An Australian company is hoping to persuade men the world over to don slinky black tights which, it says, cut down the chance of developing deep vein thrombosis and ease the effects of jet lag.
The patented Lycra tights, dubbed Jetskins, have been endorsed by some of the country's top sport stars, including test cricketer Steve Waugh.
The company behind the idea is Sydney-based Compression Garment Technologies. Managing director Carl McDonald said rugby league players and cricketers have taken to the Lycra pantyhose with surprising enthusiasm. 'A few of them gave me a bit of a funny look to begin with, but I said, 'Mate, just try them and see what you think'.'
Mr McDonald said the tights were designed to be worn beneath a normal pair of trousers. However, members of the London Broncos rugby league team were happy to wear their tights for all to see when they tried them out on a recent international flight. 'They got off the plane wearing just the tights,' Mr McDonald said.
Although similar sorts of compression stockings have been around for years, Jetskins claim to be lighter, more comfortable and enable the skin to breathe.
The full-length tights, which sell for A$125 (HK$545) a pair, are designed to reduce swelling and increase blood circulation.
