Pantyhose - Anyone with legs can benefit from wearing support/compression hosiery including men.

2011-08-10T08:21:00.000-07:00

Do you sit for long hours in the office? Long days at the office can leave you feeling stiff and tired. Hours spent seated at a desk and computer can hurt your eyes and posture.

Try doing some simple exercises while sitting at your desk, and you’ll keep your energy levels up and those aches and pains at bay.

1. Keeping your shoulders down and back, stretch out your arms as wide as you can. You should feel a pull across your chest. This is great for posture, as we tend to hunch over the computer when we get engrossed in our work.

2. Keeping your heel on the floor, lift the toes on your right foot as high as you can and hold for a few seconds. Repeat ten times and then do the same with your left foot.

3. Stretch one arm out in front of you, hand outstretched as if to stop someone. With your other hand, gently pull your fingers back to stretch your wrist and forearm. Repeat with the other side.

4. Imagine sprinting 100 meters by tapping your feet lightly on the floor as fast as you can. Try for 30 seconds, take a short rest and repeat.
5. Extend and lift your right leg until it’s level with your hip (pointing straight out). Hold this position for as long as you can. Relax and then do the same with your other leg. Try for three times with each leg.

6. With your chest out and tummy in, clench your abdominal muscles and hold for as long as you can. Repeat five times.

Of course, for the legs, you can also pull on a pair of support hosiery to give your legs the extra support it needs. Support hosiery also helps improve blood circulation in the legs and also prevent/slow down formation of varicose veins, DVT syndrome, etc.

It’s important that you find ways to incorporate exercise into your daily routine to keep you feeling fresh and invigorated.

Tips on buying hosiery online

2011-07-23T09:26:00.000-07:00

What you choose to wear on your legs is a reflection of your sense of style. Your choices in tights, stockings, pantyhose, and other legwear have never been greater with so many online stores/sites selling hosiery. Thanks to the Internet, you can easily find the hosiery you want that are not available in local stores. However, how to find the online store that meets your needs.

A Dedicated Site

While many apparel-related websites carry hosiery products, it’s best to shop at an online store that is dedicated to selling only hosiery, like UK Tights. You’ll be able to select from the largest variety of products available, since a dedicated site concentrates on one type of product, and you will have access to all of the latest hosiery on the market. In addition, you’ll be able to draw on an incredible depth and breadth of knowledge about hosiery when making your selections.

Variety of Styles

A good online source for hosiery will have a variety of types and styles of hosiery products. For example, they’ll have tights and pantyhose, but will also carry items like stockings. Similarly, since coloured hosiery is in style these days, you will be able to choose from dozens of colours. And, of course, a wide variety of brands should be available.

Descriptions

A dedicated online hosiery site is also more likely to provide you with accurate descriptions of the products. They will explain, for example, the difference between 30 denier and 80 denier tights, as well as the types of seams, panties, panels, and gussets that each style has.

Size Ranges

Regardless of what you think about sizing in hosiery, one size doesn’t fit all. A dedicated hosiery site would offer good brands of hosiery which comes in various sizes, rather than in free sizes. And size really matters when it comes to finding a pair of hosiery that fits you perfectly. Also bear in mind that different brands may vary in sizes, so do check the size chart for each brand.

Why men should be proud to be wearing hosiery?

2011-04-23T02:13:00.000-07:00

Things have changed a lot about wearing of hosiery over the last several centuries. There was a time back in the 1400’s when it was the men who wore legwear or hosiery or tights predominately. You know the images we all have of guys wearing hose and leotards, well that was not far from the truth at all. Then women discovered the beauty of hosiery and then the notion that hosiery was meant for women only. Finally the times are changing again. More and more men are rediscovering the benefits of wearing hosiery, especially support hosiery.

In fact the use of hosiery among men is getting to be so popular and so accepted that Entrepreneur Magazine published an article that included the quote: "One item U.S. military personnel are asking for is pantyhose. Dating back to his days as a professional football player, Bart Star said he wore pantyhose for warmth during games. Now, that might give some people pause, but pantyhose are one way that military personnel can protect themselves from pesky sand fleas."

If the military are willing to wear hosiery then why are other men worried about wearing hosiery. Worried that it will make them seem to girlie? The truth is that if all men wore support hosiery, there would be a lot less health problems for them to contend with. There are numerous reason why this small piece of clothing can really make your life better.

For example wearing the right support hosiery can improve blood circulation in legs and as a result the rest of your body feels more energized. This can aid one with dealing with diseases like diabetes as well, and if you suffer from diabetes then you know how any thing that can help is a godsend. Male population suffer from varicose vein as much as women and support hosiery help to improve blood flow and massage your legs to help veins in pushing blood towards the heart. Even doctors prescribe support hosiery to people that suffer from swelling feet or fatigue legs, with no differentiation between men and women.

Of course the fact that hosiery also helps a man to stay warm during colder weather, that is all good and well. This is a comfortable way to stay nice and warm no matter what the temperature drops to. And best of all hosiery is very comfortable.

Things have changed a lot over the years in terms of the comfort level and now men can wear hosiery and feel strong, proud, comfortable and perfectly manly all at the same time. If you are a man and you have not yet checked out all the benefits that come with support hosiery, then you are missing out in terms of comfort and health. It is time you give support hosiery a try and find out the benefits for yourself.

How to care for your hosiery

2011-02-01T07:33:00.000-08:00

Hosiery can have a profoundly positive impact on a finished look when dressing up, but unfortunately it can seem difficult to properly care for your hosiery, especially how quickly a pair can snag. It is very annoying when a fingernail snags a thread in your favorite tights/pantyhose, ripping a run or a hole. Even more annoying is when you find out that your favorite style is no longer commercially available. You can take steps, however, to take better care of your hosiery so that you can extend their lifespan and get better use out of them.

First and foremost, you are going to want to keep sharp or jagged edges away from your tights/pantyhose when putting them on. Make sure that your nails are smooth and free from chips, and take off any rings or other jewelry before you put your hosiery on.

You gather each of the legs at the ankle, and then smooth over the foot and the leg gently. Do not jerk or pull as you go. Your hands should work up from the front to the back of the leg, pulling each of the legs equally.

Make sure that you stretch the yarns simultaneously when you put them on, while ensuring that you get a smooth appearance. You should be as gentle when you take your hosiery off. Keep in mind that some areas are more prone than others to accidents.

The best way to wash your hosiery is to wash by hand. If you do not want to wash them by hand, then the best thing for you to do is to wash in a cool cycle in the machine using a lingerie bag designed specifically for hosiery. Make sure that you hang them up to dry after you spin dry them in the lingerie bag. Never put them into the dryer.

Once they are dry, store them in ziplock bags to protect them from any rough edges in the drawers.

Quality is important

2011-01-02T05:55:00.000-08:00

For anyone who cares for their legs (women or men, yes men too), the pantyhose is a true must-have. However, there are a lot of options to choose from in the hosiery market today, you may need some helpful tips to help you choose the right and quality pantyhose.

Even if with the help of the shop assistant, it would still be hard to choose the right pair since there are so many patterns, colours and sizes. What's most important is for you to be able to find the quality pantyhose that you can truly rely on and for it to last long with you.

Firstly, getting hosiery in the right size is very important for fit, comfort and support. Most packaging will come with a size chart. Match your height, then your weight.I find that it is important to match your height first, as the hosiery must be long enough for your legs. Too short and it will keep slipping down, too long and it will sag at the ankles.

When it comes to colours, women have it easy ... they can wear whatever colour they like and whatever pattern. For men, usually colours that matches your skin tone will be more stealthy and easy for the beginner (who is wearing in public for the first time). Of course, there's no stopping men from wearing any coloured pantyhose/hosiery with shorts/pants.

When it comes to brands, personally, I prefer the brands that are made in Europe, specifically Italy. Brands like Solidea offer good quality support hosiery. They are smooth and have really good leg supoprt. Furthermore, they wear like iron. Each pair really last long if you take care of them. Each pair that I have, lasted at least a year before tear starts to show up. Solidea hosiery do cost a little more, but worth the price.

If you are a little tight on budget, Leggs Sheer Energy and Hanes Ultimate Contouring hosiery offers a cheaper alternative to Solidea. Both Leggs and Hanes are also quite long lasting. Leggs in Suntan colour are well suited for Asian skin tone, which I like.

One typical characteristic of good quality hosiery is the seams and gusset. Take a very close look at it and you know it is a quality pantyhose if it has very flat seams that even when you stretch it, it nearly disappears on the surface making your legs look natural. The cheaper types come with round seams that somehow stays visible when you wear very tight clothes. Its gusset are usually made out of cotton but the cheaper ones usually do not have any gusset.

Taking public transport

2010-12-22T06:28:00.000-08:00

Had to send the car for servicing one day. I was wearing t-shirt with my black 3/4 cargo pants. I also wore my Suntan Sheer Energy sheer support hosiery. I drove the car to the workshop and did the usual registration at the counter and spoke to the service engineer. After that, I had to take public transport back home with my family. The sun was shining brightly and I was sure the shine on my legs would have been quite noticeable to passer-bys, but no one seemed to noticed.

Boarded the bus to get to the nearest MRT and I had to stand . During the entire journey, there were times when the bus stopped at traffic lights and the sun was shining directly at my legs. THe bus wasn't crowded and there were people seating directly opposite of where I was standing. Still no long stares.

The whole experience was quite exhilarating as that was the first time wearing sheer hose with 3/4 pants on public transport in broad daylight. I must say that it was also a big confidence booster.

Just wear and be confident about it.

Another day in hose and bermudas

2010-12-11T08:50:00.000-08:00

Went for dinner with my family at Ichiban Boshi (Japanese Restaurant). I was wearing a round neck t-shirt with 3/4 cargo pants. I had on Sheer Energy support hosiery in Suntan colour. Sat down at a brightly lit table and no one seems to notice that I had hosiery on my legs. The air-conditioning in the restaurant was a little cold and the hosiery kind of kept my legs warm.

After dinner, we went to walk around a little at the shopping centre, and met an old friend and he did not seem to notice. Probably because the hosiery was in suntan colour and it matches with my skin tone quite well.

Had a good time with family.

NIcely hosed for shopping

2010-09-12T06:48:00.000-07:00

Today I had to fetch my wife to the airport. Was wearing Solidea support hosiery (in paprika colour, like suntan for Sheer Energy) with 3/4 cargo bermudas. This pair of hose are smooth and had a slight shine in them. Legs looked and felt great in those support hose. We had breakfast at Terminal 2 McDonalds. No second looks from those standing behind me when placing my orders. Met up with her group of colleagues who are traveling together and none of them too a 2nd look at my legs.

After sending her off at the airport, I went with my boys to Robinsons to get some health supplements. Parked the car at Orchard Central and took the underpass over. As it was early, the place was pretty quiet. After getting the supplements, we walked back to Orchard Central and made our way to 313 Sommerset and the sun was shining brightly. By this time, a small crowd were already outside 313 Sommerset. Surprisingly, even under the sun, no one noticed!!!

All in all, it was a good outing with the boys and we had a good time.

Study shows you should wear pantyhose ...

2010-08-22T22:15:00.000-07:00

A study published by the New England Journal of Medicine touted some remarkable claims in life extension and cancer research.

The theory behind the study comes from a Johns Hopkins University study that found a correlation between telangiectasias (spider veins) and longevity. An ancient oriental cure was to bind the legs of the afflicted person. It not only aided, but often cured this malady. The side-effects of which were noted to be: reduced sicknesses, longevity and a recovery of strength.

The trick to 'ancient leg binding' was not to bind the legs too tight, restriction of blood flow is not what is intended here. Systolic blood pressure in the two major arteries of the body has to be increased, but not restricted.

Pantyhose seem to achieve this perfectly. The correct systolic blood pressure (systolic blood pressure is maximum pressure exerted when the heart contracts) forces the plaque build-up out of the heart and arteries harmlessly into the liver to be filtered. It also prevents cancerous cells from attaching themselves to the pulminary walls or other cells.

The increased speed of the blood flow without constant calistentation (extreme exersize) not only improves the purifying process but also (in effect) 'wipes clean' the interior vascular (vein) linings.

So .... a little compression on your legs by wearing support pantyhose could do your health some good.

When to recommend men to wear support tights or pantyhose?

2010-05-05T19:14:00.000-07:00

Men, who have a need for the leg support benefits (eg. DVT symptoms, medical conditions), should wear them just about all the time. It's important that support legwear be put on as soon as you arise in the morning, before leg tissue begins to swell and blood begins pooling. When one finds a comfortable style to wear, this presents no problem however. The relief from discomfort provided will feel so good that most men will look forward to donning their support hose in the morning and leaving them on all day.

Sports activity and outdoor recreation, where support for leg muscles are needed, are also occasions for wearing support tights or pantyhose. Furthermore, sporting tights usually cost so much more than support tights/pantyhose.

Men, who wear medical-grade compression hosiery will tend to wear them under long pants, due to the unattractive appearance of the medical-grade compression hosiery. The non-medical grade, support hosiery (like the ones from Solidea or ActivSkin) are much less noticeable and provides a subtle appearance that easily blends in with the skin. Though Solidea are marketed more for women. Many men wear them with shorts or even with 3/4 capri pants when weather permits. Wearing support hose with 3/4 pants or shorts is actually quite suitable for hot-weathered places. With 3/4 pants or shorts, wearing skin coloured support hosiery is actually not very noticeable. Either people are not observant to see them, or they just bother to see. Of course, the more adventurous men would wear hose in other colours like black, brown, etc.

Admittedly, it is still fairly rare to see a guy wearing shorts with his hose. However, this is changing rapidly. More blogs and discussion groups are popping up on the internet to document this trend.

I myself wear sheer support hosiery with shorts on a regular basis, like going to top-up petrol, watching movies (great for keeping legs warm in the cinemas). Even wear them when I exercise (at home though).

The barrier has been broken some time ago for men wearing tights, with all the running and cycling wear to be found in any sporting goods store. NBA players have worn them in games, as well as football players in practices. It's not difficult to imagine them blending into general use a few years down the road. Legwear could one day be as fashionable as the green movement is today.

A walk in the park

2010-04-20T06:12:00.000-07:00

It was a Saturday morning and wife was bringing one of the boys to an excursion to Hort Park, while I brought the younger boy for his chiropractic session. I was wearing my 3/4 capri cargo pants with Leggs Sheer Energy hosiery (in suntan colour).

No 2nd looks at the chiropractic clinic. The session was over in like 10 mins. So I was to go to Hort Park to meet my wife and elder son. By then the morning sun was already shining brightly. Walking under the sun would mean that those hose would definitely "glow".

The park was not very crowded, with some groups of tourists and children running around the playground. It was a nice walk from the carpark to the playground and there was no shelter to prevent the sun from shining on my hosed legs. Bravely walked past groups of tourists and some small families. Did not noticed anyone taking a 2nd look. Maybe those Leggs Sheer Energy did not "glow" as much from their angle of view.

Overall, it was a very pleasant day at the park and the boys really enjoyed themselves running around the playground.

Questions about men wearing pantyhose - Part 2

2010-04-11T03:45:00.000-07:00

Q: With women hating pantyhose because they're uncomfortable, why men want to wear support pantyhose?
A: One of the biggest reasons that women find pantyhose uncomfortable is because they either don't buy the right size for themselves, or they buy cheap ($2.99) pantyhose that not only don't last long, but also tend to itch and bind. Cheap hosiery may also droop and sag, which can be really annoying. Women also think the support and/or control top styles of pantyhose are overly constrictive and are difficult to put on.

All of the foregoing issues would certainly make anyone think twice or even thrice before wearing such a garment. However, if the support or control top pantyhose is bought in the right size according to your height and weight, the snug fit of support hosiery with a control top need not feel constricting. Matching your height to the size of the pantyhose will ensure that the length of the pantyhose fits just right and that means a snug fit at the crotch area, no sagging. Then matching your weight will ensure a snug, not overly tight fit of the pantyhose around your waist an hips. I find that control top pantyhose actually fits better than non-control top pantyhose. No sagging.

Men also tend to be more truthful about size when it comes to buying support hosiery, while women tend to under-size their hosiery. Get the right size and the fit will be so nice and snug that you can forget you are wearing them.

Questions about men wearing pantyhose - Part 1

2010-04-02T22:33:00.000-07:00

Q: What are the actual benefits to men who wear pantyhose?

A: The potential benefits are many and varied. I myself first began wearing them to help ease leg fatigue as I sit for long hours at the desk and also had to endure long drives to work (sometimes up to 2 hours due to heavy traffic). The support pantyhose/tights helped alleviate the "tired, heavy feeling" and the achiness due to long periods of being seated in the chair. Many men who work in jobs that keep them on their feet all day, or are sitting for long stretches, find benefits in wearing support style pantyhose/tights.

Many men who begin wearing support hose or tights later discovered that they're great for relieving leg aches and helps provide improved blood circulation in the legs. Support style tights or pantyhose also provide light muscle compression that helps ward off muscle cramps and enhance stamina.

Apart from the added support for the legs, I also find that the pantyhose/tights provided the needed warmth in the cold air-conditioning of the office.

More questions and answers to come ... stay tuned.

How to dry your tights/hosiery faster?

2010-02-16T03:01:00.000-08:00

Ever wished that your tights/pantyhose would dry faster, especially if you are on an overseas trip? If you ha an hotel room and there's a heater in the room during Fall/Winter, then you are lucky. What if there isn't a heater in the room?

One way I found to be quite useful is to use a thick bath towel. Those that the hotel provided are good enough.

First, you would wash your tights/hosiery as you would normally do. By hand and with warm water, with a little travel wash. Before you hand those clean, soaking wet tights over the clothes line over the bath tub, get hold of a bath towel.

What you want to do is to lay the tights/pantyhose flat on the bath towel. Then roll the bath towel with the pantyhose/tights in it. Then give the rolled up bath towel a good wring to squeeze the water out of the pantyhose/tights. Then hang the hose on the clothes line over the bath tub.

Amazingly, the tights/pantyhose would be dry the next morning or within the next 12 hours, without the use of the heater!! Works for me every time.

Tights, tights, tights ... Finding the right one

2010-02-05T06:57:00.000-08:00

Tights are must-have items in everybody's wardrobe, but they don't always fit the way you'd like. Some tights are too tight around the waist. Some tend to crawl down from your waist and sag at the crotch every time you sit or bend over. Some just don't feel right on your feet, causing your toes or heels to become sore after long wear.

Though you might find it difficult to buy just the right fit, you still have to go through the pain-staking process of shopping for tights occasionally. These tips help you a little and may even allow you to enjoy wearing tights!

Sizing Charts

Most tights packaging will include a sizing chart to give you an idea of what size to buy. It will usually indicate which hose to buy based on height and weight. Keep in mind that this chart or grid is only a starting point for finding the right fit. Buying hosiery sometimes requires a little trial and error before you find the perfect brand and size to meet your needs. Some brands tend to fit smaller than what's indicated on the chart, so you might have to choose a size larger for these to fit comfortably. For example, Pretty Polly and Aristoc pantyhose are designed for women sized 5' - 5'10" whereas Falke products are generally designed for women who are 5' - 6' tall.

Consider Your Waist Line

If you're short-waisted and thin, then you might not have to worry too much about the tights edging down from your waistline as you move around. But if you're a little on the chubby side with a long waist, this can happen quite often. In this case, you may want to choose control top for better support around your waist and belly. This too might require trial and error, meaning you might have to buy a pair from several brand companies before finding the perfect fit.

Tights for All Needs

Every one has different needs when it comes to tights. So, the selection and the reason for buying tights may differ. It's a good idea to shop on your own and do your own research instead of depending on the advice of others.

If you have blood circulation problems in your legs or have to stand for long hours on the job. You'll need special support hose to help keep your legs healthy. Keep in mind that today there are massage , weight loss , modeling tights and other styles designed to meet special needs for every woman and even men. Women and men in career fields where a lot standing and/or sitting is required (such as nurses or office personnel) are always advised to buy good quality support hose. You will likely have to spend more than usual on one pair of hose to get better support, but these tend to last much longer. You can't put a price tag on having good health.

When shopping for tights online, only order one pair from a particular brand for starters to be sure it provides a comfortable, supportive fit. You might order one pair from several top brands to try each for a few days and see which one you like best. Once you find the right brand and size, you can order a few more pair to have on standby.

Most importantly, enjoy wearing your tights!!!

So many choices ... which pair to buy?

2010-01-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

So ... you decided you want to buy some hosiery. How difficult could that be? Just pop by any store that sells hosiery and find your color, your size and presto you're done. Right? Not anymore. With the many options on the market today, what used to be a simple task can now be a bit confusing. It seems as though that hosiery manufacturers are determined to woo the female population back to the pantyhose era, an some may even start a men's version.

There are simply too many choices like Ultra Sheer, Day Sheer/Business Sheer, Spandex Sheer, Circulation Enhancing, Shimmer/Glimmer and Opaques/Tights, just to name a few, in a myriad of brands and colors.

With so much choices, how do you choose hosiery that flatter your body? The following are key points to consider when doing so:

1) SIZING:

a) Sizing is not standardized among hosiery manufacturers. This means that an "A" is not always an "A" or a "B" a "B" and so forth. Be sure to read hosiery packaging carefully. Match your height first then your weight according to the size chart on the hosiery's packaging. Height first so that the length of the pantyhose/tights is long enough. Weight is next, so that the fit is snug. If you are between sizes, then either go 1 size up or down depending on how tight a fit you prefer.

2) CLASSIFICATION:

a) Ultra sheer: For those of you who dare to be almost bare. These are particularly sheer, and allow your skin tone to show through. These should be handled carefully due to the low denier rating which makes the hose extremely delicate.

b) Day Sheer/Business Sheer: A bit less sheer than Ultra sheer, but are durable enough to be worn daily.

c) Spandex Sheer: For the less daring, this mix of nylon and spandex still offers a silky, smooth feel. They are a bit more durable and also an option for daily wear.

d) Circulation Enhancing: (aka support hose) A nylon and yarn combination that's slightly heavier. It supports and lessens leg fatigue with a tender application of force to important parts on the leg. This pressure has a massaging effect that increases leg circulation. These are great for people (women and men) who stand or sit for long hours during the day. Really helps.

e) Shimmer/Glimmer: These shimmer when hit by the light. They are perfect for showing up the shape of the legs. Recommended but not restricted to evening wear. You will be amazed how nice your legs will look and feel.

f) Opaques/Tights: For the less daring or those seeking warmth. These offer complete coverage, additional warmth and in darker colors present a leaner look for the leg. These also provide coverage to hide scars on legs.

g) Control Top Pantyhose: To shape and lift the buttocks and flatten the stomach. Quick way to cut inches off.

Can you tell the difference?

2009-12-31T23:45:00.000-08:00

Tights and leggings. Can you tell the difference? These 2 words seem to be used interchangeably nowadays, but there are some differences between them. The only thing similar about the two is that both are leg-wear.

1. Material - Tights (UK) or pantyhose (US) are made usually from a mixture of nylon, spandex and lycra. Leggings are generally made from a mixture of cotton, lycra. Tights/pantyhose are thinner than leggings. Leggings tend to be less stretchable compared to tights/pantyhose.

2. Durability - Leggings tend to be more durable due to its thickness and material used. Sheer tights are the lest durable, while opaque tights offer better durability to sheer tights.

3. Sheerness - Leggings are more opaque and hence people tend to wear them as pants, though leggings are not pants.

Oh, leggings are usually footless while tights/pantyhose are footed leg-wear.

Which one to wear? That will depend on the outfit you are wearing. With a long T-shirt or tunic, leggings are fine. With a dress, skirt, shorts .. tights (sheer or opaque) are better.

What were they thinking?!?!

2009-12-26T21:09:00.001-08:00

Lindsay Lohan launched her latest leggings line, 6126, which includes this pair of tattered tights that sells for a whopping $80. Who in their right mind would pay that kind of money on damaged goods?

What was she thinking? Is she desperate for money? I could just take any cheap pair of pantyhose and rip them a little and have the same effect. If that sells, then i bet my used torn pantyhose would make me a fortune !!!

Tights - So many choices

2009-12-20T00:39:00.000-08:00

Tights can be a woman's or even man's best friend - honestly! There are thousands of choices in the world of hosiery. Color, texture, and fit are the very basic decisions when trying to choose the perfect hosiery (tights, pantyhose, stockings, etc). Opting to wear world-class hosiery versus one that is cheaply made is the best choice a hosiery wearer can make. There isn't a person in the world who wants to feel as though the bottom half of his/her body is stuck in a rough sausage casing. Thankfully, there are fabulous manufacturers and retailers who make and sell good quality hosiery eg. Wolford, Hanes, Solidea, just to name a few.

One of the biggest issues with any type of tights is fit and comfort. There isn't a woman or man in the world who can stand ill-fitting hosiery. Baggy tops or toes are not an option, nor is material that makes us itch whenever we take each step. Most hosiery wearer want their leg wear to feel as though it is a second skin - not to mention having it look flawless on their legs. Waistband comfort is also a big consideration, and the good news is that there are many options to choose from. Whether it is a built-in panty made from soft Italian lace or a sheer-to-the-waist design, it is such a relief to know that we (hosiery wearers) have all of these terrific options.

Shopping for those gorgeous tights is as easy as logging on to your computer. From footless to fishnet, bridal to maternity, petite to Pretty Polly, there is plentiful information available. Websites with excellent customer service and staffed with people who know just about everything there is to know about tights, are ready to serve you. Whether you are searching for that perfect pair of hosiery to help make you feel even more special on your big day or control top pantyhose to help smooth your curves, you can rest assured that these items can be found online.

You only have two legs and they are, after all, what carry you through your day. This is where the benefits of support hosiery comes in. These support tights/pantyhose helps to improve blood circulation in your legs so that your legs will feel less tired when you need to stand or sit for hours throughout the day. Treat your legs to the benefits of wearing the right type of hosiery. You won't regret spending the money, especially when your legs get that second and third look!

Trip to Hong Kong

2009-12-17T06:40:00.001-08:00

Just came back after spending a week in Hong Kong. Weather was cooling, between 18 to 22 degrees celsius. On the streets, it's all opaque pantyhose/tights or leggings on the legs of women. It's all skirts, with tights/pantyhose and boots of all kinds. Probably because of the cooler weather, the women are covering their legs with all kinds of hosiery, in all sorts of colours and patterns.

As usual, with lots of walking in Hong Kong, I had my support hosiery on everyday. That provided some warmth for the legs as well. Legs definitely feels better at the end of each day, though still tired from walking the entire day.

I also did some shopping. I bought some polo t-shirts, jeans and of course opaque pantyhose (from Marks & Spencers). The hosiery at Marks & Spencers are about S$15 cheaper, really a good buy. Even the Blue Harbour Jeans (from Marks & Spencers too) are S$30 cheaper. What a steal!!

Also managed to find some stores at Mong Kok (Exit D2 of Mong Kok MTR station) that sells pretty good leg wear; pantyhose, leggings, tights, etc. The stores are located on Level 2 of the shopping centre. All leg wear at fairly reasonable prices too (starting from HKD29 per pair). My wife bought some for herself and asked if I wanted to buy some. Wow! That kind of surprised me .. ... looks like I have her acceptance of me wearing hosiery for leg support and warmth. Cool !!!

When the weather gets cooler, it's time to bring out the hosiery for warmth.

Pantyhose - Torture or comfort?

2009-11-15T05:47:00.000-08:00

Pantyhose, nowadays, seems to be the bane of a modern woman's existence. Women probably can't wait to rip off their pantyhose the moment they step into their home.

Some women feel that pantyhose are a punishment from medieval times. So who would willingly don these incomparably constricting tubes of torture if they didn't have to?

Apparently, guys would. Truck drivers. Construction workers. Landscape guys. Even cowboys! These men knows the benefits of wearing support pantyhose or hosiery (a more common name, which sounds better then mantyhose).

It seems pantyhose for men are all the rage in Europe, and have been for quite a few years, but now the trend has spread to the U.S. in an effort to win converts here. In fact, there's a website out there dedicated to all things pantyhose: E-Mancipate.net was created as "a project to accelerate the acceptance of male pantyhose as a regular clothing item." It even has a page dedicated to teaching men (are applicable to women as well) how to don their pantyhose.

The guys who wear pantyhose claim they do so for support, warmth, circulation and comfort. Yes for comfort. I know the ladies would probably be screaming at the top of their voice ... COMFORT?!?! To the ladies, the pantyhose is probably a necessary evil, maybe. Warm, perhaps. (And they do make a skirt and boots look cute together.) But comfortable? Uh uh. They sag. They bunch. They itch. They snag. They run after they snag. They pinch. They twist. They keep scooting down a good several inches away from your nether regions when they should be snug up against them.

I think that's probably because the women wear either poor quality pantyhose or they got the wrong size. As a wearer of pantyhose, when the size is right, the fit is right ... there is no sagging at all !! Good quality pantyhose are very comfortable as they do not itch and glide well under clothes.

So men, you have legs too. Support pantyhose gives your legs the support needed for better blood circulation to prevent varicose veins and other veinous problems. At the same time, it provides warmth in cooler weather. So don your support pantyhose for better leg health, or for just nicer looking legs.

Socks or No Socks?

2009-11-04T16:08:00.000-08:00

I guess a lot of us like to wear moccasins (hope I spelt that right) or some call them boat shoes. These shoes are great for casual wearing and usually we don't wear socks with them. To me, it just look mismatched with socks.

The problem with not wearing socks with moccasins is that the feet tend to sweat and you start to get that sweaty feeling in the shoes. I hate that uncomfortable feeling with mu moccasins, but wearing socks to combat that is just weird.

However, I found the perfect solution to this and still have that sheer ankle look !!! That's right, all you need to do is to pull on a pair of sheer skin tone coloured pantyhose/stockings. I found that the pantyhose helps the feet to slide into the shoes better and also keeps the feet from getting that yucky feeling when the feet starts to sweat in the shoes. Amazingly, my feet stayed dry throughout the day when wearing hosiery with moccasins.

Nothings feels nicer than feet feeling dry in shoes ... feels even better when having a pair of support hosiery on the legs to keep the legs energised all day.

Hosiery - comfort and fit is everything

2009-10-18T07:35:00.000-07:00

Tights can be a women's best friend and for some men too - honestly! There are literally thousands of choices in the world of tights, pantyhose, and thigh highs (or hosiery in general). Color, texture, and fit are the very basic decisions one is faced with when trying to choose the perfect hosiery. Opting to wear world-class hosiery versus that which is cheaply made is, by far, the best choice a person can make. Cheap ones are just not comfortable to wear. They are not smooth and they do not fit well. Minimally, one should go for Hanes, Leggs. Of course, Wolford are for those who can afford them often. Solidea brands are actually reasonably prices for its smoothness, fit, and great legs compression.

Fashion legwear or hosiery is not new in the world of fashion, but it has certainly evolved over the years. The fashion range for legwear begins with the most basic career looks right in to sexy and chic statements for that special occasion. Couture collections are available and offer the highest quality yarns, fine lace, and workmanship. If you have never tried a pair of silk hosiery made in Europe, think about adding these classy items to your wardrobe. I must say that European brands are really good for their quality.

One of the biggest issues with any type of hosiery is fit and comfort. There isn't a person in the world who can stand ill-fitting hosiery. Baggy tops or toes are not an option, nor is material that makes us melt in to the pavement. Everyone wants their legwear or hosiery to feel like second skin - not to mention having it look flawless on their legs.

Waistband comfort is also a big consideration, and the good news is that there are many options to choose from. Whether it is a built-in panty made from soft Italian lace or a sheer-to-the-waist design, it is such a relief to know that we have all of these terrific options. Now there are even legwear or hosiery that are with no waist bands !!

Shopping for those gorgeous sheer or opaque hosiery is as easy as logging on to your computer. From footless to fishnet, bridal to maternity, petite to plus, there is plenty of information available. Websites with excellent customer service and staffed with women who know just about everything there is to know about tights, are available and ready to serve you. Whether you are searching for that perfect pair of patterned bridal hose to help make you feel even more special on your big day or control top pantyhose to help smooth your curves, or support pantyhose to relieve aching legs, rest assured that these items can be found.

You only have two legs and they are, after all, going to carry you through your day. Treat your legs to good quality pair of hosiery (be it pantyhose, stockings or tights). You won't regret spending the money, especially when your legs get that second and third look!

Several outings with hose and bermudas

2009-09-29T23:45:00.001-07:00

In the past month, I have been out for movies with wife, mostly at night. All the while wearing bermudas (slightly below knee) and suntan support hose. I must say that no one actually noticed. It is not that I purposely went to places with no crowd.

I have been to Vivo City on weekends, Junction 8 on weekday/weekends, Plaza Singapura on weekends, etc. Those who are familiar with these places would know that these places are very crowded on weekends.

Legs feel great after sitting down for up to 2 hours for movies, due to the support hose.

While I still have no courage to wear opaque hose with bermudas out, I do know of some friends who have done so and without much comments. Maybe one day, men's fashion here will include hosiery.

No Nonsense Brand of pantyhose

2009-09-15T08:02:00.000-07:00

Finally, my order of No Nonsense pantyhose have arrived.

The suntan colours are very matching to my skin tone. Overall the fit is ok, though not as fitting as I would like them to be, even though I have bought the size according to the size chart. Maybe should have bought a size smaller, since I was between 2 sizes.

The Support Pantyhose was not as good as the Leggs, though its control top was better than Leggs. Leggs seems to have a better compression on the legs than the No Nonsense ones.

The Great Shapes Shaper pantyhose has a very nice control top. However, the legs of the hose was thinner compared to the Great Shapes All Over Shaper's legs. It would be nice if the legs were the same as the All Over Shaper's legs.

Overall, the quality is quite similar to Leggs, almost similar in price to Leggs. The only thing not up to expectation was the amount of leg support, where it fails to match that of Leggs Sheer Energy or Hanes Go Figure Energizing Leg.

Of course, when it comes to support pantyhose, I still find Solidea's to be the best (at least to me so far).

No Nonsense pantyhose ...

2009-08-30T01:57:00.000-07:00

Have heard about these pantyhose from various forums but have yet to give this brand a try. Reviews from their official websites are also quite good. Price-wise, they are quite affordable and comparable to Leggs.

Hence, I decided to purchase a few packs to give them a try. Ordered some support pantyhose/tights in Black, Suntan and Rich Pecan colours. Now, all I have to do is to wait for them to be delivered in a couple of weeks.

Once I have tried them, I will put up a review.

Stay hosed for healthy legs.

Support for men in tights

2009-08-25T07:17:00.001-07:00

Found this article by some female fashion writer. She is supportive of men wearing tights.

http://www.examiner.com/x-21019-West-Palm-Beach-Fashion-Examiner~y2009m8d24-Cmon-show-support-Men-in-tights

Tights or pantyhose are meant for anyone with legs .... men have legs too.

One day ... men shall be able to wear tights as if they are main stream fashion ...

Have nicer and healthy legs

2009-08-19T05:51:00.000-07:00

Did you know that support pantyhose will not only make your legs look nicer, but they can also help to improve your overall health?

Support tights or pantyhose provides the much needed support for your legs when you're on your feet all day or when you are seated the whole day. If you work in a profession that requires you stand often or sit for long hours, you probably find that your legs and feet aches by the end of the day. Believe it or not, the compression provided by pair of support pantyhose or tights will result in less leg fatigue at the end of the day.

The reason that support pantyhose is so beneficial is because the compression offered by a supportive pair of tights or pantyhose helps in improving blood flow in the legs. Wearing support pantyhose may help to prevent and reverse the effects of varicose veins. This is due to the improved circulation that is created by the constant compression of a pair of tightly woven pantyhose.

If you're wearing a pair of support pantyhose or tights day in and day out, you will notice less swelling in your legs and feet, as well as diminished appearance of varicose veins and broken capillaries.

So, if you're looking for a new reason to wear tights or pantyhose on a regular basis, consider your health. You will find that regularly wearing support pantyhose or tights will not only improve the way you look but also the way your legs feel. You'll notice less pain in your legs and feet after a busy day, you'll also notice an improvement in the appearance of your legs.

The above does not just apply to women, it is also applicable to men too. Men have legs too, and their legs will also suffer the same feeling after standing the whole day or sitting for long hours. Hence, support tights or pantyhose are also for men who knows what is best for their healthy legs.

Lounging at home

2009-08-02T04:11:00.000-07:00

What legwear to wear when lounging at home?

Apart from wearing support pantyhose with shorts at home, I have recently started wearing 3/4 tights or capri tights (those for gym or running or working out) at home. I find these to be very comfortable and provide some support for thigh muscles at the same time. As these are tights for workouts, I need not change from shorts to the tights when I need to workout at home. So very convenient and these tights also provide the needed support when exercising.

Adidas has some very nice 3/4 tights which I like a lot. The Response 3/4 tights are nice. The Core 3/4 tights too are nice and comfortable. Bought a few pairs of these tights during the Great Singapore Sales. If I want support for the entire leg, then the support hose goes underneath these tights as well.

Wear legwear that give your legs the needed support.

Pantyhose styles

2009-07-19T04:59:00.000-07:00

Pantyhose come in a wide range of popular styles. Here are some of them.

Anyone (women or men) wanting a slimmer form should wear Control Top pantyhose, which have a reinforced panty that is like shapewear and holds in your tummy.

Sheer to Waist pantyhose are just that - sheer from the waist down to your toes. This pantyhose style is great when you're wearing a very short skirt, side slit gown, lingerie, short shorts or open-toe shoes, and do not want any reinforcement line showing. Of course, the downside is that Sheer to Waist pantyhose are fragile and can quickly run if not treated carefully.

Support pantyhose are of a heavier denier and really give control to the entire leg, since they have a higher content of lycra in the legs. Support pantyhose are very popular with women (even with men) who stand on their feet all day or sit for long hours. The all-leg support hose really keeps legs from becoming tired at the end of the day.

Finally, footless pantyhose have been made popular by Spanx. Footless pantyhose give you the warmth and support of regular hosiery, but with the foot removed so that you can wear sandals or shoes under pants without looking like you have any hosiery on. Spanx footless pantyhose and Spanx footless body shaping pantyhose have been big sellers since Oprah announced that she wears them.

Understanding men who wear support pantyhose

2009-07-11T05:38:00.000-07:00

1. Should men wear hosiery? Well, believe it or not, men already do. The good news is they don’t need to wear their wife or girlfriend’s pantyhose to the office or worksite. There are pantyhose designed for men. However, the choice of wearing men's or women's support pantyhose is still up to the individual. Wear which ever fits best and provides the best comfortable for you. Hosiery should be unisex.

2. The trend of men wearing pantyhose started in Europe, but is rapidly moving in all directions as more men discover the warmth and security of wearing pantyhose under their clothing. In all fairness, not all men are wearing them as a fashion statement. Some men claim to wear support hosiery because of problems with circulation. The support pantyhose provide gentle compression which helps to prevent pooling of blood in the legs. Men, who lives in colder temperatures, reportedly like the additional warmth pantyhose provide on those cold, winter mornings. Whatever the reason, it appears that men’s pantyhose are catching on not only in Europe,United States but also in Asia as well.

3. How do man's pantyhose differ from conventional women’s pantyhose? They’re specifically designed to conform to the male anatomy, some even come complete with fly openings for easy accessibility. What man could ask for more? Colour choices for man's pantyhose definitely could not compare to the variety of colours for women's pantyhose. Although the most popular colour for men’s pantyhose is black and tan, men’s pantyhose are being test marketed that feature a variety of designs on the legs, like stripes and other patterns.

4. If the idea that a man might wear hosiery is confusing to you, there’s assistance in the form of a website that tells you everything you need to know to successfully wear pantyhose as a male. This site located at e-mancipate.net has the mission of making men’s pantyhose more accessible and acceptable. Here, you’ll find complete step-by-step instructions with photos showing you how to put on pantyhose without tearing them in the process. There’s even a featured men’s pantyhose design of the week to provide hosiery inspiration.

Yes, the world is changing and men who wear hosiery no longer have to hide their pantyhose in the closet. Now that’s true liberation. Go ahead, wear your support pantyhose with confidence and step outside your home.

Changes to Men's Fashion

2009-07-05T00:48:00.000-07:00

Happened to stumble upon this ... It looks like pantyhose/tights is making its way into men's fashion .... yes!! I must say that Givenchy could be doing a good job in pairing the men's outfit with pantyhose/tights. The male models still look very masculine in tights/pantyhose and bermuda shorts.

http://men.style.com/fashion/collections/S2010MEN/complete/slideshow/GIVENCHYMEN?loop=0&event=&designer=GIVENCHYMEN&trend=&slideshowId=slideshow58260&iphoto=8&play=false&cnt=49

http://men.style.com/fashion/collections/S2010MEN/complete/slideshow/GIVENCHYMEN?loop=0&event=show1802&designer=GIVENCHYMEN&trend=&slideshowId=slideshow58260&iphoto=13&play=false&cnt=15

http://men.style.com/fashion/collections/S2010MEN/complete/slideshow/GIVENCHYMEN?loop=0&event=show1802&designer=GIVENCHYMEN&trend=&slideshowId=slideshow58260&iphoto=23&play=false&cnt=26

http://men.style.com/fashion/collections/S2010MEN/complete/slideshow/GIVENCHYMEN?loop=0&event=show1802&designer=GIVENCHYMEN&trend=&slideshowId=slideshow58260&iphoto=24&play=false&cnt=27

This is what I call, wear what you design .....

http://men.style.com/fashion/collections/S2010MEN/complete/slideshow/GIVENCHYMEN?loop=0&event=show1802&designer=GIVENCHYMEN&trend=&slideshowId=slideshow58260&iphoto=35&play=false&cnt=41

Pantyhose - Were they meant for women or men?

2009-06-21T01:04:00.000-07:00

Ever wondered whether pantyhose were invented for women or ... men?

If you look around and read posts in the forums or chatrooms, you will find that a lot of women are grumbling about the "evils" of wearing pantyhose. Complaining that pantyhose are hot, makes their legs sweating, difficult to wear, runs too easily, waistband always roll down, the crotch never stays in place ... blah blah blah .. and the list seems to go on and on.

With all these ranting, it does makes one wonder if pantyhose were really for women? Women probably think that pantyhose was invented by men to "torture them. But I reckon, pantyhose were probably meant for anyone who want their legs to look and feel good. Historically, men first wore tights for warmth, then pantyhose came into the picture when ladies need to show some legs as the hems of skirts got shorter in the 1950s.

In recent times, some men have taken to wearing support pantyhose for leg health reasons. Apart from the support given to the legs, these men have also found that pantyhose are also giving their legs a smoother and nicer look. Wearing suntan coloured pantyhose, gives your legs an instant tan without going under the sun for long hours ... hence potentially reducing your risks of skin cancer. Wearing black opaque support pantyhose under work pants, meant that you can forget about wearing socks and at the same time get the support your legs need if you sit or stand for long hours at work.

How to make sure your pantyhose are comfortable to wear? For women and for men as well.

1. Sizing. This is very important if you want to feel comfortable and cool. Most pantyhose are sized according to height and then weight. Height will determine the length of the leg, while weight will likely determine the tightness of the hosiery. You will have to choose the size the fits your height and weight. If your size is between 2 sizes, then go 1 up (for more comfort) or go 1 down (if you prefer tighter fit).

2. Quality. Everyone wants quality at the cheapest price. However, good quality pantyhose usually do not come cheap (hardly below US$2 per pair). Even Hanes cost about $5 per pair. Low quality pantyhose are usually rough and does not fit like 2nd skin, which could be why women says pantyhose are uncomfortable to wear. Some good quality brands are Hanes, Solidea, Wolford, Levante, ActivSkin (for men), Gerbe, etc. Most European brands (like Solidea, Levante) are very good in quality.

3. Durability. How long the pantyhose last before it runs, be it due to carelessness or wear n tear? Pantyhose comes in various thickness, measured in deniers (den in short). The lower the denier, the sheerer the pantyhose and the more delicate the pantyhose. The higher the denier, the less sheer and more durable the pantyhose. Pantyhose of 20den to 40den offers a balance of sheerness and durablility. Apart from the thickness, keeping your toe and finger nails well trimmed are ways to improve the durability of your pantyhose.

Pantyhose is just another piece of legwear, like leggings, tights. When paired properly (skin tone colours, non-floral patterns), even men can look masculine in them.

Another hosed outing to the cinema

2009-06-16T22:29:00.000-07:00

Had booked tickets to watch 2 movies the past 3 days ... as usual, was dressed in T-shirt, 3/4 bermudas and of course suntan support hosiery. These were newly delivered from a recent order. The support on the legs was good.

This time was a little different from my previous outings. This time we were at the cinema early, and had to join in the long queue to collect out tickets. After that, it was some shopping around the brightly lit shopping centre. Even went to Royal Sporting House to browse the sales items. Ended up buying a pair of Adidas 3/4 fitness tights for exercise and ounging at home.

Seems like, as long as you behave normal, no one actually takes notice of what you wear on your legs. Not that I was wearing to get some attention to my legs. But it was nice to know that few actually bother to take a second look.

The support hose did its part of relieving leg aches and also provide the warmth in the cool cinema. 2 great nights at the cinema as the 2 movies were great ..... Taking of Pelham 123 and Ghost of Girlfriends Past.

Here's the video of the ActivSkin on TV

2009-06-12T20:42:00.000-07:00

Here's the video. Way to go, Steve !!!!

Men, if you want better leg health, wear support hosiery/legwear, especially if you stand or sit for long hours. Don't wait till you have blood circulation problems to start wearing support hosiery/legwear. Start now to prevent it.

ActivSkin Legwear on TV

2009-06-03T06:16:00.000-07:00

Oh yes, you read it right .... ActivSkin legwear (for men) is going to be featured on Columbus NBC affiliate, on the TV show called "Daytime Columbus" It's sort of a talk/variety show, hosted by one of their anchorwomen. It will be an opportunity to showcase and talk about ActivSkin legwear, and men's legwear trends in general.

Here's the schedule: 11:00am EDT on June 8th, June 22nd, and July 23rd. For the majority of you who are not in the Columbus DMA, you can view it live at: http://www.nbc4i.com//cmh/news/live_stream

If you can't watch live, the video is available afterward at: http://www.nbc4i.com/cmh/online/daytime, and look for the video link related to the story. You should probably give it a day or so to appear there.

This is great news and a good chance to generate awareness of men wearing support pantyhose and other legwear. Hope that this will create awareness that men can and do wear pantyhose, and this will help in enhancing acceptance of men wearing pantyhose for comfort, leg support and fashion.

2009-05-28T05:13:00.000-07:00

Support/compression hosiery (stockings, pantyhose, tights) are a trick of the trade for flight attendants. They help prevent the pooling of blood in the lower legs and feet that happens in a pressurised cabin on flights. A particular risk is deep-vein thrombosis, a condition in which a blood clot forms in the legs and then breaks off and blocks blood flow in the lungs.

Studies in healthy people have shown that wearing compression hosiery minimizes the risk of developing deep-vein thrombosis when taking long flights, so yeah guys, support hosiery might be a good idea for you, too, according to doctors. But get the kind of compression hosiery made specifically for this purpose and available at department stores and pharmacies (like Guardian, Watson). You can also purchase support hosiery online, like from Solidea. Avoid regular socks if they have very tight elastic bands at the top, and don't sit for long periods with your legs crossed, because this can cramp circulation in the veins.

Personally, I find those knee-high support hosiery to be not very effective as the compression only goes up to the knee/calf. Support pantyhose (there are male versions too, if you are not comfortable in wearing female versions) offers graduated compression all the way up the entire leg. You don't need to fly in order to wear support hosiery. If you stand or sit for hours throughout the day, you can wear them. Your legs will feed great due to the better circulation in the legs at the end of the day. Support hosiery also prevents the formation of vericose veins.

So, for the sake of better leg health, wear support hosiery whenever possible, even with your bermudas/capri pants.

Support pantyhose/tights is good for your legs.

2009-05-26T06:18:00.001-07:00

Varicose veins — which often appear as blue or dark purple linear bulges on the legs or lower body — occur when faulty valves in the veins impair blood circulation. Very often, people will think that vericose veins is just cosmetic problem. However, that may not be true.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when blood circulation in the leg's deeper veins is blocked, causing blood clots. The clots restrict blood circulation and are potentially fatal if they move towards the heart or lungs.

The thing is ... vericose veins or DVT could happen to both men and women. However, there are tips on how you can reduce your risk of developing varicose veins:

• Wearing graduated compression/support pantyhose/tights/stockings may help prevent vericose veins by improving blood circulation in the legs.
• If you need to stand or sit for long periods of time, make sure you get up and walk around every half hour to work out your calf muscles.
• If you must stand for long hours, tip-toe around to help improve circulation.
• Tight clothing, especially those that constrict the thighs, is bad for circulation. So are high heels. • But if you can't bear to give up your heels, wear them only for special occasions instead of all the time.
• Try not to cross your legs too much when sitting.
• A lifestyle involving regular exercise and a balanced diet will help.

Why wait till you have vericose veins to start wearing support pantyhose/stockings? You should wear support pantyhose/stockings to prevent it from developing in the first place, especially if you stand or sit for long hours. Even the men should wear support hosiery.

The details of an article on vericose veins can be found here: even the doctors advise wearing support hosiery to prevent vericose veins.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/health/view/431827/1/.html

When not to wear pantyhose ....

2009-05-25T07:14:00.000-07:00

Ever found it difficult to put on a pair of support pantyhose when you had just showered? I must say that it is difficult, esp. after a warm bath. Probably because there's still moisture on your legs after you showered. The moisture actually makes putting on pantyhose more difficult as the nylons sticks to your "wet" skin, rather than glide on (like it is supposed to be). Putting on any pantyhose when there's moisture on your legs is also a easier way to put a hole in your pantyhose or hosiery.

Support pantyhose glides on the easiest when the legs are dry. If you feel the urge to put on a pair right after you showered, try to delay for a while and you will find that it is much easier to put on a pair when your legs are drier.

Hanes Smooth Illusions Go Figure Ultimate Contouring Sheer Pantyhose

2009-05-18T21:22:00.001-07:00

Just when I thought these were discontinued from Hanes ..... they are back by popular demand. Available online via www.onehanesplace.com. These pantyhose feature a shaper top (control top with longer panty section to the thigh), graduated compression legs for keeping legs energised by improving circulation in legs.

For those not used to wearing control top pantyhose, these could take some patience to put on, since these control tops are a bit firmer. But they really stay up well and firms from waist to thigh. The graduated compression legs provides the needed leg support if you stand or sit for long hours.

Hanes Smooth Illusions Go Figure Ultimate Contouring Sheer Pantyhose

Going for USD10.99 per pair, instead of the usual USD15 per pair, I finally ordered some to replenish my stock. Now all I have to do is to wait for them to be delivered.

Hosiery

2009-05-16T19:56:00.000-07:00

Hosiery: The word hosiery is the name given to a class of tight-fitting garments worn on the legs and/or feet. And hosiery, for the most part is of a knit construction. So, socks, pantyhose, fishnet stockings, nylons, leggings, tights and stockings all fall under the category of hosiery.

It used to be that hosiery was a kind of secret accessory to be worn without necessarily being seen. However, with the popularity of leggings in the 1990's most hosiery like tights, pantyhose and stockings now fit very closely and thus can stand alone as an outer garment to be seen.

Pantyhose: The term pantyhose was first coined in the United States around 1959 when Glen Raven Mills introduced a seam-free stocking made from circular knitting machines. Before then, women wore nylon stockings with garter belts. So, the word pantyhose comes from combining the words panties with hosiery. No longer did women need to wear garter belts, panties and garters with their stockings. Pantyhose took 3 garments and turned them into one. as an outer garment to be seen.

Sheer Hosiery: The sheerness of the knit fabric has a lot to do with the naming of the pantyhose or stocking style in hosiery. The sheerness is measured by the number of denier - the lower the denier, the sheerer the hosiery. Any pantyhose below 15 denier, for example, is extremely sheer and delicate. 15 denier is your standard sheer pantyhose thickness. 20 to 30 denier is semi opaqe and frequently referred to as sheer tights. 70 denier makes very opaque tights. Support or compression pantyhose are usually 30 denier or higher. For support pantyhose, the compression tends to be higher with higher denier.

Wear support pantyhose to keep your legs healthy, apart from your regular exercise.

Another Non-event at the cinema

2009-05-14T07:55:00.001-07:00

Went to watched Star Trek and Taken over the last 2 days at night. As usual, I was dressed in t-shirt and capri bermudas. Of course, I had on a pair of Hanes pantyhose in Barely There colour. Had to queue to buy the movie tickets and to buy drinks/popcorn too. Not sure if the ticket attendant noticed 'cos I happened to be standing under some ceiling spotlights, but I did not bother. Boy, am I glad I had my pantyhose on, the pantyhose actually provided some warmth in the cold cinema. The pantyhose also had some light support for my legs and my legs did not feel any aches after each movie.

How to get toned legs?

2009-04-26T01:24:00.000-07:00

Any one can have nice, toned legs. All you need to do is to keep your legs toned. To start with, first, you need to get your legs in shape. That means, get off your butt and start walking. Walking, running, jogging and climbing stairs really tone your legs.

Tone your legs.
If you are serious about getting your legs very well toned, make that effort after work, to run for 45 minutes each day. You could run around your block, run your way home, run on a jogging track or even in the gym. On rainy days, climb the stairs instead. Try climbing up and down the stairs for a stretch of 30 minutes, without stopping.

Walk more. Walk instead of driving. If you take the public transport, get off a few stops before your actual destination and walk the rest of the way.

Getting toned legs takes effort. The end result is worth it. A plus that comes with these toned legs would be a slimmer body from all that exercise.

Remove unwanted leg hair, if you wear legwear eg. pantyhose. Wax your legs. Get a waxing kit or try sugaring instead. Or you could invest in an epilator which you can use to remove your unwanted body hair for years to come. Waxing, sugaring or using the epilator remove your leg hair from the roots. The result is smoother skin. Hair regrowth is smoother as compared to the stubbly results you get from shaving or using a depilatory.

Flaunt your smooth, well toned legs.
Smooth, well toned legs are always hot. They look even sexier in a pair of pantyhose. The sheen from the stockings or pantyhose highlights your legs. Pantyhose makes your legs look smoother. More refined. More sophisticated. A must for when you want to look put together.

If you have a problem with your tummy, go for the control top pantyhose. That would hold your tummy in. In fact, good pantyhose holds in your legs, making them look more slender.

If your legs are always feeling tired from long hours of standing or sitting, putting on a pair of support pantyhose would make your legs feel better. The compression on the legs helps to improve blood circulation in the legs to prevent DVT or the formation of vericose veins as well.

Pantyhose are not just for women anymore

2009-04-04T06:54:00.000-07:00

Since pantyhose were invented, women have enjoyed the many benefits of pantyhose, while nowadays women says they hate wearing pantyhose. Pantyhose sculpt, shape, and suck in a little body fat in all the right places. And don’t discount pantyhose's ability to keep legs warm in cooler weather.

Why should such a simple wonder of the modern world be exclusive to women? Now they’re not. More and more men are wearing “Mantyhose", or pantyhose for men. I cannot stand that name "mantyhose". Anyway, women can call it whatever they want, it is still pantyhose. A company called Comfilon, which produces the garment specifically for men, said it just had its best sales year ever.

There are health benefits to wear support pantyhose. They’re categorized as compression legwear. They not only have aesthetic value, they can also energize a guy’s legs by promoting blood circulation. In fact, some doctors recommend support pantyhose for men with knee problems.

Types of pantyhose

2009-03-29T03:01:00.000-07:00

Pantyhose are available in a wide range of popular styles. The sheerness of the garment, expressed as a numerical 'denier', ranges from 3 (extremely rare, very thin, barely visible) to 15 (standard sheer) up to 30 (semi opaque) until 100 (opaque). Opaque tights are mostly in 40 denier or thicker.

Control-top or shaper-top pantyhose, intended to create a slimmer form, has a reinforced panty. There may be visible panty lines when wearing high-cut skirts or shorts.Sheer-to-waist pantyhose is sheer throughout, with the panty portion being the same thickness and color as the leg portion, and are designed for use with high-slit gowns, mini-skirts or lingerie. Often sheer-to-waist pantyhose will be reinforced along and on either side of the seam in the middle of the panty.

Some pantyhose have single- or double-panel gussets incorporated into them. In single there are two seams instead of the usual one, with a single one on the opposite side; with double panel gussets, there are two seams on either side.

Wearing pantyhose with shorts? - Yes!

2009-03-25T07:05:00.000-07:00

Happen to come across another blog which post about whether women should wear shorts with pantyhose ... Well, women always have the alternative choice of wearing skirts, dresses to shorts. However, the same is not true for men. For men, the only choices are obvious and that's pants - long pants or shorts (including 3/4 pants, bermudas).

Wearing legwear with shorts is actually shows how confident the man is in himself. At this point of this new trend, the majority of men are only wearing legwear under long pants. Only a small group of men, at this point in time, are wearing hosiery with shorts. However, this is quickly changing as more and more men are wearing hosiery/legwear openly, irregardless of what others may think.

Personally, I have been wearing pantyhose (sheer and opaque) under long pants. The primary reason I started wearing was that I was experiencing leg aches from long hours of sitting down at the office desk. I have found that wearing support pantyhose actually helps to alleviate the leg aches and fatigue.

Men do not lose their masculinity by wearing pantyhose. Pantyhose comes in many colours and patterns. While pantyhose is just a piece of legwear, it is how we (men) match the pantyhose colours to our clothes that will express our masculinity. As far as I am concerned, sticking to skin colour pantyhose with shorts/bermudas, black opaque under long pants are all very basic ways to not give others the false impression.

For other men, who are apprehensive about wearing your pantyhose openly, you should build up your confidence slowly. Start by wearing under your long pants, then slowing include shorts/bermudas into the fashion equation. Wear pantyhose in skin tone colours that matches your skin colour. That would be less obvious and it does helps in building up confidence. ONce you are more confident, you can start wearing pantyhose in other basic colours like brown, black., grey.

While a lot can be said of men wearing pantyhose, I would end this post here and hope that legwear (leggings, pantyhose, tights) will one day be accepted as unisex legwear and not just women's legwear.

Just some 2009 fashion with pantyhose

2009-03-06T19:35:00.000-08:00

How to put on your pantyhose?

2009-03-01T06:27:00.000-08:00

I happened to be looking through some questions asked about pantyhose on Yahoo Answers. It kind of amazed me that a number of questions were being asked about how to wear pantyhose correctly .... by ladies. It seems like nowadays, women are not wearing pantyhose often enough that they forgot how to put on a pair of pantyhose properly.

Steps to put on pantyhose ... start by sitting down (that's probably easier)

1. Gather the pantyhose to the toes with your fingers, with the thumbs inside the pantyhose.
2. Carefully place one foot into the pantyhose.
3. Pull the pantyhose carefully up to your knees.
4. Repeast step 1 to 3 for the other leg.
5. With the pantyhose up to both knees, stand up and pull the pantyhose (1 leg at a time) up your thighs.
6. Make sure that the gusset is firmly in place at the crotch for a comfortable fit. If the gusset is not near the crotch, it will be uncomfortable. Then roll the pantyhose down and start over again.
7. With the gusset in place, pull the panty portion of the pantyhose up to your waist and adjust the waistband will you are comfortable.

For an illustrated guide, refer to http://www.e-mancipate.net/articles/pantyhose_putting_on_001.htm

Spring 2009 Menswear

2009-02-23T06:03:00.000-08:00

Looking at some of the men's fashion from Style.com, it seems like for 2009, the in thing to wear on men's legs is leggings and pantyhose.

The model in the brown bermudas is wearing a matching brown pantyhose on his legs. It does makes the look complete and smart too, though I would probably drop the jacket.

The liquid leggings on the next 2 male models also look very nice.

As for the models with the black jackets and shorts ... at first glance, it seems they were wearing skinny pants .. but on closer look .. it looks like they are wearing leggings under the black bermudas.

Real cool !!!

New York Fashion Week Fall 2009 - Leggings

2009-02-20T07:06:00.000-08:00

The year 2009 has just begun and the fashion scene is already talking about styles for Fall 2009, when Spring is not even here yet. This just shows how fast fashion moves.

Guess what is going to be popular come Fall 2009 .... if you guess Leggings .. you are right!!!

Spring 2009 - Menswear ... leggings?

2009-02-13T19:30:00.000-08:00

I happen to stumble upon a website on Menswear Spring 2009 fashion. As you know, menswear has always been about pants, bermuda shorts, shirts, jackets, etc. What caught my eyes, was what was on the legs of the male models.

The male models were wearing LEGGINGS !!! It also seems to pair very well with knee-length bermudas as well.

I must say ... the fashion world is definitely evolving and it seems that leggings and other legwear will soon be making their way into the men's wardrobe.

For the fashion conscious men, it may be time to stock up on some leggings and even hosiery (be it male or female pantyhoses, whichever you find more fitting). For a start, maybe get some leggings in the basic colours, like black, grey or brown. For the more adventurous, perhaps brighter colours, like red, purple, etc.

If you want to check out the Duckie Brown Spring 2000 mens collection, go to this link .... http://men.style.com/fashion/collections/S2009MEN/complete/thumb/DBMEN

Pantyhose Review - Solidea Wonder Model 30den/70den

2009-01-28T06:13:00.000-08:00

Solidea Wonder Model 30den and 70den

These are support pantyhoses with shaping/control tops. I must say that these are probably the best support control top pantyhoses that I have tried. They are smooth and soft, unlike some of the compression pantyhoses where the legs are made of honeycombed pattern or legs have a very rough texture. The legs of these pantyhoses are like any other sheer pantyhose - smooth and with a little shine in them. They also glide very well under pants.

The 30den version is a extra mild compression pantyhose, with 9mmHG compression level.

Great for any occasion, stylish control top pantyhose instantly flatter the figure. Remarkably comfortable, built-in shaping panty has a slimming effect on the tummy, hips and thighs. And support in back gives bottoms an extra boost. Sheer legs with extra mild graduated compression keep wearers feeling as good as they look. These have reinforced toes

The 70den sheer version is a mild compression pantyhose, with 12/15mmHG compression level. It is similar to the 30den in the control top style, and has additional Anti-stress sole that massages feet throughout the day.

The Solidea Wonder Model pantyhoses also comes in extra firm compression 140den opaque version. It has compression levels of 18/21 mmHG.

My personal verdict: Best compression pantyhoses I have worn so far.

Opaque pantyhose - is it opaque enough?

2009-01-22T07:22:00.000-08:00

Opaque pantyhose do come in various thickness eg, 40den or even as thick as 150den. There are also semi-opaque pantyhoses, which are a little sheer when stretched over your legs but not as sheer as sheer pantyhoses. I guess even opaque pantyhoses can also appear to be only semi-opaque when stretched over the legs, esp. when you are of taller build.

Here's what I do to attain a more opaque look with my opaque pantyhoses. I would normally wear a pair of black sheer pantyhose first, then I will wear the black opaque pantyhose over it. True enough, the opaque pantyhose appears to be more opaque. Now I do not have to go hunting for thicker opaque pantyhoses to get a really opaque look on the legs. Just layer them to achieve the required opaque-ness. It works for me.

Of course, the pantyhoses will feel tighter on the legs due to the double layer of pantyhose worn. In colder weather, this method of layering also provides more warmth to the legs.

Return of the black tights/opaque pantyhose

2009-01-18T05:45:00.000-08:00

Black tights/opaque pantyhose is a way to add a little drama or a chic touch to any outfit. Black is a flattering colour and whatever goes over them, be it a dress or skirt or shorts. A clean, classic look is always in season.

5 reasons to keep wearing black tights/opaque pantyhoses this winter:

Transformation: They make a spring dress in a lighter fabric fit in with your winter wardrobe.

Great lengths: They elongate a leg and make for a more toned look. Black has always been able to make legs look slimmer and longer. A pair of shiny black opaque pantyhose/tights will also make legs look slimmer and highlights the shape of your legs.

Keeps you warm: While they coordinate nicely with wool dresses and skirts. Not only do they keep you warm, they also helps your wool clothings glide better against your pantyhosed legs. Forget about wearing those bulky long johns. Tights/opaque pantyhoses are far more comfortable than long johns.

One style fits all: It suits all body types and personal styles. Tights/opaque pantyhoses are much lighter and not as bulky as long johns. Tights also provide extra protect against the cold when worn with pants. Furthermore, pants also glide better over the tights/opaque pantyhose.

Adding options: Wearing the same pants over and over again? Opaque tights allow you to show some skin, without really doing it.

Happy wearing your tights/opaque pantyhoses and wear with confidence too.

Pantyhose Review - Levante Body Profile

2009-01-13T07:19:00.001-08:00

This is a Satin soft tight with longline slimmer brief in 30 Denier appearance. The hose feels very soft to the touch when taken out from the packaging.

This collection contours and tones the body whilst providing genuine support where it is most needed. The slimmer brief effective reduced the waist by up to 1 inch. The hips and butt also looked and feel firmer in this pantyhose. I must also say that the butt is also lifted and rounder when wearing the hose.

The legs are smooth and has graduated compression to help keep legs from feeling tired. Toes are reinforced for better durability.

I have tried these before and they are one of my favourites.

Sizing is quite accurate, based on the size chart.

You can order from the following URL link: http://singapore.zodee.com/hosiery/levante/bodytones/lv0105/?categoryid=1145

Pantyhose Review - Ambra Killer Figure Hour Glass

2009-01-03T08:11:00.000-08:00

This pantyhose features a waistband free control top. The good thing about it being waistband free is that you can place the top of the hose at any position around your waist, even around your hip.

It flattens the tummy and defines your waist as well. At first the control looks not as firm, but it really works ... took 1 inch off the waist ( I actually measured my waist before and after wearing this pantyhose).

It also smooths the hips and tones the thighs a little. However, the leg does not feature any leg support. Just a very sheer leg.

At 15den, it is quite delicate and great care is needed to put them on without putting a hole/run in the leg of the hose.

Sizing is quite accurate according to the size chart. It can be purchased via the following URL: http://singapore.zodee.com/hosiery/ambra/killer-figure/killer-figure-hourglass/?categoryid=1145

Pantyhose Review - Ambra Killer Figure Waist Cincher

2008-12-30T06:06:00.000-08:00

This is one pantyhose that can reduce the size of your waist.

This is a sheer pantyhose (15den) with adjustable waist cincher that can be positioned where it is needed most. It is waistband free for ultimate comfort, which I agree - no binding from the waistband.

The pantyhose is soft and smooth to the touch when taken out from the packaging. The waist cincher part really works. I actually had 1 inch off the waist after putting on this pair of pantyhose. Sizing is quite accurate according to the size chart.

If you are looking for a waist cincher pantyhose, rather than a control top pantyhose, give this pantyhose a try. Can be purchased from the link below:

http://singapore.zodee.com/hosiery/ambra/killer-figure/killer-figure-waist-cincher/?categoryid=1145

Only down side is that this pantyhose is really thin (15den), great care is needed to put it on.

Pantyhose Review - Voodoo Body Control Matte Firm Control

2008-12-28T18:27:00.001-08:00

Bought these from www.zodee.com. The online purchase experience was good. Customer service was very responsive.

Product: Voodoo - Body Control - Matte Firm Body Control
Sheerness: 15 Denier
Colour: Jabou (kind of like suntan or bronze)
Panty type: Control Top
Toes: Sheer toes
Size ordered: Tall (or Large)

Packaging of the pantyhose was as what was seen on their website. Pantyhose is very soft to the touch and smooth. Being a 15den pantyhose, it is quite delicate. Length of the pantyhose fits quite well for someone who is 6 feet tall. No need to over stretch the hose to get the crotch in place.

Putting on the hose requires delicate hands due to the sheerness of the hose. Once the hose is on, legs look and feels smooth. The matte finish of the legs meant that the hose was quite invisible on my legs as my skintone is a little tanned.

At first glance, the control top panty seems a little small to fit, but it was easy to put on. The control top panty provides firm shaping (not gripping) for the tummy, hips and thighs. The waist band is about 1 inch wide and is soft and does not bind. Waistband is very comfy. Depending on how high you pull the waist band to, it may roll down slightly. However, that is not an issue for me since I have gotten used to slight rolling down of all pantyhose's waistbands.

Overall, the fit is good, the control top works great and does not squeeze the air out of you. Only downside is that it does take much effort to make a small hole in the legs due to the sheerness of the hose. Any roughness in your hands/fingers could easily put a hole in the legs of the hose. So wear with great care.

Pantyhose with crop cargo bermudas

2008-12-28T03:37:00.000-08:00

I was going to the movies with my family (wife and kids) on Boxing Day (26 Dec). We were going to watch the movie Yes Man and I had earlier during the day bought tickets at GV Grand (Great World City). I decided to wear my crop cargo bermudas. To get some warmth for my legs, I decided to wear my Hanes Smooth Illusions Go Figure Pantyhose Energizing Leg
in Barely There colour under my bermudas.

It was the first time I had worn pantyhose with bermudas to a shopping centre, which was crowded, since it was a Friday. I would usually wear pantyhose with bermudas to the cinema near my home. It was a good experience. There were no stares or comments.

Upon getting to the cinema, as usual, I would queue to get the popcorn and drinks. The counters were brightly lit and I am sure that my pantyhose wold shine under that sort of lighting. But I did not noticed anyone staring at me or my legs. (I did make an effort to look behind me occasionally). After purchasing the popcorn/drinks, we had to wait outside for the attendants to start admitting the cinema-goers. After standing under bright lights for about 10 mins, we can finally start to go into the cinema. What a relief!!

The movie ended at about 11.30pm and with the car parked at the basement, it was queueing time again for the lift at a brightly lit lift lobby. it was darn crowded, and we had to wait like 10 to 15mins before we could get into the lift. All that time, I was standing there carrying my sleepy kid in my arms. I can safely say that my pantyhosed legs were shining under those bright lights of the lift lobby. I did noticed a man standing about 2 metres behind me look down at my feet ... not sure if he saw my pantyhose, but there was no 2nd look from him. I was quite nervous when he looked down at my feet at that time. Once in the lift, nothing else matters as we just want to get to our car quickly and drive home.

All in all, it was a great movie. The pantyhose experience was fun and a non-event. Hope to do more of such outing. It could help get the public get used to seeing men wearing pantyhose.

Urban Male - Pantyhose and Mirdles

2008-12-28T02:42:00.000-08:00

There was an article on the Straits Times Urban Section (dated 19 Dec 2009) on the topic of "Men shape up with Mirdles" . I read the article with much interest.

The trend seems to be moving towards men being more conscious of how their own body look. It used to be that the ladies are more conscious of how their body look. But hey ... the men have started to be more conscious. In view of this trend, undergarments manufacturers have taken initiatives to introduce body shaping undergarments for men into the market. " Undergarments that help women cut a better silhouette have crossed into men's clothing department, including girdles for men known as mirdles" read a paragraph from the article.

In recent years, men clutching "man bags" are a common sight in hip urban centres. Even eyeliners for men - guyliners - has found a following. Now, popping up in men's clothing departments are body-sculpting undergarments. Perhaps one day, we will find a Wacoal or some other brands with body sculpting/shaping undergarments in men's department in Singapore. Perhaps in Robinsons or even lingerie boutiques?

Equmen willstart selling a body-slimming Core Precision Undershirt designed to squeeze inches off a man's beer belly and improve his posture. Spanx (famous for their body shaping pantyhoses) is planning a collection for men probably in 2009.

Men are also purchasing hosiery for themselves and are looking for hosiery styles that help them with improving circulation (to relieve leg fatigue, prevent DVT), or men simply like the look and feel of the shiny pantyhose. Luxelegwear carries about 13 different styles of hosiery for men.

It was a very impartial article, no making fun of men wearing bodyshaping undergarments or pantyhose. Just plain facts showing that fashion trend is gearing up for men wearing mirdles and pantyhose.

In time to come, we could see more men wearing pantyhose with shorts/bermudas in public.

Pantyhose - Legwear Fashion Trends for Winter

2008-12-17T05:44:00.000-08:00

This fall and winter season, the nude leg is no more the in thing, at least to me. Update your wardrobe with new legwear (pantyhoses) and all the advantages of slimming shapewear (shaping or control-top pantyhoses).

Patterned tights are hot:

Luxe textures and patterns add interest to the legs and an edge to any plain outfit. Small patterns gives a more slimming effect on the legs, such as a classic chevron pattern to more eye-catching styles in open lacy or fishnet weaves. Try Solidea Diamond Jacquard-pattern Compression Tights - Black - S-M-L-XL . You will like the leg support this tights will provide.

Colored tights:

Don't just stick to the traditional black coloured tights. Bold colours bring out the fashion-forward trendsetter in all of us. Show off your legs in rich reds, cobalt blues or purples. For more of a toned-down result, try tights in shades of charcoal, wine and dark blue.

Footless tights:

Celebrities like Kate Hudson and Rihanna have been seen sporting these "under-the-heel" looks that can easily be tucked into shoes or boots. You may even adjust the leg band, placing anywhere between the ankle and the knee. Try Hue Women's Footless Control Top Tight .

Knit legwear:

Pull on a pair of sweater knit leggings under denim skirts or casual dresses. Now, you have an extra layer of warmth for cooler days and nights. You don't have to get your legs all frozen when wearing skirts/dresses in the cold weather.

High-waist / Shaping / Control-top tights:

Cover up those lumps and bumps with a pair of figure-firming tights in order to smooth hips, thighs, stomach and rear. Layered under belted jackets, pencil skirts and dresses, the end result is an hourglass shape. Try Spanx Tight End Tights High Waisted Body Shaping Tights . These are great for achieving the hourglass figure.

So what are you waiting for ... go get yourselves some opaque pantyhoses for this winter season and show off some legs.

Trip to Hong Kong - lots of people in pantyhose / legwear

2008-12-15T06:39:00.000-08:00

I have recently travelled to Hong Kong. I, of course, was wearing support pantyhose on the flight to Hong Kong. Legs felt energetic all the time. The weather in Hong Kong was cooling, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 18 degrees celsius. Great temperature for wearing pantyhose.

Fashion in Hong Kong during this time has started to switch to winter wear and that means a lot of the ladies have also started to wear their opaque pantyhoses, skirts and with knee length boots as well. Very fashionable. The colour of pantyhose worn ranged from the usual traditional black to bright colours like purple and red.

In Hong Kong, I usually walk a lot and that makes wearing support pantyhose a very sensible thing to do under my pants. The hose kept my legs feeling energised and also help to provide warmth in the colder weather. There was on day which I went out with my support hose, and boy did I regret that. My legs were killing me at the end of the day.

I did some sightseeing this time. Went to Ngong Ping 360 where I took a 25mins cable car ride to the top to see the giant statue of Buddha. The cable car ride offers great view of the surroundings in Lantau Island. Very breath-taking. Also went up Victoria Peak with some friends and it was a very cold night, but my legs are kept warm by the hose. View of Hong Kong from the Peak was very nice.

When in Hong Kong, shopping is always on the itinery. Hosiery shopping was definitely on the timetable. I got very friendly assistance in choosing my hose from the salespersons, who offered opinions on colour and sizes. No weird stares as well. Guess the people there are used to seeing guys buying pantyhose (probably they assumed I was buying for my wife). They even showed me samples for me to touch the texture of the different hose.

Overall, my stay in Hong Kong was very enjoyable and the pace was just nice. No rushing to get from place to place. Would definitely go back there again.

Pantyhose Review - Hanes Ultimate Contour Shaper pantyhose

2008-11-02T07:04:00.000-08:00

These are one of my favourite pantyhoses. I have always liked to wear control top pantyhoses. These pantyhoses have great firm control top that helps to achieve a flat tummy area. The leg portion is very silky smooth as well, and comes with graduated support.

Unfortunately, these have been discontinued. Not sure if they are being replaced by Hanes gofigure® Energizing Sheer Pantyhose, seen in the picture on the left. (http://www.haneshosiery.com/gofigure/detail.asp?collection=Go%20Figure&category=&content=whole&sid=0A863).

I have yet to buy these to try, but they sure look good. I have also found that the colour available by Hanes are quite nice and the Barely There colour actually matches my tanned skintone quite nicely, though it is quite shiny under bright light (or sun light).

With Christmas round the corners, there could be some promotion on shipping charges and I could start to make my purchases soon.

Varicose Veins: The Cause and Prevention.

2008-10-26T09:31:00.000-07:00

Those blue bulging veins which protrude from the skin, usually on the legs and thighs are called varicose veins. Spider veins look like short, fine lines, "starburst" clusters, or a web-like maze. Spider veins usually appear on the face, thighs, ankles, and feet. While all of the causes of varicose and spider veins are not understood.
The basic problem is that veins usually in the lower part of the body become engorged when blood does not circulate properly. The absence or weakness of valves in the veins, which prevent the backward flow of blood away from the heart, may cause poor circulation. In other cases, weaknesses in the vein walls may cause the pooling of the blood.
Varicose veins are more common in women, though men can also develop them. You may feel better if you avoid standing/sitting for long periods of time. Try to stay off your feet as much as possible and sit with your legs raised. Taking regular walks, and resting with your feet elevated, may improve circulation and reduce symptoms.
Wearing support hose is a good way to provide support for the veins. If you have them, put them in the morning upon rising before blood and fluid have pooled in your feet and ankles.
Varicose and spider veins are usually just annoying, and don't have to be treated unless you are bothered by your appearance, or the symptoms associated with them.

I would not wait till I have varicose veins before I start wearing support pantyhose. I rather start wearing support pantyhose now (coupled with regular exercise) to prevent varicose veins.

Run in pantyhose?? What to do with them?

2008-10-21T06:27:00.000-07:00

Pantyhoses with runs in them, obviously cannot be worn with shorts or bermudas. That would look very unsightly, esp. if you are wearing darker coloured pantyhoses. What to do with your pantyhoses when they get a run or a hole in them? Do you throw them away immediately? I don't. I try to get maximum wear from all my pantyhoses.

To get maximum wear from my pantyhose, I usually wear pantyhose with tiny runs under my pants. I only throw them away if the run or the hole gets too big. This is very useful for ladies as well, since you can also eliminate VPL when you wear pants.

Sometimes I would layer the sheer pantyhoses with runs under a pair of opaque pantyhose, or wear pantyhoses with runs under pants when I go bowling. Sometimes wearing pantyhose for bowling can cause a hole in the toes portion. If I wear a pantyhose with runs in it, I would not feel the pinch ... better than causing a hole in the toe portion on a new pair of pantyhose.

Hope this will give you some ideas on how to get maximum wear from your pantyhoses. This will go a long way to help you save some money. At least this has helped me save some money.

Halloween - Opportunity for guys to put on pantyhose in public

2008-10-05T06:06:00.000-07:00

Well, it's October ... guess what? It's the month of Halloween ... and Halloween means dressing up in costumes ... In whatever costumes that pleases you, even if it means wearing pantyhose in public.

Those guys in countries that celebrate Halloween are a lucky bunch, esp. if they wear pantyhose in private. Halloween is a good opportunity for guys to wear pantyhose in public with whatever costumes they are wearing. Eg. dressing up as a bumble bee means wearing a black opaque pantyhose. I have even read in some forums that guys are even crossdressing during Halloween.

It is a pity that we do not celebrate Halloween in this part of Asia. So it is still wearing pantyhose discreetly for us guys in this part of Asia, though there may be some of us who are more daring to wear in public.

So what will you be wearing for your Halloween celebration?

Colder weather coming

2008-09-23T08:03:00.000-07:00

Ah .. . the weather will be turning colder as the end of the year draws closer. That means that people (ladies and some men) will be putting on their pantyhoses or opaque tights again. Fashion trends/shows are already showcasing their Fall fashions with models in pantyhoses again. If only there were also male models catwalking with tights/pantyhose on as well. That could spark a change in men's fashion as well.

Online Shop selling pantyhose for men in Shanghai

2008-09-13T03:44:00.001-07:00

I happen to stumble upon this on www.e-mancipate.com. Wow! .. that was the first thought that came to my mind. Shanghai, China. A country with a rich and traditional culture, could become more receptive of the idea of men wearing pantyhose faster than other parts of Asia.

Comfimay believes that hosiery should be comfortable, healthy, fashionable and good-looking both for women and men. Yes for men as well. That is something that is hard to find in China shops.

Comfimay currently operates only on the web, but has plans to open a real life shop in the future. (www.comfirmay.com). Hope they succeed in opening their shop and chinese men will start wearing pantyhose openly.

Hmm ... what are the Singaporean men thinking of wearing next under their pants? How receptive will the women be?

Compression or Support Pantyhose

2008-09-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

What is a compression/support pantyhose and how does it work?
The heart in the body forces blood away from the heart pump into the arteries and veins. Arteries carry the blood away from the heart while the veins return the blood to the heart. The veins has valves that open to allow blood to flow back to the heart and close to prevent blood flowing backward. When the valves are overworked and not closing normally, the circulation problems begin. The compression/support hose works like an external pump to assist the valves by closing it normally.

Did you think that compression/support hosiery is not for you?
Compression/Support pantyhoses are for everyone! Compression/Support hose is available for men and women in a large variety, styles and colors. Lighter graduated compressions hose will keep your legs feeling healthy and energetic all day by stimulating blood circulation. Medium to strong compression hose are for prevention and therapy of varicose veins, venous diseases and cellulite. And I stress the word prevention.

Graduated compression support hose and compression hosiery are the medically-accepted way to relieve minor leg pain related to swelling, venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins or other conditions.

Compression support hosiery works in a way that causes external compression to apply controlled pressure to the skin. This then supports the superficial venous system, helping to reduce the increased hydrostatic pressure and redress the balance between the deep and superficial veins. This helps in reducing edema and aiding venous return.

So guys and gals, if you want to have healthy looking legs (less the vericose veins), wear your compression or support pantyhose regularly. Guys ... do not be afraid to wear your hose openly. Men used to wear hose in the early centuries and those are definitely more uncomfortable than the pantyhoses available today.

History of Pantyhose - men wore them first

2008-09-07T07:18:00.000-07:00

Men and women both have legs, and healthy legs are important to men as well, not just for women. Pantyhoses are able to assist in making legs look better and also assist in better blood circulation in legs (support pantyhoses). Don't men need to have healthy and nice looking legs?

Men, who sit or stand for long hours, should wear support pantyhose/stockings to prevent blood clot or even DVT. And we, men, should be able to wear pantyhoses (support pantyhose or sheer/opaque pantyhose) openly without being labelled as gays.

Pantyhoses/tights have a long history. Guess what? Pantyhose/tights are first worn by men. Yes, men. What's more? Tights were normal clothing for men.

http://www.german-hosiery-museum.de/herrenstruempfe/herrenstruempfe.html

Men wore tights during the 14th and 15th centuries. It even went to the extend of wearing hosiery with shorts during the 16th century.

http://www.german-hosiery-museum.de/geschichte/geschichte_08.htm

You will see that men have been wearing tights/stockings since the early centuries. It is only during the mid 20th century (in the 1950s) that tights/stockings were worn by women.

Now as we move into the 21st century, we are seeing pantyhose/tights making a comeback for men. Many men wear them for health reasons, while others wear them for fashion and for sports. Of course, the pantyhose/tights of today are probably far more comfortable than those back in the earliy centuries.

Pantyhose/tights have the following benefits: just to list a few.
1. Provide warmth in cold temperatures (opaque pantyhoses, and those with a small amount of wool in them)
2. Provide compression/support to legs to assist in blood circulation to prevent leg fatigue, DVT, etc. (support pantyhoses)
3. Better looking legs (sheer pantyhose).
4. fashion accessories (coloured pantyhoses, opaque pantyhoses)

Pantyhose - once reserved for women only, now men are wearing them too

2008-09-04T08:02:00.000-07:00

What makes pantyhose so popular is the fact that over these years, they have become a rage for even some men who’ve tried wearing them and were left smitten by its charm.

Lately for women, pantyhoses no longer feature in their formal wear. Women are opting to go bare-legged as they feel that pantyhoses are uncomfortable and hot. However,opaque pantyhoses or tights seem to be making a come back, and yet they do not complain that tights are hot and uncomfortable. The fashion tights lend an extra dose of feminism to women. There is a variety of patterns and colours to choose from. You can have a problem settling for your ideal style statement but you can’t complain of the lack of variety.

Contrary to the popular belief, pantyhoses are not just for women. Men, particularly comfort-conscious men, are increasingly more comfortable wearing the soft undergarments and shorts that are often associated with women. The comfort satin-like feeling not only put the men at ease, even medically, pantyhose have reported tremendous positive reviews.

According to studies, men working long hours standing or sitting at a particular place have reported reduced leg pain, swelling and fatigue. Even the coaches are recommending sportsmen, like athletes, cyclists, fliers and swimmers, to wear tight fitting hosiery to assist them in their sport. Some footballers have worn pantyhose in cold weather to great effect. Pantyhose, it is believed, provides comfortable warmth to athletes better than the thermal underwear (long johns).

In fact, men wearing pantyhose has a rich historical significance as the European aristocracy was widely known to wear pantyhose. And the modern generation has taken this tradition forward and tried to remove the stigma attached to men wearing hosiery.

The soft-n-silky tights/pantyhoses, no doubt, lend an alluring charm to the overall personality of women. A confident woman wearing sexy pantyhose has the world at her feet. And a confident man wearing pantyhose to benefit his body comfort spreads a magnetic charm that is completely unparalleled.

SUMMARY
A suitable leg-wear (pantyhose/tights, leggings, etc) is for everyone irrespective of age and sex.

Opaque pantyhose or tights

2008-08-30T09:07:00.000-07:00

Now that the Fall season is coming, opaque pantyhoses or tights will be making a come back. Yes, opaque pantyhoses. Already we can see women starting to put on opaque pantyhoses with their dresses and skirts.

Opaque pantyhoses tend to be thicker and can provide more warmth in the colder weather. Furthermore, these are not as thick as long johns and are definitely more comfortable to wear.

How To Wear Opaque Tights/Pantyhoses (for the ladies)

Tights are so versatile and they truly work with tons of different looks! Here are a few tips to get you started rocking this trend.
Try them with a sweater dress. Talk about cozy chic! Try a sweater dress over black opaque tights with cute ankle boots for effortless style.
Use bright colors sparingly. Remember that if you rock brightly colored opaque tights, keep the rest of your outfit simple and let your legs be the focus.
Try them with a party dress. Glam up your going-out look and stay warm while you walk to the bars or parties! Pair a sparkly dress with opaque tights, hot accessories and peep toe heels!
Try matching your shoes. Wear your tights with flats or heels in the same color for a look that makes your legs look a mile long!

Opaque Pantyhoses/Tights are also for men too.
These can replace the socks you wear (esp. black opaque pantyhose) when you are wearing long pants, and they are very comfortable too. Wearing opaque pantyhose under your work pants is a great way to start for men who are comtemplating wearing pantyhose for better looking legs and better leg health. It is not noticeable under pants and they can easily pass for dress socks. Forget the long johns for the colder weather. Opaque pantyhoses are far more confortable and can provide the warmth you need.

Once you are more confortable with wearing opaque pantyhoses, you can then slowly try to wear sheer pantyhose (matching your skintone) with whatever you like to wear them with, eg. with bermudas, shorts, 3/4 pants etc.

Pantyhoses should be a unisex fashion item.

Healthy Legs boost Stamina

2008-08-27T22:39:00.000-07:00

Leg vitality starts with healthy legs. When the system of muscles, veins, and valves in your leg and foot becomes weak it disrupts normal blood circulation. This means blood flow in your legs gives in to gravity and pools in veins and valves and will cause varicose or spider veins which is not only unattractive but also will make your legs feel heavy, tired and achy.

Simply wearing graduated compression/support hosiery regularly does wonders to help legs stay healthy, vital and supple. Of course, coupled with sensible diet.Exercise helps boosts your leg muscles, which helps your veins pump blood. Make regular workouts part of your weekly routine. A brisk walk (especially while wearing your compression hose) will go a long way toward improving your leg's overall health and beauty.

If you sit for a long time like when flying or on long car trips, stand up and walk around every 2 hours or so. Wearing graduated compression stockings will help blood circulation even while sitting. If you stand for long periods sit down periodically. If you lie down elevate your legs above the level of your heart whenever possible.

When circulation in your legs is kept healthy, you will not only look great on the outside, you will glow on the inside as well. Remember, take good care of your legs and it will take great care of you.

So men ... start wearing support pantyhose (female or male pantyhose, your choice) to maintain healthy legs. Step by step, we can change the society's perception that pantyhose are only for women (who in recent years, hates to wear pantyhose).

Pantyhose - once reserved for women only, now men are wearing them too

2008-08-27T22:19:00.000-07:00

The fashion tights lend an extra dose of feminism to women. There is a variety of patterns and colours to choose from. You can have a problem settling for your ideal style statement but you can’t complain of the lack of variety.

Contrary to the popular belief, pantyhoses are not just for women. Men, particularly comfort-conscious men, are increasingly more comfortable wearing the soft undergarments and shorts that are often associated with women. The comfort satin-like feeling not only put the men at ease, even medically, pantyhose have reported tremendous positive reviews.

According to studies, men working long hours standing or sitting at a particular place have reported reduced leg pain, swelling and fatigue. Even the coaches are recommending sportsmen, like athletes, cyclists, fliers and swimmers, to wear tight fitting hosiery to assist them in their sport. Some footballers have worn pantyhose in cold weather to great effect. Pantyhose, it is believed, provides comfortable warmth to athletes better than the thermal underwear (long johns).

In fact, men wearing pantyhose has a rich historical significance as the European aristocracy was widely known to wear pantyhose. And the modern generation has taken this tradition forward and tried to remove the stigma attached to men wearing hosiery.

The soft-n-silky tights/pantyhoses, no doubt, lend an alluring charm to the overall personality of women. A confident woman wearing sexy pantyhose has the world at her feet. And a confident man wearing pantyhose to benefit his body comfort spreads a magnetic charm that is completely unparalleled.

SUMMARY

A suitable leg-wear (pantyhose/tights, leggings, etc) is for everyone irrespective of age and sex.