Monday 24 November 2014

Reviewed: Doré Doré Evolution Men's Harlequin Reinforced Merino Wool Socks

Luxury Legs kindly sent Hosiery For Men a pair of the Doré Doré Evolution Men's Harlequin Reinforced Merino Wool Socks to trial and review.



As well as selling an impressive range of tights and other hosiery from top quality brands, Luxury Legs also stock a range of men's socks.



Doré Doré 1819 is French brand. Their website states:

'For nearly 200 years we have developed high quality products – hosiery for men, women and children - while innovating and inventing. It is thanks to an extensive know-how and a constant research for the most qualitative materials we manage to get a unique product.'


Material and features

The Doré Doré Evolution Men's Harlequin Reinforced Merino Wool Socks are made from 64% Wool and 36% Nylon.

They are made in Italy, invariably a sign of quality.

Packaging is simple: The socks are held together with a card buckle that provides information on the product and sizing. This is fastened with a cotton stitch that needs to be cut off and removed carefully to avoid damaging the socks.





The fabric is soft, but also feels quite robust and hard-wearing. These are not bulky wool socks.

Toes are reinforced, as is the heel area.

The harlequin styling starts from the ankle area upwards and finishes at the top with a 5cm comfort band. This appears to have been knitted with more stretch and elasticity to keep the socks comfortably in position.

The harlequin pattern is beautifully done and consists of two shades of blue and one black, interspersed with silver white stitching.





The sole of one sock is stamped with the brand logo.



Sizing and fit

The Doré Doré Evolution Men's Harlequin Reinforced Merino Wool Socks are available in two sizes:
  • UK shoe size 7-9; EU 40-43
  • UK shoe size 10-12; EU 44-47
I tested the socks in the 10-12 size.

Doré Doré have certainly got their sizing spot on as the 10-12 size fitted perfectly.

The socks come up to mid-calf when fully extended.

The fit was very comfortable indeed. The fabric is very soft against the skin and also breathes well.

Colour range

The Doré Doré Evolution Men's Harlequin Reinforced Merino Wool Socks are available in three different colours:
  • Black Harlequin
  • Blue Harlequin
  • Green Harlequin
I wore the Blue Harlequin model.

Price and availability
The Doré Doré Evolution Men's Harlequin Reinforced Merino Wool Socks are priced at £16.50.

Conclusion

It has been a good experience to diversify what we review at Hosiery For Men. We recently featured the Wolford Long Distance Knee-Highs for Men and now have had the opportunity to review these socks from Doré Doré.

I have to confess that I usually don't spend much when I buy socks and am accustomed, like many men in the UK, of buying 5 packs from Marks and Spencer.

I am starting to realise that there is a much wider range of options available, including really high quality socks such as the Doré Doré harlequin style.

One can certainly see the improved features in quality socks, as made by Doré Doré, for example. However, a style like this also definitely adds something to your overall look.

I have worn these socks twice now: once with brown brogues and also with brown books. They looked really great with both.

Recommended.

Thanks again to Luxury Legs for providing the sample.

Sunday 23 November 2014

Saturday 22 November 2014

New Silver Textile products from Comfort4Men

Hosiery For Men have featured and reviewed a very wide range of products made by the German brand Comfort4Men. Readers will know that we consider them to be great products, for both their quality and design.



Comfort4Men are specifically designed men's tights that aim to provide a perfect fit and comfort for the male anatomy.

Comfort4Men are known for their constant innovation and development of new products. They have recently launched a new Silver Textiles range, using a special, high-comfort, anatomically-designed male pouch that actually contains silver in the fabric.

The fabric has been carefully developed and has the following qualities:
  • antimicrobial 
  • fights bacteria and fungi 
  • 100% natural, safe and nontoxic 
  • anti-static
  • heat balancing
  • protection against electromagnetic radiation (e.g. from a smartphone in the pocket)
Silver is known to have the highest thermal conductivity of all metals; it cools if it gets too hot.

The specially designed pouch therefore provides excellent temperature control, keeping the male genital area cool and comfortable.

The pouch is available in two versions:

1. With silver only (one layer)
2. With an inside silver layer, and outside black mesh fabric (two layers)

There are a wide range of Comfort4Men tights and pantyhose now available with the Silver Textile pouch:

C425MS 140 denier support microfibre tights



C401MS 40 denier support tights low waist

C401MS 40 denier support tights high waist



C402MS 70 denier support tights low waist

C402MS 70 denier support tights high waist



C415MS XL 70 denier support tights low waist

C415MS XL 70 denier support tights high waist



C403MS 140 denier support tights low waist

C403MS 140 denier support tights high waist



C416MS XL 140 denier support tights low waist

C416MS XL 140 denier support tights high waist



C410MS 140 denier support tights COVERING low waist

C410MS 140 denier support tights COVERING high waist



As well as tights/pantyhose, a C419MS Designer Seamless Men's Pant is also available.



Just arrived: Falke Pure Matt 50 Tights

I have just added to my Falke collection with a pair of the Pure Matt 50 Tights which I bought from figleaves.com.



I already have this style but wanted to get a pair in the Dark Blue shade.

Friday 21 November 2014

New Style A619 Microfabric Hi-Glide full support sheer pantyhose with fly from Activskin®

Activskin® have just announced a new style in their men's legwear line: the A619 Microfabric Hi-Glide full support sheer pantyhose with fly.



The A619 is similar to the A2019 style. The fabric has 20% spandex, which provides a comfortable level of compression and glides well under trousers.

The A619 features reinforced toes for extra durability, and has a convenient fly and comfortable pouch for the “male equipment.”

Available in sizes M, L, XL, and XXL. Colours are beige, black, and tan.


If you order one or more items of this style and use the promotion code NEW619, Activskin will take 10% off your order.





Free e-book guide to compression hosiery from RejuvaHealth

RejuvaHealth is a USA-based hosiery brand specialising in compression hosiery for women and men.



I have just downloaded a great free e-book from their website.

Compression Crash Course: A quick start for new wearers is full of useful information including:
  • Getting a proper fit
  • The variety of support levels
  • How to choose compression stocking types
  • Choosing the right size
  • Wear and care tips


RejuvaHealth stock a range of men's compression hosiery as well as some great tights and pantyhose that are also, mostly unisex.









Sunday 16 November 2014

Reviewed: Wolford Long Distance Knee-Highs for men

We were delighted when Wolford, one of the most famous and prestigious hosiery brands in Europe, recently sent us some tights and socks to trial and review.



Wolford used to make tights for men in the early 1990s. Although these have been discontinued, they don't neglect men's hosiery needs and requirements. Wolford tights remain extremely popular with many men, and are available in a wide range of sizes including XL. You can read our recent review of the Wolford Velvet De Luxe 66 Opaque Tights.

Wolford do make socks for men: Cotton Velvet Knee-Highs, and the Long Distance Knee-Highs that we will focus on in this review.

Material and features

The Wolford Long Distance Knee-Highs are described as 'an innovative product with anatomically optimised pressure for relaxed legs and feet.'

They arrived without any external packaging.The socks are held together with a card label that provides product and sizing information.. I imagine that in stores they would hang directly on display with a plastic hook.



Manufactured in Austria, the knee-highs are made from 61% Cotton, 21% Nylon, 11% Polypropylene and 7% Elastane.

The knee-highs feel quite soft, but the first impression is mainly that these are quite a strong, robust product.

One can see that the knee-high are designed and shaped so that they taper in towards the ankle and foot. This reflects Wolford's description that they are made with 'anatomically tapered pressure reduces swelling of feet and calves during prolonged periods of sitting or standing.'

The fabric has a very attractive ribbed structure. When worn, they look similar to 50 denier ribbed tights.





The top of the knee-highs is made from denser yarn. This is a 6cm wide band, that provides comfortable additional support just below the knee.


Toes are reinforced. You can also see that the sole has been stamped with brand information and sizing. That is a nice touch.



Fit and sizing
The 
Wolford Long Distance Knee-Highs are available in five sizes:
  • 38-40
  • 39-40
  • 41-42
  • 43-44
  • 45-46
I tested a pair in the 43-44 size. That corresponds to 8.5-9.5 UK shoe size, and 9.5-10.5 USA shoe size.

The knee-highs were surprisingly easy to put on for compression hosiery. Once can feel the compression in the feet and ankle area, but with some gentle and careful movement, the knee-highs can be manoeuvred into position with ease.

The fit was perfect for my show size. The foot part was sized for an exact fit. The remainder of the knee-high stretched comfortably to just below the knee, with no wrinkling or bunching.

These knee-highs were an exceptionally comfortable wear. One can feel the gentle compression which provided a really pleasant sensation.

I wore these to work on a day when I was sitting for a long period, as well making two 60 minute train journeys. The knee-highs were a comfortable wear all day, and I definitely noticed that my legs were less tired. The fabric also seems to be quite breathable, as my feet stayed fresh with no sweat or moisture patches when I took my shoes off.



Colour range
The Wolford Long Distance Knee-Highs are available in Black only

Price and availability

The Wolford Long Distance Knee-Highs are priced at £27.00 in the UK.

They are available from the Wolford UK Online Shop.

They can also be purchased online from other Wolford online outlets across the world. Just go to the main Wolford Online Shop and choose your country from the menu at the top of the page.

Conclusion

I really enjoyed wearing these Wolford Long Distance Knee-Highs. Apart from being expertly designed and made, as you would expect from Wolford, they do clearly provide benefits to health and wellbeing.

While working at my desk today, writing this review, I decided to try a small experiment: I wore just one knee-high on my right leg, and left the left leg bare and uncovered. Apart from the obvious additional warmth provided, I could definitely feel that the right leg was more energised and comfortable. 

I am making a journey to Germany soon, and will definitely be packing these for the flight.

If you know a man who travels frequently, or who spends long periods sitting, these knee highs would make a great Christmas stocking filler.

Just arrived: Falke Seidenglatt 70 Tights

I have just bought two pairs of the Falke Seidenglatt 70 opaque tights from UK Tights. These are one of my favourite styles of opaque tights ever!

They are available in three colours: Marine, Black and Anthra. Sizing goes up to Extra Large.

Price: £17.99

I bought a pair in Black and a pair in Marine.








Friday 14 November 2014

New 80 Denier Men's Tights from Tabio

Well, here is another exciting development which we are pleased to tell you about at Hosiery For Men. And I think we are bringing you this news before anyone else.

The leading Japanese hosiery brand Tabio has just launched a style of 80 Denier Men's Tights.



Tights for men are clearly something of a fashion trend in Japan now. We have already brought you news of the Naigai SmooFit men's tights and have already reviewed the Smoofit 80 Denier Men's Tights. Reviews of the rest of the SmooFit range are on the way.

The Tabio 80 Denier Men's Tights are available in three colours; Black, Navy and Charcoal Grey.

Hopefully we can get these reviewed soon. For now, here are some images of this new style.