Return to tights

by Smoov

This weekend just gone, I decided to organise my tights collection. I opened the case they occupy in my bedroom, and, as I haven't been near the case lately, was not too suprised when my nostrils were assailed with a fairly strong musty smell. I decided go through them all and throw out all the laddered pairs, along with the pairs that didn't fit. As I drew my hand through the legs of each pair, looking for runs, I couldn't help but enjoy the soft sensual feel they created on my fingers and arm. Tights are too good to be shut up in a case! Anyway, having put aside all the laddered pairs, I went through the ones I thought would be too small for me now. I had a black pair and tan pair that I knew were going to be a struggle, but I did manage to get them fully on. OK, they were strictly of the hipster variety now (without being designed to be) in that they only just struggled past my hips, but, hey, they weren't drooping at the crotch, so they fit, right? OK - the fibres were stretched so tight you could have played a tune on them, but that's just being picky, if you'll pardon the pun. I should have thrown them away really, but they made my poor legs look so blemish free that I just couldn't do it. Maybe I'll lose some weight one day. Yeah, maybe. Anyway, all the pairs that passed inspection were thrown into the wash and the button pressed. After the cycle was over I removed the bundle from the washing machine and proceeded to untangle them. In the process, I came across knots that a bondage expert could only dream about. I really must get a tights washing bag. A couple of pairs didn't survive the untangling but there were plenty left and in the dryer they went. I suspect that's not the recommended method of drying, but they seemed to survive OK and soon they were dry and smelling much more pleasant. 

Chore done, it was time to hit the shops. I actually discovered that we had a TKMaxx in our metropolis, but I couldn't find any hosiery at all. Not good, but I was in a bit of a hurry, so may have overlooked the hosiery section in my haste. I'll try again when I have more time. I also trawled the aisles of M&S, Boots, Debenhams and BHS before buying some barely black medium support tights in Sainsburys of all places. They're OK, but nothing to write to the blog about, so I won't. 

In the afternoon, I decided to go cycling in tights and shorts. The sky was blue and it was quite warm, so Boots Natural Tone 10 or 15 denier (I forget) were donned, and off I went. No sooner had I got further than I could get back from in a hurry, thoroughly enjoying the experience, when a sudden storm of biblical proportions gathered around me and I started to get quite windswept and wet. Now, Boots Natural Tan are very discreet when dry, but when wet, they show every raindrop that hits the legs very clearly. I had to find shelter and wait for the angry gods to get bored with me before eventually finding a break in the clouds and taking the opportunity to get home again. All good fun. 

Following that, I decided to try shopping online, and was especially interested to try a pair of genuine tights for men, so I ordered a pair of Filip tights in black from a well known site that caters for men as well as women. I'll be interested to see what they are like. It was my plan to wear these fairly openly, and then, if questioned, produce the packet and say 'They're for men, see!', but having seen the photo on the pack I'm not sure of this strategy. The male model on the pack is striking a quite 'gay' pose. Kinda reinforces the myth, I think, so I may have to rethink. 

I'm definitely 'in the zone' at the moment, wearing pretty constantly, and enjoying the experience no end (I'm especially enjoying the sensation of 'cool ankles'). Past experience has told me that this may well pass, and I will get bored, but on the other hand, my attitude towards other people's attitudes seems to be changing. I want someone to say something so that we can have the argument. 'They're just clothes! These ones were designed purely for men', I want to be able to say. I may get the packet out and keep my thumb over the photo :O). I really am beginning to feel annoyed at the double standard, the usual old arguments. I think the answer really has come along in the form of tights designed specifically for men. While I understand the argument that the tights available in the shops are women's wear and that there will always be an issue with men wearing them, I can't see how the argument can stand against tights designed specifically for men, however similar they may be to the female garment. I've seen forum posts from men saying that they have no interest in the men's tights, but for me I think the start of this trend marks an exciting opportunity for all us hosiery fans to legitimately claim the freedom to wear tights openly, and should be supported and encouraged.

links: technorati