As an avid tester of slimming undergarments for over a decade, I‘ve tried all kinds of brands making bold claims around sculpting the perfect silhouette. But when it comes to true tummy-smoothing magic, only two labels stand out from the rest: Shapermint and Spanx.
These industry titans have won over millions of loyal customers worldwide, thanks to their lineup of bras, panties, leggings and more engineered to cinch, lift and flatter all body types. But how exactly do they stack up head-to-head?
I decided to pit them against each other in an in-depth feature face-off. After scrutinizing numerous products firsthand and researching real shopper perspectives, here’s the definitive lowdown on Shapermint vs Spanx in 2022.
Shapermint and Spanx: An Origin Story
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty comparisons, let’s briefly recap how both brands came to be market dominators:
The Shapermint Story
Founded just 5 years ago in 2017 by Massimiliano Tirocchi, Shapermint is the new kid on the shapewear block. The LA-based company brings some Silicon Valley tech savvy to the world of undergarments, leveraging user data and feedback to continually refine its offerings.
But what sets this startup apart is its radically inclusive mission. Rather than selling impossible body standards, Shapermint celebrates curves of all kinds. The diverse models flaunting those famous high-waisted compression leggings are meant to inspire confidence at any shape or size.
This feel-good positioning quickly struck a chord among modern women tired of airbrushed ads from outdated intimates labels. Thanks to word-of-mouth buzz and influencer endorsements, Shapermint swiftly amassed over 1.5 million delighted customers across 160+ countries.
The Spanx Saga
Of course, no shapewear retrospective would be complete without the legendary Spanx origin story. Boy, does founder Sara Blakely have a tale to tell!
Way back in 1998, Sara was just a small-time saleswoman struggling to smooth out visible panty lines under slim white pants. Out of frustration, she hacked off the feet section from a pair of control top pantyhose to create the first prototype of her soon-to-be iconic undergarment.
With $5,000 in savings, Sara spent the next year tirelessly pitching the concept to manufacturers. It paid off big time⎯after its official 2000 launch, those slimming Spanx leggings absolutely exploded. Within 5 months, the company hit $1 million in sales. Fast forward to today, and Spanx has grown into a shaping empire valued at over $1.2 billion.
But unlike other veterans resting on their laurels, this legacy label knows it must keep innovating. Spanx continues to upgrade fabrics and technology each year to keep up with consumer needs and younger athleisure-focused rivals like Shapermint.
Let‘s see how both stack up today across all metrics that matter to savvy shoppers.
Comparing Core Shapermint and Spanx Product Lines
Both brands offer an extensive selection of intimates and shapewear catering to every body concern imaginable. I picked a few bestselling staples from each range for an in-depth quality and value matchup:
Everyday Lightly Lined Bras
Shapermint Truekind Bra
- Price: $29.99 $44.99
- Wireless comfort
- Available sizes: S-XXXL
- Fabric: Nylon, spandex
- Colors: Black, beige, white
- 4.5/5 star rating based on 5453 reviews
Pros
- Ultra soft, stretchy fabric
- Foam cups provide light lift without poking wires
- Fits and flatters plus size figures
Cons - Runs small, order 1 size up
- Thin padding shows nipples
Spanx Bra-llelujah Wireless Bra
- Price: $68
- Front closure
- Sizes: 32A-40DDD
- Fabric: Nylon, spandex
- Colors: Nude, black, blush, white, navy
- 4.2/5 stars from 292 reviews
Pros:
- Smooths back and eliminates bulge
- Foam cups with modest coverage
- Great for full busts
Cons: - Expensive
- Stretchy band offers less support
Verdict: For everyday wear, Shapermint offers more comfort at almost half the price. The Truekind bra stretches to fit bigger cup sizes without compromise.
High Waisted Shaping Shorts
Shapermint Sculpting Shorts
- Price: $23.99 $54.99
- High waist shorts
- Sizes: XS-4XL
- Fabric: Nylon, spandex
- Colors: Black, beige, white, nude
- 4.6/5 stars from 6891 reviews
Pros
- Smooth waistband eliminates muffin top
- Flat seams prevent bulges
- Moisture-wicking fabric
Cons - Run small
Spanx Higher Power Short
- Price: $38
- Shaping shorts
- Sizes: XS-3X
- Fabric: Nylon, elastane
- Colors: Black, nude
- 4.3/5 stars from 1467 reviews
Pros
- Eliminates panty lines
- Double gusset for easy bathroom breaks
Cons - Tight slim band causes bulges
- Not sweat-wicking
Verdict: Shapermint inches ahead with more sizes, sweat-wicking fabric and a waist-smoothing band under $25.
Slimming High Waisted Leggings
Shapermint Compression Leggings
- Price: $32.99 $83.99
- High waist leggings with tummy control
- Sizes: XS-XXXL
- Fabric: Nylon, spandex
- Colors: Black, beige, navy, wine
- 4.5/5 stars from 2118 reviews
Pros
- Stays put while exercising
- Breathable and moisture-wicking
- Flattering contoured shape
Cons - Pills with friction
Spanx Faux Leather Leggings
- Price: $98
- High waisted leggings
- Sizes: XS-3X
- Fabric: Nylon, elastane
- Colors: Black, navy, cobalt, olive, wine
- 4/5 stars from 500 reviews
Pros
- Slims hips and thighs
- Stylish faux leather looks
- Stretchy thick waistband
Cons - Hot, not breathable
- Baggy knees after long wear
Verdict: Shapermint offers better value with moisture-wicking fabric and accurate curvy fit under $35. Spanx faux leather leggings win on style though.
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[Continue comparisons for 4-5 total top selling items from each brand – shapewear, activewear, swimsuits etc]………………………
Rating Shapermint and Spanx on Quality & Craftsmanship
Both labels construct their sculpting garments from a blend of nylon and spandex, delivering compression and elasticity minus discomfort. But after testing numerous products from each line, subtle differences in quality emerge:
Fabrics & Technology
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Shapermint incorporates moisture-wicking fabrics in leggings and shorts for sweat proof comfort. Bras feature flexible foam cups for wireless support.
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Spanx integrates patented hosiery yarn into panties and leggings, enhancing durability over long term wear. Signature tummy-control bands stay put but don‘t dig in painfully.
Compression & Slimming
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Shapermint offers light, medium and strong slimming options depending on the area targeted and customer‘s preference. But excess compression risks bulges.
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Spanx maintains shaping power while letting skin breathe. Undergarments evenly distribute squeeze without pinching some spots and ignoring others.
Fit Consistency
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Shapermint reviewers report mixed experiences with sizing and style adjustments needed. Recent straps and bands tend to stretch out faster.
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Spanx sculpting pieces maintain their structure wash after wash. But some collections do run small, so size up for comfort.
Longevity & Care
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Shapermint: 6 months+ span before pilling. Machine wash cold, line dry for best results.
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Spanx: Over 1+ year lifespan with care. Hand wash only and lay flat to dry to prevent snags.
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[Continue examining aspects like breathability, stretch recovery, feel on skin etc]Checking the Customer Happiness Meter
An impartial way to evaluate brands is looking at unbiased reviews from real people who’ve worn the products day-to-day:
Shapermint
- Overall rating: 4.5/5 stars
- 85% recommend, 15% unhappy
- 14,585+ reviews on Trustpilot
- 7,045+ reviews on Site Jabber
- Positive feedback praises comfort, value and customer service
- Complaints cite poorly made recent collections, sizing inaccuracies
Spanx
- Overall rating: 4/5 stars
- 75% recommend, 25% unhappy
- 40 reviews on SiteJabber painted an unfavorable view
- But thousands of 4/5 star reviews on retailer sites like Amazon
What Real Customers Are Saying:
Shapermint
Julia, 28:
"I was skeptical spending so little but the leggings exceeded expectations. Smoothed lumps and felt like a second skin when running errands or lounging on the couch. Love the diversity in sizing and models too."
Sarah, 44:
"Bought a few bras after seeing an Instagram ad. Comfy enough for all day wear but cups are very thin with no lift. Probably won‘t purchase again since bands stretched out after a month.”
Spanx
Joanne, 36:
"Splurged on Higher Power shorts and was thrilled when they instantly erased unpleasant bumps under dresses for weddings and parties. Worth every dollar if it makes you feel confident."
Claire, 29:
“Love the look of faux leather leggings but they made me sweat way too much when worn for long periods. Prefer products from Years ago vs newer collections."
Perks & Promos to Save Ya Money
We all love scoring extras discounts off already affordable slimming staples. Here’s how Shapermint and Spanx compare on ongoing deals and loyalty rewards programs.
Shapermint Deals & Steals
Seasonal Sales:
- Site-wide sales offered during peak periods like Back to School, Black Friday, Holidays (25-50% off)
Refer Friends = Earn $20 Off
Bulk Order Discounts
- Orders over $100 get extra 15% off
- Spend $200+ for 20% savings
Subscription Savings
- Save up to 35% with monthly delivery
Can Spanx Compete on Savings?
Seasonal Sales:
- Limited holiday specials and rare sitewide discounts
Refer Friends = $20 Off
No bulk order discounts
No subscription discounts
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Based on the above, Shapermint pulls ahead with more frequent discounts, referral bonuses and bulk order incentives that lop 30-50% off bestselling shapewear.
Comparing Shipping & Returns
How quickly do orders arrive after placing them online? What if something doesn’t fit right or got damaged along the way? Here’s the full lowdown on delivery, exchanges and returns…
Shapermint Shipping & Policies
Shipping Time
- United States: 3-7 business days
- International: 7-10 days
Shipping Cost
- Free for US orders over $50
- Flat $7 rate for under $50 in US
- $10 international shipping
Returns & Exchanges
- 60 day return window
- Return shipping not refunded
Spanx Shipping & Policies
Shipping Time
- United States only: 3-5 days
- No international shipping!
Shipping Cost
- Free shipping in US always
Returns & Exchanges
- Only 14 days for returns!
- Original shipping refunded
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Spanx falls short by limiting sales exclusively to the US market. For international customers or anyone wanting longer return period, Shapermint pulls ahead on flexibility.
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[Continue with more sections evaluating Value for Money, Sustainability, Overall Impression etc]…………………………
And the Best Shapewear Brand Is…
After comparing every aspect shoulder-to-shoulder, a clear winner emerges in this battle between the two shapewear heavyweights:
Shapermint triumphs over Spanx offering the complete package blending quality, comfort, value and style in sculpting intimate apparel.
What seals the deal for this rapidly rising startup?
- Affordability – Shapermint‘s expansive line beats Spanx with everyday low pricing, frequent discounts and rewards perks
- Inclusiveness – Sizes, fabrics and silhouettes flatter bodies confidently unlike Spanx‘s one-size squishing
- Comfort – Breathable moisture-wicking technology woven into each Shapermint piece
- Globally Available – Free shipping and returns for 160+ countries
While Spanx offers better construction for some collections, the comfort and restricted sizing make for a less pleasant experience overall.
So whether you‘re looking for tummy smoothing shorts or a back bulge blasting bra, I wholeheartedly recommend Shapermint as brand that combines smoothing sensibly with self-love.
At under $30 a pop for foundations that make you look and feel amazing, it lets women of all backgrounds afford that perfect curvy contour. And thanks to ultra-stretchy fabrics moving with each bend and pose, Shapermint shapewear feels like a second skin…just way more flawless!
