Tuesday 27 August 2013

Reviewed: Oroblu Chantal 120 Denier Opaque Tights

UK Tights are one of the leading hosiery retailers in the UK. They recently sent me a sample of the Oroblu Chantal 120 Denier Opaque Tights to trial and review for Hosiery For men readers.

Orublu are an Italian hosiery manufacturer and produce a wide range of products. UK Tights describe Oroblu as 'probably the best hosiery manufacturers in Italy', that 'stand(s) for nothing less than style, sophistication and excellence.'

The UK Tights description of the Chantal 120 Denier Opaque Tights is:

'These opaque tights are thick, soft and warm and are made using 3D technology so they look nothing short of sensational on your legs. There is an even knit with them and they are anatomically correct around the top. Soft and adjustable they also have a flat seam and cotton gusset.'




Materials and features
The Oroblu Chantal 120 Denier Opaque Tights come in classy high quality packaging.

The tights are folded around a card rectangle, which is enclosed in a clear plastic sleeve. Everything is then housed in a high quality card envelope that provides clear sizing information.





The Oroblu Chantal 120 Denier Opaque Tights are 97% Polyamide and 3% Elastane. The packaging information describe the fabric as 'soft multifibre and elastane made using Progress 3Dimension technology'.

These are gorgeous thick, soft and smooth opaque tights that have the feel of real quality as soon as you touch them.

They have a mainly matt appearance, with a slight shine when caught in the light.  Opacity is total, with a dense, even coverage throughout, including areas where the tights are more stretched such as the knees.


These tights are sheer to waist with no demarcation between the legs and the brief/panty area.

Seams are flat and there is no rear comfort panel, which is often a feature of Orublu styles in IV/XL sizing. There is a cotton gusset. The waistband is particularly impressive: it is more than 6cm wide at the rear and tapers to 4.5cm at the front. This is described as an 'anatomical top'.

Legs are straight and unshaped. Toes are not reinforced.



Fit and sizing
The Oroblu Chantal 120 Denier Opaque Tights are available in four sizes: Small, Medium, Large and X Large.



I tested a pair in the X Large size.

Depending on height and weight, these tights should fit up to 5'11". I found that they very comfortably accommodated my 5' 10". For anyone taller than 5' 11" these may not be so suitable as the fabric might be overstretched.

Although there is a relatively low Elastane content in the fabric, the fit is superb with the tights moulding themselves to the legs without any tightness or over compression.

They feel simply fantastic once on and incredibly warm soft and comfortable.

The high waist in the brief will be particularly welcome by men buying these as it comfortably reaches over the waist; the adjustable 'anatomical' waistband holds everything nicely in place.

Colour range
The Oroblu Chantal 120 Denier Opaque Tights are available in two colours: Black and Moka.

I tested a pair in the Moka shade, a rich dark brown.

Price and availability

The Oroblu Chantal 120 Denier Opaque Tights normally retail for £12.99. They are currently on special offer at UK Tights for £9.99.

At UK Tights there is free delivery.

Conclusion
When I first tested these tights, one of the my first thoughts was that high quality, well-made tights for women are most definitely perfect for men if the sizing and fit are right. Sure, the Chantal 20 tights don't have a male 'comfort panel' or fly opening, buy who needs these things when the fit and design is so good?

I am aware that some people still take a position that men should stick to buying 'men's tights' and I can appreciate many of reasons why we should support men's legwear manufacturer's and retailers.

However, these tights are a superb product in every sense and I can't see why any man wouldn't be satisfied wearing them and enjoying the look, comfort and how good they feel.

I would award top marks for the fabric and fit of these tights. They are also robust and will, I am certain, wear well.

If you are looking for some top quality opaques this autumn and winter, I would definitely give these a try. Highly recommended.

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