Jean-ius Can the right pair of denims really flatten your tummy? We slip into the latest styles to find out

With technical stretch that holds and shapes the tummy, thighs and “seat”, while keeping the jeans in shape.

They are super-stretchy and cling like a second skin. They take a bit of getting used to.

Wrong. Just so skinny. I don’t think I have chunky ankles, but they grip all the way down my legs like a vice. And I don’t see much shaping of my “seat”, as H&M claims. Plus my muffin top spills out, a constant reminder of those two creme brulee doughnuts I had in quick succession the other day. Don’t judge me. They’re great.

Lift your backside and create a smoother silhouette. It’s a bold claim for jeans that are way under £20.

Primark’s jeans aren’t as soft as nearly all of the other samples tried. They aren’t as easy to move in, either – they feel much stiffer. But at £13, we can’t expect them to be as soft as silk, can we?

The waist gapes at the back – there’s no snug fit going here. But the legs are a good shape. Not too skinny and not too flared – you’d be in fashion without looking ridiculous.

Well, here’s a statement. The label actually claims these jeans will flatten my tummy. Will they? Have they ever seen my tummy? It’s a big ask and I’m doubtful.

Surprisingly comfortable and easy to get on. They’re made of a super-stretchy material which feels luxurious.

Amazingly, they actually do flatten my tummy. OK, it’s not actually flat. But they shave a bit off, giving me a smoother, slightly more streamlined look. I’m pretty stunned. Maybe I should have another creme brulee doughnut to celebrate. At £40, they aren’t the cheapest choice out there. But if you wear jeans a lot, they’re worth it.

They’re meant to “hold your body in place for the perfect silhouette”. Perfect, eh? We’ll see.

Just getting them on feels like an achievement. By the time I get them to my knees, my face is purple. Once on, even walking feels like a challenge. That must be because they’re holding my body in place. But not in a good way.

They told me I’d have a perfect silhouette. I’m expecting to look like a supermodel. Guess what? I don’t. Too skinny and, although the label says they’re high-waisted, my blubber spills over the top. At £25, these were a disappointment.