Oroblu Shock Up
After looking on the web at different lingerie / hosiery blogs I came to the conclusion that there really is not great info out there especially with regard to Hosiery. That is one of the reasons for this blog, and the reason I will discuss Oroblu Shock Up. I will talk with some tech speak but try to explain each point as I go. Some of this post relates to hosiery in general but the bulk is related to Shock Up.
To begin with Oroblu is a brand not many have heard about in this country. Outside of the USA the company that makes Oroblu, CSP International, is the third largest hosiery manufacturer in the world. Oroblu is their premiere brand sold in the best stores in the world – Galleries Lafayette, Harrods, La Rinascente, Nordstrom etc. Another interesting fact relating to quality is that they have one of the lowest defect rates in the hosiery world of less than 1%.
Manufacturing
Oroblu is made by CSP in a state of the art factory in Ceresara, Mantova Italy. They use what is called double covered fibers to make the hosiery. Now double covered fibers add strength but also make the hosiery feel silky soft. A unique fact about Oroblu is that they “cure” their own fibers. What this means is that they buy the raw materials from companies such as Meryl or DuPont, treat them using a process that is a trade secret, then store them in computer controlled rooms where they dry over a period of time.
Once the fibers are “cured” they are fed into circular knitting machines where the tubes or legs are made. They are then joined together and a crotch is sewn in – Oroblu always uses 100% cotton in making the crotch for comfort and hygiene. Now with regards to Shock Up – the hosiery is made using different bands of compression from the ankle thru the waist. This process helps to smooth out any bulges you may have. The waist band on Oroblu was always made without rubber bands so they wont dig in. The waist band is also very wide for comfort. Once made the hosiery is then dyed for color, washed and treated with a natural scent. Each pair is then hand inspected then packed.
Denier
Denier is a term that you will see on hosiery packaging. Sometimes referred to as “Den” this is a measure of the thickness of the hosiery – Usually the higher the number the more opaque the tights. Also the more opaque the stronger the tights. Thats why very sheer tights tend to run much quicker than opaque. The original Shock Up is a 40Den. Many opaque tights are 40 den. But when you look at Shock Up it looks more sheer. This is another innovation from the folks at CSP. So Shock Up has the sheerness along with the durability.
Shaping
The true magic of Oroblu Shock Up is in the compression bands that lift and smooth without leaving behind any bulges. CBS News in New York City did a test of Oroblu and the volunteer model lost 2 ” from her waist after putting a pair on. See for yourself in this video – http://www.shopjolie.com/Oroblu-Hosiery-s/1.htm
Shock Up Family
Based on the runaway success of Oroblu Shock Up, two other versions were released. First was Shock Up Boxer, a biker short like pair with no hosiery legs. Great for the warmer months or to wear under dresses or skirts when you want the shaping without the hosiery.
The second version is called Shock Up Light. This is a 20 Denier version. An updated “lighter” or more sheer version of the original Shock Up. Great for when you want the finished look of a sheer leg especially in warmer climates.
If you have any questions or comments let me know!
