Dandy & Dapper

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Published: 12:00am, 13 Nov 2011

I've heard compression tights are a good thing, but don't know if I can face the humiliation. How am I supposed to wear them in public?

Mr Dapper: Your concern is justified. No one needs to see that. I find these super-tight leggings rather jarring, even on gorgeous women. I have heard compression gear aids circulation and muscle recovery, but I'm no trainer so don't take my word for it. Why do we need to overcomplicate things? Surely, it's enough for you to be exercising at all, tights or no tights. If you must, please, for the sake of decorum, slip a pair of shorts over them.

Mr Dandy: Actually, the first time I saw compression tights was on men, not women, on a visit to Australia some years ago. These were macho, marathon-running types who were not in the least bit fazed by the, um, exposure. You couldn't possibly understand the appeal of this sort of gear until you try it on. It's truly amazing. The circular weave and other manufacturing details I don't really understand (but can feel) stimulate blood flow, stabilise muscles to avoid injury, aid muscle recovery and all sorts of other good things for runners, cyclists, triathletes, swimmers and rugby players. With all that in mind, I think they're at least worth considering, don't you? The brand you're most likely to find at sport shops across town is 2XU (www.2xu.com). You don't have to wear the tights to get the benefits you need. GigaSports (Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2918 9088) carries a wide range that includes everything from Calf Sleeves (HK$380) to Leg Sleeves (HK$570) to full-length compression tights (HK$990). Escapade Sports (1/F, Yee Hing Building, 19 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, tel: 2891 1855) has tons of compression gear by Compressport, Skins, Orca and 2XU (HK$279 to HK$1,090). Best of all, it's got the new 2XU Compression X Run Short that is an all-in-one 70 denier compression short, with a lightweight, non-clinging microfilament short over it (HK$524). Now start moving!

I caught sight of that huge patterned jumper in an Hermes ad and wondered what you thought of it. What's that called anyway? Is it still a cable knit even thought it's gigantic?

Mr Dandy: It's fabulous and, if you can, you should definitely pick up something from Hermes' autumn-winter collection of giant cable-knit jumpers in super-soft cashmere. A personal favourite is the light blue turtleneck (HK$34,800; Lee Gardens, Causeway Bay, tel: 2907 2974). I'm also kind of in love with the Burberry Prorsum jumper with heavy cable overlay in cashmere, wool and glossy fur (HK$21,000; Sogo, 555 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, tel: 2831 8436). That said, I'd just as happily do a slightly less expensive cable-knit piece from the Dolce & Gabbana collection this season, if you know what I mean. They look great and contemporary, not fuddy duddy, and I do like a nice V-neck (HK$2,600 and up; Alexandra House, Central, tel: 2877 5558). But seriously, it has to be a funked up cable knit. When's the last time anyone wore a boring old cable-knit pullover? 1984?

Mr Dapper: I'm wearing one right now. But you don't need me to verify the relevance and stylishness of traditional cable knits. Even much younger men have been sporting them since they discovered the timeless appeal of preppy style. If you're going to invest in one, I'd visit Loro Piana for top- end cable-knit cashmere round-neck jumpers as well as zip-up cardigans in a range of classic colours (HK$11,800 to HK$17,000; Pacific Place, tel: 2918 1620).