Introduction
Released in collaboration with global airline Lufthansa, the Kunert Fly & Care 40 is a graduated support Class 3 product aimed at those who spend considerable time travelling, or indeed prolonged periods of standing or seated. Kunert have a range of support tights, and as a frequent long-haul traveller I opted to try these given their input from and endorsement by Lufthansa.
UK Tights, who sell these tights, described them as follows:
"Kunert are proud of their long and dynastic history of superb and creative designs. Kunert take their German design heritage to heart and they do the name proud. Now their most revolutionary product has come to UK Tights. Fly & Care is the absolute best product for caring for your legs. The graduating compression, reinforced panty, supported toe and comfort heel are all designed brilliantly to keep your legs feeling superb for 24 hours. Kunert originally, if you'll pardon the pun, piloted their new design with Lufthansa, the German airline. The crew of their long-haul flights couldn't have been happier with them. These are now used by a whole host of airlines as uniform, and the durability and constant care and attention they give your legs is astounding. There's no better item for the occasion."
I purchased four pairs, two of each in the colour Teint and Marine in the XL/V size which comes with a rear comfort panel. To anyone unfamiliar with the Kunert products the ‘teint’ colour is very close to that of Cosmetic by Wolford, so a nice subtle fair skin shade and very unobtrusive. The material is a blend of 81% Polyamide with 19% Elastane.
Packaging
The tights are nicely presented, as you would expect from one of the leading brands of hosiery, wrapped around a card insert placed within the outer envelope, the rear of which details wearing instructions, which is then placed inside a cellophane bag.
Features
On removing from the packaging you are immediately aware of the nice tactile feel of the material – as is the case in many of the higher quality support tights, these are fully boarded and featured a very well-constructed reciprocated heel to aid in positioning and also protect against wear, I have a shoe size of 11 and the foot section fits me perfectly in the XL size without squashing my toes.
The tights also feature a deep and comfortable comfort waistband of 4cm that prevents the tights from digging in or rolling, I find that they require no adjustment during wear and in so doing provide an altogether very comfortable wearing experience. Seams are flat throughout, and there is a comfort panel in this size rather than a traditional gusset.
There is a reinforced band at the top of each leg as the tights transition to the heavier knitted section of the brief.
Appearance
Being semi-opaque (they are 40denier) these tights provide an even degree of coverage, although generally matt in appearance they can have the very slightest soft satin sheen in direct light.
Wearing experience
Being 5’11” and of large build I find that the XL/V size is true to the description on the Kunert size chart with very good leg length, with a very soft and comfortable brief that has enough stretch to fit comfortably at or above my waistline.
The material is very robust and I have no pulls in them after multiple wears and washes.
Quite often it can be a challenge, to say the least, in putting on support tights but with the aid of a toe section that is not constrictive and the heel which certainly helps placement for putting them on further up the leg, I found these remarkably easy to put on. The instant that you put on these tights you are very much aware of the support factor which goes on to provide a gentle and unobtrusive wearing experience throughout a very long day (I have worn these on 15 hour flights with great benefit) to the point that you are inclined to forget that you are wearing support tights at all.
Summary
Another wonderful functional product from Kunert.
I purchased them from UK Tights where they retail for £21.99.
UK Tights also sell other products in the Fly & Care range:
Kunert Fly & Care 40 Knee Highs
Kunert Fly & Care Men's Cotton Knee Highs
Kunert Fly & Care Cotton Socks
Kunert Fly & Care 40 Denier Hold Ups
The Fly & Care 40 Tights are priced very well for the quality presented and the durability of the product and I highly recommend them.
More men really should be wearing support hosiery to help prevent varicose veins and aid the circulation in their legs amongst other noted health benefits.
Excellent review, George!
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