Taking On Spanx
By LINDSAY FELDMAN | July 31, 2007
The secret to Cass's tucking, smoothing cinch is its nylon count of up to 95% — slightly more than that of its competitor Spanx. In the three years since Cass was founded, it has quietly gained a foothold in the "body contouring" market, reportedly winning over many A-list celebrities, such as Reese Witherspoon and Scarlett Johansson.
According to the manufacturers, the idea was to create pieces tight enough to smooth bulges, yet comfortable enough to wear during and after pregnancy.
While Spanx and Cass both offer control-top pantyhose and slimming camisoles, Cass' line took things a step further — offering long-sleeve tops and dresses to hold problem spots in and around the arms. More recently, Spanx added to the mix its "Slim Cognito Seamless Shaping Bodysuit" that promises to lift the rear and accentuate the waistline.
In a test, Spanx "Footless Super Control Pantyhose" glided right on to the body and created a slimmer, smoother silhouette than its Cass counterpart. After a couple of hours, though, the seemingly helpful control top proved hot and suffocating, particularly at the waistline ($24, Bloomingdales, 1000 Third Ave., 212-705-2000).
Cass's "Shaper Capris" had a pleasant lifting and shaping effect. The control top was also breathable and soft to the skin ($54, Nancy & Co., 1242 Madison Ave., between 89th and 90th streets, 212-427-0770).
A perennial favorite, theSpanx "Hide & Sleek Full Slip" was slimming, albeit in a rib-constricting style befitting an Edwardian-era corset. Though it remained taut after a full eight hours into the wearing, the fabric tended to ride up with movement ($72, Bloomingdales).
Equally snug, but ultimately more comfortable for longer wear, was Cass's "Cami Dress." The tank dress tapered the waist, lifted the bust and stayed firmly in place with movement. Smoothing and slimming to the knee, it worked perfectly under form fitting dresses or knits ($128, Kirna Zabete, 96 Greene St. between Prince and Spring streets, 212-941-9656).