These days, you are unlikely to see men walking down the streets sporting a pair of tights. In fact, the only time you will probably see men in tights in at the cinema, in the theatre or while watching a production of Swan Lake. Yet, when tights first made their appearance way back in the thirteenth century, they were not being worn by ladies but by men.
For those who remember the famous painting of Henry VIII by Hand Holbein the Younger, they will know that the notorious king is striking a pose in a pair of white tights designed to show off his lovely legs. Perfect for showing pins to their best advantage, those who did not have the legs they wanted simply padded them to enhance their physique.
Henry would apparently stick extra padding over his calves, and then use over-sized codpieces to illustrate to the watching world that he was a fine figure of a man, and the very image of masculinity and virility. Now, most women would never dream of padding their tights, using them rather to make legs appear slimmer.
Tights were not just worn for fashion purposes, however. They were very practical items of clothing, designed to provide warmth under other layers and providing the ideal garment for jumping on horses and galloping around the countryside. They are still worn by athletes, ballet dancers and super heroes, probably for the very same reasons.
There is no doubting the fact, however, that tights have now become firmly associated with female fashions and are probably a staple item in most women's sock drawer. Worn for warmth or to conceal the skin, tights can vary in thickness and materials.
As designs have become more adventurous, innovative and daring, tights are starting to become a fashion accessory in their own right. With so many different styles, colours and textiles, the choice is endless, and tights can bring so much more to an outfit as a whole.
For those who remember the famous painting of Henry VIII by Hand Holbein the Younger, they will know that the notorious king is striking a pose in a pair of white tights designed to show off his lovely legs. Perfect for showing pins to their best advantage, those who did not have the legs they wanted simply padded them to enhance their physique.
Henry would apparently stick extra padding over his calves, and then use over-sized codpieces to illustrate to the watching world that he was a fine figure of a man, and the very image of masculinity and virility. Now, most women would never dream of padding their tights, using them rather to make legs appear slimmer.
Tights were not just worn for fashion purposes, however. They were very practical items of clothing, designed to provide warmth under other layers and providing the ideal garment for jumping on horses and galloping around the countryside. They are still worn by athletes, ballet dancers and super heroes, probably for the very same reasons.
There is no doubting the fact, however, that tights have now become firmly associated with female fashions and are probably a staple item in most women's sock drawer. Worn for warmth or to conceal the skin, tights can vary in thickness and materials.
As designs have become more adventurous, innovative and daring, tights are starting to become a fashion accessory in their own right. With so many different styles, colours and textiles, the choice is endless, and tights can bring so much more to an outfit as a whole.
About the Author:
Donal Frump is a widely respected writer who has been writing for 5 over years often writes on click here Soft Tights online and a wide range of other subjects.
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