The Mirdle: A Girdle For Men

by J. Foster

Finally men... forget about concentrating on diet and exercise -- just get some new underwear.

Some call it shapewear, bodywear, support boxers, or compression shorts - but really we're talking about a girdle.

There has been something of a renaissance in men's underwear. The WSJ reports that sales growth for men's 'intimates' is out-pacing that of women.

It seems that some men aren't afraid to take a risk:

Robert Verdi, 39, says he began craving a so-called mirdle, or man-girdle, recently after starting to develop a "muffin top." "I'm now at that weird age where I'm starting to have a little bit of a spare tire, that midsection squish," says Mr. Verdi. (from WSJ)

Even Spanx are looking at making a range for men.

What do you think men? Cancel the gym membership and get yourself some 'compression shorts'? Perhaps you could combine them with some butt-lifting technology.

More like this in Media Watch · Mar 31, 2008

18 Comments

thehealthblogger on 03/31/08

As a man I think this is ridiculous! Unless you have a condition which can't be cured by the gym and a good diet, then that's another story!

You can wear this stuff, but what about when it all comes of in front of your other half, then you feel real rubbish, huh?

Come on people, it's not that hard to exercise, and considering the numerous benefits one reaps from such activity, how can you not exercise is the real question?!

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ayse76 on 03/31/08

I found a pic!

http://s.buzzfeed.com/static/campaign_images/2008/The_Mirdle.jpg

Oh, my....my husband would never--not in a million trillion years! And he has belly to spare... I mean, it's lingerie!! Aye...

Reply
Susanna on 03/31/08

That pic is too funny! The model looks a little hunched over and uncomfortable.

I know my husband would NEVER wear it. Why women subject themselves to such torture is beyond me, as well.

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fairycloud9 on 04/01/08

LOL!! is all i could say.........

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Red on 03/31/08

Given a choice, I think I'd rather be pair shaped than muffin shaped. Lets hope this term doesn't make it into our collective lexicon.

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Bob Allen on 03/31/08

No thanks. I'll stick with running and eating a healthy diet.

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Spectra on 03/31/08

I just showed that pic to my husband and he said "Gross." That about sums it up...it just LOOKS wrong.

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No More Fat Dad on 04/01/08

Wohooo, between my manzier and the mirdle, I have all I need to look and feel sexy for my wife again!

Seriously, the most depressing part of that article is the guys mindset. "I'm now at that weird age where I'm starting to have a little bit of a spare tire, that midsection squish" . How sad!

Too many people feel like once you hit middle age, it's all over so stop trying to stay in shape. When did this become the prevailing opinion and how can it be reversed?

Heading into 39, I feel better and look better than I ever have and I don't plan on going back.

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Jan74 on 04/01/08

My main question here is, what are these men wearing that would require shapewear? The logic for women is that sometimes, we wear close-fitting stuff in thin fabrics where if you don't wear some form of shapewear (I'm talking the non-compression, just smooths you over stuff like the original Spanx, which was made out of something like the reinforced top of non-control top pantyhose; now it is all like control top, squeezing you in) you'll end up with panty lines in your butt, sometimes on your hips and your waist too, so it makes sense. But men don't wear a knit fabric close to their butts like we do, they wear heavier fabrics that are not cut as tight. So are these guys wearing tight clothes like 70s mens fashion, that would require a mirdle?

Of course, the compression kinds are supposed to make you look thinner, but you only look strangely immobilized. There is no place for your fat to go, if it squeezes it in, you can't move. Being smoothed over without visible rolls makes you look better, but it is a fine line between smoother and "in a sausage casing".

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Spectra on 04/01/08

Yeah, I'm guessing the skintight white pants might be a little unforgiving without a "mirdle", but who's wearing that sort of stuff unless you're a circus star? Or a fabulous fashion designer wearing the latest weird trends. The average man wearing ordinary trousers can just loosen his belt and disguise any "man pooch".

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Jan74 on 04/11/08

Exactly. And the guys in the super tight white pants are skinny anyway - Johnny Borell doesn't need a "mirdle".

I'm guessing only men going to reunions will buy this.

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Maxx on 08/09/08

"My main question here is, what are these men wearing that would require shapewear?"

Shirts, in the case of shapewear that minimizes love handles, is one example. It can be a dress dirt, polo shirt or tee shirt.

"The logic for women is that sometimes, we wear close-fitting stuff ..."

Why don't you just wear loose-fitting "stuff" in thicker opaque fabrics so you don't "end up with panty lines in your butt, sometimes on your hips and your waist too".

Men's dress shirts are thin woven fabrics and some polo shirts are knit and fit closer to the waist especially if a man has love handles.

It's interesting that some of you are so concerned about what men are wearing and so angered because of the existence of male shapewear. I just hope there are better women out there because they are very silent.

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flee1906 on 04/11/08

i think this is insane!
its only fair that men exercise their butts off, too!

we women go through hell everyday with diet, exercise and the rest, why?
as much as we like to say that it's for our well being, 90% of the time, we do it for guys, not only to impress them, but for them to come back and say we're good looking!

so, it should only be fair between the sexes and men, too should get out there and get their testosterone fueled bodies going!

peace out..
flee1906

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Linds on 04/11/08

Women have girdles... Men have girdles...
Seems fair to me.

What was your point again?

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Maxx on 08/09/08

Your exhibition of sexist vindictiveness proves you have a problem with men. It's none of your business what men wear.

Women dress the way you do because of your own narcissism. Unlike women, men don't go around telling the opposite gender what and what not to wear. Don't blame men for your own preoccupation with your own vanity.

The only correct thing you've said is "we do it for guys [...] to come back and say we're good looking!" You've admitted here that "it" is your own narcissism.

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Supplements Canada on 06/09/08

I suppose if a guy was really out of weight and wanted to fit into some expensive suit he had bought years ago maybe that would be an option?

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Maxx on 08/09/08

A male girdle is nothing new. I've seen them in catalogs since I was a child. Corsets were also worn by men a long time ago.

A male girdle/shapewear is a great idea. It's not a substitute for diet and exercise but an option to help a man look better and feel better about himself until diet and exercise works.

Also, it's very difficult for fat on some areas of the body to be burned, such as waist flanks which looks more prominent on men than on women. Men should have the viable option to wear shapewear, such as women have, without being ridiculed by "flee"s.

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Ralph on 08/12/08

Ok folks. Take into account that the photo is of a male model. One who should not wear such a garment. There are those, like me, who have lost over 100 pounds of fat and are looking to continue loosing more while feeling the freedom to take part in more vigorous physical activity such as running. Realize now that running might be not only uncomfortable, but painful after loosing that much weight because of extra skin. This is why a mens girdle is a requirment in some cases. It allows more vigorous activity without discomfort and embarasement from all the loose skin waving at people at the finish line.

Reply

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