you can take your dress off in front of your Romeo without fear of making him laugh!

The Victorian Lace Slip enhances and celebrates your curves. You'll love the effect, and so will anyone you wish to entice! Features:

• Adjustable straps convert to strapless.

• Wide-cut bodice for no-show under low necklines.

• Hook and eye front for easy on and off.

A minimizer bra helps give a smooth shape under a blouse or t-shirt and it offers great hold so you do not have your "girlies" jumping up and down of their own free will while you are running to catch the bus. They are pretty and sensual to show off but strong enough to get you through the day or a night dancing.

Beautiful minimizer slims and shapes so you look great...and your tops fit better. Minimizes bust up to 1 3/4 inches for a smoother, slimmer look.

This is an ideal garment to wear if you only have to smooth your silhouette. If you are already a small size, but not very well defined, this waist cincher will help you create the curves that you want to show off an hourglass figure in that little black number.

This panty is great for avoiding the dreaded VPL and it also offers support, holding your tummy in and taking centimetres off your waist. Ideal for wearing under your jeans or even under your track suit!