'Mantyhose' on display on men's legs in New York - KMSP-TV

From Robin Hood, to Henry VIII and Superman. Until recently, men's tights were safely preserved in history.

But now a new phenomenon called "mantyhose" has been unleashed on the streets of New York City.

Lisa Cavallini, daughter of mantyhose designer Emilio Cavallini, says the trend had a resurgence a few years ago in Europe, and it's now moving across the pond. Their company specializes in women's hosiery, but she says 30 percent of U.S. online sales are now for men's tights. 

"Men love them because they are so comfortable and… they allow them to create different looks," she says.

Model Gavin Eastlack chose to rock them with shorts. The look for Eastlack is black and white checkers. This was his first time wearing mantyhose. He says he's a happy customer.

"I'd definitely wear them in the street, especially being around New York," he says. "New York's very fashion forward." 

Not to be confused with celeb favorite meggings (or men's leggings), mantyhose actually cover the entire leg and foot, providing extra warmth in cold temperatures.

But some New York guys we spoke to say they would rather freeze. 

"It just don't seem manly for me, anyone else who wants to do it, good for them," one guy says.

"In terms of the aesthetics involved, it's just not what floats my boat," another says.

The jury's still out on whether or not mantyhose will have a big impact in the city. For those who are surprised by mantyhose, get ready for the next trend in menswear: men's dresses.