I tried butt pads and it made me more confident than ever about my flat booty

One very mistaken idea about plus-size women is that we all have big boobs and a full booty.

I can understand why people might that think that, though — since even plus-size brands only like to cast models with hourglass shapes. The reality is that a lot of us have more in the middle than we do on top or bottom. And that's OK! 

Still, products like padded underwear — aka butt pads, aka the closest thing to a butt lift that doesn't involve a scalpel — exist. And lots of women love and swear by them. 

I decided to see what all the fuss is about.

Finding padded underwear in my size was not easy! Many stores only went up to an XL.

img-of-media-slide-rv-4534-19727.jpg
Revelist/JessicaTorres

When I asked the sales associate for a butt pad in a 3X, she said they didn't have it and tried to sell me to a full-body girdle… 

*Cue eye roll*

After playing Goldilocks and trying to find the best fit for my butt, I ended up at a small, Asian-owned shapewear store in Queens, New York.

img-of-media-slide-rv-4534-19729.gif
Giphy

As soon as I asked for padded underwear, the attendant pulled out this pink "FREE SIZE" pair of boxer undies.

img-of-media-slide-rv-4534-19721.jpg
Revelist/BrittanyFowler

Yup, "free size." It's bad enough that we too often get 2X and 3X instead of actual sizes — one size fits all is a joke.

After a quick inspection of the underwear, I found a secret pocket.

img-of-media-slide-rv-4534-19731.jpg
Revelist/JessicaTorres

What the actual fuck is this?!

It was time to try them on. Here is a before (left) and an after (right.)

img-of-media-slide-rv-4534-19735.jpg
Revelist/BrittanyFowler

The difference is subtle, but noticeable.

It wasn't until I saw my behind in a form-fitting dress that I realized how small and not-big-girl-friendly these particular butt pads are.

img-of-media-slide-rv-4534-19738.jpg
Revelist/BrittanyFowler

It was like I was wearing a mini butt on my butt.

FYI: If your SO goes in for a playful butt slap, they're in for a surprise...

img-of-media-slide-rv-4534-19743.gif
Revelist/JessicaTorres

The pad creates a sound effect when slapped; somewhere between a bongo and a pillow.

ALSO: The pads move around when you sit down!

img-of-media-slide-rv-4534-19740.gif
Youtube/DanceMartialFitness

If you think I was going to put on butt pads and NOT recreate a Kylie Jenner selfie, you don't know me very well yet.

img-of-media-slide-rv-4534-19741.jpg
Revelist/NicoleBansen

In all honesty, I only wore these for three hours. I couldn't live this uncomfortable lie any longer!

img-of-media-slide-rv-4534-19742.gif
Youtube/EricShwartz

After practicing self-love for so long, I felt ridiculous trying to achieve a body type that was not meant for me.

Wearing this ill-fitting butt pad reminded me that accepting my body is more important than filling out my jeans. I am fine just the way I am.