Marks & Spencer has entered the men's shapewear market with its new 'Autograph Body Invisibles' range, aiming to provide men with garments that offer a smoother silhouette under clothing. This move comes after the popular US brand Spanx quietly discontinued its own men's shapewear line.
The M&S collection features pieces with heat-bonded seams and lightweight, stretchy fabric designed for comfort and freedom of movement. The range includes trunks with a stitch-free waistband and Cool Comfort technology to wick away moisture, aiming for a "smooth feel and undetectable look."
The M&S range is positioned as a "premium investment piece" for men looking to enhance their confidence in how they present themselves. According to the notes, for optimal effect, it's advised to select a size smaller than usual, a strategy that reportedly helps the garments compress and smooth the body.
In comparison to Spanx, the M&S shapewear is described as lighter and less restrictive to wear. The fabric, a blend of polyamide and elastane, is noted for being breathable and comfortable, even with a close fit. Priced at £28 for a three-pack of trunks, the M&S offering is also significantly more affordable than Spanx's former men's line, which retailed around £56 for a single pair of briefs.
The re-emergence of men's shapewear addresses a market that saw a boom in 2023, with the global shapewear market reportedly worth billions. Brands like Spanx, worn by public figures such as James Corden and Richard Branson, gained traction in this burgeoning sector. However, Spanx ultimately ceased its men's offerings, a decision attributed in the notes to a lack of market presence, despite some viewing it as a "sexist, flagrantly gender-based bias."