Le Bourget Violence tights review

Le Bourget ‘Voilance’

I am celebrating a significant milestone this year: fifty years of wearing hosiery. To commutate this I have decided to track down some specific piece of my own hosiery wearing history.

This time it is a vintage pair of Le Bourget Voilance tights (often remembered as 'Violence'). This was the very brand that first introduced me to the world of non-British tights four decades ago, and I wanted to see if the reality lived up to the memory.

A Brief Note on Le Bourget

Founded in Paris in 1924, Le Bourget is a cornerstone of French hosiery, synonymous with Parisian elegance and innovative styling. While they continue to produce contemporary collections—like the high-tech Heritage Luxe range—it is their classic "New Old Stock" pieces, like the vintage Voilance range, that continue to captivate collectors and nostalgia-minded wearers alike.

Fading, still Real Memory.

Admittedly, my memory has faded with time, but putting these on again immediately brought back one vital realization: just how different these tights felt. Back then, in a pre-internet world, I knew very little about Le Bourget. I didn’t know any other women who wore them, so I had no one to ask for an opinion. They felt so distinct from anything else I had tried that I often wondered: was I wearing a budget find or a premium French treasure? I have since discovered that they are, in fact, a prestigious, premium French label.

These tights featured a "Boy Short" brief, which was something I hadn’t encountered before—similar to the light control-top tights we are used to today. I suppose they could even be worn without underwear! Though I didn't go down that path then (and haven't now), the sensation was immediate. They felt so much closer and tighter on the leg than anything else.

And then there was the "Glide Factor." Wow! My legs slipped against each other with a smoothness I had never experienced. That feeling literally took my breath away; I remember thinking that if all French hosiery felt like this, I never wanted to wear anything else! Unfortunately, at the time, they were fairly expensive for me. With my limited experience, I soon laddered them, and they were just too costly to replace back then—but what a wonderful experience it was.

A Word of Caution from Five Decades of Experience

If you are thinking of trying them, keep in mind that while many ladies today describe these as a "classic vintage style," it is important to distinguish them from modern hosiery. Based on my fifty years in tights, I can tell you that vintage constructions are fundamentally different from today’s Lycra-heavy offerings.

The fit and tactile experience are unique—often featuring a higher waist or less "give" in the material—and they won't suit everyone. If you are accustomed to the stretch and recovery of contemporary tights, prepare for a noticeably different experience. However, I urge you not to let that deter you; there is a unique, shimmering sophistication in vintage hosiery that modern pairs often struggle to replicate.

The Verdict: Is the Nostalgia Worth the Hunt?

Sliding back into a pair of Le Bourget Voilance after forty years was more than just a review; it was a trip back in time. While my hosiery drawer has seen hundreds of pairs since then, nothing quite replicates that specific Parisian "glide" and the structured, elegant fit of these vintage gems.

Are they worth tracking down today? If you are a fan of authentic vintage style and don't mind the delicate nature of older nylon, then absolutely. They offer a level of glamour and a unique tactile sensation that modern, mass-produced tights often lack. Just remember my warning: treat them with a bit more "TLC" than your everyday pairs—those ladders are just as heart-breaking now as they were four decades ago!

Whether you find a pair on eBay or try one of Le Bourget’s modern descendants, there is no denying that this brand changed the way I looked at hosiery forever. It was the moment I realized that tights aren't just an accessory—they are an experience.

 

Understanding the Emotional Hurdles Men Face When Considering Hosiery

Taking your First Step:

For many men, the idea of wearing hosiery for the first time brings up a surprising mix of curiosity, excitement, and anxiety. It’s one of those thoughts that sits quietly in the back of your mind—something you don’t mention to anyone, yet it never fully goes away. If that’s you, you’re not strange, and you’re definitely not alone. These feelings are far more common than most people realise.

What makes this topic so emotionally charged isn’t the clothing itself—it’s everything wrapped around it. Years of social expectations. Messages about what men “should” or “shouldn’t” do. The fear of being judged. The worry that someone might misunderstand you. Acknowledging all of that is the first step toward understanding your own feelings.

As a man—no matter your age—there can be significant internal barriers to overcome when you think about trying on a pair of women’s tights or stockings for the first time. And let me reassure you: the hesitation, the nerves, the overthinking… all of it is normal. I genuinely believe almost every man who has ever considered wearing hosiery has had these exact same thoughts.

People often frame this as a challenge to your masculinity, but the truth is much simpler: most of the discomfort comes from worrying about what others might think—your partner or wife, your children, your relatives, even your male friends. It’s a lot to carry, and it can feel overwhelming.

The real challenge isn’t the tights. It’s the conditioning. We’ve all grown up with the idea that certain clothes belong to “men” and others to “women,” and hosiery has been firmly placed in the “women only” category for decades. Even though the world is changing, those old messages still echo in the back of our minds.

So when you even consider buying or trying on a pair of tights for the first time, you’re doing something quietly brave. You’re questioning a rule that was handed to you long before you ever had a say in it. And yes, that can feel scary—even for confident men.

Talking to Partners or Friends: The Part Everyone Worries About

If there’s one thing that makes men hesitate more than anything else, it’s the thought of telling someone they care about. Opening up about something so personal can feel like stepping off a cliff. But here’s the thing: you’re not alone in that fear, and you’re not wrong for feeling it.

Let’s talk honestly about what this conversation can look like.

Partners’ Reactions: The Reality Most Men Don’t Hear About

Partners react in all kinds of ways—and that’s normal. Some are curious. Some are supportive right away. Some need time to process. And yes, some may feel confused at first simply because they’ve never thought about men wearing hosiery before.

But here’s what many men discover once they finally talk about it:

• Most partners care far more about honesty than hosiery. The fact that you trusted them enough to share something vulnerable often means more than the topic itself.

• Initial surprise doesn’t equal rejection. A partner might blink, ask questions, or need a moment. That’s not a “no”—it’s a human reaction to something unexpected.

• Reassurance matters. Many partners simply want to know what this means for you. Explaining that it’s about comfort, curiosity, or expression—not about changing who you are—can ease their worries.

• The conversation can deepen your connection. When you open up about something personal, it often invites your partner to open up too. Vulnerability builds trust.

Talking to Friends: A Different Kind of Courage

Friends can be trickier because the dynamic is different. You might worry about jokes, misunderstandings, or awkwardness. But many men find that:

• The friends they trust most respond with curiosity, not judgement.

• Some even admit they’ve wondered about similar things.

• And the ones who react poorly often weren’t the safest people to confide in anyway.

You don’t owe this conversation to anyone. But if you choose to share it, choose someone who has earned your trust.

Conclusion

If you’re standing at that crossroads—curious about hosiery but unsure how to feel about it—remember this: you’re not doing anything wrong. You’re simply questioning a rule that was never really yours to begin with. The hesitation you feel doesn’t mean you’re confused or uncertain about who you are. It means you’re human, shaped by a lifetime of messages about masculinity that you’re now brave enough to examine.

Talking to someone you trust—whether a partner or a friend—can be a powerful step. Their reaction might surprise you in the best way. And even if they need time, that’s okay. What matters most is that your choices come from your own comfort, curiosity, and sense of self.

Trying something new, even something as simple as a pair of tights, can be an act of self‑understanding. You deserve the freedom to explore what feels right for you.:

What in a name

In the United Kingdom, the term tights serves as a convenient umbrella. Whether they’re sheer enough to see your skin or thick enough to survive a Yorkshire winter, they’re all simply tights.

This straightforward approach dates back to the mid‑20th century, when nylon hosiery became widely available. British English never felt the need to split the category — if it covers the legs and has a built‑in pant section, it’s tights, full stop.

Cross the Atlantic and the terminology becomes more specific. In the United States:

• Sheer legwear is called pantyhose

• Opaque legwear is called tights

The word pantyhose emerged in the 1950s and 60s, combining “panty” and “hose” to describe the new all‑in‑one garment that replaced stockings and garter belts. Americans kept the term tights for thicker, more durable versions, creating a distinction that still shapes American fashion vocabulary today.

In France, tights are known as collants, a term derived from the verb coller, meaning “to stick” or “to cling.” It’s a beautifully descriptive word — collants are garments that cling closely to the legs.

French fashion terminology has influenced Europe for centuries, and collants became the standard term not only in France but also in several neighbouring countries.

Italy uses collant (without the final s), a direct borrowing from French. The adoption happened during the 20th century, when French fashion houses dominated European style. Over time, collant became fully integrated into Italian fashion vocabulary, used for both sheer and opaque styles.

German takes a wonderfully literal approach with Strumpfhose, a compound of:

• Strumpf — stocking

• Hose — trousers

Put together, it becomes “stocking trousers,” which is arguably the most accurate description of tights ever invented. Germanic languages often build new words this way, and the term has remained consistent for decades.

Other European countries follow their own linguistic traditions:

• Spain: medias (general hosiery) or pantys (closer to pantyhose)

• Portugal: collants, influenced by French

• Netherlands & Belgium (Dutch-speaking): panty

• Belgium (French-speaking): collants

• Sweden: strumpbyxor (“stocking trousers”)

• Denmark & Norway: strømpebukser (same structure as Swedish/German)

• Finland: sukkahousut (“sock trousers”)

Despite the differences, most European terms fall into two categories:

The variety comes from three main influences:

Countries adopted tights at different times, often borrowing terminology from the fashion capitals of the era — especially France and the USA.

Germanic languages tend to form compound words. Romance languages often borrow from French fashion vocabulary.

Some cultures prefer precise distinctions (like the USA), while others use one term for the whole category (like the UK).

Whether you call them tights, pantyhose, collants, collant, Strumpfhose, or anything else, the idea is the same: a garment designed to cover the legs smoothly, comfortably, and stylishly.

The names may vary, but the function — warmth, modesty, fashion, or simply confidence — remains universal.

Hosiery Price points

 Let’s talk about the price of hosiery. I’d love to know how you feel about what you pay for your tights. Do you prefer budget multi‑packs, mid‑priced single pairs, or do you treat yourself to luxury hosiery? Who doesn’t want value for money. Here are the pros and cons of cheap to very expensive hosiery for you to consider.

Why buy budget multi‑packs

• Cost effective — You pay less per pair, making them ideal for everyday wear. Typically budget multi‑packs in the UK sell for about £3–£10 per pack, which works out to roughly £1–£4 per pair depending on pack size and retailer.

• Convenience — Several pairs on hand mean fewer laundry‑day panics and fewer trips to the shops.

• Low risk for damage — If a pair ladders or gets a run, losing one from a multi‑pack hurts less than losing an expensive single pair.

• Good for trends and colours — Multi‑packs let you try different shades or finishes without a big investment.

• Practical for busy lifestyles — For work, gym, or travel, inexpensive pairs are easy to replace and less stressful to wear.

Mid‑price hosiery

• Typical price — Mid‑priced tights usually range from about £6–£20 per pair in the UK, offering a step up from budget basics without the luxury price tag.

• Better fit and finish — Expect improved shaping, more consistent sizing, and smoother seams compared with the cheapest options.

• Greater durability — Higher‑quality yarns and construction mean they often resist runs and wear longer than budget pairs.

• More features and styles — Options like control tops, reinforced toes, varied deniers, and a wider colour palette are common.

• Good value for regular wearers — If you wear tights frequently, mid‑price pairs can be a sensible balance between cost and longevity.

Luxury hosiery

• Typical price — Luxury hosiery usually starts around £40+ per pair, with designer or specialist pieces costing significantly more.

• Exceptional materials — Fine yarns, silk blends, or advanced technical fibres give a superior feel and finish.

• Precision fit and craftsmanship — Hand‑finished details, couture‑level sizing, and refined seams deliver a noticeably better fit.

• Longevity and performance — With careful wear and care, luxury pairs can outlast several mid‑price pairs and maintain appearance longer.

• Style and statement — Luxury hosiery often features unique designs, limited editions, or brand prestige that make them worth the splurge for special occasions or everyday confidence.

How to Put on Tights Correctly

Most of us pull on our tights without a second thought—life is simply too busy for a long morning ritual. However, taking a moment to put them on correctly can actually save you money. Here’s how to protect your hosiery (and your wallet) from accidental snags and ladders.

First your  Secret Weapon: Hosiery Gloves

If you regularly wear sheer or delicate hosiery, consider investing in a pair of hosiery gloves. These soft cotton or specialized grip gloves are the single best way to prevent ladders. 

• Prevent Snags: They act as a barrier between the fabric and sharp nails, hangnails, or jewellery.
• Better Grip: They provide extra control, allowing you to smooth out wrinkles and position the fabric without overstretching it.
• Cost-Effective: They often cost less than a single pair of premium tights and can last for years, paying for themselves the first time they save a pair of tights from the bin. 

Step-by-Step: The Best Way to Put on Tights

• Prep Your Hands and Feet: Before touching your tights, remove any jewellery like rings or bracelets. Ensure your fingernails and toenails are smooth; a quick file can prevent a snag before you even begin. For extra protection, use moisturiser on your hands or simply slip on your hosiery gloves.
• Take a Seat: Always sit down on a bed or chair. Hopping around on one foot while trying to pull up tights is one of the most common ways to cause a sudden "ladder" or tear.
• Gather the Leg to the Toe: Hold the waistband and gently bunch or "scrunch" one leg of the tights all the way down until you reach the toe. This creates a direct pathway for your foot and prevents you from having to pull at the fabric later.
• Position Your Foot: Point your toe and slide your foot into the gathered section. Ensure the toe seam is lined up straight across your toes and that the heel is in the right place.
• Roll Up Gradually: Slowly unroll the fabric up your leg to about the knee. Instead of using your nails, use the pads of your fingers (or your gloves) to smooth the fabric as you go.
• Repeat and Finish: Repeat the process for the second leg, also stopping at the knee. Once both legs are partially on, stand up and gently pull the rest of the tights up over your thighs and hips to your waist. Use the flats of your hands to make final adjustments and ensure there are no twisted areas.