Equmen Core Precision Undershirt – Spanx for Men?

I ran across this article “The new Spanx for men?” that covers a new cool looking, body slimming, compression undershirt line that will be available starting January 10, 2009 for £49. (it appears that Equmen will only be initially selling them online from their website)

The company offering it is Equmen and their product is a new core precision undershirt that uses a HELIX-MAPPING Body Response Technology.

Equmen Core Precision Undershirt

Here’s some information from their site:

Developed in conjunction with physiotherapists, ergonomic consultants and athletic garment engineers, EQUMEN HELIX-MAPPING is a unique body-mapping system that builds physio taping techniques into every garment to reinforce and support the body’s natural structure from the core.

The HELIX-MAPPING system is built in using seamless manufacturing technology.

This allows for a more comfortable, better fitting garment that will adjust to your body shape without rubbing or chafing.

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– John Waters, “The new Spanx for men?” article

From the photos from their website, it looks like they will be offering the following:

1. Styles: tank top, short sleeve, and long sleeve
2. Collars: crew neck and v-neck
3. Colors: white, black, grey, and blue

Based on John’s description and the information on their website, it strikes me as these new undershirts could be something of a cross between Spanx or the Yummie Tummie Shapewear Tops and compression athletic shirts.

I think this product is pretty interesting because it surfaces a need that I’m sure that men have, but never talk about.

Shapewear for Men?

Unlike women who would be proud to show off their new hip Spanx purchase, men would be far more embarrassed to brag to one of his guy friends that he’s wearing a man-girdle.

In fact, in John’s article, his friend Lisa said the following:

“I’d admire a bloke for making an effort, but I really wouldn’t want to know about it,” says Lisa.

“It’s like girls wearing big Spanx pants.

Men like the effect they have, they just don’t want to know about them.”

Nonetheless, I’ll bet you that there are a ton of guys out there who already wear compression undershirts (like Under Armour) for this very reason (the slimming effect), and not for the socially acceptable “wicking effects” that currently has everyone’s attention.

In fact, although I was too embarrassed at the time to mention, when I was a rolly-polly (aka: plump) kid, I used to wear those wide rubber trimming exercise belts under my clothes from time to time so I could look thinner.

So, if I did that, I have to assume that others did too (at least that’s what I want to believe).

Enter, Equmen. These guys are smart.

They’re looking to make wearing a compression top not only cool, they’re going to make it socially acceptable.

Prediction

This Spanx-for-men product is going to get so much buzz and interest, I bet you that in a few years guys will be bragging that they are wearing one.

But like other compression undershirts, I’m sure the one from Equmen will make you warmer.

The question is whether or not the trade-off will be worth it.

This may not be a product you’ll wind up wearing every day, but definitely for those occasions when you want to fit in your clothes a little bit better.

I’ve emailed them to see if I might be able to get my hands on a couple before their release in January so I can review them here. I’ll keep you posted.

Equmen Update

UPDATE– I just heard back from a representative from Equmen and I’ve got great news!

It looks like the kind folks there will be able to fit me with my very own core precision undershirt(s) before their launch in January so I can write a review here.

Here’s what our friend at Equmen had to say:

Hi Tug,

Thanks for your interest in Equmen!!!

We’ve been prematurely scooped by the media on our launch, and the response has been over the top!

I’ve passed your contact information onto {Name Removed} who is handling the media onslaught :)

{he/she} will circle back with you shortly with respect to getting you samples of our line.

FYI – I had already short listed your blog as a trend leader in this fashion category, however you’ve got the jump on me too!

Thanks in advance for your interest, looking forward to your review!