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Caffeinated Underwear? FTC Says It Lacks Buzz

Bras, girdles and leggings infused with caffeine and sold as weight loss aids were more decaf than espresso, U.S. regulators said on Monday.
/ Source: Reuters

Bras, girdles and leggings infused with caffeine and sold as weight loss aids were more decaf than espresso, and the companies that sold them have agreed to refund money to customers and pull their ads, U.S. regulators said on Monday.

The Federal Trade Commission said Wacoal America and Norm Thompson Outfitters, which owns Sahalie and others, were accused of deceptive advertising that claimed their caffeine-impregnated clothing would cause the wearer to lose weight and have less cellulite. "If someone says you can lose weight by wearing the clothes they are selling, steer clear. The best approach is tried and true: diet and exercise," said Jessica Rich, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.

Oregon-based Norm Thompson sold clothing made with Lytess brand fabric infused with caffeine which, the company said, would break down fat. Wacoal America, based in New Jersey, also advertised that its clothing had microcapsules with caffeine, vitamin E and other chemicals that it said led to weight loss. Neither company immediately responded to attempts to reach them for comment. Refunds will be about $1.5 million, the FTC said.

IN-DEPTH

-Reuters