All types and sizes have a generous gusset and come in skin tones and black.

"They are quite formal, quite regal... quite couture," says a company spokeswoman.

"Years ago, the only tights you would ever see in public were on men because women were not allowed to show their legs.

"Now we have this new term – metrosexual – and men's tights are having a revival."

The company claims the tights are popular with the nu-rave generation to keep them warm at festivals.

"Part of the appeal would also be they would make you look slightly different," adds the spokeswoman.

"Lots of men wear them under their trousers for warmth and support, as opposed to long johns which can be too loose."

The other group of men who are taking to the pin-flaunting trend are sportsmen.

"A lot will wear them under their shorts. The compression on the muscles gives them extra support," says the spokeswoman.

Fair enough. But what will Nottingham's sporting stars make of shiny, sheer legwear?

We asked four lads from Nottingham Rugby Club to model the tights at their Trent Bridge training ground and tell us what they thought.

Verdict: 3/10. Who in their right mind would wear these?

What he said: Look at them! I didn't realise I'd be wearing my mum's stockings!

And why couldn't they give us black ones? I could handle black! I think I should have gone for a wax this morning. I don't think they look so good with the hairs on my legs poking through!

I can't really see why they're so popular. Maybe you'd wear them if you wanted a bit of a change. But I'm not really into the alternative look. They're a bit tight on me as well – I think I could do with a bigger size. Perhaps if you were a skinny, alternative English football fan they might look OK!

Verdict: 6/10. See-through isn't really for us!

What he said: They're alright. Pretty comfortable. I like the tanned look because my legs are so pale. I think they suit me because the hairs on my legs are light. Would I describe myself as metrosexual? Probably not. Craig is though!

For the past year, when we've been training, we've started wearing something called "skins": full-length, lycra trousers. They keep you warmer than these and look a lot more manly! Maybe if these were a bit thicker, I'd wear them again.

Verdict: 6/10. If they were black, I'd wear them!

What he said: If they're good enough for Robin Hood, they're good enough for me! They probably take some getting used to; they're pretty uncomfortable. I don't see the point of wearing them under jeans. I don't have that much of a problem staying warm in winter.

I would probably wear something similar again but not these ones. Something a bit more like the "skins" we wear in training. And away from sport? Well, I'm going to the Creamfields festival in a couple of weeks. Would I wear these for that? No!

Verdict: 4/10. They're not really for me.

What he said: I've laddered twice putting them on. From the knee down, they fit OK. But I've got thick thighs and a big ass and I found them difficult to wear.

What's the most feminine thing in my wardrobe at the moment? Well, I have a few controversial T-shirts in pink and a pair of white trousers, which I don't really wear any more. I get stick for stuff like that anyway. I think I'd get even more if I started wearing these!

Nottingham's first pre-season home game is a friendly against Northampton on August 22. Log on to www.nottinghamrugby.co.uk for more details.

For more information on tights for men, log on to http://www.precious-collections.com