{"id":8633,"date":"2026-08-05T20:37:59","date_gmt":"2026-08-05T20:37:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/relocationtimess.com\/?p=8633"},"modified":"2026-08-05T20:37:59","modified_gmt":"2026-08-05T20:37:59","slug":"we-tried-spanxs-new-cooling-and-sculptive-activewear-pieces-heres-what-we-think","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/relocationtimess.com\/?p=8633","title":{"rendered":"We tried Spanx\u2019s new cooling and sculptive activewear pieces. Here\u2019s what we think"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n While Spanx is known for its sculpting shapewear, the brand has an expansive range of clothes our editors love. In fact, it recently launched BoostUp, a new line of athleisure made with cooling fabrics to boost comfort throughout warm weather months and sweaty workouts alike.\n <\/p>

Read more \u2018We have 13 weeks\u2019: A ruptured Democratic Party now tries to unite behind Abdul El-Sayed<\/a><\/p>\n

\n The collection includes activewear staples like sports bras, tank tops, short-sleeve shirts, leggings and shorts, plus a tennis dress for court sports and beyond. Each of these pieces is made with the brand\u2019s proprietary StayCool Tech fabrics, including Wincool yarn that absorbs moisture and releases heat throughout high-intensity workouts and hot temps.\n <\/p>\n

\n Ranging from $58 to $138, the pieces are a bit of an investment, so our editors wanted to see if they\u2019re actually cooling, flattering and comfortable, as well as how they compare to its shaping pieces. To do so, we tested the clothes out during sweaty gym sessions, yoga classes and outdoor cardio. Here are our takeaways and honest thoughts on if the Spanx BoostUp line is worth adding to your wardrobe.\n <\/p>\n

\n Tops\n<\/h2>\n
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\n\nSpanx BoostUp Low-Impact Sports Bra With StayCool Tech\n<\/span>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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Amina Lake Patel\/CNN Underscored<\/figcaption>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

This sports bra offers more coverage than most, as it runs up to the collarbones and down to the mid-torso (depending on how tall you are). While it\u2019s designed for low-impact workouts, its two straps provide impressive chest support for more intense activities. I wore the bra for various weight-lifting sessions and during a heated Pilates sculpt class. While it showed my sweat stains, it kept me as cool as possible during those fiery workouts and gave my chest a subtle but flattering lift.<\/p><\/div>\n

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\n\n $58 at Spanx \n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n CNN Underscored home and gifts editor Amina Lake Patel also liked the style. She especially appreciated the bra\u2019s longer length and strappy back, which eliminated the need to wear a shirt on top. \u201cIt kept my chest supported and prevented any irritating boob-bouncing throughout a one-hour yoga class,\u201d she said. \u201cI didn\u2019t feel like my clothes were soaking wet even though I was definitely sweating a lot, though I did see a sweat mark right in the middle of my chest. It probably would\u2019ve been less noticeable if I had gotten the black color instead of the blue.\u201d\n <\/p>\n

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\n\nSpanx BoostUp Crewneck Tee With StayCool Tech\n<\/span>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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Jillian Tracy\/CNN Underscored<\/figcaption>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

A classic crewneck T-shirt is a year-round staple, offering coverage without any risk of overheating in the summer sun. Unlike all-cotton versions from competitors, the Spanx tee is designed to release rather than trap heat. In fact, CNN Underscored associate editor Jillian Tracy was shocked by how cool this tee felt when she first tried it on. \u201cThe material is inherently cooler than my basic cotton tees, and compared with my other performance athletic wear, which tends to be compressive and more body-hugging, this tee was lightweight and easy to move in.\u201d CNN Underscored associate lifestyle editor Rachel Dennis echoed this sentiment, noting that the shirt\u2019s lightweight construction, relaxed fit and comfortable texture stood out to her.<\/p><\/div>\n

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\n\n $68 at Spanx \n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n While the top was a bit more cropped than Tracy expected, her midriff only showed when she was jogging or lifting her arms above her head during weight-lifting sessions. All in all, she loved the temperature-regulating design. \u201cAs a sweaty gal, I typically strip off any tees or tanks I\u2019m wearing within five minutes of starting an intense workout, but it was nice to be able to throw this shirt back on and not feel like it was adding to my well-earned body heat or annoyingly sticking to my damp skin,\u201d she said. It comes in four colors, ranging from a vibrant pink to a muted black.\n <\/p>\n

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Rachel Dennis\/CNN Underscored<\/figcaption>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\nRelated article<\/span>\nI tested this bestselling cooling Columbia dress, and now I can\u2019t survive summer without it<\/span>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\n\nSpanx BoostUp Scoop Neck Shelf Tank With StayCool Tech\n<\/span>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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Nikol Slatinska\/CNN Underscored<\/figcaption>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

When you want to throw on a top and get out the door as quickly as possible, this tank should be what you reach for. It\u2019s made with a built-in adjustable shelf bra that can withstand medium- and high-impact workouts. One of our testers wore it during CrossFit and said it kept her chest secure throughout intense classes.<\/p><\/div>\n

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\n\n $68 at Spanx \n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n \u201cAs a small-chested person, the shelf bra is supportive enough and convenient because I can just throw on the tank without having to find a separate sports bra to wear underneath. I also haven\u2019t had any problems reinserting the cups after washing,\u201d CNN Underscored associate home and gifts editor Nikol Slatinska said. However, people with larger chests might need to add a sports bra under this tank for enough coverage and support. She didn\u2019t notice if the StayCool Tech and Wincool yarn actually released a ton of heat while working out, but she loved the light, quick-drying fabric and appreciated that the tank had a tight but not too tight fit that didn\u2019t ride up during her workouts.\n <\/p>\n

\n On the other hand, CNN Underscored senior lifestyle editor Tamara Kraus said the straps closest to her neck were loose and lifted off her shoulders during a dance cardio class, so she wished it had adjustable straps. She didn\u2019t feel like anything was going to fall out of her top, but it was annoying regardless. She also noted that the top color didn\u2019t exactly match the Cinched Run Shorts of same color name that she tried below.\n <\/p>\n

\n Bottoms\n<\/h2>\n
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\n\nSpanxShape Booty Boost 7\/8 Leggings With StayCool Tech\n<\/span>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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Amina Lake Patel\/CNN Underscored<\/figcaption>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

These leggings offer the kind of sculpting you\u2019d expect from Spanx products. \u201cThey’re very compressive, so they’re great for people who like to feel held in while they’re exercising,\u201d Patel said. She tried these out during hot yoga and dance classes, and she said they felt \u201ccool and slick\u201d throughout.<\/p><\/div>\n

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\n\n $110 at Spanx \n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n Meanwhile, I wore these during strength-training and cardio workouts, and the compression was a bit too intense for squats and lunges but felt fine for sculpting sequences like fire hydrants and leg extensions. Because of the tighter fit, I didn\u2019t notice any camel toe or slipping throughout my movement, which is a plus. I wouldn\u2019t wear these for running, but for walks and Pilates workouts, they function just fine. I noticed some sweat accumulating around my glutes and pelvic area, especially during workouts when I sat between reps and the fabric would bunch, but the fabric did an adequate job drying quickly and wicking away any excess moisture.\n <\/p>\n

\n Another bonus? They provided a lot of confidence-boosting smoothing in my midsection, as well as some shaping in the rear area. All in all, they made me feel very confident.\n <\/p>\n

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\n\nSpanx BoostUp 3-Inch Cinched Run Short With StayCool Tech\n<\/span>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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Nikol Slatinska\/CNN Underscored<\/figcaption>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

These shorts received mixed reviews from our editors. Kraus, who\u2019s 5 feet, 5 inches tall and strength trains regularly, said the small size barely covered her bum, and she would have liked a more flowy fit for running shorts (she later tried a medium and it was better, but the sizing still felt off compared to other workout brands she wears). Meanwhile, Slatinska said they were too long on her petite frame. Dennis and Tracy, however, really liked the fit. Tracy said they were a \u201ctasteful length\u201d and fit her \u201cthicker thighs\u201d perfectly, and Dennis said the shorts were her favorite clothing item she tested. \u201cI’m on the curvier side, so I did find them a bit short in the back,\u201d Dennis said, \u201cbut if you don’t mind the shorter length, they could be a solid option.\u201d<\/p>

Read more Dr. Erica Schwartz confirmed as CDC\u2019s first official director in a year<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

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\n\n $88 at Spanx \n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n One thing our editors agreed on was that the shorts could benefit from a drawstring at the waist. Because you couldn\u2019t personalize the fit, Kraus felt the waistband was unflattering and a bit bunchy, and Tracy refrained from running in these and stuck to her tried-and-true Lululemon bottoms, which offer more support and security. Kraus also flagged that the supershort length wasn\u2019t suitable for her high-intensity dance class, especially because the liner didn\u2019t offer enough coverage. During high kicks, jumps or low squats, she said they rode up and revealed the lower part of her bottom and other areas she didn\u2019t want exposed. If anything, they were breathable but not any more cooling than some other bottoms she wears during this class.\n <\/p>\n

\n Despite her sizing qualms, Slatinska was impressed by the shorts\u2019 light, quick-drying material and unobtrusive built-in liner. Tracy noted that as soon as she slipped these shorts on, she didn\u2019t wear anything else around her apartment for days. \u201cThey might not be replacing my standard running shorts, but they\u2019ve been a new favorite of mine for sleeping, general lounging and running errands on sweltering days,\u201d she said.\n <\/p>\n

\n Dresses\n<\/h2>\n
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\n\nSpanxShape BoostUp Scoop Neck Dress With StayCool Tech\n<\/span>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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Sophie Shaw\/CNN Underscored<\/figcaption>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Exercise dresses are the unsung heroes of summer dressing. They\u2019re often made with sweat-wicking fabric, have built-in shorts and look good during workouts and errands alike. This Spanx style is no different. In addition to all those comfort-boosting features, the dress\u2019 built-in shorts have large pockets on each side and a compressive, sculpting fit.<\/p><\/div>\n

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\n\n $138 at Spanx \n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n CNN Underscored fashion and beauty editor Sophie Shaw said this dress felt like a blend of the brand\u2019s smoothing undergarments and its workout clothes. \u201cIt definitely has a cute, sporty look from the outside, but then the built-in shorts have pretty heavy compression,\u201d she said. \u201cThe material was also a lot stiffer than I was expecting. It wasn\u2019t soft and stretchy like the workout dress I have from Halara, but I think that had to do with the cooling tech.\u201d\n <\/p>\n

\n While she said it wasn\u2019t the most comfortable workout dress she\u2019s ever tried, the cooling fabric makes it a good option for active days walking throughout the city.\n <\/p>\n

\n Bottom line\n<\/h2>\n

\n This Spanx lineup received mixed reviews from our editors. Some pieces, like the tennis dress, leggings and shelf-bra top, received solid marks for shape, compression, cooling capabilities and fit. Others, like the shorts and tank top, fell short of our expectations. For a product line that runs up to $140 per item, our team expected every piece to wow us. Instead, we were left wanting more from the brand known for boosting women\u2019s confidence. If these pieces had more adjustable features, flattering style choices and comfortable cuts, we could\u2019ve justified the price tags. Instead, only some are worth the expense.\n <\/p>\n

\n If you\u2019re looking for cooling clothing to wear in the summer, our team recommends opting only for the tennis dress, crewneck shirt and bra top. The leggings are solid, too, but don\u2019t expect them to be sweatproof in summer heat, especially that blue color that shows moisture buildup. While the shorts are suitable for leisure activities, we\u2019ll stick to our Lululemon biker shorts and favorite running bottoms for more intense workouts. The tank is a bit of a toss-up, but given its $68 price tag, you can likely find something similar (and cheaper) from a different brand.\n <\/p>\n

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\"neck-fan-cnnu.jpg\"<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n
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Molly Flores\/CNN Underscored<\/figcaption>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\nRelated article<\/span>\nAfter our hands-on testing, we trust these 49 products to keep us cool this summer<\/span>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n FAQs\n<\/h2>\n
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