I was skeptical when I first heard about shaping denim that promises to hold in your stomach and lift your bottom.  What would THAT feel like? Spanx with a zipper? Perhaps a sausage casing. Never turning down an opportunity for an improved rear view, your denim testing team tried on several brands. The three brands below scored the highest marks for shape-shifting.

1. Old Navy Dreamer Bootcut Jeans in Midnight wash $34.50 oldnavy.com. Body Types A, B, and C liked these. The fit is good. They feel comfortable and the front panel held in our tummies. As for the promise of a lifted bottom- not so much. The rear view was attractive nonetheless. Available in petite, tall and plus sizes.

2. Hello! Skinny Jeans Barely Boot Cut in Black Wash $178. skinnyjeansdenim.com. The Lamborghini of shaping denim has a steep price tag but delivers on the promise of a flatter-looking  tummy and a lifted and shapelier bottom. The inseam is sewn slightly forward creating the look of thinner thighs and longer legs. Hello!  Body Types A and B liked the Barely Bootcut while Type C's straight hips were flattered by the Couture Cut. We all loved the bulge-free closure at the waist - a sort of toggle instead of a rivet. Available in sizes 0-12.

3. Not Your Daughter's Jeans Tummy Tuck Straight Leg Jeans $118 nordstrom.com. NYDJ have the highest rises we tried  ( right below the navel) so if you have a full and round tummy and bottom then these could be your ticket to a perfect fit. The 'criss-cross' front panel pulled in our tummies. Our bottoms looked lifted. Our thighs looked trimmer and our legs looked longer. NYDJ are definately vanity sized so order a size down as well and keep the one that fits. One complaint: the shiny denims. Since shiny anything amplifies one's size this seems lke bad logic for slimming jeans. It looks a bit tacky to boot. Available in petite and plus sizes. 

PS : Also investigate CJ by Cookie Johnson Jeans $178 nordstrom.com. They did not arrive in time for each of us to try them.  Frankly, we had all collapsed in a heap and were begging for mercy (and chocolate).