Don’t you just hate when you can see those nasty lumps and bumps when wearing wiggle style dresses or skirts? Is there a way to fake that perfect silhouette when you have a curvacious figure without sacrificing comfort?
The answer is YES!!!
What is this secret weapon you ask…?
The Rago 1294 Open Bottom Girdle Extra Firm Shaping

Based on my measurements, waist 29 hips 41 and my hips being 10″ larger than my waist, I went with a LARGE/30 .
The fit was amazing and the slimming factor blew me away! The side zipper allows for easy access, not a lot of shimmy required ladies! The hook & eye along the length of the zipper provides an easy and smooth closure. It has non detachable garter hooks. I have yet to wear it with stockings but I do not find the clasps bothersome.
The rigid front panel really works wonders on smoothing my trouble stomach area, while still being able to breathe. I was a bit concerned about the girdle showing through on the bengaline wiggle dresses but it does not seem to be a problem. You would have no idea what the person was wearing underneath…unless you look VERY closely,

You can wear just about any style underwear and not see those terrible panty lines! Yes, that makes me happy since not everyone wants to wear thongs. COMFORT RIGHT?
I have to mention that the open girdle does not create the dreaded thigh bulge. The material has enough stretch and rigidness to flatter your lovely thighs. I do find a minimal trouble area between the top of the girdle and the bra area. A simple tug & tuck on the girdle & bra seems to fix this rather easily.
So the fit was great…now the real test was to wear the Rago 1294 during an 9 hour work day.
How did it fair?
I have to say this is the most comfortable shapewear I have ever worn, no lie! I always find the stretchy(Spanx) type materials to ride up, shift, or cause uncomfortable chaffing. The Rago 1294 stays in place very well and adjustments are very limited.
It’s not perfect, as all shapewear has its quirks but this is by far the MOST well made and comfortable shapewear at an affordable price! It retails for $56, but a lot of online retailers sell it for much less.
Being a girl on a budget, I picked this one up on sale for $35 at Orchard Corset!!!

For those that are avid Pin Up Girl Clothing customers, they just announced that they will be carrying the Rago 1294 very soon!
Ladies…this is your secret weapon to achieve that perfect silhouette in your wiggle dresses and pencil skirts!
P.S. This was NOT a paid advertisement by Rago. I am just THAT passionate about this particular item 🙂
Absolutely awesome. Thanks so much for sharing your photo’s. This has helped loads.
You are so welcome Stella! Not that you really need it with your sexy figure 🙂
I agree!! WOW,There’s a big defference with the shape of the girls figure.It looks AWESOME!!!
I have worn it a few times now but when we took these photos I was even more blown away with the difference. I am just an average person so this clearly shows how well it works!
Great post, Jessica! After much thought, I decided to buy the same piece of shapewear. Thank you for the before/after pictures; they helped me feel more confident in my decision!
Let me know how you like it!
Love for the 1294! Spanx Slimcognito shorts are also really, really good.
I will have to check that one out! 🙂
Your photos sold me on this. The difference is amazing!! Thanks for the infomation.
Yes! I am really curious how many of these I’ve sold since writing this review…everyone has told me they want one now! Mission accomplished ❤
well I ordered! It should be here today or Mondayand I am so anxious to see what improvement it makes with me!
Sweet! Did you go with expedited shipping to get it that fast? I’m cheap, I always go with the less expensive option even if it takes a little longer. lol. Message me once you get it…I want to know how you like it hun.
Hi Jessica,
What an amazing transformation!
I’m a vintage stylist from Adelaide, South Australia, and I’m now a stockist for RAGO, so if you know any Aussies wanting the brand feel free to refer them to me!
I’m currently accepting pre-orders:
http://www.gemmavendettavintagestyling.bigcartel.com
Fabulous review!!!!
Hi! I will post a link on the Facebook fanpage to send the Aussie ladies your way. Best of luck!
Hi I live in Adelaide. I want to try out some rago shape wear to work out which one I like best. Do you have any stock? Or do you just take orders?
[…] am thrilled to share that Rago has NOT let us down once again! We all know how EPIC the 1294 open bottom girdle is for us vintage lovers but sometimes we need something a little more “simple” while […]
[…] am thrilled to share that Rago has NOT let us down once again! We all know how EPIC the 1294 open bottom girdle is for us vintage lovers but sometimes we need something a little more “simple” while […]
[…] For a formal affair, throw on some strappy sandals with your favorite vintage earrings. The Rago 1294 girdle creates a flawless silhouette with the Ruby. The light cotton is perfect for those hot […]
Great before and afters, thank you for sharing!
You are very welcome! I definitely want to get back to doing B & A photos in future shapewear reviews 🙂
[…] skirt. If you are like me, wearing a pencil skirt without shapewear is a huge no no. The Rago 1294 Girdle or 6201 Leg Shaper would be ideal with the Kiki […]
Could a waist cincher and the rago 1294 be worn together for the extra hourglass figure look?
I’m not too sure. It might get too thick under your clothing and hot. Maybe try a corset with spanx over top to smooth everything out.
[…] Read her full review here: https://pinuppersuasion.com/2012/01/21/your-secret-weapon/ […]
[…] from retailers such as Orchard Corset, dye options in a variety of colors. It is regarded by many pin-up and lingerie bloggers as a wonderful […]
Hi, Jessica. Thanks so much for this post but mostly for the before and after pictures. Yours and this girl’s (http://www.pinupgirlstyle.com/profiles/blogs/rago-shapewear-the-original-innovator-in-mid-century-under) helped me make my mind on buying it in spite of the 86$ I had to pay for it (I’m in Spain and couldn’t find any cheaper deal).
I got it today and…oh, ladies! I’m so glad that I purchased it! My hips are 2′ “smaller” and all the ugly bumps and rolls dissapear while wearing it!
In case it helps somebody else: my measures are 41′-33′-47′ and I ordered a 2X (due to the over 10′ difference between waist and hips that you also mention), it feels great and it’s really comfortable to wear. I must say though that I think an XL would have been more flattering for my waist and tummy (this one flattens a tiny bit my tummy but does nothing for my waist) but then I don’t think I would have been able to close it on the hips.
All in all, a really great purchase. Tight-fitting wiggle dresses, watch out! my Rago and I are coming! 😉
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But so what, it was still worth it!
Thanks for sharing your thoughtѕ on flir single. Regards