IME, they do not work miracles pre HRT, but I sure do like their gentle support. They really help support a panty tuck. They do not hide the belly entirely but can give a slight muffin top effect. They are one of those clothing articles that always provides tactile, feminine feedback. Also their slight tugging and pushing gives subtle posture hints. Finally, while they do not make the butt bigger, they lift it well, moving and firming the fat into more feminine places and separating slightly at the bottom to give the slightest impression of feminine hips. I was actually shocked the first time I brushed my hand across my own butt in shapers. My hand didn't feel my butt, rather something much more female. If they could fool my own sense of touch, they must be doing something right.
