Shirt strives to make men seem leaner

LONDON, Feb. 26 (UPI) -- A British department store has announced its intention to stock a product similar to a girdle but with an unusual marketing twist -- it's designed for men.

A spokeswoman for retailer Selfridges said the store plans to begin stocking the "core precision undershirt," manufactured by Australian firm Equmen, in March, The Daily Telegraph reported Thursday.

The undershirt, which is made of polyester, spandex and nylon, is designed to force the wearer's body into a leaner form and correct posture under normal clothing.

"It's a very tight-fitting T-shirt, so it's not like we're asking men to wear a bra. It's quite inoffensive," the spokeswoman said. "We've never stocked male control-wear before, so it will be a test. It may be that women will buy them for men, until men become more familiar with it."

The shirts are expected to retail for about $70 each.