What Are Spanx? Plus All Your Shapewear Questions, Answered

From how to wear them to what size to buy, here's everything you need to know about the OG undergarment brand.

What do Oprah, Jennifer Lopez, Helen Mirren, and millions of others all have in common? They're all fans of wearing Spanx. Even if you don't own a pair, you've definitely heard the name of this shapewear powerhouse from your friends, relatives, or favorite celebrity. What started as an act of necessity involving a pair of scissors and pantyhose (more on that later) has flourished into a brand of smoothing and sculpting garments people of all shapes and sizes swear by — and not just for formal events. For some, Spanx is an everyday staple.

While shapewear may have once had a negative connotation, now people are outing their love for contouring undergarments, with Spanx being a favorite for creating a seamless base and helping clothes fit better. Ahead, we're breaking down everything there is to know about the brand and its products, just in case you're not caught up.

What Are Spanx?

Spanx is a brand of shapewear founded in 1998 by Sara Blakely. After trying to find smoothing undergarments to wear underneath her white pants to no avail, Blakely took matters into her own hands (quite literally).

Using a pair of scissors, she cut the feet off her control-top pantyhose and Spanx's footless, body-shaping pantyhose was born. The company has since expanded its offerings from smoothing pantyhose to bodysuits and waist-cinchers, activewear, undergarments, leggings — and everything in between — all made from lightweight and breathable material.

Related: Aerie Just Dropped Its First-Ever Shapewear — and It's Not What You'd Expect

Who It's For

Spanx's mission is to help people of all shapes and sizes feel their best in their clothes. Sizes range from XS to 3X. The brand also makes a few pieces specifically for those who are pregnant, such as the Mama Mid-Thigh Shaping Sheers, which provide "under-belly and lower back support." In 2010, Spanx introduced its first line of menswear. What started as a collection of compression undershirts has grown to include underwear and socks.

How It Works

The purpose of Spanx is to smooth out any bumps, ensuring your clothes fit just right and creating a flawless finish. That being said, there are three levels of compression to choose from based on your needs.

Level 1: Smoothing

These are foundational, base-layer pieces that act as a second skin to smooth out any imperfections.

Level 2: Shaping

These pieces offer extra compression and are a little extra firming than your standard shapewear.

Level 3: Sculpting

For a total transformation, this level of maximum compression provides lifting and optimal slimming.

Finding Your Fit

Finding your perfect fit is directly related to measurements (waist, hip, bust, etc.), so your best bet is going with sizes you normally take in clothing — not going smaller, which will likely create discomfort. For leggings and tights, you'll also want to take your height into account. Once you know your exact measurements, you can quickly compare them to a chart on the Spanx site to determine which size is best.

Related: Spanx Created a Pair of White Pants That Promise to Be Completely Opaque

Choosing a Color

It all depends on what you plan to wear your shapewear with. Should your wardrobe consist of lighter colors, you might want to go with a pair of Spanx similar to your skin tone, and, thankfully, the brand offers a variety of nude shades. There are also other neutral options, such as white and black, and Spanx even sells printed underwear, which will work under darker pieces.

When to Wear

With such an extensive collection of pieces, Spanx can be worn to formal events, the office, brunch, at the gym (FYI: The brand also has a full line of activewear, made of sweat-wicking fabric that's perfect for working out), and in the studio — basically wherever, whenever you want.

How you wear your Spanx is completely up to you, but please don't feel like you need to wear shapewear to look your best. If wearing a smoothing undergarment makes you feel amazing and confident, great. If not, also great. Do you.

Related: Spanx Just Launched Swimwear That’s Basically Shapewear, and It’s Bound to Sell Out

How to Wear

Spanx has a whole line of panties, and in that case, it is underwear. However, if you're debating on whether or not to wear something underneath Spanx's Shaper Shorts we say skip it. The whole point of shapewear is to create a seamless line underneath your clothes. Excess fabric will lead to excess bulk.

Care Instructions

Items such as shapewear, swimwear, and tights should be hand-washed in cold water and then laid flat to dry. All other apparel and activewear can be machine washed on cold, then either air-dried or tumble-dried on low. When in doubt, take a look at the instructions on the label to ensure you're properly caring for that specific item.

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