How To Choose Affordable High Quality Compression Socks
Discover how compression socks have become a versatile wardrobe essential
Compression socks have become a staple in wardrobes for people of all different sizes, interests, and needs. In the past, compression socks were often unavailable without a prescription, but now there are so many over-the-counter options you’re sure to find a pair or two to suit your style.
Those suffering from swelling or inflammation of the legs often benefit the most from wearing compression socks. But you may also want to find them for other reasons, such as if you walk or run frequently, want to diminish the appearance of varicose veins, or want to ensure a speedy recovery from workouts.
But the question remains—how do you choose affordable, high-quality compression socks? Here are some helpful tips and techniques for finding the right socks to suit your unique lifestyle.
Why Wear Compression Socks?
Compression socks are helpful for many reasons, and not just for those with specific medical needs. If you have concerns about ensuring good blood flow through the legs and feet, or even if you don’t, compression socks can still help improve your wellness in other ways.
People often wear compression socks or stockings as a preventative measure to ensure optimum health and well-being. They also come in various styles, patterns, and designs, so there are cute women's leg support options for any situation.
Compression socks are also handy for outdoor fitness activities, such as hiking or skiing. They can be worn for sports or everyday wear to help ease fatigue if you’re on your feet often. They also help enhance recovery so your legs and feet aren’t as sore afterward.
The socks are often more popular with the following types of people:
-Runners, cyclists, hikers, CrossFit people, and other athletes
-Nurses who are on their feet for long periods
-Hospitality workers, servers, bartenders, and other people who work long shifts on their feet.
-Those who sit for long periods throughout the day - office workers, travelers, etc.
-Those suffering from restless leg syndrome (RLS) or leg camps must wear them at nighttime.
However - compression socks can work for literally anyone who’s looking to incorporate some socks in their wardrobe for style and elevate their look!
Choosing The Proper Compression Level
The first step in considering the quality and the right compression socks is the level of pressure. There are different pressure levels, and they are set in “mmHg,” or millimeters or mercury.
A helpful guide that you can follow when looking at compression levels includes the following:
10 to 20 mmHg: Daily wear compression socks are often at this level. They are excellent for travel, playing sports, or after-workout recovery. They help to improve circulation without being too tight and have a lighter pressure support level.
20 to 30 mmHg: These are often used for medical recovery after surgery to keep the blood flow in the legs moving, especially if you’ll be off your feet for a while. They work well for daily wear and can help manage the symptoms of spider and varicose veins with more support.
Over 30 mmHg: This pressure level is needed for more severe medical conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), edema, severe swelling in the legs due to pregnancy or weight gain, or other conditions that usually require a doctor’s prescription. You won’t find many compression socks at this high level over the counter.
Choosing The Right Style and Size
Remember that you must consider different compression socks styles in addition to the pressure. For example, if you have a wider calf and wear knee-high compression socks, you must ensure they fit over your calf without being too tight. Ask if the company or brand has a wide-calf fit specification.
Specific foot sizes also exist, so be sure to consult a shoe size chart to ensure you’re getting the proper fit. Women’s sizes may come in S (small), M (medium), or L (large). Men’s sizes typically come in M (medium), L (large), XL (extra large), and even XXL (extra-extra large). Look for charts that provide specific shoe sizes to choose the right size accurately.
There are also differences in compression sock heights to watch out for. You may see knee-high compression socks, but there might also be micro compression socks or some that are shorter, like crew and ankle sizes.
The circulatory benefits of compression work best with knee-high compression socks or stockings that go farther up the leg. But a shorter size may be beneficial if you’re just using them for sports activities.
More Tips for Compression Socks
Choosing the style and material will be the most challenging step. There are so many to choose from! For different options when it comes to the material of your socks, here are some of the standard options:
Opaque fabric socks are ideal for durability, so they are often the choice of those doing fitness activities. They are strong enough to withstand throughout performance. They can also come with moisture-wicking capabilities to help with sweat and keep feet dry.
Sheer fabric compression socks are more lightweight, fashionable, and easy to pair with your outfits.
Cotton or wool-style compression is the most durable but are generally used for lower compression levels.
Styles can range from diamond patterns to animal prints like tiger stripes. After determining the proper compression level, size, and style or material you’ll want from your compression socks, the final step is to ensure they fit right and are within your price range. This is why following size charts is essential, especially if you’re purchasing online.
It can be most helpful to consult with a doctor or healthcare professional when choosing compression socks, asking for recommendations on pressure level, fabric, and quality. Finding more affordable brands may come from suggestions and insight so you can craft a well-curated wardrobe. Take your time to make the most informed decision and try out some pairs if you can, with the ability to return them if they don’t suit your needs.
