Wednesday 28 February 2018

New Beauty Plus Tights From Falke: Tights With Two Different Leg Lengths

Leading German hosiery brand FALKE has launched a new Plus Size range of Beauty Plus tights.



The concept is "fine tights in larger sizes that fit perfectly".



FALKE explain the background to the new collection:

"Tights specifically for large sizes – are they even necessary? Our answer is an unequivocal “yes”. Discussions with our customers showed that they had very specific wishes and requirements in terms of fit, quality and comfort, which had not previously been fulfilled. That's why we defined the specific demands together and developed a completely new tights concept. The result? The new FALKE Beauty Plus. They will win you over with their perfectly proportioned cuts with soft shaping at the hips, thighs and calves, exceptional comfort and of course thanks to the high FALKE standard of quality. In order to reflect individual proportions perfectly, they are available with both longer and shorter legs for the perfect FALKE fit."


FALKE also state that the Beauty Plus tights "also stand out thanks to the beautifully finished panty area without annoying gusset."

Special features and benefits are identified as:

Beautifully finished panty area with no unsightly seat seams or irritating rubbing feeling on the inner thighs.

Effective moisture management for an extremely comfortable feel, even on hot days, and no more irritated skin from rubbing at the inner thighs.

Soft shaping at the hips, thighs and calves – for a softly sculpted, beautiful silhouette.


The perfect fit thanks to the choice of two different leg lengths – for shorter and taller women.

Comfy, wide waistband for optimal comfort thanks to the innovative knit technology with an elasticated edge – no more rolling or digging in.

The range includes:

Beauty Plus 20 Denier Tights

Available in four colours: Black, Powder, Cocoon and Marine












Beauty Plus 50 Denier Tights


Available in three colours: Black, Marine and Anthracite













Availability


Both styles in the Beauty Plus tights can be purchased directly from the FALKE online store.

In the UK, the Beauty Plus 20 Denier Tights and Beauty Plus 50 Denier Tights are also available from Luxury Legs.

Reflections on sizing approach, gender and marketing

For a male perspective, the question: "Tights specifically for large sizes?", would also get a resounding "yes" from this blog.

This is why a further key feature will be of particular interest to men: the Beauty Plus tights are available in "two different leg lengths – short and long, for short and tall women."



This is a huge step forward as many men as well as female customers will find this completely innovative sizing approach very appropriate helpful. We are used to, for example, looking for legwear (trousers, jeans and more) to fit by using the inner leg measurement.


By combining inner leg length and weight you are able to get a perfect fit.



It's a bit frustrating to see 
FALKE to describe the tights then as having: ""two different leg lengths – short and long, for short and tall women." Why not include men also?

A gender-neutral approach would work so much better here, and reflect a much more inclusive marketing strategy that embrace male customers. It's especially frustrating as FALKE go on to state:

"Free your mind from standard clothing sizes and societal expectations and feel happy and strong just as you are."


Hosiery brands really do need to acknowledge that "societal expectations" are indeed being challenged in all kinds of ways. But we see so few of them actively responding to this.

As one of the best, highest quality and most trusted hosiery brands, FALKE could really do a little better here.

Having said all this, these tights do look like a real step forward and the sizing approach is one that gets a genuine thumbs up from us.

It is hoped we can trial and review both Beauty Plus styles soon.

Tuesday 27 February 2018

Reviewed: Pretty Polly 80 Denier 3D Opaque Tights

Iconic British hosiery brand Pretty Polly recently launched their brand new "premium opaque" tights collection. We previewed them here.




We have so far published our reviews of:

Pretty Polly 150 Denier Matt 3D Opaque Tights

Pretty Polly 120 Denier Shine Opaque Tights

We now focus on another style from the "premium opaques" collection - the Pretty Polly 80 Denier 3D Opaque Tights.



Pretty Polly state that their new "premium opaque" collection is ‘top notch’ and here, in their own words, is their evidence for improvements they have made in the new range:

Denier – usually the first thing people look for when buying tights, we’ve made sure we’ve covered all bases to provide you with a wealth of choice to suit the changing weather, featuring 40, 60, 80, 120, 150 and 200, including a knee-high option.

Finish – in the new collection we’ve provided you with 3 different finishes including a standard opaque, shine and a 150 denier matt opaque that gives you a total ‘black-out’ effect.

Increased handle and loft – also known as that cushioning feeling you get when you hold or step into a pair of our opaques. For this new collection, we’ve intensified this feeling by increasing the filament counts of previous yarns, making them more comfortable than ever before.

Improved fit – we’ve chosen an elastane with a slightly heavier count to improve the fit and stretchability of our opaques.

Gusset – we’ve added cotton gussets to all of our new Premium opaques including flat seams, providing you with a more substantial product for your money.


Packaging

The Pretty Polly 80 Denier 3D Opaque Tights are packaged quite simply in a card clasp that enables the the tights to be displayed in a retail setting.



Material and features


The information on the packaging emphasises again the innovations and improvements that Pretty Polly is aiming to bring to their premium range of opaque tights:

"Knitting extra elastane in these tights gives them a smooth, even appearance. They feel soft and will last longer. The high denier means a good matt coverage on your legs. PS - they've got flat seats and a cotton gusset."


The Pretty Polly 80 Denier 3D Opaque Tights are made in Ukraine. The yarn is 93% Nylon, 6% Elastane and 1% Cotton.

They feel very smooth and velvety to the touch. Indeed, the quality of the material is really similar to what you would get in a much more expensive product.

Opacity is dense and even throughout. Appearance is mainly matt with a very slight shine.

Leg length is excellent and the tights have a deep brief with a 3.5cm wide waistband. There is a cotton gusset.

Toes are reinforced.

Sizing, fit and wearing experience


The Pretty Polly 80 Denier 3D Opaque Tights are available in three sizes: 


  • Small/Medium 
  • Medium/Large 
  • Extra Large 


I tested the Extra Large size.

Pretty Polly have really got the brief right in this 80 denier style. The depth is 28cm from waist to crotch and this provides a perfect and comfortable fit.

I loved the stretchiness of these tights. The sizing is accurate and I feel they would, as the chart states, fit a 6'0" person comfortably.

There was no sagging or bunching, just a perfect fit on the leg.

Colour range

The Pretty Polly 80 Denier 3D Opaque Tights are available in Black only.



Price and availability

The Pretty Polly 80 Denier 3D Opaque Tights are priced at £6.00 and you can buy them directly from Pretty Polly.

You can also get them from other retailers, including UK Tights (a retailer we highly recommend), and Tights Tights Tights.





Conclusion

I rate these 80 denier opaques from Pretty Polly very highly. Along with the 150 Denier Matt 3D opaques they are the best style we have tried from the "premium opaques" range. The only slight disappointments far has been the shallow brief in the 120 Denier Shine Opaques.

The Pretty Polly 80 Denier 3D Opaque Tights have features such as flat seams, gusset and 3D yarn.

Best of all is the deep brief, the spot on sizing and the wonderful wearing experience. These tights just feel great to wear.

And all of this for just £6.00 is really impressive and an absolute bargain not to be missed.

We give them a very strong and confident recommendation.

Friday 23 February 2018

Glamory hosiery for men now in stock at ACTIVSKIN

Men's hosiery and legwear retailer ACTIVSKIN is now stocking Glamory hosiery for men.



There are five styles to choose from:

G422 Glamory Classic 20 Pantyhose for Men




ACTIVSKIN have created an introductory offer to save you money. On checkout, use the code GLAMORYATGLS to save $3.00 on each pair of Glamory Hosiery in your shopping cart. The offer expires March 15, and there is no minimum purchase necessary.

Tuesday 20 February 2018

Reviewed: Pretty Polly Curves Fleecy 200 Denier Tights

British hosiery brand Pretty Polly recently sent us a pair of their Fleecy 200 Denier Opaque Tights to trial and review.



These tights are part of Pretty Polly's extensive Curves range. The range was previously known as Xxtra, and is a plus size range for the fuller figure.

This is the first time we have tried any products from the Curves collection and are impressed at the breadth of styles, including sheer tights, opaques, gloss tights and knee highs.



This review will focus on the Pretty Polly Curves Fleecy 200 Denier Tights.



Packaging
The Pretty Polly Curves Fleecy 200 Denier Tights are packaged quite simply in a card clasp that enables the tights to be displayed in a retail setting.







Material and features


Pretty Polly describe this style as follows:

"Pretty Polly Curves Fleecy Opaque Tights will be your best friend this Autumn/Winter. Snuggle into the extremely soft and cosy black 200 denier fleecy opaque tights with thermal properties.

"These tights are smooth on the outside and fleecy on the inside to keep you nice and warm."


The Pretty Polly Curves Fleecy 200 Denier Tights are made in China. The material is 92% Polyester and 8% Elastane.

The tights feel quite a substantial product as you take them out of the packaging. You can tell immediately that these are seriously thick and warm tights.

At 200 denier the yarn is dense and the opacity is complete, providing a complete "blackout:" effect on the leg. Appearance is matt.

From a male perspective the brief is top notch. The depth is 35cm from the top of the waist to the crotch. It has a back panel for fit and additional comfort. The waistband is a generous 4.5cm and constructed to provide cushioned support. The brief also has additional reinforcement but this is scarcely visible.





A reinforced toe provides additional durability.

The internal fleecy lining is what provides insulation. It is soft and warm to the touch.



Sizing, fit and wearing experience


The Pretty Polly Curves Fleecy 200 Denier Tights are available in one size: XL.


I found that the Curves Fleecy Tights provided a really excellent fit. You need to take care to put them on and move them into position on the leg, but once on they stay in place, molded to your leg shape with minimal bunching. The fit is quiet tight on the leg. I found it cosy but if you have very large calves and thighs you might find it less comfortable.

The brief was ultra comfortable. There was no need to stretch it as the depth provided a superb fit over the waist and hips, with no constriction or discomfort in the male anatomical zone.

I wore these tights on a very cold February day and they kept my legs lovely and warm.

Colour range


The Pretty Polly Curves Fleecy 200 Denier Tights are available in Black only.

Price and availability


The Pretty Polly Curves Fleecy 200 Denier Tights are priced at just £10.00 directly from Pretty Polly's online store.

They are also available at UK Tights.



Conclusion


Well, after our really positive assessment of the Pretty Polly 150 Denier Matt 3D Tights, we are definitely impressed with the first product we have tried from the Pretty Polly Curves collection.

The Pretty Polly Curves Fleecy 200 Denier Tights are really a bargain for just £10.00. For this modest outlay you get durable opaque tights, with flat seams, warm fleece insulation and total opaque coverage.

The deep, comfortable brief is for me the best feature. I wish all hosiery brands designed their brief to a depth of 30 to 35cm. That would, I believe, be welcomed by many male customers, and no doubt many female ones also.

Monday 19 February 2018

Reviewed: Kunert Cotton Sole 20 Tights

Hosiery For Men reader George has contributed several guest reviews to the blog. We always welcome his informative reviews and are pleased to print the latest one he has submitted for the Kunert Cotton Sole 20 Tights.





Recently released and available from Hosieria these innovative 20 denier tights are a welcome addition to Kunert's extensive range of products.



I purchased one pair initially to try in the colour Teint in the XL/V size which comes with a rear comfort panel (it is worthy of note that this is actually a very narrow 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 83% Polyamide, 9% Cotton, and 8% 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 product features and a very accurate size chart, which is then placed inside a cellophane bag.





Features

On removing from the packaging you are immediately aware of the nice soft tactile feel of the material despite the percentage of Elastane being reduced to accommodate the inclusion of the cotton which is used in the sole of the tights (and also the gusset where that applies) these are fully boarded and featured a very well-constructed reciprocated heel to aid in positioning, I have a shoe size of 11 and the foot section fits me perfectly in the XL size with no suggestion of over-stretching.



The tights also feature a deep and comfortable comfort waistband 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 noticeably narrow comfort panel in this size rather than a traditional gusset.



These tights are sheer-to-waist with a very small area of reinforcement around the seams and the waistband and in the gusset.

Appearance


Being 20 denier these tights are quite sheer and provide an even degree of coverage, although generally matt in appearance and with a relatively low Elastane content 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 that continues sheer through a very soft and comfortable brief that has enough stretch to fit comfortably at or above my waistline. The cotton-rich sole is such a welcome addition to a nylon product and results in a very nice wearing experience.



Summary

Another wonderful functional product from Kunert. I purchased my pair from Hosieria for €14.00. They are priced very well for the quality of the product and I highly recommend these tights. They are available in a range of good colours including Navy, Candy, Black, Cashmere, and the Teint which I tried.