Thanks for SPANX
A couple weeks ago when Janet and I were at the shopping network, I made a comment about wearing Spanx under my black capri pants, to which Janet replied, “What are Spanx?” I just assumed everyone in the world knew what Spanx were since Oprah declared them an essential undergarment and Ellen Degeneres delivered a hilarious monologue about them. In fact, I’m proud to say that I’ve been in the Spanx “loop” for about 6 years, since they first came out!
So, what are Spanx? They’re these super-tiny, super-stretchy, super-gut-sucking, super-butt-shaping capri (footless) pantihose that you can wear under just about anything! Because they stop just below your knee, you can wear them under long skirts, pants, and capri pants without anyone knowing you have them on. And best of all, they’re great in the summer because you can still wear sandals. They’re the perfect solution to the dreaded “what do I wear under my white pants” issue.
I figure Spanx take a good two inches off your butt and waistline, so they’re every PMS-ing, bloated, ate-to-much-on-the-weekend girl’s best friend! They also make Spanx Power Panties, which I don’t really care for, plus these super-high-waisted undies that basically go right up to your boobs, for those who need a little “extra support.”
I bought my Spanx at Holt Renfrew, but I wouldn’t be surprised if The Bay was carrying them now. Many women’s clothing stores keep them in stock, too. They’re kinda expensive (about 30 bucks) but they last forever, since you’re not likely to ever put a run in them (no feet, remember?). Hanes recently came out with a Spanx knock-off that’s about half the price and just as good, in my opinion, and I wouldn’t be surprised if all the other hosiery companies do the same.
On those days when you wake up feeling 10 pounds heavier (haven’t we all had those days?), you’ll give thanks for Spanx! Check them out and let me know what you think, okay?



Margo | June 16, 2006 at 10:14 am →
Are they really that comfortable, though? (especially on those bloated-feeling days?) I almost bought some Spanx last year when trying on dresses for my son’s graduation. “YOU need some Spanx!!” the lovely sales lady informed me. She ran and returned with this little thing that looked like a cross between tights for my six year old and a heavy duty tensor bandage for my wrist. True, I certainly slimmed right down under the dress, but I couldn’t imagine sitting in my vehicle for the 1 hour drive to the gala event with my seat reclined all the way! Sounds like you (and Oprah!) wear them regularly, so they must be more bearable than I imagined. Oh, and I think they were $50! I think I’ll look for the Hanes.
Greta | June 18, 2006 at 9:01 am →
Margo, I think they’re very comfortable, but Janet didn’t love them when she tried them on. I think maybe they take a little getting used to. I have a couple pairs of slim-fitting dress pants that I can’t imagine putting on without my Spanx underneath. The pants just sit better on my body when they aren’t clinging to my bare skin. By the way, yesterday I checked the hosiery department at The Bay and there are all kinds of Spanx imitations now for about 12 dollars, including the Hanes brand.
Christina Bowman | July 3, 2006 at 9:40 pm →
Greta, I totally agree with you, they’re the best things since waterbras.
My son got married last October and so of course I needed to find the perfect outfit. Well I found the perfect outfit, a jacket with a long skirt, but it didn’t look so perfect on me. The skirt couldn’t hide my dimpled butt and thighs. The saleslady introduced me to Spanx, I couldn’t believe the difference, I bought the outfit, and I felt and looked beautiful.
Ivy in Vancouver | September 26, 2007 at 11:08 am →
Spanx are very comfortable, and I absolutely love them. Tho… my boyfriend does call me “no bum” when I put them on.. but is that a bad thing? haha!
I’m visiting here because I have an important business meeting and I realised I forgot to put them on under my suit today. Of course, today of all days, I’m feeling bloated and have a little “pooch”. Good to hear I can just run to The Bay and pick some up! Thanks for the info.
Thanks!!
N.M. | April 9, 2008 at 1:11 pm →
As I male I discovered Spanx about two years ago and have been addicted to them ever since. I initially wore them for cross country skiing as I was looking for something to cut the wind under my ski suit. At that point I was wearing the Spanx footless pantyhose.
About a year ago I began wearing the Spanx powerpanties and have been thrilled with them as well. I constantly was finding that the elastic in men’s brief’s was loosing its goodness and I was looking for an alternative. When I had so much success with the Spanx footless I was extremely keen to try other Spanx lines. I have since been wearing the powerpanties exclusively for the last year and will never return to briefs. I also wear the trouser socks everyday and love hte longevity I have gotten out of them.
I have been absolutely delighted with my Spanx and think Sara is a genious! I look forward to be a loyal Spanx supporter for years to come!!!
N.M.
Mur | May 10, 2009 at 8:48 pm →
“…as a male…”?
Sorry, dude, if you’re wearing panty hose or the equivalent, that makes you a chick.
Melissa | June 27, 2010 at 9:03 am →
Wearing panty hose or the equivalent no more makes someone a woman than going to the garage makes you a mechanic.
I’ve been reading about them and I’m excited to try them out; have heard nothing but good things!
mike | February 3, 2012 at 11:43 pm →
Wow, I gotta tell you I’m not sure how I feel about this post. I thought you were pretty hot before knowing you wore them, but hey, regardless, you are definitely sexy looking! Keep up the good work!
Greta Podleski | February 4, 2012 at 9:06 pm →
I hate to break it you, but just about every woman I know has a pair of SPANX and most of the movie stars wear them too!!