Live television always brings the unexpected, and Savannah Guthrie delivered a memorable dose of realness by openly sharing her pleather Spanx malfunction on “Today with Jenna & Friends,” turning a potential embarrassment into a viral moment of relatable humor and transparency that resonated deeply with viewers.
On October 23, 2025, Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie graced the set of “Today with Jenna & Friends” in a sleek all-black ensemble, featuring a blazer, sparkling heels, and a pair of pleather Spanx leggings. What started as a compliment from co-host Jenna Bush Hager on Guthrie’s “hot mama” look quickly pivoted to a moment of unexpected, refreshing honesty that has since captivated audiences.
Guthrie, known for her candid personality, didn’t shy away from revealing a small but visible tear just below the right knee of her Spanx leggings. “But look, I have a big hole in my Spanx. Hole in my Spanx pleather,” she declared, lifting her leg to showcase the wardrobe mishap. Her nonchalant gesture, throwing her hand up as if to say ‘oh well,’ perfectly encapsulated the moment’s lighthearted spirit.
The “Hole in My Spanx” Metaphor for Modern Life
The incident quickly became more than just a fashion faux pas. Jenna Bush Hager immediately dubbed the day “Hole in my Spanx,” humorously adding, “It’s a metaphor for everything.” This sentiment resonated widely, transforming a simple wardrobe malfunction into a symbol of life’s imperfections and the refreshing honesty of embracing them rather than hiding them. In a world often curated for perfection, Guthrie’s transparency provided a welcome dose of reality that delighted viewers across the country.
This candidness aligns with Guthrie’s overall approach to her public persona. Earlier in 2025, the 53-year-old anchor opened up to People about her gratitude for her role on the Today show. “I’m very grateful and I’m very aware. I really am. I know how blessed I am,” she shared, highlighting her appreciation for her unlikely journey in television.
From Wardrobe Woes to Rock Concerts: The Future of the Pants
Despite the prominent tear, Guthrie has no intention of retiring the pleather pants just yet. She humorously announced on the Entertainment Weekly-reported “Today with SiriusXM” Instagram account that she plans to wear them to Bon Jovi‘s upcoming 2026 tour. With her characteristic wit, she exclaimed, “Oh for sure, leath-ah weath-ah! Actually, it’s pleath-ah, pleath-ah weath-ah. They’re Spanx, literally, Spanx.”
The Bon Jovi tour announcement was a significant part of that morning’s show, as Guthrie had earlier sat down with lead singer Jon Bon Jovi. The rock icon discussed the band’s highly anticipated return to the stage, marking their first tour since he underwent major vocal cord surgery in 2022. Bon Jovi expressed confidence in his recovery, stating, “I think I can confidently say I can do my two and a half hours night after night after night. The road has been long. It’s been tough, but I persevered.”
A History of Live TV’s Unscripted Moments
The world of live television is no stranger to unscripted moments and wardrobe surprises. Such incidents, rather than being seen as failures, often become memorable highlights that endear personalities to their audience. This particular moment is not unique, even within the “Today” family:
- Jenna Bush Hager herself has experienced accidental flashes on air, once during a playful moment with Tyra Banks.
- Singer Jessica Simpson famously encountered a similar wardrobe issue mid-performance on the Today show plaza.
These instances underscore the charm of live broadcasting, where even seasoned professionals like Savannah Guthrie can have spontaneous, relatable moments that break through the polished facade of television. Guthrie’s “hole in my Spanx” stands out as a testament to her authenticity, proving that embracing imperfections can be far more endearing than striving for flawless presentation.
