Tuesday 26 June 2012

20% discount at Itsocks for Hosiery For Men readers

Itsocks are providing Hosiery For men readers with a special discount on all their products.

Until 19 July, all items at Itsocks will have 20% off!



The special discount code for Hosiery For Men readers is itsocks20 and needs to be applied at the checkout.

This is great opportunity to stock up on some quality items. 


I have reviewed several styles from Itsocks and you can read the reviews here:

Gatta Rosalia 100 Denier Opaque Tights
Gatta Laura 40 Denier Sheer Tights
Gatta Rosalia Polar Winter Tights

I particularly recommend the Gatta Rosalia 100 Denier Opaque Tights and the larger sizes are particularly suitable for taller men. With a 20% discount off the £4.99, these are now at an absolutely bargain price.



If you want to stock up on some amazingly warm thermal tights for next winter, the Gatta Rosalia Polar Winter Tights are also recommended.

Sunday 24 June 2012

Gerbe Satin 20 Denier Men's Tights - Last chance to get them?

It is a huge disappointment that Gerbe are discontinuing their line of men's tights. There seem to be very few pairs left for sale, and when they are, the full range of sizes and shades tends not to be available.

Anyway, Hosiery For Men has spotted a bargain for readers.

The Gerbe Men Satin 20 Denier Tights are available with a terrific 40% discount from Stockings HQ, a leading UK tights and stockings retailer. Normally retailing for £34.95, they are now available at just £20.95. The Beige Dore shade is the only one available but all sizes are in stock (small, medium and large).



These are luxurious French 20 denier sheer tights designed exclusively for men. They have a matt finish with a comfort waistband and front opening, especially designed for the male anatomy. They have a subtle reinforcement of heels and toes, and a high Lycra 3D content (18%) for the ultimate stretch and comfort.

I already own a pair of these and they are a superb product. This might be your last chance to get some before they completely disappear.

Friday 22 June 2012

Reviewed: Gatta Rosalia 100 Denier Opaque Tights

Itsocks are a London-based hosiery retailer and stock several of styles of tights 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.

I have previously published a Hosiery For Men feature on Itsocks, that includes an interview with the owner Anna Oldbury.

I have also reviewed the following tights sold by Itsocks:

Gatta Laura 40 Denier Sheer Tights
Gatta Rosalia Polar Winter Tights



Itsocks sent me a sample of the Gatta Rosalia 100 Denier Opaque Tights to test and review.



Materials and features

For a man testing tights, my first impressions once the tights have been removed from their packaging is often a good guide to how the tights will wear. In this case I was impressed with the length of the Gatta Rosalia 100 Denier Opaque Tights. I can see why Anna recommends these tights to men looking for warm opaques.

They are made of 86% nylon and 14% Lycra microfiber. The fabric is 100 denier which provides a very good level of opacity. These tights feel incredibly soft. They are mainly matt in appearance with just a slight shine.

Seams are not conventional (not flat). The waistband is quite narrow at 2cm, but it soft and comfortable and holds everything in place without any constriction. I particularly liked the deep brief which has plenty of room - another plus point for male wearers.

The 5-XL size that I tested has a rear comfort panel. Sizes 2,3 and 4 have a gusset. They are sheer to waist with just a barely visible reinforcement band below the brief.




Fit and sizing
The Gatta Rosalia 100 Denier Opaque 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 an excellent fit. As mentioned above the good length in the legs and deep brief are key plus points for male wearers.

Worn under trousers there is good glide and the tights seem have have some breathbility so you don't overheat.

Colour range

The Gatta Rosalia 100 Denier Opaque Tights are available in three shades:

Nero (Black)
Grafite (Grey)
Purple.

I tested a pair in Black.

 
Price and availability
Itsocks sells these tights for just £4.99. This seems like a tremendous bargain to me for the quality of this product.

Itsocks has all shades and sizes currently in stock.

Conclusion

These opaque tights are an excellent choice for men. The sizing is ideal for taller men and with the excellent stretch in the fabric along with a high Lycra content, you are guaranteed to get a good, comfortable fit.

The Gatta Rosalia 100 Denier Opaque Tights will definitely be tights I will be wearing this autumn and winter.

Just arrived: Gipsy Diamond Opaque Tights







Stockings Direct have very kindly sent me sample of the Gipsy Diamond Opaque Tights to test and review.




It's great to be able to test some more diamond pattern tights. I will upload a review soon. Stay tuned also for a forthcoming feature on Stockings Direct.

Men in Tights: The Truth About Men Who Wear Pantyhose

Men in Tights: The Truth About Men Who Wear Pantyhose - this is the title of a recent fascinating and informative article by the style expert Bridgette Raes.


Style expert Bridgette Raes

In the article Bridgette explores the emerging trend of men wearing tights (pantyhose in the USA) and how frequently this is not only misunderstood, but also laughed at and ridiculed.

Bridgette discussed the issue further in her radio show where she interviewed two guests, Rob Stephenson and Kevin Wright, two men's legwear wearers, to gain a better understanding of some of the reasons men wear tights. 




Bridgette deserves credit for the open and non-judgmental way she explored the issue with Rob and Kevin and the way some of the prejudices and stereotypes of men wearing tights are challenged.

Men wear tights for many reasons including for warmth and also for leg support, and in some cases for help with circulatory problems. Of course, many men also wear them because they like them. Bridgette also acknowledges that tights were originally a menswear garment, long before they became popular with women.

The radio show can be heard here:


Listen to internet radio with BridgetteRaes on Blog Talk Radio

Thursday 21 June 2012

Spotlight on Philippe Matignon

I have reviewed two styles of Philippe Matignon tights at Hosiery For Men. Philippe Matignon tights are made in Italy and have a deserved reputation for quality.


I was impressed with the two styles I reviewed:

The Revitalise 70 support tights and the Dorella 40 semi-opaque tights.

I am now pleased to publish a longer feature on Philippe Matignon. I recently interviewed Maytal Sharifi, Brand Consultant at Revival Brands who are the distributors of Philippe Matignon in the US.

Can you provide Hosiery for Men readers with some background information about the Philippe Matignon brand? 

Philippe Matignon is an international leader in luxury hosiery designed and manufactured in Italy. Philippe Matignon’s unique aesthetic and extensive collection offers a variety of tights, sheers, and opaques in a range of colors and textures. Built on Italian heritage, PM is distributed in over 2,100 specialty stores, Goldenpoint stores and department chains internationally. Our motto is that we’re bringing the US Market accessible luxury at premier quality.

You recently opened a US-based web store. Has this increased awareness of the Philippe Matignon brand?
Our e-commerce shop has added tremendous brand awareness. Customers that have travelled abroad and bought the brand are now able to purchase it in the states. We’re seeing customers placing their second and third orders which also means they are spreading the gospel! 

There has been a huge amount of media coverage of 'mantyhose' (tights and pantyhose for men) in recent months, with some brands, such as Emilio Cavallini, now marketing tights as unisex. Is Philippe Matignon aware of this trend and how are they responding to it?
We are fully aware of the trend and always look to cater to many different demographics. The “mantyhose” consumer has been very loyal to Philippe Matignon and we now are adding more large sizes and shapewear tights to the collection.

Are Philippe Matignon aware that men are purchasing their hosiery? Are they actively aiming to increase men's awareness of their products? 

Our team is fully aware of our male consumers, especially after your blog! Since we have recently launched in the US, we are focusing in increasing awareness on all fronts - male and female. Our goals are to have the brand be sold in at least 1,000 boutiques and create national awareness that includes both men and women.

Are there any particular styles that are selling well with male customers?
The All Day 15 and All Day 50 have sold well with male customers. They are both unique shaping tights offering strong compression and yet designed with luxury material for comfort. 




Are there any Philippe Matignon tights or pantyhose that you would particularly recommend for men? 

The All Day 15 and All Day 50 are fabulous for both men and women! I would also recommend Slimette Charme, our tight designed to suck in the stomach and give your butt a great shape.



What developments can we expect in the future at Philippe Matignon? 

We are looking to officially launch lingerie for Spring 2013. Philippe Matignon is currently offering a small sampling of the collection on philippematignon.us to gage the US reaction. So far the response has been great and we look forward to adding another lifestyle component to the brand.

Maytal, thanks for speaking to Hosiery For Men. It's good to hear that the brand is aware of male customers and you are planning to increase the range of larger sizes available.

Wednesday 20 June 2012

Reviewed: Ela David 20 denier men's tights

I recently published a feature on ACTIVtights, a men's hosiery store that is part of the growing number of retailers selling men's tights.

ACTIVtights kindly provided Hosiery For Men with samples of the range of men's tights made by the Czech manufacturer Ela.

Our first review was of the Adam 64 Denier Men's Tights. We now focus on the Ela David 20 Denier Men's Tights.




Materials and features

The Ela David 20 Denier Men's Tights are packaged in a cellophane sleeve, wrapped inside a card liner. They are described 'a basic 20 denier sheer men's tights.'

These tights are made from 97% Polyamide and 3% Lycra.

Although described as 'basic', these tights are very good quality. The fabric is very light and extremely soft and smooth.

Seams are flat and the toes are reinforced. The waistband is 3.5cm wide and very comfortable.

The tights are not sheer to waist, but have a reinforced brief. There is a rear comfort panel and male centre panel.

The fabric also includes treatment with TEXSILVER microcapsules, which are "gradually released in contact with the skin, ensure preventive action against the feeling of heavy legs, promote blood circulation and inhibit the formation of edema."

Fit and sizing
The Ela David 20 Denier Men's Tights are available in three sizes: L, XL and XXL.



As with the Adam 64 Den tights, I choose the XL size and I am glad as I am sure the L size would have been a bit too small.

The fit was excellent. The tights have plenty of stretch. Although they have a quite low Lycra content, the fabric clings well to the legs and there is no wrinkling or bunching. The brief has plenty of room and the male centre panel, or 'front gusset', functions well in supporting what it is designed for.

The Ela tights are mainly matt in appearance but glide was pretty good under trousers.

Colour range
These tights are available in just two colours: Black and Beige.

I tested a pair in Beige.

Price and availability
The Ela David 20 Denier Men's Tights are available from ACTIVtights for US$4.99.

ACTIVtights ship products worldwide.

Conclusion

I was quite surprised at the good quality of the Ela David 20 Denier Men's Tights. They are not expensive but have clearly been designed well, and with men in mind.

The fabric is lovely to wear and is very comfortable. If you need a good pair of men's sheer tights these definitely do the job.

Doyeah footless support tights - more images

Here are some more images of the new Doyeah footless support tights available from Legwear4Men.


 
  

Tuesday 19 June 2012

Doyeah footed men's support tights - more images

Here are some more images of the new Doyeah footed support tights for men that are now available from Legwear4Men.

     
  

New Doyeah support tights for men

The Legwear4Men store has just announced that they have a new range of Doyeah support tights for men in stock.

These are the first 'true' support tights from Doyeah; they are made from 90 denier fabric, comprising 69% Nylon, 31% elastane, and have a convenient male 'pouch'. They come in one size, which the manufacturer states will cover heights of approx160-185cm (5' 4" - 6' 0") and hips of approx 80 - 110cm (31" - 42"). They are available in Beige (Skin-tone), Grey and Black.

Both styles retail for £8.99 per pair.

The range includes the 0306 Men's Footless Support Tights and the 0118 Men's 90D Footed Support Tights.



Just arrived: Calvin Klein Ultra Fit Stripe Tights

I checked out the hosiery sale bargains at a branch of the House of Fraser department store in London today.

There wasn't a huge amount that caught my attention, but I did end of buying these Calvin Klein Ultra Fit Stripe Opaque Tights.

I was really taken with the smart pin stripe design and these look great for wearing instead of socks in cooler weather.



I will review these tights in due course but you may have to wait until some cooler weather arrives.

Tuesday 12 June 2012

Reviewed: Ela Adam 64 Denier Men's Tights

I recently published a feature on ACTIVtights, a men's hosiery store that is part of the growing number of retailers selling men's tights.

ACTIVtights sent me a selection of tights for men made by the Czech manufacturer Ela.

Our first review is of the Adam 64 Denier Men's Tights.




Materials and features

The Adam 64 Denier Men's Tights are packaged in a cellophane sleeve, wrapped inside a card liner.

My first impressions were positive: the tights were a really good length. This is clearly a product designed and made for men.

These tights are made from 70% Polyamide microfibre and 30% wrapped Lycra.

The fabric is extremely soft and smooth, and with very good opacity. The coverage is very even, including those areas where it is stretched more.

Seams are flat and there is a comfortable 2cm waistband. Toes are reinforced. The tights are not sheer to waist, having a reinforced brief and a reinforcement band at the top of each thigh. The demarcation, however, is not very visible when worn.

The tights have been designed with both a rear comfort panel and a male centre panel or 'front gusset' according to the manufacturer.

According to ACTIVtights, material also includes:

"TEXSILVER microcapsules, which are gradually released in contact with the skin, ensure preventive action against the feeling of heavy legs, promote blood circulation and inhibit the formation of edema."


Fit and sizing

The Adam 64 Denier Men's Tights are available in three sizes: L, XL and XXL.



Although I am 178cm in height (5'10"), I choose the XL size and I am glad as I am sure the L size would have been a bit too small.

The fit was excellent. There is plenty of room in the legs and crucially the brief has plenty of depth.

This is the first time I have tested Ela men's tights with the 'front gusset', or male centre panel. The feature works really well: the male equipment is very comfortably supported.

The tights have a slight sheen to them. Glide under jeans was excellent.

Colour range

These tights are available in just two colours: Black and Beige.

I tested a pair in Black.

Price and availability

The Adam 64 Denier Men's Tights are available from ACTIVtights for US$9.00.

ACTIVtights ship products worldwide.

Conclusion

These are well made men's tights, robustly constructed and well-designed. The fit is excellent and they are very comfortable to wear. The high Lycra content makes for a close and comfortable fit with little wrinkling or sagging. 

Although opaque tights, they are quite light and not too thick. This makes them a good choice for wear under trousers on cooler days without overheating. I think these tights would be great for hiking or cycling.

They retail at a very reasonable price also and are therefore recommended.

Reviewed: Pamela Mann Diamond Opaque Tights

I recently purchased some Chocolate Brown Diamond Opaque Tights from Essex'ee Legs, an online shop based in Brentwood, Essex, UK.



With the return of cool, wet weather I thought it was time to review some more opaque tights. I am quite keen on diamond and argyle type patterned tights and think they can be quite a smart style to wear under trousers.

Materials and features

The Pamela Mann Classic Diamond Opaque Tights are made from 92% Nylon and 8% Elastane.



In overall appearance they are semi-opaque. The fabric is more opaque, similar to a 50 denier style, at the calf and ankle, but less opaque where more stretched. The fabric has very little shine. The material is very soft to the touch.

The diamond pattern on these tights only reaches up to the brief.

Seams are conventional and there is no gusset. The waistband is 2.5cm wide.



Fit and sizing

The Pamela Mann Classic Diamond Opaque Tights are available in ONE SIZE only.

According to the Pamela Mann size guide, provided by Essex'ee Legs, ONE SIZE tights will fit up to 5'10".

Size wise these tights only just fitted me. They have a generous amount of Lycra and I could get the tights to stretch well, but I think I was getting pretty much to their limit to get them on comfortably. However, I have to say that once on they stayed in place and were a comfortable wear. The brief lacked a bit of depth but was also comfortable

It would be great if Pamela Mann could upgrade this style by offering a deeper brief, larger sizes and flat seams.

Colour range

These tights are only available in two shades: Black and Chocolate.

The Chocolate shade that I tested is a warm dark brown colour.

Price and availability
The Pamela Mann Classic Diamond Opaque Tights cost a very reasonable £5.99.

Conclusion

For the price these tights are a reasonable buy. As a man buying tights I nearly always avoid ONE SIZE tights as, in general, they are clearly not designed for taller wearers. These tights would suit someone smaller than my 5'10".

They were, to be fair, a comfortable wear. I also liked the diamond appearance which can pass for patterned socks when worn under trousers.

The search for diamond opaque tights goes on. I previously tested the Silky 70 Diamond Pattern Opaque Tights and gave them a positive review. I would welcome any other suggestions from readers of diamond opaque styles to review.