Saturday 30 March 2019

Reviewed: Pretty Polly 40 Denier Opaque Bodyshaper Tights

British hosiery brand Pretty Polly sent us a pair of their 40 Denier Opaque Bodyshaper Tights to trial and review.



These tights are part of Pretty Polly's InShape range, a new collection of shaping tights.

Pretty Polly state that "these bodyshaper tights provide a great 40 denier opaque look on leg with medium control to achieve the silhouette you desire."




Packaging

The Pretty Polly 40 Denier Opaque Bodyshaper Tights are packaged quite conventionally. The tights are folded around a plain white card rectangle and then enclosed in a cellophane sleeve. Everything is then housed in a card envelope.





Material and features


The Pretty Polly 40 Denier Opaque Bodyshaper Tights are 40 denier tights made from 87% Nylon, 12% Elastane and 1% Cotton.

The yarn feels smooth and soft. These tights are quite stretchy.

They are not sheer to waist. The brief is made of denser, more opaque yarn to provide what is described as "medium control". The brief/body is the "body shaper" element.



At the very top of the thigh there is a pattern detail that demarcates the leg from the brief.



Seams are flat. The brief/body has a 3.5cm wide waistband and a cotton gusset.

Toes are not reinforced.

Sizing, fit and wearing experience


The Pretty Polly 40 Denier Opaque Bodyshaper Tights are are available in three sizes: 


  • Small/Medium (S/M)
  • Medium/Large (M/L)
  • Extra Large (XL)



I tested the Extra Large size.

Fit in my size was excellent. The size chart indicates that these Bodyshaper tights will extend to 6'0".

Appearance on the leg is mainly matte with just a slight shine if caught in the light.

Opaque coverage is fairly even, and quite dense for 40 denier tights.

The brief is nice and deep and stretched easily over the waist and hips.
These tights have a control top. I wore them for several hours and it didn't feel constrictive at any point. What it did do was to keep the tights up, and there was no need for any pulling up or adjustment.



Colour range


The Pretty Polly 40 Denier Opaque Bodyshaper Tights are available in Black only.

Price and availability


The Pretty Polly 40 Denier Opaque Bodyshaper Tights are priced at just £12.00. You can buy them directly from Pretty Polly.

You can also purchase them them from other retailers, including UK Tights and Tights Tights Tights (both of which we recommend).





Conclusion


It's good to see Pretty Polly continue to extend their hosiery ranges. We have reviewed many of the tights in the excellent new "premium opaques" range, and the InShape collection is another innovation.

I was quite happy wearing the 40 Denier Opaque Bodyshaper Tights but my preference for a 40 denier tight would be Pretty Polly 40 Denier 3D Opaque Tights, which are a real bargain at just £5.00.

Wednesday 27 March 2019

Updated Mini Review of The Thirty Tights by Heist

The Thirty tights by Heist



The Thirty are described as:


"Sheer and lighter than you'd expect - but still robust enough for every day."




Materials

The Thirty are 30-denier tights. They are made with luxurious double-covered yarn (75% polyamide, 25% elastane) for softness and warmth, whilst being robust enough for everyday wear.

Colour range


The Thirty is available in Jet Black only.

Size options


The Thirty tights are currently available in six sizes:

Waist: 22"-23" / UK size 4

Waist 23"-25" / UK size 6-8

Waist 26"-28" / UK size 10

Waist 29"-32" / UK size 12-14

Waist 33"-37" / UK size 16-18

Waist 38"-42" / UK size 20-22


Price

  • Low waistband: £19.00
  • High waistband: £21.00

Fit and wearing experience

You can read my original review of The Thirty from November 2017 here.

I previously trialled The Thirty with the High waistband in the UK 12-14 size / 29"-32" waist.

This is actually a smaller size than what my actual measurements dictate, but the fit was excellent. At the time of writing the original review, the UK 16-18 size (33"-37" waist) was not available.

I wore this pair again for this more recent review.

Here is a summary of my wearing experience with The Thirty:

  • Amazingly soft yarn 
  • Super stretchy and generous leg length
  • Highly elastic High waistband
  • Seamless (no centre seam in the brief/body)
  • No gusset
  • Semi-opaque/semi-sheer appearance. Leg hair is visible if not removed.
  • Matte appearance on the leg with very little shine.
In the High waist version, the waistband came come well over my waist and hips. It can sit quite high if you want it to. What is great is that you can adjust easily so it sits in the most comfortable place.

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.
































As mentioned above, this review was based on a smaller size than what I would normally choose. However the fit was perfect as The Thirty are so stretchy.

Our verdict

The conclusion reached in my original review still stands: "an exceptional wearing experience."

I also concluded:

"The Thirty tights impress on every level. Your legs will love how they feel, I guarantee that."


If you are looking for a pair of semi-sheer tights, The Thirty are the ones to go for. They are not very opaque at all, and but will give slightly more coverage to the leg compared to The Nude.

Once you have them on, The Thirty tights 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.



Updated Mini Review of The Nude Tights by Heist

The Nude tights by Heist



Materials

The Nude are 18-denier tights made with luxurious double-covered yarn (88% polyamide, 12% elastane).


Colour range


Available in seven shades of nude.

These shades were created by gathering over 1,000 skin tones submitted by women around the world.

Heist encourage you to choose the shade that you instinctively think suits your skin tone.



Size options


The Nude tights are currently available in four sizes and come in Low and High waistband versions.

Waist 22"-23" / UK size 4

Waist 23"-25" / UK size 6-8

Waist 26"-28" / UK size 10

Waist 29"-32" / UK size 12-14

We will keep you informed when larger sizes become available.

Price

  • Low waistband: £19.00
  • High waistband: £21.00

Fit and wearing experience

I have a pair of The Nude in Heist's previous Extra Large size with a High waistband. This has now been replaced as part of Heist's updated sizing information that uses UK, EU and US dress sizes, along with waist and hoop measurements. Men will find it helpful to identify their correct size by referring to their waist measurement.
Although a full review of The Nude has not been published yet, here is a short summary of our experience when wearing them.
  • Ultra soft and silky to the touch.
  • Transparent, matte appearance with very little shine.
  • Seamless (no centre seam in the brief/body).
  • Perfect fit on the leg with absolutely no bunching or wrinkling. The Nude provides a complete second skin feeling.
  • Super stretchy High waistband that can stretch to sit on and above the waist and navel if required.
  • Really comfortable and sensuous feel when worn.
The version of The Nude that we tried has no gusset. It also does not have the flat stitched support rectangle in the crotch area that both The Fifty and The Eighty have.



Our verdict


For this review I located my pair of The Nude and gave them another wear.

These are up there with the best quality sheer tights you can buy, but that High waistband makes all the difference. It is soft, ultra comfortable and I promise you does not dig in or constrict.

The Nude are recommended if you are a fan of sheer tights and want something special.  These tights feel really good and the overall wearing experience is exceptional.

Like all Heist tights, they will stay up all stay, and will mould themselves to you, moving with as you move about during the day.

They will provide moderate insulation in cool weather. They glide wonderfully under trousers.

Tuesday 26 March 2019

Heist Tights: Our Complete Guide For Men Buyers

We reported a few days ago on the new and detailed guidance and frequently asked questions published by hosiery brand Heist for men thinking about buying Heist tights.

We were really pleased to be able to collaborate with Heist on these FAQs, along with fellow hosiery blogger i love hosiery.



Heist recently sent us new pairs of their The Fifty and The Eighty tights, so we could report on the changes in packaging, as well as provide Hosiery For Men readers with updated mini reviews that the new FAQs can link to.

In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive guide to Heist tights from a male perspective as well as links to the updated mini reviews. Hopefully this will support Hosiery For Men readers to learn more about the range of Heist tights, and be able to choose the correct size and style.


What makes Heist tights different?


The concept of Heist is "tights reimagined". The people at Heist decided to completely rethink everything about tights. The aim was to design products that are radically better than anything else currently available. They looked at everything including design, materials and manufacturing.

  • Three questions underpinned the process of reconceptualising tights: 
  • Can a waistband be designed that would not be constrictive and uncomfortable, and would not rollover? 
  • Is it possible to make tights from the softest and most comfortable yarn currently available? 
  • What would stop tights slipping down and needing to be pulled up and readjusted several times a day? 
Heist tights have several key and, in some aspects, completely unique features: 
  • They are completely seamless with no traditional gusset. 
  • They are made with an exceptional Italian double covered yarn with 5,000 spirals of nylon wrapped around each inch of elastane (that’s ten times the industry average) 
  • They have a unique adaptive waistband which is made separately and then hand-sewn onto each pair of tights. 
  • Heist tights have a choice of two waistband heights - Low and High. 
  • Toe seams are tucked 3mm under the toes. 
  • All Heist tights have a smooth, matte finish. 

Are Heist tights suitable for men?

The answer readers is YES!

We have been featuring and reviewing Heist tights since they launched in 2015. We were the first hosiery blog to review Heist tights from a male perspective.

Feedback from Hosiery For Men readers on Heist tights has been universally positive, and Heist was mentioned by many of you who took part in our recent MEN BUYING TIGHTS survey as a hosiery brand with an ethos of inclusion.

Comments made by survey respondents included:


"Heist stated they are gender inclusive. Any brand that acknowledges men wear tights and have larger sizing is great."


"Heist are by far and away the best, they have the best customer service and value you as a person rather than a gender."


Heist have an explicitly gender-inclusive ethos, and are committed to providing a great service to all customers. The new guidance and FAQs for men reflect this.



Men who wear tights should note a particular feature of Heist tights that make them suitable for them: the choice of High and Low waistbands. 


In our MEN BUYING TIGHTS survey almost 60% of respondents agreed that improving waistband design to prevent rollover was a key change that hosiery brands needed to make to improve fit and comfort for men. 

Heist have tackled this issue by creating an adaptive, seamless waistband that aims to follow the contours of the body. It is designed so it won’t roll, twist, or dig in. 

If you are a guy with more weight in the belly area, the High waistband is ideal as this can be stretched over and above this area and will it there comfortably.



Sizing

Heist have shown commitment to creating sizing options so that all heights and body shapes are catered for.


Almost all of the Heist tights range is available in larger sizes. The Thirty semi-opaque tights are available in sizes that accommodate waist sizes up to 42".


The Fifty and The Eighty opaque styles are available in sizes that accommodate waistbands up to 48".

Heist tights are suitable for anyone up to heights of 6'4", although this does depend on each individual. You will find that Heist tights are very stretchy and will fit you even if you have long legs.

Choosing your size


With the correct size, your Heist tights should fit fine. The way Heist tights are designed means that waist measurements are the most important aspect for men to get right, rather than height measurements.



Men buying Heist tights can use their normal waist size. But if you have very wide hips or have a bigger belly, or have very long legs, you might consider going up a size.

We believe that the High waistband is generally the most suitable option for men. This will sit comfortably on and above your waist, and will provide generous space below for the male anatomy.

The Low waistband sits comfortably just above the hips. The Low may be more suitable if you have a shorter torso.

The waistband length for the High is 23cm/9" and for the Low it is 13cm/5".

If you are not sure of your size, get a tape measure and check your measurements:

Measure your hips around the widest part of your lower body.

Measure your waist around the narrowest part of your waist.



I am 5'10" tall and have a 34" waist. My size in Heist tights is UK 16-18 (33"-37" waist) and the fit is perfect.

Packaging

Heist have redesigned their packaging several times. The latest version is perhaps the most elegant and coolest design so far.

The tights are despatched in a plain black outer plastic covering. Inside they are housed in a sturdy salmon pink rectangular box (2cm x 24cm x 35cm). This comes wrapped in plastic covering with words highlighting key features: "Goodbye digging, rolling, gusset and seams."





The tights themselves are packaged in a unique black, rectangular card enclosure. This folds out once you undo the card clasp, which is part of the packaging.








The tights inside are carefully folded around a rectangle card, that provides more information on the Heist story, and the unique features of Heist tights.



What stands out in Heist's packaging is the absence of the usual product images of women with a stereotypical "perfect" model shape. The packaging is completely gender neutral and conveys no expectation of body shape or who the intended wearer might be.

Shipping and delivery costs

Heist ships to 41 locations worldwide as listed below:

Australia, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guernsey, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jersey, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, United States.

Heist offers free shipping worldwide for orders over £50 / €75 / $90. For smaller orders the shipping fees vary by country and are indicated at checkout.

The Heist tights range

Currently there are four styles of tights available:

The Nude

The Thirty

The Fifty

The Eighty




The links below will take you to our updated mini reviews of each of the four styles of Heist tights:

Updated mini review of The Nude

Updated mini review of The Thirty

Updated mini review of The Fifty

Updated review of The Eighty

Friday 22 March 2019

Are Heist Tights Suitable For Men? New Guidance On Buying Tights Published By Heist

Innovative hosiery and shapewear brand Heist have just published detailed and helpful guidance and frequently asked questions for men who need information and advice on buying Heist tights.





This is a hugely welcome development. A major, high profile hosiery brand is taking a further step to demonstrate their inclusive ethos and values, and affirm that tights and legwear are gender free and can be worn by anyone.

The "Whatever Gender" principle has always been a key part of Heist's marketing.



The new Heist guidance and FAQs for men have been developed in partnership with us at Hosiery For Men, the blogger i love hosiery, and a passionate male fan of Heist tights.


We were really pleased to be asked to collaborate on this.

The FAQs cover a lot of detail and answer a range of queries about Heist tights that men might have, including:

Are Heist tights suitable for men?


As a man, are Heist tights designed to fit me?

Which waistband style do I go for?

I’m 6”4, would Heist tights work for me?

How do I put Heist tights on?

How do Heist tights feel?

Which style of tights should I go for?


To link with the new 
new Heist guidance and FAQs for men we will shortly be publishing updated reviews of the Heist tights range. Stay tuned.

Thursday 21 March 2019

Heist THE THIRTY Tights now available in UK sizes 6-22

Hosiery brand Heist have now made their The Thirty tights available in a wider range of sizes.



You can now get The Thirty tights is UK sizes from 6 - 22 (EU 36-52 and US 2-20)
The Thirty are sheer 30 denier tights made with 75% Polyamide and 25% Elastane.



They are available, like all Heist tights, in low and high waistband versions. We generally recommend the high waistband for men, as it provides more depth and better accommodates the male shape.

You can read our review of The Thirty tights here. Another useful review can be found on the i love hosiery blog.

The new size options means The Thirty tights are now available in five sizes. This will be welcome news for male purchasers, who need larger sizing in tights.

For example the UK 20-22 size will accommodate waist sizes from 38" - 42".

Remember that Heist tights are for everyone, and male customers are welcomed. The Heist website has a live chat facility if you need any more advice or have any questions. Look for the "How can we help?" button on the lower right.



Stay tuned for more news on Heist tights and men, which will be appearing soon.

Tuesday 19 March 2019

Just arrived: THE FIFTY and THE EIGHTY Opaque Tights By Heist

Innovative hosiery and shapewear brand Heist have just sent us more pairs of Heist tights.









We have new pairs of The Fifty and The Eighty opaque styles in Heist's new packaging.





We are shortly going to publish a new feature on Heist tights to coincide with an important announcement from Heist that will be welcomed by men who buy tights.

Stay tuned for that!

Friday 15 March 2019

Updated Review: Wolford Aurora Leggings

We recently reviewed the Wolford Aurora Leggings, part of Wolford's new Cradle to Cradle® Collection: biodegradable skin-wear products that have a safe biological lifecycle.



The Aurora garments, which are part of the Cradle to Cradle® Collection, use premium stretch yarn and environmentally responsible fibres.

After the life cycle of the product has naturally come to an end, it can be returned to a Wolford store. In return you will receive a 10% discount on the next Cradle to Cradle® product.


Our initial review of the Wolford Aurora Leggings was based on the XL size that Wolford provided.

We were recently provided with a further pair of the Aurora leggings in the L size.

This updated review provides further information and assessment of the sizing options.  



Wolford describe this product as follows:

"Sustainable innovation: The cycle of nature is our main concern when it comes to these opaque, super soft leggings. Produced from – and with – biodegradable components, these leggings are Cradle to Cradle Certified™ at the gold level and, as the name suggests, a symbol for new beginnings."


Packaging

Wolford have designed new and very specific packaging for the Cradle to Cradle® collection.

The Aurora Leggings are folded and packed into rectangular white card box. This then slides into the outer packaging. It is basically as a drawer that can be opened and closed.

As well as sizing information on the outer packaging, there is detailed information (in English and French) on the Cradle to Cradle® sustainability process.











Material and features


The Wolford Aurora Leggings are made from 70% Modal, 26% Polyester and 4% Elastane.

You can feel the quality as soon as you take them out of the packaging. This is a really substantial garment.

They have a velvety smoothness to the touch. Wolford have clearly chosen the highest quality yarns for these leggings.

The knit is dense, and even when stretched remains completely opaque.

The legs are anatomically shaped, narrowing towards the ankle. There is a 2.5cm cuff. The only seam (apart from the cuff and the waistband) is one running on the inside of the leg up to and around the area under the crotch. All the stitching on this seam is on the inside so that externally there is a smooth, unobtrusive and barely visible line.



The brief is very roomy, with a rise of 28cm from crotch to the top of the waistband. It has no central seam.

The waistband itself is 5cm wide. With clever use of flat stitching it is hardly visible. A Wolford tag is sewn onto the inside of the waistband.



As with the Wolford Aurora pullover, the design, construction and finish is all top class.



Fit, sizing and wearing experience

The Wolford Aurora Leggings are available in five sizes: XS, S, M, L and XL.



I trialled both the L and XL size.

This is the first time I have reviewed Wolford leggings, and my first impression is that in terms of sizing, they do come up quite a bit larger than Wolford tights. I take an XL in Wolford tights and the fit is invariably perfect, with always a second skin feeling on the leg.

Aurora Leggings in XL

The size chart indicates that these will fit up to 6'3", depending on your weight.

Compared to Wolford tights in XL I found that these didn't provide a very close fit on the leg. They are not hugely baggy, but there is plenty of room in in the calves and thigh areas.

There was more than enough length in the leg and these would definitely be suitable for taller people.

The waist and brief also provided plenty of room.

I would describe the fit (for me anyway) as relaxed

Aurora Leggings in L

The size chart indicates that these will fit up to 5'11", depending on your weight. The size chart is admirably accurate.

The L size provided a much closer fit on the leg.

For me this was a perfect fit in every respect. The material is stretchy and envelops the leg nicely with no bagging or sagging.

The brief in both the L size is deep and stretched easily above the waist and hips.

It was so great to have a pair of the Aurora Leggings in the L size and compare with the XL. For me the L was a wonderful fit.

Colour range


The Wolford Aurora Leggings are available in Black only.



Price and availability


The Wolford Aurora Leggings are priced at £120.00.

Conclusion

I really enjoyed trialling the Wolford Aurora Leggings. I have worn the L and XL sizes almost every evening over the past few weeks.

They are incredibly comfortable and easy to wear. I could even describe myself as a convert to Wolford leggings now. I am more than eager to try more of their styles.

Leggings are incredibly versatile. You can wear them under shorts, as loungewear, for insulation.

If you pair them with the Wolford Aurora Pullover, you have a combination for loungewear that cannot be beaten.

More than anything, I was impressed with how great the Aurora Leggings feel. Soft on the skin, warm and comfortable.

To summarise my comments on sizing: if you like a closer fit legging it's best to go down a size from what you normally go for in Wolford tights. This is why in future I will choose a L in Wolford leggings but stay with an XL in Wolford tights.

I'm now looking forward to reviewing the Wolford Perfect Fit Leggings. The review of these is coming soon.