Spanx Inventor Net Worth (Updated 2026).
Sara Blakely, the brain behind Spanx, didn’t set out to revolutionize the shapewear industry. In fact, her journey began quite unexpectedly. As a young fax machine salesperson in the late 90s, Blakely found herself frustrated with the lack of comfortable, seamless underwear that wouldn’t show lines under her white pants. So, she took matters into her own hands, cutting the feet off her control top pantyhose to create a smooth, invisible line. This impromptu solution sparked an idea that would eventually change the course of her career and the intimate apparel market.
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Sara Blakely’s Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, Sara Blakely, the inventor of Spanx, has an estimated net worth of $1.5 billion, according to Forbes. This significant wealth is primarily attributed to her innovative and successful shapewear brand, Spanx.
Career
Sara Blakely launched Spanx in 2000, after spending years developing and perfecting her patented footless pantyhose. She started the company with just $5,000 and grew it into a global brand, revolutionizing the intimate apparel industry. In 2012, she became the world’s youngest self-made female billionaire.
Other Ventures
In addition to Spanx, Blakely has invested in various other businesses and brands. She is a co-founder of the SPANX by Sara Blakely Foundation, which supports women’s causes. She has also invested in companies like Planet Fitness and Bombas socks, demonstrating her interest in diverse business opportunities.
Assets
Blakely’s assets include her majority stake in Spanx, valued at over $1 billion. She also owns properties, including a $4.1 million Atlanta home and a $2.5 million Lake Tahoe retreat. Additionally, she holds investments in various companies and funds.
Annual Income
While Blakely’s exact annual income is not publicly disclosed, it is estimated to be in the tens of millions. In 2020, Forbes reported that her Spanx stake generated over $400 million in revenue. Given her significant ownership in the company, it’s reasonable to assume her annual income is substantial.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spanx Inventor
**Frequently Asked Questions: Spanx Inventor Net Worth**
1. Who is the inventor of Spanx?
Sara Blakely is the inventor of Spanx. She founded the company in 2000 and is also the majority owner.
2. What was Sara Blakely’s inspiration for Spanx?
Blakely was inspired to create Spanx after struggling to find a smooth, seamless look under white pants. She wanted to create a product that would smooth out lumps and bumps, and provide a more flattering fit.
3. How did Sara Blakely get Spanx started?
Blakely invested $5,000 of her own money to start Spanx. She cut the feet off of pantyhose to create the first prototype and sold them out of her apartment. She also cold-called stores to pitch her product.
4. What is Sara Blakely’s net worth?
Sara Blakely’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.2 billion.
5. How has Sara Blakely given back with her wealth?
Blakely has been involved in various philanthropic efforts. She is a founding member of The Giving Pledge, a campaign to encourage wealthy people to contribute a majority of their wealth to philanthropic causes. She also supports education and women’s empowerment initiatives.
6. What is Sara Blakely’s educational background?
Blakely graduated from Florida State University with a degree in communications. She worked as a fax machine salesperson before starting Spanx.
7. How has Spanx grown since its inception?
Spanx has grown significantly since its inception. It is now a global brand with products sold in over 60 countries. The company has expanded its product line to include a wide range of shapewear, as well as leggings, jeans, and other apparel.
8. What awards has Sara Blakely received for her work with Spanx?
Blakely has received numerous awards for her work with Spanx, including being named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2002, and being inducted into the Forbes Richest Self-Made Women list in 2012.
9. What is Sara Blakely’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Blakely often advises aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace failure as a part of the learning process. She also emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself and one’s ideas.
10. What is the Spanx Foundation?
The Spanx Foundation is a non-profit organization founded by Sara Blakely. Its mission is to empower women through education and entrepreneurship. The foundation provides grants and scholarships to women pursuing education and business opportunities.
