Friday 24 May 2019

Just arrived: Platino 40 Denier Total Confort Tights.

One of our favourite online hosiery and legwear retailers, The Tight Spot, recently suggested that we might like to try some hosiery from the Platino brand.



The first product are the Platino 40 Denier Total Confort Tights, which are part of the range of shiny tights at The Tight Spot.



The Tight Spot, as many readers of this blog will know, are committed to providing a great service to men buying hosiery.

They provide a great selection of tights for men which you should check out.

Tuesday 21 May 2019

Just arrived: Aristoc 15 Denier Ultimate Shine Tights

We recently brought Hosiery For Men readers news of the new range of Ultimate tights from hosiery brand Aristoc.



We have also starting reviewing this range and recently published a review of the
Aristoc Ultimate Smoothing 15 Denier Tights.

Aristoc have now sent us more samples of further additions to the Ultimate range.

These are the 15 Denier Ultimate Shine Tights.



Key features of these tights are:

  • Deep comfort waistband
  • Sheer through body
  • Hand finished flat seams and breathable cotton gusset
  • 15 denier sheer shine appearance
  • Soft handle
  • Lightly reinforced toe for added durability
Stay tuned for the review.

Monday 20 May 2019

Just arrived: Aristoc 10 Denier Ultimate Matt Tights

We recently brought Hosiery For Men readers news of the new range of Ultimate tights from hosiery brand Aristoc.



We have also starting reviewing this range, and have published a review of the Aristoc Ultimate Smoothing 15 Denier Tights.

Aristoc have now sent us samples of further new additions to the Ultimate range.

These are the 10 Denier Ultimate Matt Tights.



Key features of these tights are:

  • Deep comfort waistband 
  • Hand finished flat seams and breathable cotton gusset 
  • 10 denier sheer matt appearance 
  • Exceptionally soft luxury handle 
  • Lightly reinforced toe for added durability
Review coming soon.

Friday 17 May 2019

Reviewed: Pamela Mann 90 Denier Curvy Super-Stretch Tights

Pamela Mann, one of the best known British hosiery brands, recently launched a new range of super-stretchy, plus size tights: the Curvy range.



They sent us a pair of the 90 Denier Curvy Super-Stretch Tights to trial and review.



Pamela Mann was established in 1956, and are a well know British hosiery brand. Their legwear is manufactured in Europe but all final production phases - embellishing, printing and packing - take place in-house.

We previously reviewed the Pamela Mann 80 Denier Plus Size Black Opaque Tights and the Pamela Mann 120 Denier 3D Plus Size Opaque Tights.


We are always keen to trial and review plus size tights, as they are often a good choice size-wise for men. Pamela Mann have an extensive range of plus size tights, which they continue to extend.

Packaging

The tights arrived in a simple plastic envelope. This might be because they were sent as a sample. I suspect that when they are available in a retail outlet, the tights will have their own dedicated packaging.



Materials and features


Pamela Mann say that they have designed these tights especially for those choosing a plus size garment. They have incorporated a number of positive features that aim to enhance comfort:

  • A deeper body rise
  • A wider thigh fit
  • Re-designed waistband
  • Flat seams
  • Light leg support
The Pamela Mann 90 Denier Curvy Super-Stretch Tights are made from 92% Nylon and 8% Elastane.

They feel smooth to the touch; indeed once on the leg they feel even softer and smoother. One of the first impressions is that these are quite substantial opaque tights that would be perfect in cooler weather.

They are definitely tights for larger people. I was struck immediately by the long length in the leg.

The brief/body is significantly deeper than what you find with most tights - it measures 33cm from the top of the waistband to the gusset.



The waistband is also quite deep and measures 4.5cm.



In appearance they look completely sheer top waist, although there is actually a very fine, and barely visible, demarcation between the leg and the body.

Toes are reinforced.



Seams are flat throughout.

Fit, sizing and wearing experience

The Pamela Mann 90 Denier Curvy Super-Stretch Tights are available in five sizes: 
  • XL (16-18 UK dress size)
  • 2XL (20-22 UK dress size)
  • 3XL (24-26 UK dress size)
  • 4XL (28-30 UK dress size)
  • 5XL (32-34 UK dress size)
I don't have a size chart to share from the packaging, although the Pamela Mann website does provide size charts. Here is the one provided for Maxi/Curvy tights.



I wore them in the XL size which according to the chart is suitable for people up to 5'5". I am 5'10" and the XL was really very generously sized. They would easily fit someone even taller than me.


These tights are incredibly stretchy. They have plenty of room in the calves and thighs, but are not baggy or loose at all.

The brief/body is very roomy. It can stretch high above the waist if needed.

The comfort level couldn't be faulted. And they are also very warm and cosy.



Colour range


The Pamela Mann 90 Denier Curvy Super-Stretch Tights are available in a range of colours:

Black
Mustard
Slate
Navy
Burgundy

I wore them in the Black shade.







Price and availability


The Pamela Mann 90 Denier Curvy Super-Stretch Tights are priced at £14.99.

You can purchase them directly through the Pamela Mann website.

They are also available at UK Tights, one of our recommended retailers.



Conclusion


I have to say that I was really impressed with the Pamela Mann 90 Denier Curvy Super-Stretch Tights. The quality is excellent and the comfort level very high.

I commend Pamela Mann for making a high denier opaque in such a wide range of larger sizes.

The 16-18 (XL) was a great fit for me, and didn't need any over-stretching. The 2XL-5XL sizes will obviously be even larger and are perfect for really big and tall guys. If you come into that category and need some quality opaques, I would definite think about giving these a try.


I might make a suggestion that Pamela Mann revisit the current sizing information. As I mention above the XL size is very roomy indeed, in terms of both leg length and stretch quality.

The price of 14.99 for these tights is justified I feel in terms of the quality. Look after them and I am sure they will give you many wears.

Recommended.

Wednesday 15 May 2019

Just arrived: Aristoc 80 Denier Micro Fibre Knee Highs

Aristoc have sent us a pair of their 80 Denier Micro Fibre Knee Highs.





Aristoc describe these knee highs as follows:

"These beautiful soft, Aristoc 80 Denier black knee highs are knitted using smooth microfibre yarns for extreme softness & a velvet-like touch."
Review coming soon.

Tuesday 14 May 2019

Reviewed: Aristoc Ultimate Smoothing 15 Denier Tights

We recently brought Hosiery For Men readers news of the new range of Ultimate tights from hosiery brand Aristoc.



Aristoc sent us various samples to trial and review.

Our first review will be of the Aristoc Ultimate Smoothing 15 Denier Tights.



Aristoc describe this style as follows:

"The Ultimate in sheer matt luxury, these tights give you a beautifully flawless sheer look on leg. The body is sleek and flattering with just enough control to give you a smooth silhouette, perfect for wearing under more fitted clothes. The tights have no waistband, which means they won’t dig in or cause unsightly bulges and you can adjust them to a position which is comfortable for you."


Packaging

The Aristoc Ultimate Smoothing 15 Denier Tights are packaged the familiar standard Aristoc format.

The tights are folded around a plain white card rectangle. This is then sealed in a plastic sleeve.





Everything is then housed in a card envelope. If you are familiar with Aristoc products, you will be aware that they have really improved their packaging design and brand imagery in recent years. Indeed, the Aristoc Ultimate collection has its own design identity within the wider Aristoc range.



Material and features


The Aristoc Ultimate Smoothing 15 Denier Tights are made in Italy. The yarn used is 85% Nylon and 15% Elastane.

The concept behind these tights is to provide enough control to ensure a "smooth silhouette". They have a unique feature: there is no waistband.

The tights are sheer up until the body, which is made from a soft, stretchy and denser yarn. The idea is that you are able to adjust this to whatever position is comfortable.



The body has quite a deep rise, measuring 27cm from the top to the gusset.

Seams are flat and there is a cotton gusset.

The leg is 15 denier, but actually looks more like a 20 denier tight when worn. The material is luxuriously smooth and very stretchy.

Toes have no reinforcement.

Sizing, fit and wearing experience


The Aristoc Ultimate Smoothing 15 Denier Tights are available in three sizes:

  • Small/Medium
  • Medium/Large
  • Extra Large


I wore the Extra Large size. They looked alarmingly small when I took them out of the packaging.

But their stretch qualities are really impressive, aided by the high (15%) Elastane content of the yarn.

You need to take some care putting these tights on. The Elastane content in the yarn makes them quite tight; indeed on the leg they actually provide a mild level of compression. So you mustn't pull them on, but rather gather each leg carefully and gradually fit them onto each leg.

The fit in the Extra Large size was excellent. A complete second skin feeling on the leg, with no wrinkling at all.



The waistband-free body worked really well for me. Although it is meant to "smooth", I didn't find it tight or constricting at all. It can sit above the hips and waist, but can be adjusted to wherever it feels most comfortable. It has advantages over conventional waistbands as well in that it is less likely to roll over and need adjustment.

The body on these tights is definitely one for those of you who like a "high waistband" style.



Colour range


The Aristoc Ultimate Smoothing 15 Denier Tights are available in two shades: Black and Nude.

I wore them in the Nude shade.

Price and availability

The Aristoc Ultimate Smoothing 15 Denier Tights are priced at £10.00.

They can be purchased directly from the Aristoc website.

You can also buy them from UK Tights, one of our recommended retailers.



Conclusion

This is our first review from the Aristoc Ultimate range and the impression is good.

The Aristoc Ultimate Smoothing 15 Denier Tights are a quality product. Great fit and wearing experience, and with a genuinely innovative body that provides an alternative to the traditional tights waistband.


One area that hosiery brands are definitely innovating in is waistband design. We are seeing wider and more comfortable waistbands from Wolford and Falke, as well as the seamless designs with a choice of high and low waistband heights from Heist and Hedoine.

Aristoc have created something else here, and I wonder if this type of "non-waistband waistband" might be something that they might develop for other styles in their range.

For just £10 these tights are something of a bargain. A bit of luxury for a budget price.

Recommended.

Saturday 11 May 2019

Just arrived: Gipsy 30 Denier Eco Recycled Yarn Tights

Hosiery brand Gipsy have just launched two brand new styles of tights made with Eco Recycled Yarn.



They asked us if we would like to trial and review these for Hosiery For Men readers.

Here are the Gipsy 30 Denier Eco Recycled Yarn Tights:



Review coming soon.

Thursday 9 May 2019

Reviewed: Oroblu Tessie Cotton Wool Tights

Online hosiery retailer Leglicious recently sent us some tights to trial and review.



Our first review will be of the Oroblu Tessie Cotton Wool Tights.




Leglicious describe these tights as "plain knit and beautifully soft, these cotton, wool and silk blend tights are sure to keep away the winter chill."

Packaging

The Oroblu Tessie Cotton Wool Tights are packaged very simply. They are enclosed in a card clasp, which has a hook for retail display purposes.





Materials and features


The Oroblu Tessie Cotton Wool Tights are made from an interesting yarn mix that has 43% Polyamide, 38% Cotton, 11% Wool, 5% Silk and 3% Elastane.

They feel smooth, soft and warm. These are tights for cool days.

The brief/body is nice and deep and measures 27cm from the top of the waistband to the cotton gusset.



Seams are flat and expertly finished. The XL has a conventional single seam rear, and no rear comfort panel.

Toes are rounded and have no visible reinforcement.



The waistband is 3cm wide.



Sizing, fit and wearing experience


The Oroblu Tessie Cotton Wool Tights are available in four sizes:

  • Small
  • Medium
  • Large
  • Extra Large


This is review is based on the Extra Large (XL) size.

We have reviewed lots of Oroblu tights at Hosiery For Men, and have found that from a size perspective they work well for men. I suspect that is the experience of readers of this blog as well.

Leglicious has a good selection of Orobu tights.

The Tessie tights have a high level of opacity. Coverage is dense, but as with most wool and cotton tights the knit of the yarn allows them to be breathable.



They are really stretchy. I found the fit on the leg to be excellent, with no wrinkling or bunching.

The brief/body stretched comfortably above the hips and waist.



The overall wearing experience was excellent. The Tessie tights feel great (the silk content in the yarn might be a factor in that), and comfort level is high.

Colour range


Although the Oroblu website indicates that the Tessie Cotton Wool Tights are available in other shades including Blu Artico and Grigio, at Leglicious they are available in Black only.



Price and availability


The Oroblu Tessie Cotton Wool Tights are available at Leglicious for £16.00.

Conclusion


Firstly thanks to Leglicious for giving us the opportunity to trial the Oroblu Tessie Cotton Wool Tights.

Leglicious are committed too providing a good service to male customers. In our profile of the business, which we published in January, managing director Nicola Forkes, said that male customers are welcome: "They can expect to receive exactly the same service, advice and support as any customer."

The Tessie Cotton Wool Tights reflect Oroblu's reputation for quality. I found them a really comfortable wear with a good fit. As wool and cotton tights they are designed for warm weather, but they are also breathable so your legs won't overheat.

Recommended.