Spanx Military Donation Helpfully Gives 10,000 Pairs Of Shapewear To Soldiers (PHOTO)

Sure, our military men and women are bravely risking their lives to fight for our country. But: do they look good doing it?

That's what's apparently concerning shapewear giants Spanx. The company sent a press release to Jezebel boasting that Spanx donated 10,000 of their "cotton compression undershirts" to servicemen overseas. Valued at $58, the shirts are designed to help dudes "comfortably firm the chest, flatten the stomach, support the lower back and improve posture."

Hold up. Shapewear? For soldiers? Why?

CEO Laurie Ann Goldman explains on Spanx's blog:

We launched SPANX for Men to help guys battle the bulge, and now we're proud to donate SPANX Cotton Compression Undershirts to the men who go to battle for us every day. The shirts help men feel firmer and stand taller, and we hope they serve as a reminder to our servicemen that we stand firmly behind them. This donation is a unique way for Spanx to support the troops, and we appreciate the partnership of the USO to help make it happen.

While it's a nice gesture, we're confused. Just like Spanx's activewear line, the military shapewear is besides the point. You don't need to look svelte when you're at the gym: that's why you there. And trust us, servicemen and women: we don't care how your curves look; we're just grateful for your service.

Although as long as you're shipping out free shapewear, Spanx, perhaps famous "man Spanx" fan Tom Hanks would like a few.

Read more at Jezebel, and see the Spanx for Men tank below.

Comments

[littlebrowngirl]

09:58 PM on 12/17/2011

The military guys are in great shape and have to stay fit for their jobs. It is the doughy civilians who need the man spanx.

[BMLT]

03:28 PM on 12/15/2011

At least they are giving something! ANYTHING is better than nada:)

[pcplz]

02:55 PM on 12/15/2011

It is major advertising......a marketing ploy.....similar to Fox being the only 'news' broadcast, and Limbaugh.

[TheHouseofMirth]

01:19 PM on 12/15/2011

Does Michelle Bachman's "doctor" husband do the spanking?---as part of his "reparative", therapy--to "pray away the gay"?? He's doing the Lord's work!

[a penley]

12:44 PM on 12/15/2011

What about the women soldiers? There are women in the military, right?

[jlet37]

12:21 PM on 12/15/2011

A wonderful gesture, and gift for many of the military who will appreciate these. Lighten up folks.

[wakohnen]

12:01 PM on 12/15/2011

Why badmouth this company for giving gifts to our troops? Do you people even hear yourselves? Have YOU donated to our vets? Who are you to say how this company should donate? You act like it is YOUR money. sheesh....unbelievable

[MDawn]

12:16 PM on 12/15/2011

100% AGREE!!!!

[Paul Co]

01:03 PM on 12/15/2011

Its our tax dollars wasted on the whole mess. Its not the gift, its the frustration america has with being involved too long. Bring-em home, before we get into another costly,losing war.

[wakohnen]

01:12 PM on 12/15/2011

Are you really that ignorant? Our tax dollars DID NOT pay for the undershirts, they were DONATED.

[fredimessina]

12:00 PM on 12/15/2011

Lighten up, It's the Holiday Season.

[psandysdad]

11:59 AM on 12/15/2011

I don't think they make spanx in my size.

[BowlingForRevenge]

11:54 AM on 12/15/2011

The funny thing is no one would complain if the shirts were Under Armour.
Honestly there is NOT much difference except you can were a Spank under a dress shirt.

[BowlingForRevenge]

11:50 AM on 12/15/2011

These T's are AWESOME!!! The guys will be hooked.
But realistically they are out of most servicemen's budgets at $58 a pop
I hope they stock them at the Exchanges at half the cost

(this is weird and feel free to call me nuts BUT I wonder if there is a psychological soothing from the compression...much like animals and those Thundershirts? Just throwing it out there.)

[mpusairsret]

11:45 AM on 12/15/2011

Anyone wanting to complain about this donations should just sit down and write a check for at least $58 to your local veteran support organization before making your comment.

[wakohnen]

11:54 AM on 12/15/2011

agreed

[504nola70115]

11:39 AM on 12/15/2011

Well, obviously it's a marketing ploy, but what's wrong with that? Companies have to promote their products, and here's a way they can do it that some troops might appreciate. Win-win. You don't seriously believe that just because the product has a retail price of $58, it costs the manufacturer $58 per item to donate them, do you? The cost to the company is only their production cost, probably a pretty small fraction of the retail. That's all they can deduct for the gift too, assuming it's considered a charitable donation at all. Of course troops both at home and overseas have greater needs, but those things are not what this company manufactures. They gave some of what they have to give. Don't be so judgy when someone is doing a nice thing.

[tjconkster]

10:53 AM on 12/15/2011

Spanx me baby.....

[ThinkCreeps]

10:51 AM on 12/15/2011

"Spanx troops" shouts headline.

Don't distract Rick Santorum even more - he's only just stopped talking about them showering.