Spanx for Men
From LoveToKnow Lingerie
The idea of Spanx for men is, right now, just an idea. But while the hosiery and underwear company that has become so popular about women is not yet manufacturing anything that can be worn by men, whether they are transvestites or not, the Spanx principle has been noticed and is being applied by innovators everywhere.
What Is Spanx for Men?
As women know, Spanx hosiery and underwear is quality shapewear that allows a woman to wear slinky clothes and look great even if she doesn't spend eight hours a day in the gym. Of course, the principle of shapewear is nothing new – women and even men used to wear corsets or girdles to shape them under their clothes. But these can be cumbersome and uncomfortable and can show through a skin-tight garment. Spanx can achieve the same effect and yet be kept a secret.
Men aren't "supposed" to care about how they look as much, but of course they do. Many men like the idea of a little control on days when they're feeling less than their best. There are those who think that men's shapewear is only for fetishists, drag queens or shemales, but this is far from the case. As in the Victorian era, some men simply want to hide a little paunch with some help.
Recent Inventions
They don't seem to be sanctioned by Spanx, but Equmen is selling what they call a Core Precision Undershirt that they describe as Spanx for men. It will slim the torso and, like a corset, improve the posture by helping hold back the shoulders (which also creates a slimming effect). The undershirts feature seamless stitching and mesh for breathability. There are three styles – a V-neck, T-shirt and long-sleeve shirt.
Although these shirts are much talked about – and laughed about – they are not easy to find for sale. You can buy them from Equmen's official site, however, and get more information on sizing and fit. They have a very detailed chart to help you select your size, based on Body Mass Index. They also advise that the shirt will feel tight when you first put it on, but if you are patient for a few minutes, it will adjust to your body and then feel like a second skin. You don't have to worry about overheating because the fabric is designed to wick away moisture and there is targeted ventilation. Of course, it does need to be tight, otherwise it won't deliver on the shaping.
Other Benefits
Much the same way as women wear compression garments to help with circulation and other medical problems, this undershirt can help if you have lower back problems. Again, this is predominantly due to its support of the posture and the way it encourages your abs to stay tight. The shirt will draw attention to your core, which can be a difficult area for men to keep in shape over the years. More awareness helps encourage better fitness.
Caring for the Undershirt
Women are all too familiar with the care lingerie needs – bras and stockings last best and longest when hand-washed in cold water and hung up to dry. The same is true with Spanx, although Equmen says you can wash the shirt in the machine on cold, so long as you don't use bleach or use softeners. Then hang it up to dry, which it should do very quickly, thanks to the design.
More Inventions to Come?
No less an expert in men's fashion than designer Michael Kors has said he would like to see proper Spanx for men on the market and suggested the perfect name: Manx. With men becoming more clothing and body-conscious, it seems only a matter of time before Spanx decides to take Mr. Kors up on his suggestion.
Learn More
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