Give it up for the latest fashion trend for men - 'mantyhose'!

Melbourne, Oct 15 : Men have invaded ladies' fashion domain a little further, for after 'man-bras' and 'manscara' the latest must have for men is "Mantyhose."

"Mantyhose" or pantyhose for men have become a popular sheer garment from truck drivers to cowboys.

A self confessed male hosiery-wearer Harisnya is so passionate about the issue he set up e-MANcipate, a website aiming to "accelerate the acceptance of male pantyhose as a regular clothing item".

The site offers men a step-by-step guide on how to wear pantyhose without damaging it.

Harisnya said that the UK-based website is "as serious as fashion can be".

He is adamant that both males and females should be allowed to wear the sexy sheer garment.

"Men have great legs and hosiery is a great way to show them. It's quite practical in some ways. It prevents chafing, for example, when horse riding or cycling, but it's also a good alternative to bulky underwear if you need some warmth," News.com.au quoted Harisnya, as saying.

"Going to work on a cold autumn day in regular trousers with 20 denier hose underneath helps to avoid getting cold. Plus you won't ever have to worry about loosing or matching your socks.

It's fun, but no joke," he added.

The men's pantyhose come with a "male comfort panel" that better fits a man's shape, and sometimes offers a convenient fly opening.

Harisyna's love of pantyhose is backed up by testimonials from truck drivers who swear by nylon hosiery for its circulation benefits and cowboys who don them under their Levi's for warmth.

He believes that men's pantyhose is an easy way to dress differently.

"Not all men like to hide in grey uniformed clothes. It's an easy way to dress differently, pairing the colour or pattern of your pantyhose to the rest of your clothes just like you do with the colour or pattern of your tie.

"It's relatively easy, too, as hosiery goes easily with almost every kind of shorts and shoes," he said.

The e-MAN-cipate campaign is the push for companies to produce pantyhose made specifically for men.

"Don't buy female pantyhose at all. Don't strengthen those companies who don't produce/sell male pantyhose. Buy male pantyhose. Do help with your purchasing power to those who are on your/our side," said the site.

ANI