Just arrived: Gipsy 60 Denier Velvet Opaque Tights

The hosiery retailer Yo Sassy made contact with Hosiery For Men recently to ask if we could trial and review one of their products.



I was pleased to receive a pair of the Gipsy 60 Denier Velvet Opaque Tights. I have reviewed several styles of Gipsy tights previously and have been impressed with the quality and value.



Stay tuned for a review of these tights as well as more information on Yo Sassy.

Hosiery For Men is sustained by hosiery retailers and manufacturers who generously provide us with samples for review. Readers can also support this blog by clicking on any of the advertisements displayed and checking out the products on offer. Each time you do this you are making a valuable contribution and help to ensure that Hosiery For Men continues. Thanks for your continued support.

Reviewed: Couture Future 10 Denier Tights

Legwear International recently sent me a pair of the Couture Future 10 Denier Tights to trial and review.



Legwear International is a long-established hosiery manufacturer and retailer in the UK. I recently interviewed Kirsten Taylor, the Product Development and Marketing Manager at Legwear International, and you can still read this interview and feature on Hosiery For Men.



Materials and features
The Couture Future 10 Denier Tights are packaged quite robustly. The tights are folded over a plain rectangular card and then closed in a clear plastic sleeve. This is attached to a sturdier piece of card and then housed into the outer card envelope.



The rear of the packaging provides information on the product and sizing.



According to the product description:

'Couture Future® is a cutting edge range of hosiery developed using an innovative bonding procedure on the stitch structure of the garment. Thisd futuristic technology has led to the design of hosiery with incredible strength and durability but still gives the wearer a silky sheer feel with enhanced fit.'

Kirsten Taylor, Product Development and Marketing Manager at Legwear International has provided further information:

'The Couture Future 10 Denier Tights are created with the innovative LYCRA® Fusion® fibre, a ladder free, long-lasting, super-comfy yarn that makes legwear immune to laddering. We have been working closely with INVISTA and we are lucky enough to use this new technology in our brand new line to be named Couture Fusion, which will put an end to such mishaps for good.'

'This is a bi-component technology that allows the threads on the outer layer of the fibre to ‘fuse’ to each other during the stockings’ thermofixation process, making it super strong.'

Kirsten added: 

'Traditionally durability and sheerness were two elements that did not sit hand in hand. The traditional ‘ladder resist tights’ were thick and certainly not sheer by nature. Products containing LYCRA® Fusion fibre are extremely soft to the touch, and do not lose their shape no matter how often you wear and wash them.'

The Couture Future 10 Denier Tights are 68% Nylon, 31% Elastane and 1% Cotton.

The fabric is very soft and smooth.

Legs are straight and toes are without reinforcement. The tights are not sheer to waist as the panty/brief section is made with a slightly denser fabric. Seams are conventional. The waistband is 3cm wide and comfortable. The Extra Large size has a rear comfort gusset (see photo). Other sizes have a conventional cotton gusset.



Fit and sizing
The Couture Future 10 Denier Tights are available in four sizes: Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large.

I tested the Extra Large size.



These tights look really quite small as you remove them from the packaging, but they have an impressive amount of stretch.

One needs to take some care in putting them on, but it is clear that the fabric is indeed very strong and I didn't feel at any stage that I was going to damage them.

The fit in the Extra Large size was excellent. The fabric clings and moulds itself to your legs, and the tights genuinely feel like a second skin.

With careful stretching there was more than enough length in the leg. The brief was also sufficiently deep and stretched comfortably over the waist.

The fabric has a smooth, silky feel which is extremely comfortable. Under trousers the glide was excellent with no catching at all. They also stayed in place and needed no adjustment or pulling up.

Colour range
The Couture Future 10 Denier Tights come in four colours: Black, Nearly Black, Natural Tan and Nude.



I tested a pair in the Natural Tan shade. The photo above provides an accurate representation of this colour.

Price and availability
The Couture Future 10 Denier Tights are available directly from Legwear International and are priced at £4.99 (Medium and Large sizes) and £5.49 (Extra Large).

Conclusion
I have worn these tights twice now, once on a very cool day and once on a much warmer day. They definitely are robustly constructed and do indeed appear to be strong and durable. That is definitely a bonus for men who will buy them as we expect to get a decent amount of wear from hosiery.

I haven't reviewed any ladder resist styles up to now on Hosiery For Men, but I was really impressed with the Couture Future tights. As well as the durability, they are really very comfortable to wear and feel wonderful under trousers.

The Natural Tan shade is also very sheer and transparent, and appears barely visible on the skin. This would be welcome for men who wish to wear tights more 'stealthily'.

At such a reasonable price, these tights definitely earn a Hosiery For Men recommendation badge.

Just arrived: Silky Shimmer Dance Tights, Cindy 30 Denier Tights, Silky Thermal Fleece Tights and Couture Future Tights

I recently published a feature on Legwear International and an interview with Kirsten Taylor, their Product Development and Marketing Manager.



Legwear International have kindly sent a package of tights for Hosiery For Men to test and review.

Silky Shimmer Dance Tights



Silky 140 Denier Fleece Lined Tights



Cindy 30 Denier Semi-Sheer Tights



Couture Future Ladder Resist Tights




Hosiery For Men is sustained by hosiery retailers and manufacturers who generously provide us with samples for review. Readers can also support this blog by clicking on any of the advertisements displayed and checking out the products on offer. Each time you do this you are making a valuable contribution and help to ensure that Hosiery For Men continues. Thanks for your continued support.

Special offers on the Activskin A2019 Microfabric Full Support Sheer Men's Pantyhose and A535 Microfabric Light Support Sheer Men's Pantyhose

One of the most read posts on Hosiery For Men has been the feature on Activskin®, the legwear brand of G.Lieberman and Sons, Ltd. 

You can read Part 1 and Part 2 of the interview with Steven Katz, the Managing Partner at G. Lieberman and Sons, Ltd.

We have just received news of two great offers from Activskin: both the A2019 Microfabric Full Support Sheer Pantyhose and A535 Microfabric Light Support Sheer Pantyhose are on sale with a 25% discount until 31 May 2013.

A2019 Microfabric Full Support Sheer Pantyhose



Activskin Style A2019 is a full support sheer pantyhose that has some great features. The fabric has 36% spandex in it, which makes it very compressive (not medical hosiery, however) for those who want that level of support. Yet the control brief has plenty of room for comfort and will instantly reduce your waistline a bit. There is no fly, which keeps the cost down. The toe fabric is not compressive so you won't find the toes binding at all. The design really does achieve maximum comfort in a support style. If you like compression, you just won't want to take these off at the end of the day!

The Hi-Glide shiny fabric won't grab at cotton pants and denim jeans like other hosiery and the legwear stays in place all day long. The reinforced toe and the cotton gusset provide ample durability for many wearings. They're regularly $12.99, but they on sale for 25% off until May 31. They come in 3 colours and 4 sizes.

A535 Microfabric Light Support Sheer Pantyhose



The Activskin Style A535 sheer light support pantyhose has just 14% spandex, so they are not as compressive as full support hose, but they have more compression than other Activskin all-nylon styles. These are perfect for summer, as the very light weight, stealthy, matte fabric is ideal under shorts or slacks. These also have no fly, but the brief is non-control top and although it's not the same sheer fabric as the leg (which would make it sheer-to-the-waist) it is VERY transparent, hides nothing, and has a very open knit for maximum ventilation and comfort you'll love.

The sheer toes are perfect for wearing with sandals, too. They come in 3 colors and 4 sizes. At $8.99 regular price, they are also on sale with 25% off until May 31.

Hosiery For Men is sustained by hosiery retailers and manufacturers who generously provide us with samples for review. Readers can also support this blog by clicking on any of the advertisements displayed and checking out the products on offer. Each time you do this you are making a valuable contribution and help to ensure that Hosiery For Men continues. Thanks for your continued support.

Just arrived: Nylonica Lusso Silk 70 Opaque tights and 40 Opaque Tights

Stockings HQ is an online retailer with one of the largest ranges of tights, including many top brands.



They have sent me two pairs of tights to test and review from the Italian Nylonica brand. I am really excited about checking out this brand as it is new to me and appears to only be available in the UK at Stockings HQ.

Nylonica Linea Lusso Silk 70 opaque microfibre tights



Nylonica Linea Lusso Silk 40 opaque tights

Hosiery For Men is sustained by hosiery retailers and manufacturers who generously provide us with samples for review. Readers can also support this blog by clicking on any of the advertisements displayed and checking out the products on offer. Each time you do this you are making a valuable contribution and help to ensure that Hosiery For Men continues. Thanks for your continued support.

Reviewed: Aristoc Ultimate 20 Denier Satin Tights

Tights Tights Tights, the shop and online retailer, sent me a pair of the Aristoc Ultimate Satin 20 Denier Tights to test and review.



You can still read the Hosiery For Men feature on Tights Tights Tights.



Materials and features
The Aristoc Ultimate Satin 20 Denier Tights are attractively packaged. The tights are folded around a rectangular card, which fits into a clear plastic sleeve.



This is then housed in a sturdy card envelope. The rear of this provides information on the product and sizing.



You can see that the packaging says that this style is 'Made In England'. That seems quite rare these days.

Aristoc provide this description:

'These beautiful and resilient tights add a sheer satin finish to complement your skin tone, the 20 denier leg has a polished leg look. Designed to withstand the knocks of your busy life, they are knitted with a revolutionary yarn that prevents holes turning into ladders, enabling you to carry on wearing them for the rest of the day."

The fabric is 75% Nylon, 24% Elastane and and 1% Cotton.

Although they are described as having a satin finish, I felt that they only had a very slight sheen, somewhat more matt in appearance. The fabric feels extremely soft to the touch.

The tights are sheer to waist, with sheer sandal toes. Seams are flat throughout.



The brief is commendably deep and features T-band reinforcement around the gusset, on each side of side of the seams and below the waistband. The waist band is 4cm wide, extending to 8cm if the reinforcement band is included.



Fit and sizing
The Aristoc Ultimate Satin 20 Denier Tights are available from Tights Tights Tights in four sizes: Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large.

I tested the Extra Large size.

I have been really impressed with the commitment Aristoc have shown to making larger sizes available in their premium hosiery. Styles in the Aristoc Luxury Opaque that I have already reviewed have all been spot with sizing for taller people and the deep brief would be very welcome for most men.

The Aristoc Ultimate Satin 20 Denier Tights provided a wonderful fit. There is plenty of stretch and the Extra Large size was perfect for me.

They were exceptionally comfortable in very respect. I loved the brief - Aristoc have really got this design spot on. The waistband in particular is superbly designed and helps keep everything in place without digging in.

Colour range
The Aristoc Ultimate Satin 20 Denier Tights are available from Tights Tights Tights in two shades: Black and Illusion.

I tested a pair in the Illusion shade. The appearance is slightly darker than shown in the photos above.

Price and availability
The Aristoc Ultimate Satin 20 Denier Tights are priced at £12.00.

Tights Tights Tights offer free first class UK delivery on all orders over £20.00

Conclusion
These are some of the best sheer tights I have ever tried. They are made with top quality fabric and superbly designed.

They get top marks for comfort and fit.

As we get warmer weather, sheer and semi-sheer tights provide comfort and warmth on cooler days. The Aristoc Ultimate Satin 20 Denier Tights would be a great choice. Give them a try.

Hosiery For Men is sustained by hosiery retailers and manufacturers who generously provide us with samples for review. Readers can also support this blog by clicking on any of the advertisements displayed and checking out the products on offer. Each time you do this you are making a valuable contribution and help to ensure that Hosiery For Men continues. Thanks for your continued support.

Spotlight on Legwear International

Legwear International is a long-established hosiery manufacturer and retailer in the UK. I recently interviewed Kirsten Taylor, the Product Development and Marketing Manager at Legwear International, and am happy to now publish this feature.



Can you provide Hosiery For Men readers with some background on Legwear International? When did the business start and how has it developed? 
Legwear International Ltd was established 16 years ago by Allan Falconer, an ex Pretty Polly MD, who wanted to set up on his own.

Originally, suppliers to wholesale and housing solely the Silky brand, Legwear International has now expanded to house four brands offering a vast range of hosiery products.

Joanna Gray and Cindy being the value ranges, Silky offers products in the middle banding with sub brands Scarlet, Party Signature, Dance and Ballet, Tattoo and Silky Everyday Basics of affordability and Couture at the top end with sub brands such as Little Ladies, Vixen, Future etc.

We have proudly moved into manufacturing our own products here in the UK just over a year ago. In addition to this, we continue to source goods from China, Italy, Serbia, Turkey and Lithuania.

Are male customers buying tights for themselves is part of your customer base? 
We do have a loyal following of male hosiery wearers and are currently developing and trialling new products with some of these customers in the hope that we can offer a wider range of goods to this genre of people.

We welcome feedback from our consumers and would love to become specialists in this area.

Would you say that that segment of your customer base is growing? 
Yes, definitely.

There are now many brands and styles of tights made for men now. Are you planning to stock any of these? 
No, we only manufacture and stock our own brands.

From the range that you stock, which brands or styles of tights would you particularly recommend for men?
I would particularly recommend the following:

Our Ballet and Dance Shimmer Tights. These offer great leg coverage and a good skin tone colouring. This is the most popular seller with men. They are available in three sizes and two lovely shades: Toast and Light Toast.



Silky Smooth Knit Extra Size Tights. These are available in X-Large and XX-Large sizes and are great value at £1.99 and £2.09 respectively.

Silky Supershine Tights. These are very comfortable and durable tights and are available in X Large.



Silky 40 Denier Soft Opaque Tights. These are great value at just £2.19.



Silky 140 Denier Fleece Tights. These are great for insulation on colder days. A X-Large size is available. These tights are also available in a footless style.



Couture Ultra Sheer Tights. These are very durable sheer tights and the X-Large size is available for £4.49.



Couture Future Ladder Resist Tights. These are a new cutting edge range of hosiery developed using an innovative bonding procedure on the stitch structure of the garment. These tights have incredible strength and durability but still gives the wearer a silky sheer feel with enhanced fit. They would be perfect for men who need harder wearing tights. They are available in four shades and the X-Large size costs just £5.49.



Cindy 70 Denier Opaque Tights. These have a great matt appearance and are available in X-Large.

What kind of service will male customers receive at Legwear International? Do you welcome enquiries and requests for advice? 
We are very open to requests and regularly give advice. We are very consumer focused and pride ourselves in our customer service i.e. being out of stock on lines very seldom and offering a next day delivery service on orders placed before 12am within the UK.

There has been a huge amount of media coverage of 'mantyhose' (tights for men) in recent months. What are your thoughts about the greater visibility of men buying and wearing tights these days? 

This an area that I have very little knowledge about but am hoping to learn more through improved contact with this type of customer.

Essentially mantyhose have very few, if any, differences from female hosiery and I would be interested in whether packaging these products in specialised packaging is a positive or negative move? Would this make consumers more or less comfortable when purchasing these products? 

That's an interesting question. For some men I feel that might be a positive move, if the tights were packaged more neutrally or as 'unisex'. However, I feel that any style packaged like this needs to be carefully designed to make sure that the fit would be suitable for both men or women. That means attention to the range of sizes, including sizes that extend to at least 6'0". Perhaps Legwear International could develop an opaque tight aimed at men for next autumn/winter season as see how that goes?


To men thinking about trying tights, what would you say are the main benefits of wearing them?
There are three particular benefits that I would mention.

Firstly, comfort and warmth: there are practical reasons for men to wear tights and many do in the winter months for warmth under their suits etc.

Secondly, there are health reasons for improving circulatory problems etc. We have a range of flight socks and Sheer Relief products under our Couture Brand that are excellent for this. Manufactured in Italy they are possibly some of the most accomplished products in existence in this genre.

Lastly, fashion: with the skinny jeans trend growing and developing, I think we could see men moving more openly into wearing hosiery.

Thank you very much Kirsten for speaking to Hosiery To Men, and for providing such detailed information about a wide range of products. I hope this feature increases interest in what Legwear International has to offer.

Hosiery For Men is sustained by hosiery retailers and manufacturers who generously provide us with samples for review. Readers can also support this blog by clicking on any of the advertisements displayed and checking out the products on offer. Each time you do this you are making a valuable contribution and help to ensure that Hosiery For Men continues. Thanks for your continued support.