Tights for blokes: Men warm to 'mantyhose'

'Mantyhose' are shaping up to be the latest must-have for the metrosexual male. Photo / www.emancipate.net

It's a trend the makers of 1993 spoof movie Robin Hood: Men in Tights, obviously didn't envisage, but the market for men's hosiery has reportedly taken off in recent years.

Last month UK department store Selfridges responded to the demand and began stocking (no pun intended) a range of extra-tough tights designed exclusively for men.

At £70 (NZ$151) a pair, they're not exactly cheap, but David Walker-Smith, Selfridges' director of menswear and beauty told the UK's Mail Online they would be the stylish man's "secret weapon" this European winter.

Dubbed 'mantyhose', Walker-Smith said the 120 denier tights, produced by London label Unconditional, were not only a way to give legs an extra boost of warmth but also a "true style statement".

London-based hosiery designer Harisnya is an advocate of the trend. He has even set up a website which demonstrates how the garment — traditionally seen as a woman's domain — can be worn by men.

"I like to wear pantyhose — just like many other men — because I like the soft material, the support it gives to my legs and body, and because I find it very practical," Harisnya says.

Mantyhose can be worn under suits — providing a smooth line across the hips — or with shorts to provide warmth, but it's important to think about colour matching when choosing a pair, Harisnya's website advises.

"Choose a colour (and tone) that either fits the colour of your trousers or your upperwear. It should harmonise with some other item on you — can be the same colour, or a colour similar to it."

Harisnya describes the trend in mantyhose as a "fast growing niche market" and says men who enjoy wearing tight clothing are likely to be the garment's biggest fans.