Monday 13 February 2012

Reviewed: Cecilia de Rafael Zafiro 60 Opac Plus Tights

I recently wrote a profile of the Spanish hosiery manufacturer Cecilia de Rafael.



Cecilia de Rafael have sent me a number of samples of their opaque tights for review. The first style I have tested is the Zafiro 60 Opac Plus tights.



Materials and features

The Zafiro 60 Opac Plus tights are part of the Cecilia de Rafael Clásicos range.

First impressions are very positive. The material is beautifully soft and stretchy, and these are clearly a high quality product.

The Zafiro 60 Opac Plus are 60 denier opaque tights made with Lycra 3D. The fabric used is 80% polyamide and 20% elastane (Lycra).

Lycra 3D hosiery contains Lycra fibre in every stitch of every row. This high Lycra fibre content gives fabric exceptional elasticity and clings to the legs like a second skin, with no sagging or wrinkling.



The Zafiro 60 tights are completely sheer to waist and have well-constructed flat seams throughout. The waistband is about 1.5cm wide and is soft and comfortable.

In the size 5 that I tested, there is a rear comfort panel. Sizes 1-4 have a cotton gusset.

These tights are matt in appearance, with just a hint of a sheen.

Opacity is even, although not total. Where the fabric is more stretched, such as at the knees and thighs the appearance changes to that of a 40 or 50 denier opaque.

Fit and sizing

The Zafiro 60 Opac Plus tights are available in five sizes: 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.



As I mentioned in the recent Cecilia de Rafael profile, the size 5 is welcome for men who may need a size that can accommodate a taller height.

I tested the size 5 and the fit was very good indeed. The tights have plenty of stretch and the brief also has plenty of depth.

The 3D Lycra ensured the tights fitted closely and there was no bunching or wrinkling. The high Lycra content also helped these tights to stay in place; they needed very little pulling up or adjusting during a whole day of wear.

The Zafiro 60 Opac Plus are not very thick opaque tights and they were a really comfortable wear under jeans on a cold February day. Despite being matt opaques the glide under trousers was very good.

Colour range
The Zafiro 60 Opac Plus are available in eight shades:
  • Black 
  • Brown 
  • Chocolate 
  • Anthracite 
  • Amethyst 
  • Lapislazuli 
  • Bordeaux 
  • Khaki 
I tested a pair in chocolate.



Price and availability

The Zafiro 60 Opac Plus tights are usually sold for around €12.50, although this may vary depending on retail outlet.

Cecilia de Rafael tights are available from several retailers including UK Tights, Shapings, Hosieree and Hosieria.


Conclusion
This is the first time I have tested and reviewed Cecilia de Rafael tights. The Zafiro 60 Opac Plus tights are a high quality product and the attention to detail in their manufacture is evident in every aspect. They would be a good choice for wear on cooler days; they provide a layer of insulation but are also very comfortable.

I am definitely a convert to tights made with Lycra 3D yarn - the fabric is exceptionally comfortable and the fit excellent.

1 comment:

  1. Very nice review, with useful details throughout. I had a disappointing experience with one of their heavier styles, and so it's encouraging to see such praise for this style. I have that on my future acquisition list now. :-)

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