Marks & Spencer, a leading UK retailer known for its underwear offerings, has introduced a new product aimed at enhancing male confidence: “secret support pants.” This innovative range is designed to provide a subtle lift and improved fit, akin to the function of a push-up bra for women, through discreet design elements, according to Mitch Hughes, M&S’s director of menswear.
The pants are set to launch on Friday and will be promoted by influencers Tom Sheard and Stanley Dru. Sheard emphasized the importance of confidence over size in his promotional message. While many may draw parallels between these modern pants and the historical codpiece, which was used in 15th- and 16th-century Europe to accentuate a man’s anatomy, M&S refrains from directly positioning the pants as a revival of this accessory.
Historically, the codpiece served not only a practical function but was also a method for drawing attention to the body, which was often a taboo subject. Notable figures, such as Henry VIII, are frequently depicted in art with elaborate codpieces, leading historians to suggest that such attire may have been employed to evoke envy among peers and subjects. This context raises questions about societal standards and perceptions surrounding male anatomy in both past and present.
M&S’s new pants promise comfort and support through advanced design features, including an internal pouch that aims to provide discreet support throughout the day. The product reflects a growing trend in men’s fashion directed toward enhancing wellbeing and confidence. How consumers will respond to such innovations remains to be seen.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2025/oct/31/ms-launches-new-secret-support-pants-that-offer-men-a-subtle-lift