PORTLAND, Ore. — If you purchased caffeine-infused underwear because of promises it will make you thinner, federal regulators say you were hoodwinked – but at least you can get your money back.
The Federal Trade Commission announced Monday that Norm Thompson Outfitters of Oregon and Wacoal America Inc. of New Jersey have agreed to refund $1.5 million to consumers who bought “shapewear” that supposedly can reduce cellulite and fat because it is infused with caffeine and vitamin E.
“Caffeine-infused shapewear is the latest ‘weight-loss brew’ concocted by marketers,” Jessica Rich, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, said in a statement. “If someone says you can lose weight by wearing the clothes they are selling, steer clear.”
Norm Thompson sold women’s bike shorts, tights and leggings made of a fabric called Lytess for $49 to $79, according to the FTC’s complaint. The company claimed a woman could take 2 inches off the hips and an inch off the thighs in less than a month “without effort.”
“No diets or pills. Lose inches just by wearing these cellulite-slimming Lytess leggings,” the company said in an online catalog, according to the FTC. “The unique fabric is infused with caffeine to metabolize fat.”
The company also falsely claimed that the garments were backed by TV personality Dr. Oz.
The FTC says Wacoal made similar claims about its iPants underwear for women, which sold for $44 to $85.
Norm Thompson agreed to pay $230,000 and Wacoal America $1.3 million, which the FTC says it will use to provide refunds for consumers. The companies also will be prohibited from claiming that their caffeinated garments reduce weight or body size.
The FTC is accepting public comment on the proposed settlement until Oct. 29, and then will decide whether to make the settlements permanent.
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