The best control underwear

Control underwear: winner

The Good Housekeeping Institute team squeezed, poked, prodded and coerced their panel of volunteers into 34 different styles of control underwear. Senior Consumer Researcher, Clare Livingstone gives you the best styles for comfort and inch loss, helping you choose wisely for the approaching party season. Click through the gallery to discover them. Here\'s the first:

John Lewis Thigh Slimmer

GHI Verdict:

Unusually comfortable for control underwear, our testers found these also gave plenty of support. They slimmed an average of 2cm from each thigh and gave a smooth outline under clothes, flattening the tummy to reduce any bulge.

Score: 98/100

Price: £16, Sizes S-L

Stockist 0845 604 9049; johnlewis.co.uk

Waist and thigh reducer

The product: Maidenform Control It Hi Waist Thigh Slimmer

GHI Verdict:

This high waisted style slimmed an average of 2cm from testers thighs and 3cm from their middle. Some found it a little constricting, but other testers said it was comfortable and gave good overall smoothing effect.

Score: 82/100

Price: £23 Sizes: S-XXL

Stockists: 0800 373037; maidenform

All-in-one slimming

The product: Maidenform Weightless Power Onesie

GHI verdict:

Scoring more highly for comfort than inch loss ability, this unusual all in one is lightweight. Testers said it smoothed out lumps and bumps slightly and gave an attractive outline.

Score: 79/100

Price: £32 Sizes S-XL

Stockists: 0800 373037; maidenform

Magic knickers!

The product: M&S Magicknicker All Over Shaper

GHI Verdict:

All our testers found this comfortable, giving a good smooth overall shape, and easy to put on and take off. One tester found slight rolling down at the back but said she\'d still wear it for an evening. Another said it made clothes skim over her body, leaving a better silhouette.

Score: 71/100

Price: £35 Sizes: 10-22

Stockists: 0845 302 1234; marksandspencer

Smooth the bumps

The product: Trinny & Susannah Magic Bum, Tum and Thigh Smoother

GHI Verdict:

One tester commented that it was like squeezing yourself into a sausage skin, but added that it wasn\'t too bad at all for comfort once she\'d got it on. Inch loss was minimal, but it smoothed out lumps and bumps effectively, right down to just above the knees, with no rolling up or down.

Score: 69/100

Price: £35 Sizes: S-XXL

Stockists: 0844 8222 321; littlewoodsdirect

Tummy smoother

The product: Spanx Hide and Sleek Mid Thigh Smoother

GHI verdict:

Testers found this rather too snug fitting around the tummy and a bit of a struggle to put on, but worthwhile in the end as it smoothed out problem midriffs and gave a good outline. One tester said it was best for short periods where there is no large meal involved.

Score: 69/100

Price: £41 Sizes S-XXL

Stockists: 0870 499 9000; figleaves

Bum shaper

The product: Aristoc Bodytoners Waist and Thigh Shaper

GHI verdict:

One tester remarked on the good inch loss results from her thighs and overall comfort being good. Another found it caused a small amount of bulging in other areas but reduced bum and thigh measurements. It was found to roll down slightly at the back during wear.

Score: 67/100

Price: £16 Sizes S-XL

Stockists: 0844 7700 1222; aristoc

Lose 8cm instantly

The product: Miraclesuit Inches Off Waist Cincher

GHI verdict:

Unusual in scoring well for both comfort and inch loss. This corset-style garment trimmed an incredible average of 8cm from our testers waistlines, giving a great hourglass effect. It is quite thick with some boning which makes it more suitable for a night out in a tailored dress.

Score: 84/100

Price: £23 Sizes: S-XXL

Stockists: 0870 499 9000; figleaves.com

Shape flattering

The product: Charnos Hourglass Waistnipper

GHI Verdict:

Rated for its overall smoothing effect rather than notable inch loss, these big knickers scored well with our testers for comfort.They provided plenty of support and a flattering silhouette, giving our testers greater confidence in fitted clothes. Best for short periods however, as it is quite hot to wear.

Score: 65/100

Price: £30 Sizes: 10-18

Stockists: 0800 731 8959; charnos