The most opportune e-mail came as I was writing this piece. The subject of the e-mail said, 'Spanx for men, finally here'. For those of you who are blissfully unaware, Spanx is the maker of women's undergarments that shape and contour the body for a slimmer and more flattering effect.
I spent two weeks looking for a male version of Spanx only to be trumped by the news that soon there will be just that - Spanx for men or, as the press release says, 'cotton compression undergarments' that promise to suck and tuck flabby bellies. But until this new product arrives on our shores, allow me to offer other alternatives.
Topping my list is the new range from Calvin Klein underwear called White. I have been wearing undershirts from this range almost every day since I got them. I like how they feel: soft, comfortable but still luxurious. The label says they are made from superfine cotton with gentle stretch. I like how it shapes my chest muscles, making them look bigger and how it slims down my waist.
Another great thing about these undershirts is that they retain their shape and form-enhancing capabilities even after you've slept in them. And at the risk of sounding conceited, I am an inch closer to landing a Calvin Klein ad when I wear this shirt - an inch out of a very long mile, that is, but closer nonetheless.
There are two versions of the Calvin Klein White undershirt: one crew neck (bottom), the other V-neck. I am partial to the crew neck because you can wear it on its own. But if you need something to wear under your work shirt, I advise you to get the V-neck because nothing throws off an outfit more than a round-neck white shirt peeking out of a bespoke dress shirt. A word of advice: the shirt may have an unflattering 'push up bra' effect on men with man boobs.
H&M's Fine Cotton Stretch shirts also have a slimming effect and a more consumer-friendly price tag than the Calvin Kleins. I own a number of these shirts which I like to wear at home. I wouldn't wear them anywhere else because, while they flatter the upper body, they do little to conceal my love handles. If you don't have tummy issues as I do, go forth and buy them in all colours.
Other more affordable undershirts are available at Zara from its Zara Basics line, Marks & Spencer, and, of course, the classic three-per-pack shirts from Hanes and Fruit of the Loom. The last two don't have fat-tucking powers.
