Saturday 26 January 2013

Just arrived: Levante Matisse 150 Ultra Velvet Opaque Tights

Tights Please have kindly sent me a pair of the Levante Matisse 150 Ultra Velvet Opaque Tights.

I am looking forward to trying these and a review will appear soon.



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 23 January 2013

Reviewed: Philippe Matignon Noblesse Brilliant Tights

It was a freezing cold morning yesterday, so I thought it would be a good time to check out and then review the Philippe Matignon Noblesse Brilliant Tights. A pair of these was very kindly sent to me by the Philippe Matignon store in the US.

I have already reviewed several styles of Philippe Matignon tights, at Hosiery For Men.



You can read reviews of the following styles:

Noblesse 50 opaque tights

Dorella semi-opaque tights

Revitalise 70 support tights

Jade 20 denier sheer tights

Oro 40 tights

You can also still read the Hosiery For Men feature on Philippe Matignon and an interview with Maytal Sharifi, Brand Consultant at Revival Brands, the distributors of Philippe Matignon in the US.



Materials and features

The Noblesse Brilliant Tights are described as:

"Glossy opaque 100 den tights with microfibre."

The fabric is 92% polyamide, 7% elastane and 1% cotton.

The yarns contain LYCRA® 3D microfibre, which means that LYCRA® fibre is included in every stitch of every row (in standard LYCRA® hosiery, LYCRA® is incorporated into every second row of knitting). The high LYCRA® fibre content gives fabric exceptional elasticity, so that tights made this way will cling to your legs like a second skin with no sagging or wrinkling. 




The tights are completely sheer to waist with flat seams throughout. They have a smooth uniform appearance and provide a very good level of opacity; in fact they are almost completely opaque. These tights have quite a high level of shine.



Legs are straight and and with a sheer toe.

The waistband is 3cm wide, and provides excellent support. There is also a hygienic gusset.



Fit and sizing

The Noblesse Brilliant Tights are available in three sizes 2-S, 3-M and 4- L. I tested the 4-L size.



I found the fit of these tights to be excellent. The fabric is dense and luxurious, and the LYCRA® 3D microfibre ensures that they mould themselves to your legs.

I found the 4-L size sufficient in length for my 5'10" height, but I am not sure they would suit a person much taller.

The brief/panty had plenty of room and stretched up to and slightly over the waist.

The high gloss and shine appearance meant that the Noblesse Brilliant Tights glide particularly well under trousers.


Colour range

The Noblesse Brilliant Tights are available in four shades. 

  • Coffee 
  • Nero 
  • Grigio Grafite 
  • Bordeaux Intenso 
I tested a pair in the Nero (Black) shade.

Price and availability
The Noblesse Brilliant Tights are priced at US$31.00 at the Philippe Matignon US store. Items can be shipped to international destinations.

Conclusion
The Noblesse Brilliant Tights are top quality opaque tights and are well up to the usual high standard of Philippe Matignon hosiery.

They are very comfortable to wear and perfect for an additional layer in very cold weather. With the LYCRA® 3D microfibre yarn, these tights feel like a second skin.



Hosiery For Men is supported 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.

Tuesday 22 January 2013

News from Activskin

Activskin®, the legwear brand of G.Lieberman and Sons, Ltd., are one of the leading men's legwear brands. They sell an impressive range of all kinds of men's tights from sheer and support to opaques.



I have two great pieces of news share:

1. From 22 January 2013 they will be offering FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $50.00, both US and foreign. They aim to continue this offer indefinitely

2. The A857 Thermofabric Ribbed Light Support Tights now ON SALE.



These tights normally sell for $15.99, but they will be on sale until February 28, 2013, for only $11.99, a 25 percent discount! Get them now while supplies last.

I have previously reviewed the A857 Thermofabric Ribbed Light Support Tights

My conclusion was:

"I wore the Activskin® Ribbed Light Support Tights to work for a couple of days and I was really impressed with the comfort. In a word, my legs felt great in them and they provided a moderate level of support. The Lyrca content provides a great fit and the tights didn't need to be pulled up at all. The glide is excellent under trousers and I also found that the tights 'breathed' well and didn't lead to overheating."

"I really like this ribbed style. They are a great alternative to socks or conventional black opaque tights."


Hosiery For Men is supported 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 21 January 2013

Spotlight on T Straps

Today at Hosiery For Men we are actually going to feature a really innovative product designed for women. Many women do indeed read this blog and I have had positive feedback from several who find the reviews and features informative and useful.

Aretha Solanke is the creator and owner of T Straps and she recently spoke to Hosiery For Men about the product.



Can you tell Hosiery for Men readers how you got the idea for T Straps? 

I came up with the concept for the T Strap in October 2010 when I was at a concert. I had been looking forward to it for ages. I'd recently lost some weight and was feeling great, so I decided to wear a fitted dress and a pair of tights; however all I could think about for the whole night was the location of my tights, which were slowly slipping from my waist. I spent the whole night running back and forth to the bathroom to yank my tights up, needless to say I couldn’t really enjoy the concert.

On my way home that night, frustrated and annoyed, I searched Google for something to help hold my tights up. There was nothing out there in the stores or online to help and approximately eight months, and many trials and demos, later the T Strap was born.



What are T Straps and how do they work? 
The T Straps consist of two independent straps with button hole fastenings at either end of the straps. The top end can be attached to the users bra while the bottom end is attached to the users' tights. The degree of space between the users' tights and leggings can be adjusted with the adjustable clasp in the middle which can suspend or extend the length of the strap. So one size really does fit all.



I see that you had a chance to present the product on the BBC programme Dragons' Den. What was that experience like?
I signed a non disclosure agreement that prevents me from talking about the experience. However you can watch my presentation to the Dragons on YouTube.



Did appearing on Dragons' Den helped raise the profile of T Straps? 

Yes definitely. It's been fantastic. I immediately saw a 30% increase in sales once the show aired, and it's gone from strength to strength since.

What are your plans for the future? Do you have ideas for any other innovative products? 

My main focus at the moment is to increase awareness about the T Straps, and yes I do have a whole host of product ideas that I plan to develop in time.

There has been a huge amount of media coverage of 'mantyhose' (tights for men) in recent months. What are your thoughts about men wearing tights? 

I think men wearing tights is a brilliant idea; almost a no-brainer really because during the winter months the warmth provided by a good pair of tights makes a potentially unbearable journey to work a little more bearable. I couldn't function without a good pair of tights and for as long as I can remember my dad always used to wear a pair of thermal long johns under his trousers. So I guess tights are a more modern, sleeker alternative for men.

To men thinking about trying tights, what would you say are the main benefits of wearing them? 

They're great for keeping you warm and they're great at giving the illusion of a seamless finish under your clothing.

What can Hosiery For Men readers can do support your venture? 

Ladies can buy themselves a pair, and then leave a review on Facebook or Twitter.

Men can buy a pair for their partners and score some star brownie points for being so thoughtful!


Thanks for talking to Hosiery For Men Aretha. I hope readers find this feature useful and I hope that it increases awareness of T Straps.



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.

Falke sale at Tights Please

I just received notification that Tights Please are holding a 30% discount sale on nearly all of the Falke hosiery that they stock.



Readers of Hosiery For Men will know that this blog considers Falke to be one of the very top brands, both in terms of quality as well as the excellent sizing options.

Styles on sale include:

The Falke Pure Matt 100 Denier Tights, which are available for £17.13 (usual price £24.48)

The Falke Pure Matt 50 Tights, available for £11.20 (usual price £16.00).





I have previously reviewed the Pure Matt 100 Denier Tights and Pure Matt 50 Tights at Hosiery For Men. The Falke Pure Matt 100 Tights are a superb product - they are completely opaque and unrivalled for comfort.


It's worth noting that Tights Please offer free UK delivery.

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.

Tuesday 8 January 2013

Reviewed: Aristoc Luxury 120 Denier Cotton Sheen Tights

I have previously reviewed two styles in the very impressive Aristoc Ultimate Leg Luxury range:

Aristoc 40 Denier Microfibre Luxury Opaque Tights

Aristoc 80 Denier Luxury Opaque Tights

I thought both styles were excellent and the XL sizing in this range is very welcome. In my opinion they are one of the best ranges of women's tights that might also fit men very well. They are quite pricey, but absolutely worth the expense as the quality is really excellent.



I managed to purchase a pair of the Aristoc Luxury 120 Denier Cotton Sheen Tights in the recent Tights Please sale. It is worth looking out for the Tights Please flash sales. They are usually for just 24 hours but the bargains can be spectacular. In my case, I managed to buy these tights with 40% discount!



Materials and features
The Aristoc 40 Denier Microfibre Luxury Opaque Tights are attractively packaged in a card box which encloses a plastic sleeve containing the tights.


As mentioned in previous reviews of the Ultimate Leg Luxury range, the front of the packaging has the word 'ENGLAND', although the tights are made in Italy.

The fabric used in the Aristoc 40 Denier Microfibre Luxury Opaque Tights is 58% Nylon, 38% Cotton and 4% Elastane.

As you remove the tights from the packaging, one can see that the legs in the XL size are really quite long. The brief is also very deep as can be seen in the photo below. That is two huge positive points.



Legs are straight with no shaping. The panty/brief has flat seams and a gusset.

The 3cm wide waistband is soft and comfortable. I think it would stretch well for even slightly larger waistlines.

Durability is provided by a reinforced toe.





The opaque coverage, although not total, is consistent throughout and provides a smooth even colour on the leg.

The tights have a subtle sheen when caught in the light. The following images give an accurate impression of how these tights look




Fit and sizing

The The Aristoc Luxury 120 Denier Cotton Sheen Tights are available in three sizes: S/M, M/L and XL.



I tested the XL size. 

The fit was superb. The 3D construction means the tights stretch evenly in all directions to give a great snug fit.

Length was more than sufficient. These tights were really really comfortable.

The close, snug fit meant that they needed hardly any adjustment or pulling up during the day.

Colour range

The Aristoc Luxury 120 Denier Cotton Sheen Tights are available in three shades:
  • Bitter Chocolate
  • Black
  • Deep Purple

   



The XL size is available in Black only.

Price and availability

The Aristoc Luxury 120 Denier Cotton Sheen Tights are available at Tights Please for £20.00.

Conclusion
Aristoc have really upped their games with the Ultimate Leg Luxury range. Given that most of their tights were previously only available in S/M and M/L sizes, the availability of an XL size is a huge step forward.

The long leg length and deep panty/brief of Aristoc Luxury 120 Denier Cotton Sheen Tights will certainly be welcomed by taller guys.

In summary I found these to be a really excellent product with quality written all over it. They are probably the best cotton opaque tights I have ever worn.

As mentioned above, the price is quite high, putting these tights into Falke and Wolford territory. However, they are definitely worth it. If you need a second opinion to be convinced, you can also read this review on the TightsFashion website.


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.

Saturday 5 January 2013

Friday 4 January 2013

Reviewed: Comfort4Men 50 Denier Luxury Men's Tights

I have reviewed several styles of Comfort4Men men's tights at Hosiery For Men, several including:

40 Denier Men's Support Tights

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 me a pair of the C418M 50 Denier Luxury Men's Tights to review. These tights are part of the Comfort4Men Luxury range.

Luxury tights

Of their Luxury tights, Comfort4Men say that:

"You will be thrilled by the unique ultra-smoothness and velvety-softness. Just touch and feel it - the silky lustre speaks for itself."


Choosing Comfort4Men Luxury Tights.
I have written before about the extensive range of features, styles and shades that are available when ordering tights from Comfort4Men.

The C418M 50 Denier Luxury Men's Tights come in high waist and low waist styles.



C418M Comfort4Men Luxury Tights low waist



C418M Comfort4Men Luxury Tights high waist

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. There is a choice of three shades, and finally a choice of sizes: 4 (low waist only), 5, 6, 7 and 7+.
The style of C418M 50 Denier Luxury Men's Tights I chose had the following features:
  • High waist
  • Colour: Black
  • Gusset colour: Black
  • Fly opening: Yes
  • Size: 6



Materials and features
The C418M 50 Denier Luxury Men's Tights are packaged simply in a card enclosure that is protected by a cellophane sleeve.



This Comfort4Men style is made from 86% Polyamide and 14% Elastane.

The fabric is indeed luxuriously soft and sensual to the touch. The 3D microfibre fabric has a high degree of elasticity and tights have plenty of stretch. Heels are shaped.

The C418M 50 Denier Luxury Men's Tights are quite shiny in appearance. They are not completely opaque, but if put on carefully the coverage is even throughout.



The tights are sheer to waist. Seams are flat throughout and are engineered to the usual high Comfort4men standard. 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 C418M 50 Denier Luxury Men's Tights are available in a range of sizes: 4 (low waist only), 5, 6, 7 and 7+


These tights need to be put on carefully to ensure that the fabric is smoothed and stretched evenly.

The fit was excellent with a snug fit to every part of the legs and waist. The soft fabric feels wonderful next to the skin.

The silky, shiny quality of the fabric provides excellent glide under trousers.

The high waist style provides plenty of room in the brief and the waistband can be stretched above the waist easily without straining the fabric.

On a very cold day, I found that these tights provided warmth but did not overheat the legs. There was no uncomfortable, sweaty feeling as the fabric seems to breathe well.

Colour range

The C418M 50 Denier Luxury Men's Tights are available in three colours: Black, Dark Brown and Navy.

I tested a pair in Black.



C418M 50 Denier Luxury Tights in Dark Brown with Skin gusset



C418M 50 Denier Luxury Tights in Navy with Black gusset

Price and availability

The C418M 50 Denier Luxury Men's Tights cost €41.75 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.

Conclusion

The C418M 50 Denier Luxury Men's Tights are a superb product. I keep being surprised again and again at how good Comfort4men tights are.

As soon as I put them on, I thought 'wow!' The fabric is so soft and smooth and the fit was excellent. It felt like these tights had been tailored perfectly just to fit me.

The high elasticity provides a very snug fit, with the tights moulding themselves to your legs.

Highly recommended.

Wednesday 2 January 2013

Men in tights: Will meggings catch on?

Men in tights: Will meggings catch on?

BBC News recently hosted a discussion on the pros and cons of ''meggings''- leggings for men.

Fashion designer Nadine Merabi and stylist Matt Moxham add their contributions to the recent wide coverage this issues has attracted in the media.

You can watch the discussion here: