Matte or shiny is a question of finish, and in sheer pantyhose made for men the finish comes with the pair. Our 1D, a 1 denier sheer tight, is matte, the only matte pair among our sheer tights. The 10D, a 10 denier sheer tight, is sheer with a soft sheen up close. The 120D is 120 denier, an opaque knit in a deep matte black. Under a suit, matte is the quieter finish. Pick the 10D's soft sheen when you want the pair woven with Lycra, the one that resists runs.
What matte and sheen mean on a knit
Finish is how a surface handles light. Matte gives back almost none, so the color reads even from any angle. A sheen is a low reflection: up close, the surface returns a little light. Gloss is the strong reflection you'd see on patent leather. Our 1D and 120D are matte; the 10D carries a soft sheen.
Two numbers describe every pair we make. Denier is the weight of the yarn, and needle count is the number of knitting needles. Neither one sets the finish: the 1D and the 120D are both matte, at 1 and 120 denier. Read the finish off the pair.
Matte vs shiny tights: pair by pair
| Pair | Finish | Knit | Rise |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1D Seamless Sheer Tights | Matte | 1 denier, 512 needles | Mid, around the navel |
| 10D Sheer Tights | Sheer, soft sheen up close | 10 denier, 1012 needles, woven with Lycra | High, above the navel |
| 120D Opaque Tights | Deep matte black, opaque | 120 denier | Mid, around the navel |
The 1D Seamless Sheer Tights is the lightest pair we make, 1 denier on 512 needles, and the only matte pair among our sheer tights. Under trousers the 1D reads as bare leg. It sits at a mid rise, around the navel, on a soft, stretchy elastic waistband. The colors are Black and Sand; the sizes are Standard and Tall. The 1D is extremely delicate, so handle it with care.
The 10D Sheer Tights is the workhorse: 10 denier on 1012 needles, woven with Lycra, and it resists runs. Among our sheer pairs, the 10D is the stretchiest and most durable fabric. Up close, the 10D is sheer with a soft sheen. It sits high, above the navel, on a soft, stretchy elastic waistband, and comes in Black and Beige. For men inside its fit range, the 10D is our usual first recommendation.
The 120D Opaque Tights is a dense 120 denier knit, the most opaque pair we make, in a deep matte black that stays black when stretched at the calf. The 120D is made for colder days. It's fully footed, sits at a mid rise around the navel on a knitted elastic waistband, and comes in Black only and Tall only. Wear the 120D under trousers, or style it with a sweater or a blazer.
With a suit and in photographs
Under trousers the finish is out of view for most of the day. It shows when you sit and the hem rides up the calf, and at the ankle with a loafer.
Under a suit, matte is the quieter of the two finishes. Choose Black under dark trousers, and the 1D's Sand or the 10D's Beige under lighter cloth. Keep the shoes dark either way.
The 10D's sheen is soft and shows up close. Wear the 10D on an ordinary working day: it's the pair woven with Lycra, and it resists runs. For a day-by-day plan, read our guide to wearing pantyhose to work for a week.
The 1D and the 120D are matte. If you want a matte finish in photographs, choose the 1D in Black under a dark suit, or the 120D when you want the leg fully covered.
Care for either finish
Both finishes are washed the same way. Wash by hand in cold water, without bleach. Air dry away from heat, and keep the pair out of the dryer.
Before a pair goes on, get the hands ready:
- Trim your nails and take off rings and your watch.
- Put on the disposable gloves that come in every NYLO order, so nails and rough skin don't catch the knit.
- Gather the leg down to the toe with both hands before you set your foot in.
The 1D needs trimmed nails or the gloves every time. It's the lightest pair we make.
Fit ranges for the three pairs
We size by height and weight, not waist.
| Pair | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 1D, Standard | 5'3" to 5'9" (160 to 175 cm) | 110 to 154 lbs (50 to 70 kg) |
| 1D, Tall | 5'9" to 6'3" (175 to 190 cm) | 155 to 200 lbs (70 to 91 kg) |
| 120D, Tall only | 5'9" to 6'3" (175 to 190 cm) | 155 to 200 lbs (70 to 91 kg) |
| 10D | 5'7" to 6'2" (170 to 188 cm) | 145 to 210 lbs (65 to 95 kg) |
Sizes are a guide; fit varies with leg length, torso and build. For the rules on choosing between Standard and Tall, for the pairs that overlap, and for anything outside these ranges, open our size guide before you order.
Common questions on finish
Are shiny tights for men a separate product?
No. Shiny and glossy are search words, not a pair we make. Our 10D has a soft sheen up close, our 1D is matte, and the 120D is a deep matte black.
Can I return a pair if the finish isn't what I wanted?
Unopened items in their original sealed packaging can be returned within 14 days of delivery; email support@nylo.us first. Opened, tried-on or worn hosiery is final sale for hygiene. Every order arrives in plain packaging with nothing on the outside that names the product, and your card statement reads NYLO.
Where to start
Find your row in our size guide. If you're 5'7" to 6'2" and 145 to 210 lbs, the 10D is our usual first recommendation.
