The four-pad don’t look the most realistic because of the gaps between the pads, so they’re mostly useful under a dress with a heavier fabric, where the fall of the material conceals things.
If you’re just after a big booty, the padded seat briefs look better because each cheek is one continous piece. (Unfortunately, with me I’ve got well-developed gluts from rollerblading, so I looked like JLo with a load in her pants.) I settled for just standing a little sway-backed, rotating my pelvis back slightly.
In any case, hip-width is far more important in most cases than a big booty. I was out with woman once when we spotted a probable trans woman at a bar. My girlfriend zeroed in on her lack of hips, accentuated by broad shoulders.
You can find hip pads at TG stores and on eBay, however the ones I’ve seen are really too short. If you look at natal women, the hip flare generally begins at the belly button, is widest around the bottom of the pelvis (for the birth canal) and flattens out around mid-thigh. So most of the commercial pads are about half a long as they need to be.
They’ll work with a dress, because the fabric falls away, but they’re not as good for pants. Plus, they need to be positioned relatively high, otherwise the curve doesn’t look right. Fortunately, some women are “high hipped” (meaning the widest part of their hips are more toward the top of the pelvic bone). It also helps to have a top that flares a little at the bottom, this will disguise where the pad begins and gives a more graceful curve from the waist.
One of the things that’s different about Classic Curves’ Veronica 2, is that is extends the proper length. Saving for them myself, but heard great things about them from other girls.
You can also try making some hip pads yourself. Go to a store that sell foam padding (for cushions, etc.) and then carve it down so that it’s got the appropriate shape. Oh, and be sure to put the “shaved” side inward, since it’ll probably be lumpy. No point giving yourself cellulite.
Postscript: I ended up getting a Veronica 2 and it does tend toward the booty-licious as I’d been told by others. But in fairness to Espy, she’s essentially creating a custom garment without the benefit of being able to see someone in person. And as a practical matter it probably makes sense to cut on the generous side initially, since she can trim down the pads, whereas if it’s too small, she’s got to start over with a new set of pads. The fact that she did the alternations without charging for either postage or the rework suggests to me that she assumes adjustments will often be needed. One other I thing discovered is the the waistband is a little loose—I’m guessing Espy assumes people will lie about their weight and waist measurements—so despite the warnings that it fits snugly, it’s a good idea to order it slightly smaller.
For those not willing to drop the necessary cash for a Veronica 2, the “Sweet Cheeks” at Glamour Boutique is an affordable alternative. It uses one pad per cheek and wraps around to the hips. I’d suggest also getting the smaller cloth-covered hips pads as well, since you can place them inside the Sweet Cheeks for broader hips. It’s not as sturdy as the Veronica 2, so you need to treat it carefully, nor do the pads extend far down the thigh, so it won’t give you as good a line if you’re wearing pants in a thinner material. But it’s also a third the price.