If taking off extra pounds is taking longer than you'd like, cheat a little and wear a body-smoothing shaper. To find the most figure-flattering brand, the Good Housekeeping Institute asked staffers size 4 to 22 to wriggle into five shapers each, while our textile experts recorded their before/after measurements. Testers also rated each brand for comfort after eight hours of wear.

The Slimmer Winner:

Bali Powershape Lace Brief ($18 to $20) melted the most from panelists' waists and hips -- 3.5 inches. Women liked the breathable mesh panels, the pretty tummy-control front panel and the V-cut legs -- to prevent bulging.

Comfort Queens:

Spanx Power Panties ($25) and Victoria's Secret Firm Control Shaper Brief ($12.50).