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]
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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!
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.
Could you tell me what After market means and how I can find them?
After-market meaning in stores that sell past season items like Daffy’s or Century 21.
I can’t wait am sick of jeans short and tights sounds good.
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.
Hey Adam!
I soo totally agree with ya.. Tights are really comfy and cool. about time guys start wearing em..
blueprint006@hotmail.com
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.
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.
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.
I wear shorts and tights all the time! Mostly because I am a dancer, but it is very comfortable.
I also like to mix and match. Sometimes I wear boxers over the tights or leggings and make people look.
I’ve been doing this for about 2 years now. FINALLY its getting popular!
wow.I would love to try those but what about my friends,my girfriend’s reaction. Judging by your comments they may be the way to go for me.I’m tired of the traditional baggy jeans thing. this is new and revolutionary to me. Did any of you guys friends and family ostracize you when they found out or saw you wearing tights? This is important. thanx
Hi. In a society and culture where doing things that are supposedly taboo, I do have a tendency to experiment a bit. For the past 10 odd years I’ve been trying on leotards and unitards out of curiosity, and yes they do have the sense of warmth and comfort as reported here.
I actually had this crazy idea of getting all the colleges to take in this idea of wearing leggings to school, regardless of gender. It’s not just unisexual but it’s also universal in climates. I’m from a tropical climate and it’s quite hot mostly, but it’s also wet year round so always having a pair means easy on easy off…needless for belts. Almost one-size fits all.
So for a number of years I’ve shadowed my otherwise taboo appearance with those Lycra things underneath my jeans and shirt.
When the day comes when everyone can wear tights casually, I’ll be one of the first to strut my stuff..
Oh..and another pointer…I’m anti-gay…I don’t know why tights and stuff like that are always associated with being gay/lesbian/sissy…but I just feel more free in these things…movement wise, whether it’s running or walking. Could be useful when skateboarding or skiing, who knows?
Thanks alot for your wonderful bulletin. Peace out! Love ya spandexes!
I also do not understand why tights are associated with gay/sissy types. I utilize a one piece garment (leotard) for my workouts at the gym. There does not seem to be much in the way of antipathy received by me. It might be that in athletic applications such as wieghtlifting, the wearing of tight fitting garments is not looked upon in an unfavorable manner.
What is the big deal if a guy wears tights? I have leg problems from a military injury and I wear black spandex tights all the time. I find Bal Togs leggings are best. I used to always wear nylon pants over them until I moved to AZ where it is too hot for that. I just wear the tights now with a long tee shirt to cover my butt. Most people don’t even notice, at least I don’t think so. Anybody notice an old guy in tights running around Surprise AZ?
Hell yeah! I wear my hose all of the time and my wife does not care. Stop hating on the hose and let people do what they want to. We are stipulated from an early age at what is right from wrong. Maybe those stipulations need to be over looked, I mean we now have a black president.
spandex i will wear i fit for them my email is spandex93@yahoo.com
To everyone,
I agree with most of the posts here. I also have been wearing tights and leggings for casual and sports use. I wear them for cycling, running, walking, working out, casual with shorts. Comfortable, keeps from getting cramps, casually accepted. Most people dont care. Some may state something, however, most wouldnt say anything or they mention it to someone else. I worn several times in a exercise class at a local gym in Southern California. Most young women, some older, a few guys. One young latina in 20s was in front of me. She looked at me, the mirror, then me. She got up and asked if I was wearing stockings. I told her I was wearing tights. I mentioned it was for preventing cramps while wearing my leggings with shorts. She only sighed and said ok. She explained it to an attractive asian and another lady there. She mentioned it to me that she had cramps from class. I suggested it to her. She asked me to work out in front of her or next to her. I definately did. I worked out next to her since I wasnt an expert. We had step and weights. Had a good workout. When we were done, she wanted me to walk with her to the main floor. I walked her out. I seen her a few times after and she worn leggings to class. After that she wasnt seen. In closing, it was a positive experience. No bad comments. Only discussed it.