Thursday 29 September 2016

Just arrived: Tights and leggings from Wolford

Wolford have kindly sent us a wonderful selection of tights and leggings to trial and review for Hosiery For Men readers.



We received a number of styles, including several that are new or recently released:

Wolford Viscose Leggings



Wolford Velvet Sensation Tights



Wolford Satin Opaque Nature Tights



Wolford Velvet 66 Leg Support Tights



We are really looking forward to reviewing all of these. Thank you Wolford!

Spotlight on the Gabriella brand

Gabriella is a leading Polish hosiery brand that we have started to become more familiar with.




Retailer TightsPetite recently sent us a selection of Gabriella tights to try and we have already reviewed:

Gabriella 100 Denier Microfibre Opaque Tights

Gabriella 80 Denier Microfibre Opaque Tights

We recently spoke to Ola Zając of Gabriella and are pleased to publish this interview with her.

Can you provide Hosiery For Men readers with some background to the Gabriella brand? Where are you based and how long has the business been going?


The Gabriella company was set up on 1996. The owners are a husband and wife team, so you could say that it's is a private company.

The company is located in the city of Lodz, in the centre of Poland.

All stages of the production process are located in one factory, so we have complete control over all stages of manufacture.

At the moment Gabriella is second biggest tights producer in Poland and is a widely recognised brand.



What range of hosiery products do you produce?


We produce plain and fashion tights from 8 to 250 denier.

We also make hold-ups, stockings, leggings, knee-highs and socks – both plain and patterned.



There are so many hosiery manufacturers in Europe. What is distinctive about Gabriella?

Every day we are working to improve our products. We are using our knowledge and experience of this sector to get closer and closer to perfection. Constantly, over the years, we take care to achieve the highest standards of quality. This is not an empty promise but a reality confirmed by numerous awards we have received.

Women around the world trust us because we understand their needs. Modern women are active and dynamic and so are we, which is why we believe Gabriella is a perfect choice for them.

Where are Gabriella hosiery products available for purchase? Can customers buy online?


Customers can buy Gabriella products all over the world. I can mention a few of retail outlets:

www.e-gabriella.pl

www.tightspetite.com


www.alterego-lingerie.com

There is always quite a lot of media interest in the subject of tights and men. What are your thoughts about the greater visibility of men buying and wearing tights?


We are aware that we have many male customers who buy our products not for their female partners, but for themselves!

We are in quite frequent contact with those clients, we hear fantastic feedback from them about our products and they provide us wth many suggestions on how to improve our tights.

We are convinced that more men will be buying more tights in future – that`s why we see that there is need for producing products dedicated only for them!

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


Men should try wearing tights as they are definitely much more comfortable and adjust to the body better than men's pants and long-johns.

Men appreciate them also during colder days in winter as their compression and great flexibility provide warmth.

Can you identify some Gabriella products that you think would be particularly suitable for men?


As we have some experience on this matter, we would suggest the following products:

Classic 20 Denier Tights

This is a classic product, with a reinforced brief, available in wide range of colours.



Microfibre100 Denier Opaque Tights

These are classic warm, comfortable, opaque tights that are perfect for cooler days.

They are available in several different colours.



What are you planning next at Gabriella? Have you considered the possibility of making tights specifically for men?


First of all we plan to improve all the time, so definitely in next season we will be presenting many new styles, as well as some new classic models.

As to products dedicated only for men, well this is something we have been thinking of for a few years now. We hope that one day finally we will be able to introduce a new collection made just for men.


Thank you so much for speaking to Hosiery For Men Ola. I know readers of the blog will be keen to hear more about the Gabriella brand, and hopefully they will check out some of your tights. It's great that you are also actively considering developing tights for men. 

For more information about Gabriella readers can visit their website, Facebook page and Instagram.

Wednesday 28 September 2016

Guest review: Kunert Velvet 80 Tights

We recently published the first review from Faria, one of Hosiery For Men's guest reviewers. Faria is a business entrepreneur based in the USA.

Faria previously reviewed the Falke Pure Shine 15 Tights.

She has now reviewed the Kunert Velvet 80 Tights, a sample of which was kindly provided by UK Tights.









Packaging


The first thing about noticed was not the packaging but actually the instant look of these tights. As it has a velvet touch and feel to it, you can actually SEE that, and you will know what I mean when you buy them!

The packaging came as normal and on opening, the black is jet black and gorgeous.







Material and features


UK Tights describe these tights as follows:

"One of Kunert's thickest and softest items to date, Kunert Velvet 80 is super thick and yet as soft as can be. Many extra thick opaques are woolly and fluffy and can feel a little invasive when worn. Not with Velvet 80. It is woven perfectly for a form fitting look and yet it is as warm and winter ready as their other incredible opaques."


The Kunert Velvet 80 Tights are made with 92% Polyamide and 8% Elastane. They are 48 denier but have an 80 denier appearance.

These tights are opaque but they allow the legs to to breathe. The material is velvety soft.

They include a cotton lined gusset as well as a reinforced toe and heel area which means they will be longer lasting when you're wearing those shoes you can't take off all day.



Fit and sizing


The Kunert Velvet 80 Tights are available in five sizes at UK Tights:

  • II 
  • III 
  • IV 


I tested the III size (42-44)

Perhaps I should have taken a smaller size as they were a little long, but they still felt great on my legs and stomach area.

I also feel these made my stomach and legs just go 'sloop': all sucked in now! The velvety feel is luxurious and smooth. As the denier is 80, you can rely on these lasting long after several washes too. I even thought I had snagged them at one stage but they proved to be resilient.

Colour range

The Kunert Velvet 80 Tights are available in five colours at UK Tights:


  • Black 
  • Marine 
  • Anthracite


I tested the Black shade.

Price and availability

The Kunert Velvet 80 Tights are priced at £17.99 at UK Tights.

Conclusion

I would recommend these tights particularly for the Autumn/Winter season as the warm feel they provide seems perfect for harsher weather.

Tuesday 27 September 2016

Sunday 25 September 2016

ITEM m6 legwear now available at Luxury Legs

Luxury Legs now are stocking legwear and shapewear from the ITEM m6 brand.





Styles in the range include compression tights, compression stay-ups, compression leggings and shapewear.

Luxury Legs provide information about ITEM m6:

What is ITEM m6? A luxury beauty sensation for light legs and a smoothly shaped body, providing a perfect fit and unparalleled comfort, thanks to the high-tech form-fit thread. The Body+ Effect by ITEM m6 is a revolutionary new generation feeling of well-being from the first time you wear it. ITEM m6 gives you an even more shapely silhouette, made possible through the latest state of the art fibres, production techniques and the perfect balance of function and fashion.

ITEM m6 luxury legwear and shapewear products not only give you an even more beautiful silhouette, but also enhance your sense of well-being. ITEM m6 is for all active, fashion-conscious individuals who care about their body and expect the most from modern, high-quality fashion. This multi-award winning, luxury brand received accolades in 2014 for its Shape Tights, 2015 for Tights Invisible and 2016 for Soft Touch Tights.

Designed to appeal to all active, fashion-conscious individuals who care about their body, want to look great and expect the most from modern, high-quality fashion. Drawing on over 60 years experience of developing & manufacturing compression products in Germany, the ITEM m6 brings you unmatched shaping performance and complete comfort. 








You can browse the full range of ITEM m6 styles at Luxury Legs here.

Saturday 24 September 2016

Reviewed: Gabriella 100 Denier Microfibre Opaque Tights

TightsPetite are a UK-based hosiery retailer, with a mission to provide customers with an effortless, straightforward, time-saving hosiery shopping experience.



You can read Part 1 and Part 2 of our interview with Virag Fejeregyhazi, operations manager at TightsPetite.

TightsPetite sent us a selection of tights by the Polish Gabriella brand to trial and review.

We have already reviewed the Gabriella 80 Denier Microfibre Opaque Tights.

We now focus on on the Gabriella 100 Denier Microfibre Opaque Tights.






Packaging


Packaging is the same as the Gabriella 80 Denier Microfibre Opaque Tights - simple, elegant and functional.

The tights are folded over a card rectangle, then protected by a cellophane bag. Everything is then housed in a robust card envelope.







Material and features


TightsPetite describe the Gabriella 100 Denier Microfibre Opaque Tights as:

"Totally comfortable, warm and silky smooth de luxe opaque tights. Sheer to waist, stunning colours, very versatile. Give yourself the smart look."


These 100 denier tights are made from 85% Polyamide and 15% Elastane.

The yarn has a silky smooth feel - quite impressive for the price. They are slightly thicker and cosier compared to the Gabriella 80 denier style.

The XL size that I tried looked quite long when removed from the packaging, a good sign.

Design and engineering is pretty much the same as with the 80 denier style:

  • Conventional seams
  • Light reinforcement in the toe
  • A rear comfort panel in the brief.
The waistband is slightly deeper however and measures 4cm.

Like the 80 denier style, there is a deep and roomy brief which stretches comfortably over the waist.

There is a very slight and hardly noticeable demarcation between the leg and the brief. So they are not fully sheer to waist but this can only be detected with a very close inspection.

Opacity is total and even on the leg, with a matt appearance.





Fit and sizing

The Gabriella 100 Denier Microfibre Opaque Tights are available in four sizes at TightsPetite: 2 (Small), 3 (Medium), 4 (Large) and 5 (XL).

I tested a pair in size 5 (XL).



The size 5 was a great fit in every respect. The fit on the leg is very snug with the high (15%) Elastane content.

They feel great on the leg providing warmth but no overheating. Although they are 100 denier, they are not thick and bulky at all.

The wearing experience was very good overall, with a lovely, smooth feeling on the leg.

Colour range

The Gabriella 100 Denier Microfibre Opaque Tights are available in two colours at 
TightsPetite:
  • Nero (Black) 
  • Granat (Grey)
I tested a pair in the Black shade.

Price and availability


The Gabriella 100 Denier Microfibre Opaque Tights are priced at just £5.60.

Conclusion


This is the second time we have reviewed a Gabriella style. As with the 80 denier style, we are impressed with the quality despite the absence of features such as flat seams.

Fit is great, they look superb on the leg and they provide a nice feeling of wellbeing.

The price is just £5.60 which is a bargain whatever way you look at it.

With the cooler weather now with us, I would recommend these if you are on a budget and need a good quality, robust pair of 100 denier tights.

Here are an image of the Gabriella 100 Denier Microfibre Opaque Tights styled with Carharrt shorts and Timberland boots.



Thanks to TightsPetite for the sample and for supporting the Hosiery For Men blog. Stay tuned for another Gabriella review that will appear shortly..

Thursday 22 September 2016

Reviewed: ITEM m6 Beauty Tights

Divine Legs was founded in January 2016 by Christine Nicholson and is committed to offering a more convenient experience for buying tights and stockings through a flexible subscription service.

Divine Legs is actually the first hosiery retailer in the UK to offer a tights and other legwear subscription service. But if taking out a subscription is not for you, you can simply chose and purchase single pairs of tights or stockings.

On the Divine Legs website you can find a wide selection of products: black tights, nude hosiery and more.

You can read our recent feature and interview with Christine, the founder of Divine Legs.

You can also read a guest review of the ITEM m6 Easy Line Super Light Matt Tights that in stock at Divine Legs.



Divine Legs recently just sent us a pair of the ITEM m6 Beauty Tights to trial and review.





ITEM m6


ITEM m6 is the fashion brand of medi, a high-tech manufacturer in Germany with over 60 years experience in product development, utilising the highest production standards to integrate "medi compression" technology into state-of the-art legwear.

ITEM m6 make a wide range of tights, leggings, knee highs and socks for women and men.

Packaging

The packaging for the ITEMm6 tights is very impressive.

The tights are folded and then housed in a sturdy and beautifully designed card box. This has information on sizing and the product. specification.





Material and features


ITEM m6 describe these tights as follows:

"The new Beauty Tights from ITEM m6 are a true beauty sensation. These miracle tights are made from unique high-tech yarn. What makes the yarn special is that it has particles of ceramic crystals melted into it that reflect the body’s own heat and convert this into infrared radiation, which penetrates into deeper layers of the skin to stimulate the breakdown of fat cells. The Beauty Tights are made in Germany and promise to beautify the appearance of the skin with lasting effects.

"Combined with medi’s innovative compression technology, these gentle tights are an effective weapon against dimpling of the skin. Whether in an exciting combination with a silk dress, paired with an elegant business outfit or as part of a casual style with a skirt and T-shirt, the tights give you the perfect shape for any look. Light, airy and beautifully shaped legs – mission accomplished thanks to medi compression.

"The Beauty Tights fit your figure perfectly to prevent slipping and pinching. Quality, innovation and design – these are the characteristics that the high-tech manufacturer medi has focused on for decades."


The tights are 73% Polyamide and 27% Elastane.

The first impression is that these tights are very well engineered and extremely robust.

The yarn, while not being velvet soft, is pleasant to touch and comfortable on the skin.

The tights are anatomically shaped with a gradual tapering from the thigh towards the calf and foot. The foot has a reinforced toe and heel.

The brief is particularly interesting. It is a boxer style with clear demarcation to the legs. Seams are flat and expertly finished. The rear of the brief has two round circles that I assume aim to provide support to the buttocks. The waistband is 5cm wide and very comfortable.





Fit and sizing


The ITEM m6 Beauty Tights are available in a range of sizing options.

There are four basic sizes:
  • Small 
  • Medium 
  • Large 
  • Large + 
And two leg lengths:
  • L1 (for under 5'7") 
  • L2( for 5'7" and over) 
I tested a pair in Large + with the L2 leg length.

As these are compression tights, they took some time to put on and get in position. The key is care and patience.

I needed to carefully stretch the tights over each foot, and then in stages pull them up on each leg a bit at a time. The material has plenty of stretch.

You can feel the compression on the leg and it is a great, energising feeling. However, after a while I could barely tell that I was wearing them but was still conscious of the benefits to my leg muscles and circulation.

These tights definitely provided a great feeling of wellbeing and I can see why Divine Legs recommended them.

Colour range

The ITEM m6 Beauty Tights are available in Black only from Divine Legs.





Price and availability

The ITEM m6 Beauty Tights are priced at £49.50.

Conclusion

This is the first time we have reviewed tights from the ITEM m6 brand and we are impressed. These tights have clearly been designed to the highest quality standards but also to have the function of supporting and shaping your legs. That's why ITEM m6 call their products "intelligent legwear." You get superbly designed tights with the additional benefits of technology. Form, fashion and function all working together.

They are amazingly robust and actually appear to be almost indestructible. Although they are rather expensive, I am certain that these would wear well for an extended period and would therefore provide good value.

If you are someone who spends long periods standing or need leg support when taking part in activities, then they could be just what you are looking for.

With excellent, dense opacity they would be perfect to wear with shorts.

Thanks to Divine Legs for the sample and for supporting the Hosiery For Men blog.