Sunday 30 December 2012

New styles of men's tights from Adrian

The Polish hosiery manufacturer Adrian has launched some new styles in their range of men's tights.

Adrian are one of the largest manufacturers of tights in Poland. Their Men Collection range has been really successful and has now been expanded further.

New styles include:

40 Denier "Strips" Ribbed Tights



50 Denier "Squares" Tights



60 Denier "Sport" Tights



50 Denier "Pixel" Footless Tights/Leggings



60 Denier "Moro" Tights



You can still read my reviews of several styles of Adrian men's tights:


Adrian tights can be purchased directly from Adrian. Several men's styles are also stocked by US-based retailer The Stylish Fox.

Dear readers. Hosiery For Men is kept going by hosiery retailers and manufacturers who generously provide samples for review. Readers can also support this blog by clicking on any of the advertisements displayed and checking out the products on offer. Each time you do this you are making a valuable contribution and help to ensure that Hosiery For Men continues. Thanks for your continued support.

Friday 21 December 2012

Just arrived: Aristoc Cotton Sheen Tights and Falke Pure Matt 50 Tights

The tights that I ordered from the recent Tights Please flash sale arrived today.

I ordered the Aristoc 120 Denier Cotton Sheen Tights and the Falke Pure Matt 50 Opaque Tights.

I have already reviewed the Falke Pure Matt 50 Opaque Tights. I will review the Aristoc tights soon.





Dear readers. Hosiery For Men is kept going by hosiery retailers and manufacturers who generously provide samples for review. Readers can also support this blog by clicking on any of the advertisements displayed and checking out the products on offer. Each time you do this you are making a valuable contribution and help to ensure that Hosiery For Men continues. Thanks for your continued support.

Thursday 20 December 2012

Reviewed: Janira Panty Cotton 120 Tights

This is the last review of Janira tights in the current sequence. I have so far reviewed the following styles:

Janira Panty Wonder 70 Tights
Janira Panty Wonder 40 Tights
Janira Panty Wonder 100 Tights

Janira tights were recommended to me by Mercería Gari, a hosiery store based in Zaragoza, Spain. All hosiery sold by Mercería Gari can be ordered online.

You can read the Hosiery For Men feature on Merceria Gari.



Materials and features 

The Panty Cotton 120 Tights are described as 'very opaque cotton tights that give the legs a casual, very modern look. Ideal for those looking for comfort, adaptability and strength without forsaking the advantages of a natural fibre like cotton. Recommended for the most sensitive skins types.'

They are made from 70% Cotton, 15% Polyamide and 15% Elastane.

The fabric is soft and quite stretchy. These are clearly warm, winter tights.

Overall appearance is matt with just a very slight shine when caught in light. Opacity is good but not total, as with most cotton tights the weave of the fabric is less dense.

The Panty Cotton 120 Tights are sheer to waist. Seams are flat and the GE (Extra Large) size that I tested has a rear comfort panel. The waistband is 3cm wide.



Fit and sizing

The Panty Cotton 120 Tights are available from Mercería Gari in three sizes: M , L and GE. I tested the GE size.

The GE size fits heights up to 183cm (6'0").

I have not reviewed a great many styles of cotton tights on Hosiery For Men. However, these are some of the best I have tried.

The fit was excellent. The high Elastane content in these tights means they fit really snugly. The fabric is very soft again the skin and provides a superb level of comfort.

The brief has plenty of room and can be stretched well above the waist if required.

Although these are warm tights, I found that breathability was very good.

Under jeans or trousers they look like black socks so can also be worn with confidence if you are worried that anyone will notice you are wearing tights.

Colour range

The Panty Cotton 120 Tights are available in seven shades according to the Janira website:



At Mercería Gari the following shades are currently available:

  • Anthracite 
  • Chocolat 
  • Negro
  • Petrol
  • Begonia
I tested a pair in Black.

Price and availability

The Panty Cotton 120 Tights are priced at €12.60.

Conclusion

As I mentioned in my previous Janira review, all the styles I have tried so far have been excellent quality and very reasonably priced.

The Panty Cotton 120 Tights are ideal for all kinds of outdoor activities: walking and hiking, fishing, climbing, skiing and other winter sports. They would provide a warm base layer under clothing, but being cotton would also be breathable.

I haven't seen Janira hosiery on sale in the UK yet, but the online service provided by Mercería Gari is efficient, friendly and items arrive promptly.



Dear readers. Hosiery For Men is kept going by hosiery retailers and manufacturers who generously provide samples for review. Readers can also support this blog by clicking on any of the advertisements displayed and checking out the products on offer. Each time you do this you are making a valuable contribution and help to ensure that Hosiery For Men continues. Thanks for your continued support.

Wednesday 19 December 2012

Reviewed: Silky 140 Denier Thermal Fleece Tights

Thighs the Limit is a hosiery store in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, which also has an online store. Many of their customers are men buying tights for themselves and they are keen to provide a good service to male customers.



As part of developing interest amongst passing shoppers, Thighs the Limit often has a man in tights outside the shop on Saturdays.



Thighs the Limit recently sent Hosiery For Men a sample of the Silky 140 Denier Thermal Fleece Tights.


Materials and features

The Silky 140 Denier Thermal Fleece Tights are packaged in a simple card enclosure.


These tights feel really thick and soft but surprisingly are not overly heavy in weight. They are made from 93% Polyester and 7% Elastane. The inside of the tights is lined with a very soft fleece, that is very warm and comfortable on the skin.

The tights are very opaque; the fabric having a dense weave.

Seams flat throughout. Toes are reinforced and rounded.

The brief/panty has a rear comfort panel. The waistband is a 4cm wide. There is a reinforcement band running around the top of each thigh, so the tights are not completely sheer to waist. However, when worn this band is really invisible and can only be seen on close inspection.



Fit and sizing

The Silky 140 Denier Thermal Fleece Tights are available in four sizes: Small, Medium, Large and X Large. Not all colours are available in all sizes (see below).

Sizing information (Height):

Small: 4'10" - 5'6"
Medium: 5'0" - 5'8"
Large 5'6" - 5'10"
X Large 5'6" - 5'10"

I tested a pair in Large.

In terms of comfort, these were very nice tights to wear. Soft against the skin and warm without causing overheating. The brief/panty is generously proportioned and provided that extra space that is usually needed by a man.

Although the tights have plenty of stretch, I did find that they were pretty much extended to the limit of their length when worn by me. I am 5'10", yet the Large size only just fitted me. With a bit more length they would have been perfect. 

However if you are smaller than 5'10" I would still go for the Large size rather than the Medium.

I discussed the size issue with Thighs the Limit and they feel that with my waist size (36") the X Large size would be a better choice and would fit better. They report that the Large size have been a good fit for men slightly taller than me.

Colour range

The Silky 140 Denier Thermal Fleece Tights are available in three shades: Black, Brown, Wine and Grey.

I tested a pair in Brown.

The Brown, Wine and Grey shades are available in Medium, Large and X Large only.

The Black colour is available in Small, Medium, Large and X Large.

Price and availability
The Silky 140 Denier Thermal Fleece Tights retail at Thighs the Limit for £8.00.

Conclusion
This is a really good product. I liked the dense opaque fabric, the fleece lining and the deep brief. These are great tights to wear as an additional thermal layer of insulation. They would definitely keep you much warmer than traditional long johns. For men working outdoors in very cold weather or engaged in outdoor sports and other activities, these tights would be ideal.

For me, the Large size was just slightly too short in length for me, which meant they felt a bit constricted in the upper thigh area. For my height and waist size the X Large size would probably be better, and I would go with that in the future.

Tuesday 18 December 2012

Reviewed: Janira Panty Wonder 100 Tights

Janira are a high quality Spanish hosiery brand. I have recently reviewed these styles:

Janira Panty Wonder 70 Tights
Janira Panty Wonder 40 Tights

Janira tights were recommended to me by Mercería Gari, a hosiery store based in Zaragoza, Spain. All hosiery sold by Mercería Gari can be ordered online and their service is first class.

You can read the Hosiery For Men feature on Merceria Gari.



Materials and features 

The Panty Wonder 100 Tights are described as 'extremely opaque tights with a satiny finish.'

They are made from 95% Polyamide and 5% Elastane. The fabric is very soft to the touch and has an impressive amount of stretch. The appearance is indeed satiny, but the tights are not overly shiny.

The Panty Wonder 100 Tights are quite dense and are almost completely opaque. They are sheer to waist. Seams are flat. The waistband is 3cm wide. The GE (Extra Large) size has a rear comfort panel.



Fit and sizing
The Panty Wonder 100 Tights are available from Mercería Gari in four sizes: M , L, G and GE. I tested the GE size.

The GE size fits heights up to 178cm (5'10").

As mentioned above, these tights have plenty of stretch and fitted me very well indeed. The waist band stretches over the navel with ease and would also stretch further if needed. Even when the legs are stretched, the opacity of the fabric isn't lessened significantly. The panty/brief has plenty of room.

I found that these tights fitted snugly but were not too tight at any point. I felt that a bit more Elastane in the fabric would have helped to enable them to cling a little bit more tightly, as when wearing for longer periods they did need a bit of pulling up from time to time.

The satiny texture provided a good glide under trousers.

Colour range

The Panty Wonder 100 Tights are available in seven shades according to the Janira website:



At Mercería Gari the following shades are currently available:

  • Anthracite 
  • Brun
  • Chocolat 
  • Negro
I tested a pair in the Brun shade. I would describe it as a lighter brown with hints of grey.

Price and availability

The Panty Wonder 100 Tights are priced at €11.00.

Conclusion

All the Janira tights I have tried so far have been excellent quality. At the price, the  Panty Wonder 100 Tights are really very good value indeed.

Once again, it is the quality of the fabric that is one of the key positive features. The fabric in the Panty Wonder 100 Tights is soft, stretchy but also very robust. I think these tights would wear really well for a long period.

I wore these tights on a very cold day and the the insulation was wonderful, without being too warm.

Mercería Gari are now also stocking the Janira Panty Wonder 200 Tights. These are an even thicker opaque style with a matt appearance. I hope I can test and review these also at some point. 


Dear readers. Hosiery For Men is kept going by hosiery retailers and manufacturers who generously provide samples for review. Readers can also support this blog by clicking on any of the advertisements displayed and checking out the products on offer. Each time you do this you are making a valuable contribution and help to ensure that Hosiery For Men continues. Thanks for your continued support.

Monday 17 December 2012

More footballers in tights

Here are some more images of footballers wearing tights in cold weather.

 





Dear readers. Hosiery For Men is kept going by hosiery retailers and manufacturers who generously provide samples for review. Readers can also support this blog by clicking on any of the advertisements displayed and checking out the products on offer. Each time you do this you are making a valuable contribution and help to ensure that Hosiery For Men continues. Thanks for your continued support.

Sunday 16 December 2012

Reviewed: Comfort4Men 40 Denier Men's Support Tights

I have featured Comfort4Men tights regularly at Hosiery For Men, reviewing several styles including:

60 Denier Luxury Men's Tights

70 Denier Opaque Men's Tights

80 Denier Opaque Men's Tights



Comfort4Men men's tights are made in Germany to the very highest standards. They are a high quality product specifically designed to provide an excellent fit and level of comfort for the male anatomy. Comfort4Men men's tights are definitely not women's tights repackaged for men, nor unisex tights.

Comfort4Men recently sent some further styles to review, including the C401M 40 Denier Support Tights. These tights are part of the wide range of tights with support sold by Comfort4Men.

Support tights

Comfort4Men state that their support tights are:

"characterized by a function that can prevent vein problems. Through the wearing of our tights a pressure is exerted that guarantees continuous massage from the ankles to the thighs. The pressure from the tights reduces the cross section of the veins, the valves in the veins are able to close once more and the flow speed of the blood is increased again. Through the improved return flow of the blood to the heart, the risk of blood clots and thrombosis is reduced.

"Our support tights feel like a second skin. They are produced on the most modern machines and from high-tech fibres. Their transparency and thus breathability are unique for their support function. It is unbelievable how strongly this lightweight, yet hard-wearing material will support you."


Choosing Comfort4Men tights

Choosing tights from Comfort4Men is always an enjoyable experience as the range of styles, features and shades is so extensive, and wider than anything elsewhere. As I have written previously, you can 'individually design' your tights using features from several variants.

When selecting a pair of the C401M 40 Denier Support Tights, there is a choice of low waist and high waist styles.

You can then choose to have the tights with or without a fly opening, as well as choosing whether the gusset in either Skin or Black colour. Lastly, there is a choice of sizes: 4, 5 or 6.



C401M Comfort4Men Pantyhose with support 40den low waist




C401M Comfort4Men Pantyhose with support 40den high waist


The style of C401M 40 Denier Support Tights I chose had the following features:

  • High waist
  • Colour: Light Brown
  • Gusset colour: Black
  • Fly opening: Yes
  • Size: 6

Materials and features
The C401M 40 Denier Support Tights are attractively packaged in a card enclosure that is protected by a cellophane sleeve.



The tights are folded around a card rectangle that is sits inside the card enclosure, which itself opens out like a small tray. It is all very neat and well manufactured.



The C401M 40 Denier Support Tights are made from 87% Polyamide and 13% Elastane. Being 40 denier tights they are semi-opaque in appearance.

The tights feel very light and the fabric is very soft on the skin.

Heels are shaped and the toes also have reinforcement.



The panty/brief is made from a denser fabric that is more like 60 denier. Seams are flat throughout and are superbly engineered. The brief has a rear comfort panel. The waistband is 4cm wide and very comfortable.

Like all Comfort4Men tights, the gusset and crotch area has been carefully designed to be comfortable for the male anatomy. The fly opening (should you chose for it to be included) is extremely well-designed and also easy to use. There is no need to fiddle about with the opening when going to the bathroom.



My preference is always for the high waist styles in Comfort4Men tights. These provide plenty of room and ensure the tights stretch well above the waist if required.

Fit and sizing

As mentioned above, the 40 Denier Support Tights are available in three sizes: 4, 5 or 6.


Support tights are designed to provide graduated compression: stronger support at the ankles and on the calf. Therefore one needs to put these tights on carefully and not rush the process.

The size 6 that I tested provided a very close and snug fit. Once on they seem to mould to the shape of the legs. One can feel the compression effect on the legs and the tights definitely provide a energising sensation. I tested them over two days: one day I was sitting mainly at my desk and the other I was pretty much out and about all day. The support provided was very welcome.

Glide under trousers is also excellent. These tights are ideal on days when you need some leg support and also a moderate level of insulation. Apart from that, they are simply extraordinarily comfortable to wear.

Colour range

The Comfort4Men 40 Denier Support Tights are available in four colours: Skin, Anthracite, Black and Light Brown.

I tested a pair in the Light Brown colour.




Price and availability
The Comfort4Men 40 Denier Support Tights cost €37.25 plus shipping. Shipping rates vary depending on the destination.

For countries outside of the European Union, German value added tax is not payable. This is removed automatically during the order process.

These tights can also be ordered from Shapings, the Canadian online hosiery store, where they are priced at CA $53.95.

Conclusion
The C401M 40 Denier Support Tights maintain the same high standard in design, quality and comfort that is evident through the Comfort4Men range.

For men who need a moderate level of leg support they would be an excellent choice. Even if leg support is not a core requirement, I would still recommend these tights for being so comfortable and great to wear.

Some people might think consider that these tights are somewhat expensive, however you will be buying a top quality product that has been designed for men and manufactured to the highest standards.



Dear readers. Hosiery For Men is kept going by hosiery retailers and manufacturers who generously provide samples for review. Readers can also support this blog by clicking on any of the advertisements displayed and checking out the products on offer. Each time you do this you are making a valuable contribution and help to ensure that Hosiery For Men continues. Thanks for your continued support.

Wednesday 12 December 2012

Football players, cold weather and tights

The media in the UK seem to be on a roll this week with stories about men wearing tights.

After all the publicity and discussion about 'meggings' or leggings for men, the Daily Mail has now published an article written by the former Watford, Liverpool and England player, John Barnes.

John Barnes reveals that the main reason for wearing tights in cold weather was, wait for it, to keep warm.

It's time to reveal a secret. I may have been the first man to wear tights during the Premier League era but it had nothing to do with reasons of fitness.

Quite simply, I wore those leggings for one, simple reason: to keep myself warm. It had nothing to do with keeping my hamstrings protected or to prevent muscle strains. All I wanted to do was protect myself against the elements.




Although taking hot baths before kick-off used to help with raising his body temperature, John Barnes reveals that: "...when I got the chance to wear tights, I took the chance."

The tights that Barnes wore were purchased from the fashion chain C&A.

And don’t think they were specially made for me, either. I’m sure now that all the sports manufacturers are producing leggings that cost hundreds of pounds but mine were nothing as flashy. If I remember rightly, mine came from C&A!

It's great than a mainstream and pretty famous sports figure has revealed what many men know already - that tights are very practical and comfortable in cold weather.

Monday 10 December 2012

Men in tights in the media

There have been several stories in the UK media today with a focus on men wearing tights. Well, to be precise, the focus is on so-called 'meggings', or leggings for men.

The Daily Telegraph headlined an article with: 'Men in tights: how 'meggings' are taking fashion by storm'.

Unfortunately the article isn't a balanced look at the issue at all, and has lots of the usual silly comments. But it does mention that the fashion retailers Uniqlo, Barneys and Nordstrom are selling tights for men.



The Telegraph also has a poll: 'Should Men ever wear tights?' I am sure many Hosiery For Men readers will want to respond to this.



The Guardian led with: 'Should men wear leggings?'. They also have a poll, and in the image below you can see the current voting returns.


New Maximus Men's Tights

I have just seen that UK Tights have expanded the range of men's tights they stock. They are now selling Maximus Men's Tights: a brand that is new to me and probably Hosiery For Men readers also.

The range includes the 100 Denier Opaque Tights, described as "the perfect outdoor tights for men." These retail for £9.95.



Also available are the 70 Denier Footless Tights, retailing for £8.95.



Both styles are only available in Black in a Medium/Large size.

UK Tights state that the Maximus tights are 'designed for men', but I can't see if there are any features such as a male comfort panel and fly opening.


If UK Tights can provide samples of these tights, I will review them for Hosiery For Men readers.

Just arrived: Philippe Matignon Noblesse Brilliant Tights

Philippe Matignon US have sent me a pair of the Noblesse Brilliant 100 Denier Tights. I am looking forward to testing these and will publish a review soon.

Sunday 9 December 2012

Reviewed: Donna Karan Signature Collection Perfect Opaque Tights

I bought these Donna Karan Signature Perfect Opaque Tights in TK Maxx a few months ago. I have waited for some really cold weather for giving them a proper test.

I first read about these tights on the Tights for Men blog, where they had received a really favourable review.





Materials and features

The Donna Karan Signature Perfect Opaque Tights are packaged in a high quality card envelope. First impressions are very positive: the material is dense, heavy and quite luxurious. These immediately gave the feel of a quality product.

I couldn't find any information on the packaging regarding the denier, but they feel like 100 denier tights, perhaps even 150 denier.

The fabric is 91% Nylon, 9% Elastane.

The material is really tick with a dense weave. They are completely and fully opaque on the leg with a smooth, even coverage. The name 'perfect opaque' is certainly appropriate. The tights have a smooth, satiny feel but are very much matt in appearance.



Seams are flat throughout and superbly constructed.

The brief is quite deep and pulls up comfortably over the waist. The waistband hugs the waist comfortably and provides good support without digging in.

The toes are not rounded, which is slightly odd in a product of this quality.



Fit and sizing

The Donna Karan Signature Perfect Opaque Tights are available in three sizes: Small, Medium and Tall.

I tested them in Tall, which ranges from 5’5″-6’0".

The fit was excellent. There is plenty of room in the leg and the brief was really comfortable.



As the fabric is so thick and dense, these tights are probably too warm for wear under trousers indoors or on warmer days. But in really cold weather, they are wonderfully warm with superb insulating qualities.

Colour range

I tested these tights in the Chocolate shade, but they are also available in Black.



Price and availability

These tights retail for between $15 and $20 in the USA. They are not currently listed on the hosiery section of the Donna Karan website, so might have been discontinued.

I bought them from TK Maxx for the absolutely bargain price of just £3.99.

Conclusion

These are top quality tights that are made to a very high standard. The material is luxurious and very durable. I am sure they will last for a long time if looked after.

Although the matt appearance and texture provides less glide under trousers, they are very warm and comfortable tights that are perfect in really cold weather.

The thick, completely opaque appearance means the tights can pass for socks when worn under trousers.

The Donna Karan Signature Perfect Opaque Tights are comparable to Falke in quality and would be a good alternative to the Falke Pure Matt 100 Opaque Tights.

If you can find them at a branch of TK Maxx, they are certainly worth snapping up at such a super bargain price.