I did not expect to have strong opinions about underwear in my 40s, but here we are. At this point, I know what I want: something that smooths the lower tummy, makes my clothes fit better, does not roll, does not dig, and does not make me count the minutes until I can take it off. That is why I am fully obsessed with Soma’s Vanishing Tummy high-leg briefs. I bought it hoping for a little extra support under dresses and jeans. I kept wearing it because it actually feels good. It gives enough tummy control to make me feel more pulled together, but it is still soft, flattering, and comfortable enough for a full day of errands, work, travel, and sitting in the car in jeans, which is the true test of any underwear. That sounds so extreme and I swear I’m not on Big Soma’s payroll. I just have tried and tested thousands of pairs of underwear in my 40 short years, and these win every single time. Here’s why: The fabric is smooth, stretchy, and unbelievably soft — even after multiple washes. It has enough give to move with you, but it does not stretch out halfway through the day or turn into a sad, saggy “granny panties” after a few wears. The nylon-spandex blend gives it that sleek finish that works under all kinds of clothes, while the cotton gusset keeps it practical for all-day wear. The best part, according to this mom, is the tummy panel. It hits at the natural waist and gives the lower stomach a smoother line without acting like full-body shapewear, which I consider my arch nemesis. I don’t know about you, but I do not want to be cinched within an inch of my life. I just want my jeans to button without a battle and my stomach to look a little more pulled in. These undies do that. The double-layered microfiber front panel adds light control right where I want it, but it does not dig, roll, or make me think about it all day.SomaI just want my jeans to button without a battle and my stomach to look a little more pulled in. These undies do that.A lot of tummy-control underwear looks like something you bought from the medical-supply store. This does not. The high-leg cut makes it more flattering and less like a full-coverage granny brief, while still giving enough coverage in the back. As much as I’d like to still be a thong girlie, that ship has sailed and the full-coverage back is what I’m needing most. My favorite thing about this underwear might just be that still looks sexy. Tummy-control underwear does not exactly have a reputation for being hot. Most of it looks like something you wear under a bridesmaid dress and then hide in the back of the drawer forever. This pair is different. The lace keeps it pretty and feminine, the high-leg cut shows a little more leg, and the fit gives you shape without swallowing your entire body in compression fabric.Plus, it’s not sexy in a tiny, barely-there way. It’s sexy because it makes my clothes look better and makes me feel more confident in my body. It smooths the lower stomach, gives me a cleaner line under dresses and jeans, and still looks like real underwear. At 40, that is the dream: supportive, comfortable, and still cute enough that I do not feel like I have fully crossed over into “sensible undergarments” territory.SomaThe underwear isn’t sexy in a tiny, barely-there way. It’s sexy because it makes my clothes look better and gives me more confidence.The brand’s so-called “vanishing edge” (and the no-show fit it achieves) is another features that keeps me reaching for these undies. The leg openings stay put, so you do not get bunching, riding up, or a visible line cutting across your clothes. Under leggings, dresses, thinner pants, and anything clingy, that makes a big difference. This underwear also comes in more than just the usual beige-and-black. The neutrals are useful, obviously, but Soma also has softer colors, darker shades, and pretty seasonal prints, depending on what is in stock. The lace keeps it from looking too basic, even when you stick with a practical color. It is still everyday underwear, but it does not look like something you bought only because you needed stomach support.For me, this is the pair I wear when I want my clothes to look better but do not want to commit to shapewear. It smooths, supports, stays hidden, and does not make me hate my life by lunch. That is a very specific underwear miracle, and I will be stocking up accordingly.