Thursday 30 November 2017

Reviewed: Andrea Bucci Extra Wide Comfort Top Opaque Knee Highs

Andrea Bucci is a new hosiery brand to Hosiery For Men. But our friends at UK Tights (one of our recommended retailers) suggested that we might want to try some of their tights and hold ups.






We first received a pair of the Andrea Bucci Extra Wide Comfort Top Opaque Knee Highs to trial and review for Hosiery For Men readers.



Packaging

The knee highs are packaged simply. They are wrapped around a plain card rectangle, enclosed in a two-sided card that provides all the product images and information, and then housed in a clear plastic sleeve.





Material and features


UK Tights describe these knee highs as follows:

"Andrea Bucci's essentials are always well designed and perfectly made, and these are no different. with a very thick and cozy 60 denier and an extra wide comfort top, these knee highs are thick and warm, but not constraining. If you want something that leaves the rest of your legs free but you hate your toes being cold, then look no further!"
They are 60 denier opaque knee highs made from 95% Nylon and 5% Elastane.

The yarn is noticeably smooth and soft to the touch.

These knee highs have really impressive stretch. They accommodated my feet and calves with ease, and stretched all the way to the knee comfortably. Opacity remained even and there was no need to over-stretch to get a good fit.

They have a slight sheen when caught in the light. Opacity is very good, but without an absolutely total blackout effect.

The knee highs have a 2cm elasticated cuff, and below this there is a 4.5cm support band. This is the 'Extra Wide Comfort Top' that aims to provide additional comfort and support.

Toes are not reinforced.



Fit and sizing


The Andrea Bucci Extra Wide Comfort Top Opaque Knee Highs are available in One Size only.

The packaging indicates that the One Size fits "4-8". I assume this refers to show sizing. This was slightly worrying when we received them but any anxieties about getting a good fit (I am shoe size 10.5/44-45) was misplaced.

Fit was really excellent, as detailed above.

The 'Extra Wide Comfort Top' is extremely effectively designed and enables the knee highs to stay up and stay in pace without any constriction or discomfort.

The overall wearing experience was really good. These knee highs feel comfortable on the skin and even provide a light feeling of compression.

Colour range


The Andrea Bucci Extra Wide Comfort Top Opaque Knee Highs knee highs are available in two shades: Black and Natural.



We trialled them in the Black colour.

Price

The Andrea Bucci Extra Wide Comfort Top Opaque Knee Highs retail for £2.99. This is a real bargain.

Conclusion

These Andrea Bucci knee highs are great quality and fantastic value at just £2.99.

The material is good quality and the "Extra Wide Comfort Top" does exactly what it sets out to to - enhance the comfort and fit.

Recommended.

Wednesday 29 November 2017

Just arrived: I SEE YOUR LEGS tights in Size 5 (Maxi)

We recently published a review of the tights from the new hosiery brand from Denmark: 

I SEE YOUR LEGS.

You can read it here.



We based our review on the Black and Nude shades in Size 4.

I SEE YOUR LEGS have now sent us a pair of the Nude shade in Size 5 (MAXI) to trail and evaluate.





The main difference, in addition to the larger sizing, is the absence of a cotton gusset. This is replaced with a rear comfort panel.

We are looking forward to trying this larger size and will publish an updated review shortly.




Introducing CARRA Hosiery

At Hosiery For Men we love to bring you news of new brands.

And today we are pleased to introduce CARRA Hosiery. We recently spoke to their CEO Christi Hairston, and are pleased to publish this feature.



Can you tell Hosiery For Men readers something about CARRA hosiery? When did the business start?


I have always had a fond passion for socks and hosiery since the tender age of 10 years old. Sara Blakey’s (the owner of SPANX) story inspired me into entrepreneurship. I started this journey in 2015 conducting hours of research, product testing, and enrolling in an accredited class that covered the basics of hosiery knitting, dyeing and the manufacturing process.



Two years later in late October 2017, the CARRA Hosiery online boutique opened for business - carrahosiery.com.

What is the meaning of the brand name CARRA?


CARRA is not an acronym; it’s the name of my late sister Carra Lavonne. The name came easily as she was a total fashionista. CARRA Hosiery serves as a legacy to her impeccable style and her work to empower women through fashion.

In a crowded hosiery market what is unique about the CARRA hosiery brand?


CARRA Hosiery is one of the few if not the only hosiery brand that feature a built-in panty in all its legwear. CARRA Hosiery legwear is made with a special run-resistant fabric to reduce ladders and an antimicrobial finish to banish bacteria. This finish will last for up to four washes and is both safe and environmentally friendly to ensure a hygienic lifestyle.

Through our Free the Panty campaign, we are encouraging women to go commando while wearing our hosiery. By losing a layer, we our giving hosiery lovers a product that is fashion forward, sophisticated and affordable. Our mission is to change the perception of hosiery and the stigma of going commando.





Can you tell us more about the current range of tights and pantyhose available at CARRA hosiery?


Our first collection “Chelsea” features three designs, Almost Opaque, See My Seam and Tuxedo Stripe.



The built-in panty is a French lace bikini design with a moisture wicking gusset. Currently all designs are available in sizes Small, Medium, and Large. The denier count is 16 which is a great balance between an opaque tight and a sheer stocking. CARRA’s legwear feels like a second skin from the waist to the reinforced toe. We are sold exclusively online at carrahosiery.com.



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


It appears that the hosiery for men community is one of the best kept secrets in the hosiery market that needs more visibility. I look at hosiery as a universal base layer and understand men’s perspective on the product. The interest from men has contributed significantly to my current business model. I would personally like to see the stigma of men wearing hosiery changed to be more socially acceptable in today’s society. 


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


COMFORT, COMFORT, and COMFORT! Men would certainly benefit from a CARRA Hosiery product as the built-in brief would give them a since of freedom combined with comfort.

What are you planning for the future at CARRA hosiery? 


For the immediate future, we are looking to add larger sizes and three more designs to the Chelsea collection. CARRA’s 2018 Fall Collection is already in the works with a plan to develop and non-gender specific line and expand to selling socks. Down the road, CARRA will be sold in boutiques around the world and select retail stores.

Thanks Christi! It's been great to speak to you. I hope readers of Hosiery For Men will check out CARRA Hosiery.

Tuesday 28 November 2017

Reviewed: The Thirty Tights by Heist

We have featured Heist tights regularly at Hosiery For Men.



We have reviewed Heist's THE EIGHTY 80 Denier Opaque Tights as well as the THE FIFTY 50 Denier Opaque Tights.

Earlier this month we brought you news of the launch of the new Heist+ range.

Heist are a brand that seem to be continually innovating, not just the tights but also the packaging they presented in.

They recently launched a completely new style of packaging, that is completely unique to the hosiery world.

To show Hosiery For Men readers what the new packaging design was like Heist sent us a pair of their THE THIRTY tights.

Remember - Heist tights are for everyone


Heist have taken a gender inclusive approach to marketing tights, which perhaps reflects that 10% of Heist's customers identify as male.

Heist state in their marketing concept:

WE DON'T MAKE TIGHTS FOR PERFECT BODIES. WE MAKE PERFECT TIGHTS FOR EVERY BODY.



New packaging


THE THIRTY tights arrived in the completely new slim, dusky pink box.



The design is cool and classy, as well as being practical and functional.

On opening the box, we can see how the contents are organised. And there is something else new here - a cotton bag with a drawstring to store your Heist tights. What a great idea for organising hosiery as well as for travel.



Behind the bag is a jet black paper envelope, in which the Heist tights are stored wrapped around a rectangular information card.



The card provides information about the Heist brand, instructions on how to put the tights on as well as care for them properly.






Everything is so well thought through and designed - is this the coolest hosiery packaging ever?

The packaging also does away with the traditional picture of a female model wearing the tights. This might also be another step forward for gender neutral packaging.

Heist developed the slogan "Tights Reimagined" - well the new packaging shows that they are committed to reimagining and reconceptualising everything about hosiery.

Material and features


THE THIRTY are sheer 30 denier tights made with 75% Polyamide and 25% Elastane.



Like all the other Heist styles we have reviewed, the yarn is amazingly soft to the touch and the tights super stretchy.

Key features, similar to other heist tights, are:

5K spiral yarn: Heist use a double-covered yarn that has 10 times the spiral count of regular tights. Making them ten times softer to the touch and gentler against the skin. That's where the soft feel comes from.

Endless waistband: The waistband is designed so it won’t roll, slip or dig in. You can choose between two heights: Low, to sit on your hips, or High, to hug your waist.

The waistband is knitted on a separate machine to create a seamless band and then hand-sewn onto the body of the tights using a light cotton thread.

I chose the high waistband which has a depth of 17.5cm. It is made of a much denser fabric with a very high level of elasticity.

Seamless design and 3D knit: Heist tights are knitted in a single, seamless tube, from toe to toe, using a 3D knit that eliminates unsightly lines and creates an even look to the colour of the tights.

Invisible toe seams: Without compromising the strength of the toe area, our toe seams are hidden — tucked under the ridge of the toes, for comfort and finish.



Fit and sizing


THE THIRTY tights are available in four sizes:

UK 4; EU 32-34
UK 6-8; EU 36-38
UK 10; EU 40
UK 12-14; EU 42-44

The size chart below also shows US sizing.



Note that the larger Heist+ sizes from 16-24 are not available for THE THIRTY, but only for THE FIFTY and THE EIGHTY tights.

For THE THIRTY I trialled the high waist WAIST version in the UK 12-14 size.




Well you can feel the quality of these tights as you carefully put them on. At the price they sell for you need to make sure you have your nails trimmed or wear hosiery gloves.

Once on they will stay up and stay in place until you take them off again, which I doubt you will want to as they are so, so comfortable.

Appearance is semi-opaque/semi-sheer and looks mainly matt on the leg with little shine.

In the high waist version, the waistband will come well over the waist and hips if you want it to and sits, as expected, quite high. It will even fit snugly on your abdomen - indeed, you can adjust it so it fits just as you like it.

The waistband is extremely comfortable and does not dig in or construct at all. It takes on your shape and will move with you as you move.

Once again, an exceptional wearing experience from a pair of Heist tights. THE THIRTY tights are just as great to wear as THE FIFTY and THE EIGHTY.

Colour range


THE THIRTY tights are available in the Jet Black shade - a rich, dark and even black colour.

Price and availability


THE THIRTY tights retail for £26.00 for the low waist version, and £30.00 with the high waist.



Heist offer free worldwide shipping if you purchase three or more pairs.

Remember that also offer a #FirstPairPromise to all new Heist customers. This means that if the tights don't feel perfect, they will happily exchange them within 28 days of purchase for a different size - or if you simply don’t like them you can request a full refund.

Conclusion

We have said it before and we will say it again here - if you pay more for your hosiery you will get better quality and will enjoy wearing what you buy more.

Heist tights are a premium product and the price takes into account the quality of the materials, the manufacture and the time spent on research and development to bring to market some of the best tights you can now buy.

THE THIRTY tights impress on every level. Your legs will love how they feel, I guarantee that.

I can also state with confidence that THE THIRTY provide size options that work well for both genders. But if you are significantly taller or larger then go for the Heist+ range that extend to heights of 6'4".

If you would like to read a second opinion from a male perspective, check the review published a few months ago on the i love hosiery blog.

We confidently give THE THIRTY get a very strong recommendation.

Wednesday 15 November 2017

Guest review: Kunert Fly & Care 40 Tights

We are delighted to receive another guest review from George, a Hosiery For Men reader.

Introduction


Released in collaboration with global airline Lufthansa, the Kunert Fly & Care 40 is a graduated support Class 3 product aimed at those who spend considerable time travelling, or indeed prolonged periods of standing or seated. Kunert have a range of support tights, and as a frequent long-haul traveller I opted to try these given their input from and endorsement by Lufthansa.



UK Tights, who sell these tights, described them as follows:



"Kunert are proud of their long and dynastic history of superb and creative designs. Kunert take their German design heritage to heart and they do the name proud. Now their most revolutionary product has come to UK Tights. Fly & Care is the absolute best product for caring for your legs. The graduating compression, reinforced panty, supported toe and comfort heel are all designed brilliantly to keep your legs feeling superb for 24 hours. Kunert originally, if you'll pardon the pun, piloted their new design with Lufthansa, the German airline. The crew of their long-haul flights couldn't have been happier with them. These are now used by a whole host of airlines as uniform, and the durability and constant care and attention they give your legs is astounding. There's no better item for the occasion."






I purchased four pairs, two of each in the colour Teint and Marine in the XL/V size which comes with a rear comfort 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 81% Polyamide with 19% 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 wearing instructions, which is then placed inside a cellophane bag.





Features

On removing from the packaging you are immediately aware of the nice tactile feel of the material – as is the case in many of the higher quality support tights, these are fully boarded and featured a very well-constructed reciprocated heel to aid in positioning and also protect against wear, I have a shoe size of 11 and the foot section fits me perfectly in the XL size without squashing my toes.



The tights also feature a deep and comfortable comfort waistband of 4cm 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 comfort panel in this size rather than a traditional gusset.

There is a reinforced band at the top of each leg as the tights transition to the heavier knitted section of the brief.





Appearance

Being semi-opaque (they are 40denier) these tights provide an even degree of coverage, although generally matt in appearance 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, with a very soft and comfortable brief that has enough stretch to fit comfortably at or above my waistline.

The material is very robust and I have no pulls in them after multiple wears and washes.

Quite often it can be a challenge, to say the least, in putting on support tights but with the aid of a toe section that is not constrictive and the heel which certainly helps placement for putting them on further up the leg, I found these remarkably easy to put on. The instant that you put on these tights you are very much aware of the support factor which goes on to provide a gentle and unobtrusive wearing experience throughout a very long day (I have worn these on 15 hour flights with great benefit) to the point that you are inclined to forget that you are wearing support tights at all.

Summary

Another wonderful functional product from Kunert.

I purchased them from UK Tights where they retail for £21.99.

UK Tights also sell other products in the Fly & Care range:

Kunert Fly & Care 40 Knee Highs

Kunert Fly & Care Men's Cotton Knee Highs

Kunert Fly & Care Cotton Socks

Kunert Fly & Care 40 Denier Hold Ups

The Fly & Care 40 Tights are priced very well for the quality presented and the durability of the product and I highly recommend them.

More men really should be wearing support hosiery to help prevent varicose veins and aid the circulation in their legs amongst other noted health benefits.

Heist + Tights Launched Today!

It's the 15th November and we have some special news to share. Heist, the brand that has revolutionised the tights scene, has launched Heist + tights.



Since Heist tights were launched in 2015, Heist has redefined how tights can feel and wear — and rapidly evolved from a fashion editors’ favourite, to become the go-to tights brand for discerning women (and many men too!) around the world.

We have already reviewed several tights in the Heist range at Hosiery For Men, including:

THE EIGHTY 80 Denier Opaque Tights


THE FIFTY 50 Denier Opaque Tights

Our review of THE THIRTY tights is in preparation and will appear shortly.



The range of tights developed by Heist were created after an extensive consultation exercise with the aim to develop the perfect pair of tights.

Heist tights feature four signature design features:

1. A waistband that moves when you move. You can choose between two waistband heights: Low, to sit on your hips, or High, to hug your waist

2. The softest, stretchiest, sleekest yarn. 5000 spirals of nylon are wound round every inch of elastane.

3. Seamless design and no gusset. There is no centre seam either. Heist removed both and instead use a 3D technique to knit a single tube, from toe to toe.

4. Tights redesigned from top to toe (seam). Heist say that they spent hours wondering why the last part of the tights is always the first to ladder (not to mention the uncomfortable rubbing). Their solution is to tuck the toe seam underneath the foot.



Whatever gender - Heist tights are for everyone


Heist have taken a gender inclusive approach to marketing tights, which perhaps reflects that 10% of Heist's customers identify as male.

Heist state in their marketing concept:

WE DON'T MAKE TIGHTS FOR PERFECT BODIES. WE MAKE PERFECT TIGHTS FOR EVERY BODY.



Heist +


Heist + tights are launched today.

After an extended period of consultation and testing, Heist opaque tights in THE FIFTY and THE EIGHTY styles are now available in UK sizes from 16-24. They are only available in the high waist versions.

This is excellent news for all guys who generally will need a larger size range and who might have problems finding tights that fit them.





If you are a guy and want to try Heist + tights you also need to know the following:

  • All the Heist + sizes will extend to heights of 6'4"
  • The high waist waistband is particularly suitable for men as it can sit above the waist and hips, and will comfortably accommodate men who are likely to be thicker at the waist. The high waist waistband will also stay in place and not roll down.
  • The seamless design provides additional comfort for the male anatomy - there are no central seams or rear comfort panels that often feature in extra large tights sizing.
  • THE EIGHTY opaque tights provide an excellent level of opaque coverage which will hide leg hair and provide smooth, even coverage on the leg.
  • Heist tights work well with shorts, and can also be worn under jeans or trousers.


We are convinced that Heist + tights are going to revolutionise larger sizing in hosiery.

Heist also offer a #FirstPairPromise to all new Heist customers. This means that if the tights don't feel perfect, we will happily exchange them within 28 days of purchase for a different size - or if you simply don’t like them you can request a full refund.

Guys, it's time to try them.