I remember the first time I was introduced to Spanx, the body slimming/shaping/controlling undergarment line; I was back home from college for Spring Break and my only pair of black opaque tights ripped to the point that there was no way they could even pass for “grungy”. I went to my Mom’s room in search for a pair to “borrow”, when I grabbed a pair of what I thought were regular old black tights. Boy was I wrong.

After breaking a sweat while wiggling around and squeezing into the tights, I took a glance in the mirror and noticed that not only did my skin appear to be perfectly smooth, but I might have even been half a size smaller! Had I just stumbled upon a pair of tights equivalent to the magical jeans from Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, or had spending a weekend not drinking beer already paid off?

After asking my Mom about these miraculous tights, she informed me of what I was actually wearing, Spanx. Well, regardless of whether or not a magician cast a slimming spell on these tights, I still felt like a walking miracle.

Since then, I practically wince at the thought of not wearing a pair of Spanx when I reach into my drawer full of black opaque tights (yes, I have a drawer full). Sure, I’m only 24 years old and the majority of people tell me that I’m too young to be wearing Spanx, but once you go Spanx you never go back.

I still have yet to branch out beyond the black opaque tights, but I’ve only heard equally incredible things about their other products. A friend of mine swears by their body suits for those nights when you bust out one of those uber tight dresses that show the faintest dimple of cellulite. Others swear by their bras that are not only exceedingly comfortable, but also aren’t visible underneath a tight t-shirt or tank top.

There’s pretty much a Spanx product for anything you need. Tube tops, butt-shaping panties, slimming bathing suits, they’ve got it all. They even have Spanx for men!

If you haven’t already, I highly suggest investing in a few pairs of Spanx for those days when you’re mirror isn’t being as friendly as it should be. I guarantee you won’t regret it.

• Inseam