Clothes support for Japanese men

Japanese men are turning to new ways to cover up weight gain

Japanese men worried about their weight are being offered support by clothes manufacturers through a new range of silhouette slimming products.

Boxer shorts which act as a "tummy tightening girdle" and T-shirts with "stomach control panels" are increasingly in demand, retailers say.

One firm said the goods had been designed with middle-aged men in mind but were appealing to 20-somethings.

Obesity rates are up amongst Japanese men, but remain some way off US levels.

Tighter fit

Products aimed at showing men's hips, bellies and thighs in a better light have become more popular amongst image-conscious men.

The products are somewhat similar to the so-called "magic knickers" made famous by style gurus Trinny and Susannah on the UK TV show What Not To Wear, that hold women's lumpy bits in.

Experts said many Japanese men regarded the slimming garments as a cheaper and easier option than cutting down on drinking or changing their diet.

"Young men are wearing tighter trousers now and like women, they want a cleaner line," said Asako Iwashashi, from underwear maker Triumph International Japan.