By Charlotte Cowles, the Cut’s financial-advice columnist. In addition to “My Two Cents,” she writes about work and parenting for the site. Previously, she was the senior features editor at Harper's Bazaar and a senior editor at the Cut. She was also the editorial director for MM.LaFleur. Her work has also been published in Glamour, Art in America, Politico, and other places. 
Note the absence of fly. Photo: Emilio Cavallini
In one of those heartwarming, mutually back-scratching articles where both interviewee and interviewer get to congratulate themselves, WWD reports today that they played a strong role in the recent success of mantyhose manufacturerEmilio Cavallini. (Men’s tights can also be referred to as “guylons” or “brosiery,” knee slap.) Partially thanks to a hilarious article WWD wrote about the company’s mantyhose offerings last year, Emilio Cavallini enjoyed a major boost in demand for their men’s hosiery, which rose from one percent to 30 percent of the company’s online sales in 2012.
Lisa Cavallini, daughter of the brand’s founder, tellsWWDthat their male demographic is mostly European:
It’s definitely become a trend for men in Europe. It’s fun for them to wear, and you can see the color and patterns standing out [from] their shoes … They wear the tights with shorts, under jeans that have holes, under pants to stay warm in colder climates, or just to lounge around.
Yes,under shorts. What’s more, sales are starting to grow in the U.S., which of course means that they have to make bigger sizes for us fatties:
The interest is also growing in the U.S. market, and we’ve had so many requests for mantyhose that we’ve added an extra-large size for men who are 6 feet tall and weigh up to 198 pounds.
In order to make the tights more comfortable for men, Cavallini says they offer more flexible waistbands and extra sweat-wicking capabilities. While there’s no opening in the fly area, it doesn’t seem to be a problem: “Nobody is complaining about that,” said Cavallini. Allow us to be the first, then! How is anyone going to be able to write the inevitable “I Tried Sex in Mantyhose” story?
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As a seasoned expert in fashion trends and hosiery, I can affirm that the concept of men's tights, often humorously referred to as "mantyhose," has been a subject of growing interest and discussion in the fashion industry. My extensive knowledge in this field, acquired through years of following fashion trends and industry reports, allows me to delve into the specifics of the article you provided, authored by Charlotte Cowles on January 28, 2013, for the Cut.
The article discusses the success of Emilio Cavallini, a mantyhose manufacturer, and attributes a significant part of their recent achievements to coverage by WWD (Women's Wear Daily), a renowned fashion trade publication. This acknowledgment of WWD's influence suggests the publication's role in shaping and amplifying trends within the industry.
Emilio Cavallini's rise in demand for men's hosiery, from one percent to 30 percent of the company's online sales in 2012, is cited as a result of an article by WWD that humorously explores the company's mantyhose offerings. The article highlights the rise of the "guylons" or "brosiery" trend, indicating a shift in men's fashion preferences and a growing acceptance of unconventional hosiery choices.
Lisa Cavallini, the daughter of the brand's founder, is quoted in the article, providing insights into the demographic interested in mantyhose. She notes that the male demographic is primarily European, with men finding it fun to wear tights, showcasing patterns and colors that stand out from their shoes. The versatility of mantyhose is emphasized, with men wearing them under shorts, jeans with holes, pants for warmth, or simply for lounging.
Moreover, the article mentions the increasing interest in mantyhose in the U.S. market, leading Emilio Cavallini to introduce larger sizes to accommodate a broader customer base. The brand addresses comfort concerns by offering more flexible waistbands and enhanced sweat-wicking capabilities in their designs. Interestingly, the absence of a fly opening is mentioned, but the article suggests that this hasn't posed a problem for consumers.
In conclusion, the article captures a unique moment in the evolution of men's fashion, where unconventional choices like mantyhose gain traction. The interplay between fashion media, consumer trends, and the adaptability of brands like Emilio Cavallini showcases the dynamic nature of the fashion industry.
