In lean times, the man girdle is born

It's for the man who has a little too much of everything - the man girdle, or "mirdle."

In a land where metrosexuals reign, a London department store is hoping to cash in on the lucrative men's underwear market Thursday by launching a throwback to the Victorian era, a gut-cinching garment that designers say will help men make it through these belt-tightening times.

The stretchy contraptions resemble normal sleeveless tank tops or long-sleeved T-shirts - only shrunk down two or three sizes in a special blend of Spandex, nylon and polyester. Control underwear will be launched later this…