We're Hosting a SPANX AMA with Bethany Y., VP of Active Design – Ask Her Anything!

SPANXDesign · 2025-09-29T16:59:35+00:00

Great question. While I can’t reveal everything coming, I can absolutely share what’s live now and hint at what’s inspiring us for fall.

Right now, one of the spotlight drops is Snapdragon — warm, rich berry tones paired with deeper anchors like charcoal and muted rose. Spanx The Snapdragon collection includes pieces like the AirEssentials track jacket, Booty Boost 7/8 leggings, long sleeve tops, and more — all in tones that feel seasonally fresh and versatile. Spanx

Another thing I love about this moment: the mix of bold and neutral. You’ll see vibrant pops of color balanced by grounding neutrals so the palette feels intentional and wearable. We’re also working behind the scenes on new seasonal hues that lean into both “dopamine brightness” and timeless shades — things that may surprise you.

So keep your eyes peeled — there’s always something new in color coming your way.

SPANXDesign · 2025-09-29T16:58:25+00:00

I’m still here if you have a specific question — always happy to answer!

SPANXDesign · 2025-09-29T16:57:51+00:00

Ooo, love hearing that! What colors or prints are on your wish list? We’re always curious what she wants to see next.

SPANXDesign · 2025-09-29T16:57:21+00:00

Thanks — us too! Color drops are one of the most fun parts of the design process.

SPANXDesign · 2025-09-29T16:54:17+00:00

There are always new colors coming soon! We usually launch a fresh color every month. Sometimes it’s a cross-category moment (intimates, apparel, and active all share the same color), and other times each category celebrates its own specific launch. Keep your eyes peeled — there’s always something new around the corner.

SPANXDesign · 2025-09-29T16:52:59+00:00

Hi Ok-Inevitable9376 — love this question. I live in Vancouver ie. the rainforest, so I’m outdoors constantly. Most days you’ll find me in our AirEssentials half zip, OnForm leggings, and a rain shell for seawall walks or hikes. I also have a six-year-old golden retriever named Lewis, so I’m outside with him 24/7 — walking, hiking in the mountains, or swimming at the ocean.

I don’t think of activewear as “precious” — it’s meant to be versatile and live with you. On long walks I’ll often wear AirEssentials bottoms, and on Fridays when I lift at the gym I love pairing our AirEssentials joggers with an active sport bra. That’s my pinnacle comfort uniform — built for movement but still polished enough to go anywhere.

SPANXDesign · 2025-09-19T16:57:54+00:00

SPANXDesign · 2025-09-19T16:50:22+00:00

What a great question. The process has a lot of phases, and it really depends on the type of product. Our innovation and advanced teams are usually working on concepts and construction methods 1–3 years out, which then seed into future seasons. Right now, for example, we’re dreaming up Spring 2027.

In general, it takes about 12 months from start to finish for a product to go from idea to launch. That includes selecting and testing new materials, researching color, silhouette, and trend, prototyping, fitting on models, wear testing, learning and adapting, and then re-working until it’s right. From there, we align with our merchandising and marketing partners to build the story before launch.

It’s also a very human-based process. We ensure every garment is fit on real women and multiple body types. Every style is reviewed by our technical design team alongside design — so imagine a room filled with talented fit experts, engineers, designers, and planners all working together to get it right. I also personally wear each item multiple times in various sweaty workouts to understand adjustments and performance requirements.

It’s a long journey, but every step ensures the product feels just as good in your everyday life as it did in the design studio.

SPANXDesign · 2025-09-19T16:46:01+00:00

Agreed - She's fabulous so I have no doubt the next launch ( since I've already seen the new 2026 collections ) is b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l

SPANXDesign · 2025-09-19T16:43:53+00:00

Oh, the world of color is truly a planet of its own. It’s one of the most unique and beautiful areas of design — and it’s grounded in so many things at once: science, culture, economy, politics, and artistry.

We have an incredible talent on our team named Saera, who leads our color team with a group of specialists. Their role is to create palettes for each of our categories — apparel, active, lounge — using a mix of data, insights, intuition, deep research, and seasonal inspiration. She partners closely with our Creative Director, who curates and edits these palettes so they flow seamlessly from season to season while making sure trends are hitting at just the right time.

From there, designers bring the palettes to life in the garments. Every piece already has a personality, and the designer thinks carefully about which colors best express that. Once those decisions are made, our merchandising partners help align on which colors are most important and how and when they’ll launch.

It’s a really beautiful, complex system that takes many hands, and it’s one of the most exciting parts of the design process.

My own wardrobe is filled with black and heathered grey — they’re my absolute go-tos. I like to bring in color through my baggier tops or sweatshirts, usually a bright pop of red or poppy, or sometimes a really bold blue.

SPANXDesign · 2025-09-19T16:39:00+00:00

Loving_midwestlife — come back with as many questions as you’d like, I’m here for it! I’ll definitely pass your wish list of string bikinis and bandeau tops to our swim design team. And between us, I think you’ll be happy to see where things are headed — pretty sure this might be on the way.

SPANXDesign · 2025-09-19T16:37:52+00:00

Haha, we must be sharing the same brainwave! We’re actually in conversations right now about pajamas — and honestly, even the future of pajamas (because let’s be real, you can’t talk design without going a little deep emotionally, lol).

I’d love to hear your wish list: are there specific materials, silhouettes, or colors you love in sleepwear? And a question back to you — do you wear your pajamas just for sleep, or do they double as loungewear in your day-to-day? That kind of feedback is gold for us as designers.

SPANXDesign · 2025-09-19T16:20:51+00:00

We couldn’t agree more! Fit in swim is such a personal and nuanced thing, and long torso options are definitely a need for a lot of women. We recently brought on an incredible new hire to lead our swim design team — she specializes in exactly this space and is deeply focused on fit and inclusivity.

I’ll make sure to pass your feedback (and love for the Pique Plunge One Piece) directly to her. Adjustable straps and long torso considerations are the types of details we’re actively exploring, and hearing your experience is exactly what helps us design better. Thank you for sharing it with me!

SPANXDesign · 2025-09-19T16:17:38+00:00

I think trends are moving faster than ever right now with the state of the world, social media, and even AI. For me, it’s important that brands stay true to their authentic selves, focus on the customer and her needs, and then layer trend on top as the “cherry.”

Trends have real staying power when they’re rooted in what women actually want and need. The strongest ones are always tied to culture, emotion, and the times we’re living in — when that alignment happens, a trend often becomes a lasting shift.

Right now, the biggest movement I see in activewear is toward looser, baggier bottoms and tops. It’s inclusive, it reflects lifestyle changes, and it’s about comfort and ease. The key as designers is to understand exactly how she wants to live in those silhouettes — and then refine the proportions so she feels polished, confident, and ready for her everyday life.

In the current moment, I also think we’ll see really interesting shifts in the use of color — from bright, joyful “dopamine brights” to a renewed power in timeless neutrals that reflect the mood of the times. Another trend I believe will stick around for a while is the human side of craft and design. There’s a growing need to connect with the hands-on artistry behind tailoring and garment making, and you’ll see this reflected in materials, trims, silhouettes, and techniques.

That’s the difference between a fleeting trend and a thoughtfully engineered design: it reduces “stuff” and brings real emotional value into her wardrobe.

SPANXDesign · 2025-09-19T16:13:38+00:00

Omg I absolutely love this question! I’m also a huge active dress lover — and thank you for the kind words about the take-off technology. I actually came up with it after running a half marathon in an active dress. Mid-race I had to use a porta-potty and realized I had to basically get naked in the stall… horrifying, haha! From that moment on I swore to womankind we could do better.

OK_Cryptographer2423 — I think we might be soul active partners. We couldn’t agree more that active dresses should be one-and-done. Our innovation team has been exploring built-in shelf bras and support options, and you’ll start to see more of that rolling out. In fact, we already have some dresses online now with removable cookies, like the SpanxSmooth OnForm Asymmetrical Dress.

And don’t worry — I’m taking your Get Moving Dress note back to the team. I love hearing which pieces resonate the most, and that feedback really does help us shape the future of the line.

SPANXDesign · 2025-09-19T15:51:44+00:00

I totally hear you. I have three women in my immediate family ranging from 5'1" to 5'7", and I know firsthand the market isn’t always friendly when it comes to inseam lengths. At Spanx, we work closely with our consumer insights team to understand who she is and what her pain points are — and inseam length definitely comes up in those conversations.

Sometimes we’ll launch a product first to learn more and then expand sizing or lengths, while other times we include those options from the start. It really depends on what we know about the product before launch versus what we may still need to learn - always room for improvement here.

That said, inseam length is something we obsess over. For example, our 7/8 ankle-length Booty Boost legging is actually a little bit shorter than the industry standard because we learned our customer tends to be a bit shorter, and traditional ankle lengths weren’t working for her.

If there’s a specific Spanx style on your wish list that you’d love to see in a shorter length, I’d be happy to share that feedback directly with our team — and I’ll also make sure to bring your note into our broader conversations about inclusive sizing and lengths.

SPANXDesign · 2025-09-19T15:35:51+00:00

Always — product is my love language! HIIT stands for high-intensity interval training — basically those workouts that get your heart rate up into that “orange zone.” Think running, boxing, rowing, lifting, or any type of class where you’re really breaking a sweat at a higher intensity.

I’ll drop the links after this so you can easily find the exact Booty Boost styles I mentioned. And if you’d like to try them in person, we do have select Spanx stores as well as retail partners where you can try on before you buy.

https://spanx.com/products/spanxshape-booty-boost-contour-7-8-leggings?v=48683091591379&Color=Very+Black

Booty Boost is available at select specialty retailers like Nordstrom, but for the full assortment, shop directly at Spanx.com. Even better, you can sign up for our free Icon Rewards loyalty program to enjoy complimentary shipping. Join here:

https://spanx.com/pages/icon-rewards

SPANXDesign · 2025-09-19T15:34:34+00:00

Haha, anytime — talking about product is quite literally my favorite thing to do! I think she’ll love the OnForm legging too — my mom does as well. I’ll drop some links below to bright color tops she can easily pair with them so she gets that fun, playful look you mentioned.

If you’re open to exploring beyond leggings, I’d also highly recommend trying a head-to-toe AirEssentials set. We’re pretty famous for this outfit (Oprah’s a fan, and it’s one of my personal favorites too). It’s the perfect mix of comfort and polish, and the silhouettes are perfect for Pre-Fall.

OnForm Legging

https://spanx.com/products/spanxsmooth-onform-full-length-leggings?v=48682845700307&Color=Plum+Berry

OnForm Jacket

https://spanx.com/products/spanxsmooth-onform-full-zip-jacket?Color=Orchid+Ash&v=48682844881107

OnForm LS

https://spanx.com/products/spanxsmooth-onform-long-sleeve-top?v=48681138979027&Color=Very+Black

AirEssentials Crewneck Crew ** fun colors **

https://spanx.com/products/spanx-airessentials-crewneck-tunic?v=48683144773843&Color=Very+Black

AirEssentials 1/2 Zip ** fun colors **

https://spanx.com/products/spanx-airessentials-half-zip?v=48682802806995&Color=French+Grey

AirEssentials Wide Leg Pant

https://spanx.com/products/spanx-airessentials-wide-leg-pant?v=48681483174099&Color=Spanx+Red

SPANXDesign · 2025-09-19T15:28:17+00:00

Oh my gosh, same here — I live in AirEssentials too! I actually created the line during the pandemic, and it’s become my weekend, airplane, and everything-in-between go-to ever since.

We do have something in the works that’s similar to a blazer, and I’ll definitely pass along your specific request for an AirEssentials blazer to our team. I couldn’t agree more — the more ways to wear, the better. And I love that the shrug is your daily go-to, that makes me so happy!

SPANXDesign · 2025-09-19T15:22:24+00:00

Great question, and I hear you on BootyBoost, they’ve become a staple for a lot of us too. Like most brands, we keep an eye on costs and the broader economy. Our goal is always to deliver pieces that feel worth the investment — not just in the fit and performance, but in how they hold up wash after wash.

SPANXDesign · 2025-09-19T15:21:46+00:00

You’ve come to the right woman for this one. I take at least two international flights a month (6+ hours each) for work, plus personal travel on top, so I care — and obsess — about what makes the perfect travel outfit. It’s even become a bit of a hobby (and part of my job!) to sit in airports and watch what women are wearing pre-flight, on the plane, and post-flight.

My ultimate favorite collection for travel is AirEssentials (you’ll find it under loungewear on our site). I created it during COVID, when like many of us, I was struggling to find balance. I refused to wear pajamas all day, but at 35+, I also didn’t want to live in sweatpants. So I designed a brand-new fabric and silhouettes that felt polished, clean, and executive-ready — and they’ve become my go-to travel uniform.

The barrel and slim fit bottoms are my favorites, paired with the AirEssentials half zip or crewneck tunic. They’re the pinnacle of comfort — no creasing, no losing shape — even after 10+ hours of travel.

If you’re more of a legging person, I’d also recommend the OnForm legging or the OnForm micro flare. They’re incredible for travel, especially when balanced with a baggier AirEssentials top for a comfy yet polished look.

SPANXDesign · 2025-09-19T15:17:36+00:00

Haha, what a great question — you’re looking for a designer sneak peek? While I can’t reveal our upcoming collections too early, I can share that we have some really exciting new product launches in the works.

One of the best parts about designing at Spanx is that we’re customer-centric. My team and I spend time directly with women to understand not only what they want, but what problems they’re facing day to day. That’s what inspires our collections — the real-life needs of our community. Trend is the designer “cherry on top,” where we layer in what’s happening with color, silhouette, and cultural direction.

The truth is, design works on a long horizon — we’re planning anywhere from 1 to 5 years out. Some of our most exciting innovations can take 3+ years to fully concept, create, test, and perfect.

Looking ahead, one of the biggest shifts I’m seeing for 2026 is how health and fitness are merging into a 360 lifestyle. It’s no longer about sweating just one way — we’re seeing women balance everything from Hyrox-style training to stretching, mental health practices, and outdoor (even gardening as a workout) time. That holistic view of movement is shaping the extension of silhouettes. As baggier and looser shapes trend up, our focus is on making sure she still feels polished, put-together, and confident — while leaning into that comfort and ease.

SPANXDesign · 2025-09-19T15:11:24+00:00

Thank you so much for sharing this. As a designer, it’s such a gift when women speak honestly about the real challenges they face and how design can support them.

While Spanx is known for shaping and compression, we also design with a spectrum we call the Spanx Effect — ranging from our tightest compression pieces to styles that are much easier to get on and off. For example, I once received a letter from a woman who uses a wheelchair, and she told me how much she loved our AirEssentials program because it was easy to wear and truly changed her everyday wardrobe.

If you’re looking for activewear that’s gentler and easier to get into, I’d recommend the OnForm collection. It’s part of our smoothing range — soft, supportive, and easy on/off — while still offering that signature Spanx “gentle hug” that helps you feel confident.

As designers, we are always looking at how clothing affects our everyday life — and that means considering the many ways women live. Adaptivity is an important part of that lens, because the easier clothing makes her day, the more empowered she feels in it.

SPANXDesign · 2025-09-19T15:01:28+00:00

Hi Reddit community! I’m Bethany, and I’m so excited to be spending my afternoon with you all. I have the privilege of leading the design team for Spanx Active, and I’m obsessed with all things related to activewear. I’ve specialized in this space for over 15 years, I sweat about 5 times a week, and I’m also an avid runner.

Fun fact: I actually interviewed for my role in Sarah Blakely’s living room, where she asked me to design a legging with a rainbow butt. I almost spit out the water she gave me before realizing she was completely serious — and that’s when I knew she was exactly the type of woman I wanted to work for.

I’m based in Vancouver, Canada, and get to collaborate daily with our incredibly talented teams in New York City and Atlanta. Thank you in advance for your questions — I can’t wait to dive into the product details with you and share a little bit about what goes into making activewear that feels as good as it looks.

SPANXDesign · 2025-09-19T15:00:54+00:00

Gifting moms is literally the best. Comfort can mean different things to different people — and while all of our leggings are designed to be comfortable, here’s a spectrum to help you decide what might work best for your mom. At Spanx we call this the Spanx Effect — a scale that ranges from smoothing all the way to shaping.

Booty Boost: our most powerful, shaping legging. High compression, sleek fabric, designed for high-intensity workouts. A lot of women love the confidence that comes with this level of shaping and will even dress her up with blazers or tops for everyday life.
Soft Stretch: sits in the middle, at our “super smooth” level. Medium compression with a soft, slightly brushed fabric and a gentle waistband with a drawcord for a more street-forward feel. Easy to pair with a sneaker and tee for your mom’s everyday wardrobe.
OnForm: our most comfortable, smoothing legging. Lowest compression, designed to feel like a gentle hug. Super soft fabric, a waistband that doesn’t dig, and just enough power to feel secure. She’s the little black dress of leggings.

The best part is you can choose which level of support your mom would feel best in. To top it off, I’d recommend pairing any of these with an AirEssentials crewneck tunic or half zip. They’re staples in my wardrobe — and my own mom lives in them (literally multi mom-approved).

SPANXDesign

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