Written by Xenia Chen, Founder
I started Threads in 2018, after not being able to find good tights to wear to work. Through conversations with friends and female co-workers, I knew this was a problem other women experienced. However, it wasn’t until 2019 that I realized lots of men wear tights too! As soon as we started running social media ads, we had men who found us through the algorithm and slowly, we were getting more and more orders from men.
When I tell people about our growing and active male community at Threads, I’m often met with expressions of surprise. Not in a negative way, moreso in a curious manner. One of the most frequent questions I get asked is “why do men wear tights?”.
I thought it would be interesting to hear it directly from our community! Back in 2023, we asked our male community “why do you wear tights, hosiery or pantyhose?”, and we received an overwhelming number of responses (over 150!). The responses were candid, interesting, and eye-opening.
Below, we’re sharing just some of the voices that help shine a light on why hosiery isn’t — and shouldn’t be — a gendered garment.
Unbeatable Comfort
Many men described wearing hosiery purely for comfort — a second skin that feels soft, smooth, and supportive.
“The best way I can describe it is like a weighted blanket for my legs. It helps with anxiety, and I feel more relaxed when I’m wearing tights.”
“I wear pantyhose for the leg support. I stand a lot at work, and they help reduce fatigue. Honestly, they just feel amazing.”
“I started wearing tights during ballet, but I quickly realized how incredible they feel. They’re like a hug for your legs.”
Warmth & Practicality
From cold-weather layering to motorcycle rides and long flights, hosiery offers warmth without bulk.
“In Minnesota winters, I wear pantyhose under my pants. They keep me warm without the bulk of long johns.”
“Tights help me regulate temperature, prevent bug bites on hikes, and give support during motorcycle rides. They’re practical — simple as that.”
“On long flights, they improve circulation and reduce swelling in my legs. They’ve become a travel essential.”
Health & Recovery
Hosiery is often recommended by doctors for circulation, varicose veins, or post-surgery recovery — but our customers have also found therapeutic benefits through their own experiences.
“After multiple surgeries for varicose veins, I was told to wear compression stockings. Pantyhose became a more affordable and stylish option — and they work just as well.”
“I have DVT in one leg. Compression hose help so much, and on days I’m not wearing medical-grade ones, I wear sheer pantyhose for light support.”
“I’ve had both knees replaced. Tights help reduce muscle fatigue and leg cramps. I even wear them hiking.”
Self-Expression & Confidence
For others, hosiery is a form of self-expression — something that boosts confidence, connects to identity, or just makes them feel good in their skin.
“They make me feel sexy and empowered. Like makeup for your legs.”
“As a straight guy, I used to be afraid to wear pantyhose. But over time, I realized: I like how they look and feel, and that’s reason enough.”
“Being beautiful is a rare treat as a man. But hosiery lets me look in the mirror and feel good about myself.”
Breaking the Stigma
A common thread through many stories was the desire to challenge outdated gender norms — and to help normalize something that simply brings joy and comfort.
“It's just fabric. Why should anyone feel ashamed for wearing something that feels good and looks good?”
“If society didn’t tell me tights were ‘only for women,’ I would have been wearing them in public years ago. I’m done hiding.”
“Thanks to brands like Threads, I finally feel seen. It’s time we move beyond gendered clothing.”
To All the Men Who Wear Hosiery: We See You and We Celebrate You!
These stories aren’t rare — they’re just rarely shared. Hopefully that’s changing!
As more men speak up about their experiences, and more brands (like Threads!) design with them in mind, we hope the stigma continues to fade.
We are so grateful to everyone who wrote in, whether you’ve been wearing hosiery for decades or just tried your first pair. Your words inspire us to keep making products that fit well, feel good, and empower everyone to express themselves authentically, no matter their gender.
If you’re a man who’s curious about hosiery, you’re definitely not alone!
Written by Xenia Chen, Founder