Tuesday 27 August 2013

Reviewed: Oroblu Chantal 120 Denier Opaque Tights

UK Tights are one of the leading hosiery retailers in the UK. They recently sent me a sample of the Oroblu Chantal 120 Denier Opaque Tights to trial and review for Hosiery For men readers.

Orublu are an Italian hosiery manufacturer and produce a wide range of products. UK Tights describe Oroblu as 'probably the best hosiery manufacturers in Italy', that 'stand(s) for nothing less than style, sophistication and excellence.'

The UK Tights description of the Chantal 120 Denier Opaque Tights is:

'These opaque tights are thick, soft and warm and are made using 3D technology so they look nothing short of sensational on your legs. There is an even knit with them and they are anatomically correct around the top. Soft and adjustable they also have a flat seam and cotton gusset.'




Materials and features
The Oroblu Chantal 120 Denier Opaque Tights come in classy high quality packaging.

The tights are folded around a card rectangle, which is enclosed in a clear plastic sleeve. Everything is then housed in a high quality card envelope that provides clear sizing information.





The Oroblu Chantal 120 Denier Opaque Tights are 97% Polyamide and 3% Elastane. The packaging information describe the fabric as 'soft multifibre and elastane made using Progress 3Dimension technology'.

These are gorgeous thick, soft and smooth opaque tights that have the feel of real quality as soon as you touch them.

They have a mainly matt appearance, with a slight shine when caught in the light.  Opacity is total, with a dense, even coverage throughout, including areas where the tights are more stretched such as the knees.


These tights are sheer to waist with no demarcation between the legs and the brief/panty area.

Seams are flat and there is no rear comfort panel, which is often a feature of Orublu styles in IV/XL sizing. There is a cotton gusset. The waistband is particularly impressive: it is more than 6cm wide at the rear and tapers to 4.5cm at the front. This is described as an 'anatomical top'.

Legs are straight and unshaped. Toes are not reinforced.



Fit and sizing
The Oroblu Chantal 120 Denier Opaque Tights are available in four sizes: Small, Medium, Large and X Large.



I tested a pair in the X Large size.

Depending on height and weight, these tights should fit up to 5'11". I found that they very comfortably accommodated my 5' 10". For anyone taller than 5' 11" these may not be so suitable as the fabric might be overstretched.

Although there is a relatively low Elastane content in the fabric, the fit is superb with the tights moulding themselves to the legs without any tightness or over compression.

They feel simply fantastic once on and incredibly warm soft and comfortable.

The high waist in the brief will be particularly welcome by men buying these as it comfortably reaches over the waist; the adjustable 'anatomical' waistband holds everything nicely in place.

Colour range
The Oroblu Chantal 120 Denier Opaque Tights are available in two colours: Black and Moka.

I tested a pair in the Moka shade, a rich dark brown.

Price and availability

The Oroblu Chantal 120 Denier Opaque Tights normally retail for £12.99. They are currently on special offer at UK Tights for £9.99.

At UK Tights there is free delivery.

Conclusion
When I first tested these tights, one of the my first thoughts was that high quality, well-made tights for women are most definitely perfect for men if the sizing and fit are right. Sure, the Chantal 20 tights don't have a male 'comfort panel' or fly opening, buy who needs these things when the fit and design is so good?

I am aware that some people still take a position that men should stick to buying 'men's tights' and I can appreciate many of reasons why we should support men's legwear manufacturer's and retailers.

However, these tights are a superb product in every sense and I can't see why any man wouldn't be satisfied wearing them and enjoying the look, comfort and how good they feel.

I would award top marks for the fabric and fit of these tights. They are also robust and will, I am certain, wear well.

If you are looking for some top quality opaques this autumn and winter, I would definitely give these a try. Highly recommended.

Monday 26 August 2013

New from Comfort4Men: Three styles of leggings for men

Comfort4Men have been featured regularly at Hosiery For Men. They sell superbly made products, which have all gained excellent reviews here.

They have just launched a new range of leggings/footless tights for men.

The range includes:

The C420M 60 Denier Legging, available in high waist and low waist versions.




The C421M 100 Denier Legging, available in high waist and low waist versions.



The C422M 160 Denier Legging, available in high waist and low waist versions.





All of the above styles are available in Black with Comfort4Men's optional fly opening.

Sunday 25 August 2013

Reviewed: Silky Dance Shimmer Full Foot Tights

Hosiery For Men recently published a feature on Legwear International and an interview with Kirsten Taylor, their Product Development and Marketing Manager.



Legwear International kindly sent me several styles of tights to trial and review. I have already published reviews of the Couture Future 10 Denier Tights and the Cindy 30 Denier Semi-Sheer Tights.

This review is of the Silky Dance Shimmer Full Foot Tights.



Materials and features
The Silky Dance Shimmer Full Foot Tights are described as "super shimmery dance tights" providing "a beautiful sheen under bright lighting, perfect for the stage or dance floor!"

They come in quality packaging; similar to more expensive brands.

The tights are folded around a card rectangle, which is then enclosed in a clear plastic sleeve. Everything is then housed in a high quality card envelope that provides clear sizing information.





The tights are made with 90%Polyamide and 10% Spandex. Website information indicates that they are 70 denier.


The fabric has very soft, smooth feel, but is also quite robust and heavy. First impressions indicate that this is a quality product.

Legs are straight and toes are not reinforced.



Seams are flat throughout. There is no rear comfort panel, but the tights do have a conventional gusset. The waistband is 3cm wide.



As stated in the website description, the Silky Dance Shimmer Full Foot Tights are "shimmery". They are really quite shiny in appearance.

Fit and sizing
The Silky Dance Shimmer Full Foot Tights are available in three sizes: Small, Medium and Large.

I tested the Large size.



These tights are easy to put on and the high Spandex content provides a really impressive amount of stretch. The Large size extends to 5' 10" and I found that they fitted me with ease.

The tights cling like a second skin and are extremely comfortable. 

The brief is quite deep with the waistband stretching comfortably over the waist and hips.

While the high shine may not suit everyone, I found that it provided wonderful glide under trousers.

Colour range
The Silky Dance Shimmer Full Foot Tights are available in two shades: Light Toast and Toast 

I tested a pair in the Toast shade.

Price and availability
The Silky Dance Shimmer Full Foot Tights are priced at an extremely reasonable £4.99.

Conclusion

The Silky Dance Shimmer Full Foot Tights are a real bargain at just £4.99.

They are extremely well-made and seem very robust and hard wearing, as you would expect being made for dance and exercise.

Fit is excellent and they are extremely comfortable. If you like really 'high glide' tights to wear under trousers then these will definitely suit.

These tights would suit all kinds of exercise, not just dance. They would be excellent for keeping muscles warm during yoga, exercise classes or cycling.


Hosiery For Men is sustained by hosiery retailers and manufacturers who generously provide us with 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 ensure that Hosiery For Men continues. Thanks for your continued support.

Heritage Argyle Opaque Tights from Marks and Spencer

At Hosiery For Men we have previously featured argyle style tights. They have the appearance of argyle socks when worn under trousers, but provide all the additional warmth and comfort of tights.

It's great to see new arrivals for the autumn/winter season at Marks and Spencer include this great range of Heritage Argyle Opaque Tights








They are available in three shades: Claret, Light Grey Mix and Charcoal Mix. Price: £9.50.





Hosiery For Men is sustained by hosiery retailers and manufacturers who generously provide us with 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.