Men In Tights

Tights present a precarious situation in menswear.

For his Spring/Summer 2007 collection Italo Zucchelli (menswear designer for Calvin Klein) sent men in tights down the runway much to the chagrin of many men everywhere.

But before you get in a fit on the validity of the masculinity of tights, remember some of the most macho guys wear tights.

Last year, the N.B.A. had to pass a ban on players wearing tights on the court. Players who had worn the garment include LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Dwayne Wade. James even thinks that some of the players do so to make a fashion statement.

In the accompanying picture, Michael Redd (22), Joe Smith (8) and Andrew Bogut (6) wear full-length tights.

Bucks coach Terry Stotts has weighed in on the subject in a USA TODAY article:

“It’s certainly a different feel, and I think it does keep your legs warm,” Stotts said. “Joe wears it because he had a sleeve on his one knee and just wanted to have the same feel for both legs. I think it’s a personal (preference). I can see why guys would want to wear them.”

Surprising to some, tights are indeed EXTREMELY comfortable, based on our (*ahem*) research for this posting.

Some may argue that they were only using them for sports related activity. In this case, are tights justified as a piece of sportswear? They provide the necessary function of a garment by allowing freer movement restricted by traditional sportswear. Are these players any less masculine for sporting this garment?

Italo Zuchelli clearly thinks men are ready to embrace tights all levels, not just sportswear. He sent models down the runway in tights mixed with business professional attire.

Though we don’t think we’ll see men walking down the street in this (and we’re in N.Y.) it does introduce the look and start to let the eyes adjust.

If anything Calvin Klein will have a market with the sports athletes. And once they endorse something the general population is not far behind.

Sources
Has the NBA gone too far? [The Showbuzz]

NBA players suddenly sporting tights [USA TODAY]

This entry was posted on Friday, June 15th, 2007 at 2:05 pm.
Categories: .

13 Comments, Comment or Ping

Adam K.

Where can I buy these Calvin Klein Leggings? They look really comfy and really stretchy and shiny…..

I think leggings are way more comfortable and appealing on fit metrosexual males.

Time for society to give it a chance to bloom, peace!

Nov 7th, 2007
Haute Concept

Adam,

We contacted the people at Calvin Klein and they informed us that they did stock the tights in stores for the Spring/Summer season but have sold out and now they are stocking the current Fall/Winter collection. So the only way to get them now is after market.

Nov 9th, 2007
Kyle D.

Could you tell me what After market means and how I can find them?

Dec 10th, 2007
Haute Concept

After-market meaning in stores that sell past season items like Daffy’s or Century 21.

Dec 18th, 2007
pete

I can’t wait am sick of jeans short and tights sounds good.

Feb 5th, 2008
Rob

There is a sportswear manufacturer in Australia called “Skins” (http://www.skins.net) and they sell tights for men, women and kids. Their sports tights are scientifically designed to improve sporting performance. They also sell tights for travellers to dramatically reduce the chance of suffering deep vein thrombosis. I have seen men and boys wearing tights not just in the swimming pool but on the sport field. My friend has a nephew who wears tights a lot at home because he says they’re comfortable. Tights were invented for men, it is men who should take them back. My girlfriend says I have great legs - many women I’ve known reckon men’s legs are sexy and should be shown off - and since the latest fashion trend is jeans so tight, it looks like many guys these days are already heading down that direction anyway.

Mar 2nd, 2008
Alex

Hey Adam!

I soo totally agree with ya.. Tights are really comfy and cool. about time guys start wearing em..

blueprint006@hotmail.com

Apr 25th, 2008
Adam K.

Leg-wear in general is a unisexual idea. This means that it can be worn by both men and women. There is nothing wrong with men wearing tight clothes. The general public needs to stop making such a big deal out of it.

Apr 26th, 2008
cisco

I’ve been wearing thights from the early 90’s. I beleved I was alone in wearing tights. It’s good to know their are other guys and men that wear them as well. If you think this is strange, try some yourself. Then you’ll know why men wear them.

Jun 20th, 2008
RSM

Leggings for men is not a new trend - one that’s been around for years. It’s time to get over the body image constraints and go for the comfort. Just wear them. Leggings are perfect casual wear for women AND men. Having worn leggings for years, I’m aware of people’s comments both negative and very positive. After all, it’s not the leggings on the man but the man in the leggings. Everyone looks good in leggings and some people look great!
If more people, women and men, wear leggings then it will just be another apparel choice. At one time denim jeans were worn only by miners digging for gold. Now they are everywhere.
So never say never - when you do decide to wear leggings, choose a well made pair - not with cotton fibers that bag out over time but a high tech fiber that retains its shape. Go for the comfort and support. Leggings that go to the ankle look better than capri style that chop the leg. Plus the full length leggings support you from your ankle to your waist and give you an energetic lift. Laugh, Live, Love & Enjoy! Check out http://www.UnJeans.com
UnJeans leggings - clothes of the future and the future just started.

Aug 16th, 2008