You may not have heard of Sara Blakely, but you're probably familiar with her multi-million-dollar brand Spanx. These tummy-taming, thigh-trimming, derrière-defining undergarments flew off the shelves when they emerged around 10 years ago. Now, the trend in secret-shapers has gone one step further.
Self-conscious ladies at the gym need fret no more, for Spanx have developed exercise "power pants" and "hourglass racerback" workout tops to keep everything perfectly in place. Swimwear, another minefield for the body-conscious, has also undergone the Spanx treatment, with super sculpted one-piece bathing suits, separates and bandeau tankinis available in a range of colours, from slimming black to electric blue.
For when the weather turns a little cooler, Spanx also now offer a range of look-at-me leggings and hosiery. Bang on trend and paying homage to the Duchess of Cambridge, the range includes "The Royal Look" sheer pantyhose starting from US$28 (Dh102). Proving we now live in a thoroughly modern age, men are no longer excluded from women's best-kept clothing secret - our cover being truly blown by the original Bridget Jones movie in 2001.
Chests are compressed and abs defined, courtesy of a stylish Spanx range - just for him. There's even a range of "zoned undershirts" which promise, among other things, to target torsos, give lumbar support and improve posture.
So let us all hail spandex nylon for its miraculous body enhancing qualities, and delight in the fact that we can thankfully shop incognito for this revolutionary underwear range at www.spanx.com.
Spanx are also available at Harvey Nichols and other major stockists in the UAE.