Here’s an interesting dilemma some of you may have experienced before: What do you do when you find yourself in a surprise make-out session and happen to be wearing the modern-day chastity belt known as Spanx? For Salon writer, Sarah Hepola, the answer is to fess up the moment his hand gets close to home. “If I’d known we were gonna make out,” she uttered to her newest — and unexpected — paramour this past Friday, as his hand edged closer to the “unmistakable elastic roadblock,” “I so totally would not have worn Spanx.” Oops! But what she discovered while wearing the unfortunate undergarment during a most inopportune time was a reminder that sex isn’t so much about perfection as it is about surprise — namely, the surprise of what’s underneath a person’s clothes, and, most importantly, his or her public exterior.

Spandex shapewear doesn’t have such a great rep, previously making appearances in bad ‘80s music videos and being the culprit behind embarrassing hookup moments. But things might be turning around. DKNY is about to give the oh-so-trendy Spanx a run for its money by launching a new line of tummy-tucking underwear that is meant to be a bit cooler, thanks to neon pink and blue colors. Grazia has pointed out that maybe there’s a trend beginning here, since the presentation of Topshop‘s “Unique” collection was filled with workout-like looks—sports bra-like bandeau tops were paired with Spandex biker shorts under jean shorts.

Shapewear will never be the most attractive undergarments—cue Bridget Jones swatting away Daniel Cleaver from gawping at her control-top panties—but at least Spanx are making an effort to look less frumpy. Detailed with lacy designs and metallic lining, Spanx’s Haute Contour undergarments are actually pretty, which is practically unheard of for thigh-shapers and tummy-squeezers. The camisoles and thongs still look rather old-fashioned—but we wouldn’t fight Hugh Grant too hard from seeing them. [Spanx Haute Contour]

First we heard about mantyhose, then about spanx-like six-pack undershirts, and now…bras for men? A Japanese online shop called Wishroom sold over 300 men’s bras in its first two weeks after launching last month. Like mantyhose and the 6-pack undershirt, these bras seem to be marketed not at cross-dressers or gay men, but at guys as straight as a ruler. “I like this tight feeling,” a guy groping his bra-clad chest happily stated to the interviewer, “It feels good.” (That’s not what she said). Clip above. 

Any idea what traditionally woman-centric product we’ll see marketed for men next? [Guardian U.K.]

Just like Spanx undergarments can keep a lady’s more jelly-fied parts under wraps, Equmen’s core precision undershirt gives men the look of six pack abs, even if all they’ve got underneath is the effects of Thanksgiving dinner. Personally, I cannot imagine the horror of running my hands over some guy’s stomach, feeling his muscles rippling underneath, only to discover later that it was all a fraud, hidden under cheap jersey material. [Times Online U.K.]

Every card-carrying fashionista knows she has be a step ahead of the pack. She must know the big name designers, cult favorites, and up-and-coming talents. (Oh, you don’t know about Juan Carlos Obando? Gasp!) Her savvy wardrobe needs to be expertly put together at all times with an effortless appearance. The glam queen rushes from event to event but is by no means disheveled. And she is never caught in a fashion disaster. How does she keep it all together? Her hush-hush secret weapons of course. In a pinch, she pulls out one of these 10 go-to tricks of the trade for a quick and easy solution to common fashion emergencies. 

Oprah has admitted that she’s started to go panty-less. If that made you squirm, shake it off into a pair of her unseen favorite things: the new age girdles known as Spanx. The various styles of body wear, from footless tights to high-waisted undies, are designed to smooth cellulite, cinch waists, shape curves, and tighten your loose ends. The wonder for your down-unders was created by Atlanta entrepreneur Sarah Blakely and her brand has become an asset to women across America who want to look like they go to the gym. Even skinny minis like Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, and Jessica Alba swear by Spanx. However, be warned, while they may smooth you, you have to be smooth yourself. The real trick here is getting the granny panties off before you get manhandled.  [Spanx]