the skinny on Spanx and the like...

Joe Kelly of DadsandDaughters (http://www.dadsanddaughters.org/) brought this article to my attention today...
(my thoughts follow the article)

Macy's Bikini Breakthrough: Undies With Anti-Cellulite Cream
by Sarah Mahoney, Tuesday, Jun 24, 2008 5:00 AM ET

In a launch sure to get the attention of the 85% of women who struggle with cellulite, Macy's is introducing a novel product: Skineez Skincarewear, a combination of cosmetics and textiles. The new line of women's body shapers is embedded with microcapsules that "continuously moisturize and smooth the skin while helping to reduce the appearance of cellulite."

Available exclusively at Macy's and macys.com, the new line of body shaper products also comes with a bottle of Skintex skincare spray, to replenish the fabric after every six to 10 trips through the wash. The line includes both a Thigh Slimmer and Waist Slimmer in nude and black that sell for $68 each; replacement bottles of Skintex cost $20.

Skineez are made by Clothes for a Cause, a women's apparel company that raises funds for such initiatives as mammograms for women in need. "Women will be able to give their body a slimmer, more contoured look, while helping to smooth the appearance of cellulite and moisturize their skin, all at the same time and with one garment," the company says. (The company also markets the Heroes Collection, which raises funds for children's causes; the Pink Ribbon Collection, which raises funds for breast health and education, and the Red Dress Collection, which raises funds for heart health.)

"Smart" fabrics are becoming increasingly common, and a growing number of apparel companies are injecting clothes with something extra, from sunscreen to fragrance to antimicrobial agents. But the anti-cellulite angle is sure to generate attention, especially in the middle of bathing suit season.

Skineez fall into a category that fashion mavens refers to as shapewear--lingerie that smush women into shape, led by such brand names as Spanx and Maidenform's Flexees. NPD Group, a market research company based in Port Washington, N.Y., reports that in the period from April 2006 to April 2008, sales of shapewear have soared, with unit sales climbing 21.9% and dollar sales jumping 36.1%. For the most recent 12-month period, sales have reached $718 million.

MY THOUGHTS:

This past year at a Christmas party I had a young woman ask me if I was wearing "Spanx". My response, "NO, why would I wear something that changes my shape, let alone makes it hard for people to breathe?!" She thought that since I was wearing a "form-fitting" (her words) dress that I would have them on ---she was wearing them under her dress. I told her that my clothes fit "MY" form, not what Spanx thinks my form ought to be and that I feel truly sorry for anyone who thinks they "need" to be reshaped by a modernized (sic) corset. (I'm a great deal of fun at parties) (fyi: There are also nylons, made by Hanes, that have "cellulite-reducing" creams built in. My response: boycott nylons altogether, though I do take a pair with me when I speak --along with cellulite creams and diet pills, etc...to show some examples.

The article really disgusted me with this line: "Lingerie that smush women into shape" ----Where is the self-esteem of our gender and world when women believe they are designed to be "smushed" into a shape other than their own natural shape? Reading that line, my body cringed as I imagined the loss of control and the disempowerment women inflict on themselves when buying these products. What a messed up way to embody the privilege of being a woman in our culture. (Of course I also have great empathy for the people who do buy into these products, as I know I spent a LARGE portion of my savings on the very same things when I was in my ED.)
Perhaps most poignantly I read the article that Joe sent along and thought: I do not think the women in say, Darfur, would see this as the "breakthrough" that Macy's does. And I'm quite sure they would use the $718 million dollars in a much more sane way.

Thank God for each of you who works to make our world a healthier and more sane place to be a woman. ~ Peace, Kathleen