Monday 30 April 2012

Just arrived: Tights from Philippe Matignon

On Hosiery For Men I have previously reviewed the 40 denier Dorella semi-opaque tights by Philippe Matignon.

Philippe Matignon have now kindly sent me a new package of tights for testing and review. As you would imagine, with hosiery of such high Italian quality, I am eager to get started.

I will be reviewing the Revitalise 70 tights. These are semi-sheer tights with graduated compression.



The Jade 20 sheer tights.



And finally the Oro 40 semi-sheer tights.

Sunday 29 April 2012

Reviewed: Gatta Laura 40 denier sheer tights

Itsocks sent me a sample of the Gatta Laura 40 denier sheer tights to test and review. With slightly warmer weather now with us, the focus at Hosiery For Men will be more on sheer and semi-sheer styles in the coming months. However, I have to admit that I have still been mainly wearing opaque or semi-opaque tights in recent weeks, as it has been so cold and damp here.

Gatta tights are made in Poland, and the Laura 40 denier tights are part of their Classic collection.

You can still read the Hosiery For Men feature on Itsocks. It includes an interview with the owner Anna Oldbury.

Itsocks are a London-based hosiery retailer and stock a range of styles in larger sizes to cater for the growing market of men buying tights for themselves. Itsocks even has a tights for men section on their website.




Materials and features

The Gatta Laura 40 denier sheer tights looked quite long as I took them out of the packaging. The pair I tested were size 5-XL, and it was clear immediately that they would be suitable for a taller person. I can see why Anna has included them in the tights that she recommends for men.

The tights are made from 87% nylon and 13% lycra. The material differs in the leg from the brief, but is quite soft overall. In appearance the Laura tights don't really look like what you would expect from 40 denier hosiery - the legs have a slightly more sheer appearance that is closer to 20 - 30 denier.

The Gatta Laura tights have a brief that is more opaque in appearance to the legs. It has plenty of stretch and room and fitted comfortably well above my waist. The 3cm waistband is comfortable and holds everything in place well. In the sizer 5-XL, the brief also a rear comfort panel. Sizes 3-4 have a gusset.

The seams in the brief are flat and well-made. Toes have a slight reinforcement.

In appearance these tights have a very slight shine. The semi-sheer appearance means that unless you remove leg hair it will be visible.



Fit and sizing
The Gatta Laura 40 denier sheer tights are available in four sizes: 2 (small), 3 (medium), 4 (large) and 5 (X-large).



I tested the size 5-XL and they were a very comfortable fit. I particularly liked the depth of the brief and the fit in the leg, which was very good without excessive stretching.

A particular plus is that when worn under trousers, which is always my preference, the glide is excellent with no snagging.

Colour range

The Gatta Laura 40 denier sheer tights are available in three shades:
Nero (Black)
Bronzo (Bronze)
Beige.

I tested a pair in Beige. The shade is a medium tan, lighter than the Bronze that is also available.

Price and availability

These tights retail for a very reasonable £3.50 and the 5-XL size is currently in stock in all shades in the 5-XL size.

Conclusion

As far as sizing goes these tights would be a good choice for men: the 5-XL size is suitable for heights up to 185cm (6'2") and the brief is deep and has plenty of room.

These are light, comfortable tights that would provide a welcome extra layer for cooler spring days.

Sunday 22 April 2012

Reviewed: Cecilia de Rafael Ave 70 denier opaque tights


I recently published reviews of two styles of opaque tights from the Spanish hosiery manufacturer Cecilia de Rafael.

You can still read the reviews of the Zafiro 60 Opac Plus Tights and the Coral 60 Denier Opaque Tights.

In the final review of this Cecilia de Rafael series, I will review the Ave 70 Denier Opaque Tights.

Material and features

The Ave 70 Denier Opaque Tights are described, in Spanish, as

'Panty totalmente opaco y mate, estética absolutamente uniforme. Alta elasticidad y ajuste perfecto.'


Translated this reads as:

'Totally opaque and matt tights, with a completely uniform appearance. High elasticity and a perfect fit.'


The Ave 70 Denier Opaque Tights are part of the Cecilia de Rafael Clásicos range and are made for Cecilia de Rafael in Italy.



As with both of the Cecilia de Rafael styles reviewed previously, my first impressions of these tights were very positive. The fabric, as in all Cecilia de Rafael tights, is of the finest quality and compares with some of the very best hosiery brands I have reviewed here.

The Ave 70 Denier Opaque Tights are made with Elastane 3D. The fabric used is 90% Polyamide (nylon) and 10% Elastane. The fabric has a very close weave and this accounts for the excellent level of opacity when worn. Even when the fabric is slightly more stretched at the knee and thigh, the tights provide a consistent and uniform coverage.

They are sheer to waist, with superb flat seams. The waistband is a wide and comfortable 3.5cm. There is a 3.5cm reinforced strip on each side of the central seam in the brief.

The toes have a narrow reinforcement band.

In the size 5 that I tested, there is a rear comfort panel. Sizes 1 to 4 have a cotton gusset.

These tights have a very slight sheen, but only when catching the light. The overall appearance is matt.

Fit and sizing

The Ave 70 Denier Opaque Tights are available in five sizes: 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.



I tested a size 5 and the fit was perfect. The size 5 in the Coral 60 Denier Tights was perhaps a little too large for my 5'10" height, but the same size in the Ave 70 Denier Tights was spot on. The sizing information on then packet indicates that these would fit up to 190cm (more than 6') and they certainly have an excellent amount of stretch provided by the 10% Elastane content.

Like the other Cecilia de Rafael styles I have tested, the brief in the size 5 is very generous and comfortable stretched over my hips.

The tights stayed up well all day and needed very little pulling up or adjusting. The fabric clings to the curve of your legs and stays there.

I would have liked a little more glide when worn under trousers. I tested these tights under jeans and cotton chinos - they moved well but not as smoothly as the Coral 60 Denier Tights.

Colour range

The Ave 70 Denier Opaque Tights are available in an impressively wide range of shades:
  • Negro 
  • Marron
  • Granate
  • Cobalto
  • Marino
  • Amatista
  • Botella
  • Lapizlazuli
  • Antracita
  • Malva
  • Rosso
  • Natural
  • Plomo
  • Chocolate
  • Militar
  • Castoro
  • Indigo
  • Beaver
  • Alaska
I tested a pair in Marron, a dark brown shade.

Price and availability

The Cecilia de Rafael website doesn't provide pricing information at the time of writing.

I have also not been able to identify, at this stage, where this particular style can be purchased. I will check with my contacts at Cecilia de Rafael and share any further information once it become available.

Conclusion

As with the other Cecilia de Rafael styles I have tested and reviewed, the Ave 70 Denier Opaque Tights are of the highest quality. Beautifully designed, and made with quality fabric, these tights are a real pleasure to wear. The fit was superb and I can see these as a great choice for men, particularly with the wide range of dark and neutral shades available. The matt appearance makes them a good option for wear instead of socks.

I only wish I was able to purchase this style, along with the Coral 60 Denier Tights, easily in the UK, as they would become one of my first choices for opaque hosiery.

New 280 denier microfibre knee highs with support from Comfort4Men

Comfort4Men tights for men have been featured frequently on Hosiery For Men.



They have just announced a new style: 280 denier microfibre knee highs for men.



These support knee highs have a support strength of 19-22 mmHg. Features include:
  • a wide comfort band
  • high opacity
  • reinforced toes
  • strong support for the ankles and calf.
They are available in skin or black.



Comfort4Men also sell 70 denier and 140 denier knee highs for men. Both of these styles come with support.