Saturday 27 September 2014

Reviewed: Wolford Velvet De Luxe 66 Opaque Tights

The Austrian company Wolford has an almost unparalleled reputation for producing hosiery of the highest quality.

Established in Bregenz in 1950, Wolford is now a prestigious international hosiery brand that is continually innovating.



Wolford were one of the first European hosiery manufacturers to develop a model of tights made specifically for men. Interestingly, these were named 'Waist Socks'.




I have been buying and wearing Wolford tights for many years. They are some of the best opaque tights in my collection.

I purchased a pair of the Wolford Velvet De Luxe 66 Tights at the Wolford shop in the Westfield Stratford City shopping centre in London. The salesperson specifically recommended this style to me for the fit and the soft fabric.





Material and features
The Wolford Velvet De Luxe 66 Tights are made from 94% Nylon and 6% Elastane. The fabric is amazingly soft and velvety. They are 66 denier, although they don't at all feel like they would be heavy tights to wear.

Opaque coverage is consistent and even from hip to toe.

The tights are sheer to waist with no demarcation between the leg and the brief. Toes are very lightly reinforced. Seams are flat and very well engineered.

The XL size does not have a rear comfort panel, but a gusset instead.

The waistband is 3cm wide. As with all Wolford tights, there is a label attached to the inside of the waistband.

The brief is extremely deep, comfortable and has plenty of stretch.





Fit and sizing

The Wolford Velvet De Luxe 66 Tights are available in five sizes: XS, S, M, L and XL.

I tested a pairs in the XL size.



The fit of these tights was superb. In particular they have excellent stretch. The XL size I am reviewing would be very good for taller people.

The fabric mould well to the legs and fits snugly in all the right areas: ankles, knees and thigh areas.

The brief/panty is really deep and perfect for men who usually need more space in that area.

The waistband was also very comfortable and provided good support.

Colour range

The Wolford Velvet De Luxe 66 Tights are available in a wide range of colours:
  • Carnelian
  • Holly Berry
  • Coca
  • Mocca
  • Bison
  • Caper
  • Mouse
  • Admiral
  • Ultramarine
  • Cobalt
  • Blue Allure
  • Black
  • Anthracite
  • Caviar



I tested a pair in the Mocca shade - a very dark brown. The shade is shown in the image below.



Price and availability
The Wolford Velvet De Luxe 66 Tights are priced at £23.00 in the UK.

They are available from the Wolford UK shop, as well as a wide range of retailers such as:

Luxury Legs

My Tights

Tights Please

Tights Tights Tights

Conclusion
The Wolford Velvet De Luxe 66 Tights are amongst the best opaque tights I have ever worn. The fabric is velvety soft and so comfortable against the skin.

Yes, they are more expensive than most tights, but when buying Wolford you know that you are you going to get a high quality product that will last and last.

I have several pairs of the Opaque 70 tights (a seasonal product that appears from time to time) and they have lasted despite heavy usage over several autumns and winters.

I can see why Wolford have probably decided not to launch further styles of tights for men. I think this is because they know we are buying from their core range and that the excellent sizing options will meet the needs of most men.

The Wolford Velvet De Luxe 66 Tights are particularly suitable for men as the material stretches so well, and leg length is generous.

These tights provide a great wearing experience. Try them in place of socks this autumn!


8 comments:

  1. Do you plan on reviewing the new Pure 50??

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  2. I certainly will if Wolford send a sample to me!

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  3. Hi,don't make me laugh :D tights with 6% of lycra for 22 quid? its not worth it,just nice rip off from wolford. I'd better buy several pairs of proper italian tights.

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  4. Wolford are more expensive than some other brands, but as I have said before, you get what you pay for. I just review what I see and experience and these are an excellent product. Cheaper tights also don't last as long as Wolford in experience.

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  5. The pure 50 are awesome!!

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  6. im still not agree...its just a tights,simple tights,you can tear them very easily,what's the point to pay such money for nylon or microfibre?? what do you mean by cheaper tights? I dont wear them at all. Cheaper tights are tights from Sainsbury,tesco,wilkinson,etc. 100% nylon with 0% lycra.These are really cheaper tights! When i replied yesterday regarding proper italian brands i meant brands like -omsa,innamore,ori,oroblu,franzoni,pompea,sisi,incanto,elledue,etc...etc.. but not tesco crap :) no offence

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  7. Yes wolford has good range of tights which make so velvet soft, i have quite alots included de luxe 50, de luxe 66, fatal 50, pure 50, matt opaque 80, opaque 70 and 2 support which are great support for legs problems.. that my favour brand, yes it expensive but they use good yarn to make soft and last longer...

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  8. Hi!
    Really good review. We added them yesterday to our collection. Otherwise, we'll get them only from your review. I personally love them in Artic (a light blue with a mixture of grey). Maybe they're more difficult to combine, but I'm sure they'll look amazing with black and white clothes.
    You can get them here also: http://www.uktights.com/product/4018/wolford-velvet-de-luxe-66-tights
    Cheers guys!

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