Tomima - Lingerie and Underwear Expert

With great fanfare, the highly anticipated Spanx Bra-lleluhah Bra style 216 launched this January. Three years in the making, this Spanx bra claims to be "So comfortable… You’ll forget you have it on!."

So what’s so different about this bra? Unlike other lingerie manufacturers, Spanx approached its design more from a shapewear and hosiery perspective. The bra is fashioned out of a unique hosiery fabric. Spanx claims it conforms to your body like a second skin, and thus reduces any visible bra lines under your form-fitting tops. The straps have no hardware adjustments. Instead, the unique hosiery fabric naturally adjusts the shoulder straps to the appropriate length for you. And, a new technique claims the underwires are contained differently so that no wires will peek or pop out. This new bra concept is also patent-pending.

Given this bra has the Spanx name behind it, many would predict opening sales would be brisk… and they were. So good in fact that Spanx is now saying they’re sold out and will not have more inventory until August of 2008! This is a good sign, but does it put to rest the initial cautions being voiced before its launch?

Here were the pre-launch concerns with the Spanx bra. The shoulder straps are unusual in that they’re not adjustable. These non-adjustable straps could be problematic for petite and tall women who need strap adjustability. Also, as this bra is worn over time, will these straps stretch out of shape? This Spanx bra is a front closure bra. Hence, it has no band adjustability - unlike the traditional 3-position hook and eye back closure. Again, as this bra is worn, will it have a shorter life-span because the back has stretched out? Finally, it appears this bra is really designed for an average height woman who has neither a broad nor narrow back, because anything other than normal can not be adjusted for in the band length.

So far, the reviews at HerRoom.com have been mostly raves. 38B and 34C sizes have given it 5 Star reviews:

"Loved the Bra. I do wish that they offered bigger cup sizes in the smaller sized bras. ie: 34 D/DD or 36 D/DD"

"I love this bra. It is the most comfortable bra I have owned. I hardly know I have it on!"

However, a peek at early returns is showing a trend. There is a higher return rate in D cups. Perhaps these recent review explains why:

"Did not like this at all! I am probably a 32D-32DD and although the band is big enough around (maybe even a little too big), the cups are too small!" 32D

"It is not comfortable, does not fit well and is almost no support at all." 38D

"This bra is extremely comfortable, and perfect for under T-shirt and fitted tops. The drawback is that you cannot adjust the straps and it does not offer a lot of support. I would not recommend this bra to anyone who requires larger than a C-cup due to the lack of support. If you have smaller breasts and want a smooth line under your clothes, this would be perfect for you." 34D

Bottom line: the Spanx Bra-lleluhah bra is so far, quite popular. However, if you’re a full D cup, or you’re out of the norm in terms of height, just understand that this bra may not be the best choice for you. Hallelujah!

Spanx Sighting Update! As rumors spread that Carly Smithson, a top American Idol contestant, was pregnant, she confessed to wearing  Spanx for her performance in an effort to show that no, she isn’t pregnant.  She did look unusually trim and got knowing looks from American Idol judge, Paula Abdul at her mention of Spanx. And by the way, Carly really isn’t pregnant.