I recently published reviews of two styles of opaque tights from the Spanish hosiery manufacturer Cecilia de Rafael.
You can still read the reviews of the Zafiro 60 Opac Plus Tights and the Coral 60 Denier Opaque Tights.
In the final review of this Cecilia de Rafael series, I will review the Ave 70 Denier Opaque Tights.
Material and features
The Ave 70 Denier Opaque Tights are described, in Spanish, as
'Panty totalmente opaco y mate, estética absolutamente uniforme. Alta elasticidad y ajuste perfecto.'
Translated this reads as:
'Totally opaque and matt tights, with a completely uniform appearance. High elasticity and a perfect fit.'
The Ave 70 Denier Opaque Tights are part of the Cecilia de Rafael Clásicos range and are made for Cecilia de Rafael in Italy.
As with both of the Cecilia de Rafael styles reviewed previously, my first impressions of these tights were very positive. The fabric, as in all Cecilia de Rafael tights, is of the finest quality and compares with some of the very best hosiery brands I have reviewed here.
The Ave 70 Denier Opaque Tights are made with Elastane 3D. The fabric used is 90% Polyamide (nylon) and 10% Elastane. The fabric has a very close weave and this accounts for the excellent level of opacity when worn. Even when the fabric is slightly more stretched at the knee and thigh, the tights provide a consistent and uniform coverage.
They are sheer to waist, with superb flat seams. The waistband is a wide and comfortable 3.5cm. There is a 3.5cm reinforced strip on each side of the central seam in the brief.
The toes have a narrow reinforcement band.
In the size 5 that I tested, there is a rear comfort panel. Sizes 1 to 4 have a cotton gusset.
These tights have a very slight sheen, but only when catching the light. The overall appearance is matt.
Fit and sizing
The Ave 70 Denier Opaque Tights are available in five sizes: 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
I tested a size 5 and the fit was perfect. The size 5 in the Coral 60 Denier Tights was perhaps a little too large for my 5'10" height, but the same size in the Ave 70 Denier Tights was spot on. The sizing information on then packet indicates that these would fit up to 190cm (more than 6') and they certainly have an excellent amount of stretch provided by the 10% Elastane content.
Like the other Cecilia de Rafael styles I have tested, the brief in the size 5 is very generous and comfortable stretched over my hips.
The tights stayed up well all day and needed very little pulling up or adjusting. The fabric clings to the curve of your legs and stays there.
I would have liked a little more glide when worn under trousers. I tested these tights under jeans and cotton chinos - they moved well but not as smoothly as the Coral 60 Denier Tights.
Colour range
The Ave 70 Denier Opaque Tights are available in an impressively wide range of shades:
- Negro
- Marron
- Granate
- Cobalto
- Marino
- Amatista
- Botella
- Lapizlazuli
- Antracita
- Malva
- Rosso
- Natural
- Plomo
- Chocolate
- Militar
- Castoro
- Indigo
- Beaver
- Alaska
Price and availability
The Cecilia de Rafael website doesn't provide pricing information at the time of writing.
I have also not been able to identify, at this stage, where this particular style can be purchased. I will check with my contacts at Cecilia de Rafael and share any further information once it become available.
Conclusion
As with the other Cecilia de Rafael styles I have tested and reviewed, the Ave 70 Denier Opaque Tights are of the highest quality. Beautifully designed, and made with quality fabric, these tights are a real pleasure to wear. The fit was superb and I can see these as a great choice for men, particularly with the wide range of dark and neutral shades available. The matt appearance makes them a good option for wear instead of socks.
I only wish I was able to purchase this style, along with the Coral 60 Denier Tights, easily in the UK, as they would become one of my first choices for opaque hosiery.
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