Ok, before you start thinking this is about cross dressing, or some lingerie fantasy, let me say it is NOT. I believe men need body-stockings designed for men. Many of us are familiar with body-stockings for women, but, no one has designed any specifically for men. Why do men need body-stockings? In one word, warmth.

I own a lingerie and biker gear shop. An electrician once purchased a large quantity of crotch-less turtle neck body-stockings from me. Fairly plain stockings, no real frills. I was naturally curious as to why. He works outside in the cold all day, and wearing body-stockings under his clothes helped him stay warm, and were quite comfortable. This was not the first time someone had told me that. I used to just laugh at the idea. I could just see these macho guys wearing panty hose. In reality, these are not panty hose, they are full body stockings. I ride my motorcycle year round, so any trick to keeping warm interested me. So I tried it.

Now, I admit trying them on for the first time made me feel a little uneasy. I am no sissy, I am very comfortable in my manhood. Yet, I was a little weary of anyone finding out I was wearing them. I put the rest of my gear on and went bike riding. It worked. I was I was noticeably warmer with them on. I have used long johns before, but these were better. I could even wear these under my long johns for an additional layer of protection from extreme cold.

I was not quite ready to go around boasting that I wear crotch-less body-stockings. I wore them all that winter, and the only one that knew it, was my lady. Spring came and I put my stockings away. Summer past and I wasn't even thinking about them any more. Fall came, and I stocked up on winter wear for my shop. I ordered more of the body-stockings than I normally would have, I knew I would be wearing them. At first, when shoppers started purchasing winter riding gear, I would recommend the stockings to the gals, but, not the guys. I have to admit, I was afraid of tarnishing my macho reputation.

Granted half my shop was lingerie and clubwear, but that was because of my fiance. I had to become knowledgeable about lingerie so I could assist customers. I had gotten used to talking to women about how lingerie should enhance what they have. I have what would have once been, embarrassing conversations with women on a daily basis. I was now comfortable with that. Then why was I afraid to recommend body stockings to guys?

One day, I took the plunge. A couple that have purchased from our shop a number of times in the past, came in to buy some leather mask for riding. They both loved riding their bikes, and were looking for a way to stay warm for winter riding. I told her about the stockings, and even told him he should wear them too. I may have even blushed as I mentioned that I wear them and they keep me warm. With a nod of approval from his lady, he decided to get a set for himself and give it a try.

Three or Four days later, they came in to buy more stockings. He said I was right, he was definitely warmer wearing the stockings. That was the ice breaker, from then on I began recommending the stockings to men for winter riding. It would always come down to me looking them square in the eyes and telling them that I wear them, and I find them to be a great benefit. In fact, I was wearing them at that very moment.

There were still some guys that would scoff at the idea. Some came around around when they found out their friends were wearing them.

The biggest problem in getting men to accept body-stockings is in the packaging, and design. If they would make them for men, and place them in a masculine package, then men would feel more comfortable purchasing them.

I wish they would design them with a fly, no lace, and a very tight weave. A picture of a construction worker or biker would help, as long as it didn't start looking like a Village People promotion. Maybe even make them in a camouflage pattern. I have requested that from some of my suppliers, and we will see if they have the vision to act on it. I think the first ones to do so, will profit a great deal.

There are a lot of construction workers that have to be exposed to the cold a lot. A lot of bikers that want to ride in winter. A lot of hunters sitting in the cold waiting on game. Maybe I should just invent the things myself. If I had the recourses, I would.

Hey, I even noticed that the stockings help make my tush and belly look better. If you have a guy that works in the cold, a pair of body-stockings would make a great stocking stuffer for Christmas. (pun intended)

About the author:

Jim and Edie own and operate a shop and a web site called Hot Stuff Leather and Lace


To read more articles on Textile, Fashion, Apparel, Technology, Retail and General please visit www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article