Equmen: Core Precision Undershirt Giveaway and Review~ 1/14

Momma Told Me: When there's so much to love, sometimes you just need a little extra support.

As a busty woman, myself, (inheriting Momma's genes of course), I certainly can understand the necessity for a little extra reinforcement here and there. And while 'shapewear' has become my favorite accessory, I hardly think of Spanx when perusing Italian Vogue. Ironically, though, control geared garments are modeled on chiseled idealistic men, very much like their female counterparts. I suppose some things will never change....But for the brand Equmen, pioneering 'Equality For Men', having a tight and trimmed body seems worth the extra effort of deception. Can you imagine a man in our grandparent's days discussing the type of girdle he wears?! But place a few Italian models and well placed celebrities in chic colors and garments similar to wife beaters- well, you have a worldwide phenomenon on your hands overnight!

Don't let my biting cynicism detour you though (after all, I am Momma's daughter), the real applications of shape-wear for men far exceed vanity and athletic benefit. I just hope the women (and men) shopping for Equmen don't see the GQ worthy ads and anticipate an overwhelming James Gandolfini to Raoul Bova transformation. As women know being bless with awesome abs, and such impeccable external structure is just that- a blessing, or through years of hard work and commitment to diet and exercise. When I first addressed this concept to a girlfriend of mine her initial response was "That's cheating! I don't want to take him home and find out his six pack's a keg!" Before I could begin to tell her what was wrong with her statement, I had a moment of reflection. That must be precisely how men feel with all of the tape, lifts, slips, and inflatable push ups women wear these days. And in truth, while dating, I did feel a little like a secret agent 'strapping everything in' and hobbling around in 5 inch heels like a pony on parade.

In any case, as I said, no magical garment is going to transform you into a different person; and I fully support compression here or there if it gives any individual the boost of confidence they need to relax and be themselves. And, as a 40 year old, stressed, businessman learned in 2004, the need for such confidence crossed the gender boundary and very much applied to men. Equmen creator, in decent shape for his age, knew he was directly in competition with men 10 years younger, in all aspects of his life. Not only did their youth tend to make them more visually appealing, but their firm core and strong muscles helped them to excel physically, and day-to-day, where his energy would run short. Not only were his muscles slowly losing their tone, but his body was riddled with aches, and what used to be a relaxing game of golf was now a chore. How wonderful it would be for a garment to have equal effects for men, as they do women; revitalizing and uplifting confidence naturally?

The inspiration for Equmen actually came from the modern compression garments of elite athletes. These garments were designed with the intent of increasing blood flow to and from the muscles to improve performance and physical recovery. With a comprehensive team of scientific, athletic, and fashion experts, Equmen worked to create a line of sleek undergarments to invigorate, tone, and revitalize the modern man. In addition to the naturally slimming, toned, effect of Equmen under wear products, the line also aids in the alleviation of back pain, supports better posture, and increases muscle health. However, while the brand's press releases may market Equmen as 'Spanx for Men' I emphasize the stylish singlets and briefs as comfortable compression wear to my hubby... Many American men haven't matured enough to embrace the 'Spanx' reference for the compliment, and secret weapon, it truly is.

Resembling tied shoelaces, the trendy Equmen logo is actually symbolic of it's main 'Helix Mapping' Body Technology. Designed with the concept of Physio Taping, for athletic toning and strength, Helix Mapping serves to reinforce and support the body's natural core structure. Crisscrossing from the lower front to upper back, in Equmens shirts, helps pull the shoulders back and support a proper posture. (Which is also very sexy!) Integrated throughout the entire line, yes even with gluteal and hamstring compression briefs, Helix Mapping compliments textured ventilation for an effect that is as natural, yet striking, as possible. This means temperature control, muscle support/strengthening, and a stylish garment he can feel good in while wearing. Since it's origin in Europe, Equmen has made it's way to the Americas and is now sold nationwide at Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom. And, on the back of recent success in the Americas, their most popular Core Precision Undershirts (in white) have been bundled within a money saving two-pack, where buyers can score these fashion must haves at up to 33% off.

We were sent an Equmen Undershirt, Boxer Briefs, and Compression Socks for review here on Momma Told Me. While most women consider their husband attractive, the men in our lives sometimes lack the confidence necessary to portray these assets, knowing they do not resemble Brad Pitt or Brock Lesnar in build. In any case, I should note that I did beg and plead for photos, but my test subject was unwilling to provide a 'before', though thrilled with the after. Perhaps most revolutionary, to us, was the Singlet Undershirt, in a chic slate Grey, and packaged as you'd expect high end athletic performance wear. Made from a soft, and remarkably breathable, Polyester/Nylon/Spandex blend, the husband was doubtful this casing of a shirt would ever fit him. Like putting tights on a Pixi Stick'd 4 year old, I fought with him as I wriggled the shirt over his head and aligned the Helix Core with his features. Immediately I could sense a change in his posture, as this 6'1" man now towered over me!

The front seemed less dramatic in compression (girth wise) as the effects along his shoulders and back were magnified most. I highly suspect this varies by figure from man to man (with the moat dramatic results appearing around softer features). While the design served to smooth, as intended, our tester has a donut loving gut (that's much adored), and is not an Italian model. Don't expect Equmen to give any man a 6 Pack, it strengthens and tones, as promised- it's not magic! After whining for a moment about how tight the Core Precision Undershirt was, quickly fell in love with the way he felt while wearing it, and in the coming weeks came to parade around the house in it alone (instead of as an undershirt). He also claims his legs don't seem as tired, or 'tingle' as much as they used to, something I attribute to the combined use with his Equmen briefs and improved circulation as a whole. In all, we've loved trying out the line. I think the stylish design is modern and chic, without intimidating men as 'shape-wear'.

What Daughter Says: Support the man in your life with a boost of confidence, and strengthened core from Equemen.

One lucky Momma Told Me follower will win an Equmen TM undershirt; offering the ultimate in high-performance targeted compression technology and precision-fit fabrics, the unique HELIX-MAPPINGTM technology builds in physiotherapy taping techniques to structure, support and energise the body. With seamless stitching, all undergarments fit like a second skin, delivering the ultimate fusion of fashion and function for men to BE AT THEIR BEST.


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