Monday 15 October 2012

Reviewed: Cette Dublin Plus Size Opaque Tights

The leading Belgian hosiery manufacturer, Cette, sent me a sample of the Dublin Plus Size Opaque Tights to test and review for Hosiery For Men readers.



I have previously reviewed the Cette Dublin 60 Denier Opaque Tights.

Cette have recently introduced a Plus Size collection. Although primarily aimed at women who need a larger size, Cette have told me that they hope their male customers will also be better catered for by this range.

Material and features

The Cette Dublin Plus Size Opaque Tights are nicely packaged. The tights are folded around a rectangular card and then housed in a cellophane envelope. This is then enclosed in a card box which has two windows so the shade of the tights is visible.

The tights are made from 93% (Polyamide) Nylon, 6% Elastane and 1% Cotton.

The fabric is a very soft microfibre. The finish is satin, with a slight shine.

As they are 60 denier tights, the opacity is not total, but coverage is consistent and even throughout.

They are sheer to waist with no visible demarcation. The waistband is a wide 4cm, and has an additional 5cm reinforcement strip below. Toes are sheer. Seams are flat throughout and there is
 a rear comfort gusset.



Fit and sizing

The Cette Dublin Plus Size Opaque Tights are available in three sizes: Super, Super XL and Super XXL.

I was a bit confused with the sizing information on the packaging. The main size chart indicates that the Super XXL goes up to a height of a not very generous 5'9". See the chart provided by MyTights below.



However, the packaging also provides a second chart indicating that the Super XXL extends to a height of 5'11". See the chart below provided by The Tights House.



I tested the Super XXL size and can confirm that this sizing information appears to be accurate.

The tights actually looked quite lengthy when they were removed from the packaging and they fitted by 5'10" with ease. They would certainly have stretched to 5'11" and perhaps even further.

Compared to the normal Cette Dublin 60 Denier Opaque Tights, the Dublin Plus Size style provided a much better fit in every respect. Length is more generous, and the fit on the legs is excellent throughout with no sagging.

The brief/panty area is extremely roomy and will stretch well above the navel if needed. These tights would be a good choice for men with a larger stomach or waist area in general.

The Cette Dublin Plus Size Opaque Tights were very comfortable indeed. I wore them over a weekend that was generally quite cool, although warm and sunny for periods. Worn under jeans, my legs didn't overheat and the fabric seems to breathe well. They also stayed up and in position really well. The Elastane content really supports a close fit.

It would be a great idea if Cette produced alternative sizing information for the Plus Size collection that focused on men rather than hip and dress size.

Colour range
The Cette Dublin Plus Size Opaque Tights are available in a wide range of shades. These are the shades indicated on the Cette website.



However, some UK suppliers stock a wider colour range. For example, The Tights House has the following shades:

  • Black
  • Blue
  • Blue Black
  • Chartreux (Grey)
  • Coca (Dark Brown)
  • Green
  • Nearly Black
  • Purple Black
  • Red Orchid
  • Ristretto (Chocolate)
  • Violet
  • White
I tested a pair in Black.

Price and availability

The Cette Dublin Plus Size Opaque Tights are widely available from UK retailers. They are priced at £13.95 at:

MyTights
UK Tights
Stockings Direct
Tights Please
The Tights House

At The Tight Spot they retail for £12.30.

Conclusion

The Cette Dublin Plus Size Opaque Tights are excellent quality in every respect. I think that for most men they would definitely provide a better fit than the standard Cette Dublin Opaque style. Being designed for larger figures, the fit overall is much more generous and the larger brief/panty area is a very definite plus.

If additional sizing information was developed for men, Cette could certainly market these tights to male customers.

I hope I can try some further styles in the Cette Plus Size collection.

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