Unfortunately, I couldn’t say which are the key pieces because I really think it depends on your body type and what you’re buying it for.

I certainly don’t wear it everyday. (I’m a pretty casual person, even at work. Professional, but not “best dressed.”) I wear it for some work pants that benefit from a little “smoothing” action underneath. I think I define smoothing as not only no visible panty lines, but also smoothing out bulges in the thigh and hip area, and lifting the bum a bit.

It depends on what piece you buy and what size you buy it in as to how to feels. You can go anywhere from supertight can’t breathe or eat, to just moderately less comfortable than regular underwear. If you go up a size, you may find that you get all the smoothing you want without sacrificing comfort.

Again, you decide how you’re using it and you can do what you want. I think it’s best for “smoothing” but I have used it to get into pants and dresses that were a size smaller than I currently was but didn’t want to go out and buy anything new for a one time event or when my weight was fluctuating for whatever reason. I looked good, it saved me money, but wasn’t super comfortable.

Wear them instead of regular underwear.

Yes, you can buy “assets” at Target, and yes you can try them on (same rules as bathing suit shopping). They don’t have as big an assortment of styles however. I personally like “Intimacy” at Phipps Plaza. A great lingerie store with very knowledgeable staff. It’s pricey, but so worth it for a few key pieces to get started. (And if you have any trouble bra shopping, that’s the place to go!)

Ann Taylor Loft also now carries some – look for them in the fitting room. I think the selection is pretty slim, but the benefit is you can see how it will look with any new clothes you might be buying. (Full disclosure, I worked there for a couple of years).

Hope that’s helpful, J_T. Oh, I mean At Home in Decatur.