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For a long time, the terms adaptive clothing and style didn’t fit in the same sentence. As adaptive clothes are primarily medical aids, the focus was always on improving their function, not appearance. Nowadays, however, more and more designers are working with adaptive clothing brands to ensure the clothes look stylish while still fulfilling their purpose.
Compression socks are a shining example of this trend, combining style and functionality without compromising on either. Whether you’re an athlete or dealing with blood circulation issues, compression socks can be a lifesaver, and what’s best, they’ll only contribute to your look. Here’s what you need to know.
How do compression socks work?
Compression socks are specifically made to create graduated pressure on your lower leg, and that pressure is strongest around your ankle, after which it gradually subsides as the sock goes further up to the knee. You can choose the level of pressure that’s best suited to your preferences and/or medical conditions, and you can also choose your favorite style.
Long gone are the days of unseemly beige stockings because there are now plenty of great options like Vim Vigr’s fashionable compression socks for women and men alike. You can take your pick of color, pattern, and material and kill two birds with one stone – take care of your health and look stylish doing it.
Who can benefit from wearing compression socks?
Compression socks have many uses, but their main role is improving your leg circulation. While they were primarily invented for people dealing with Deep Vein Thrombosis, today, you can spot these garments just about anywhere. They’re now a part of athleisure wear as much as they’re adaptive clothing, and as such, can be found in a variety of colors, styles, and materials.
Graduated compression stockings can make a world of difference for:
- People with circulation problems and a high risk of blood clots
- Everyone who exercises regularly and wants to minimize leg fatigue
- People who travel regularly and have predominantly sedentary jobs
- Everyone recovering from an injury
- People who are dealing with leg swelling due to various illnesses
- Pregnant women wanting to minimize the swelling and discomfort
The list goes on, but these groups use compression socks frequently and often with excellent results. If you’re finding yourself in one of them, consider talking to your doctor about getting your own pair.
Using Compression Socks into Your Daily Style
Compression socks are no longer just a medical necessity—they’ve evolved into a versatile accessory that can easily be incorporated into your everyday wardrobe.
With a variety of colors, patterns, and styles available, you can now match compression socks to your personal style without sacrificing comfort. Whether you’re heading to the office, running errands, or going for a casual weekend outing, compression socks can blend seamlessly into your look.
Pair them with ankle boots, sneakers, or even loafers to add a subtle yet functional element to your outfit, all while reaping the benefits of improved circulation and reduced leg fatigue. By choosing designs that suit your aesthetic, you can maintain both health and fashion effortlessly throughout the day.
How do you pick your compression socks?
It takes more effort to find adaptive clothing that fits you well, specifically because they’re made to cater to a special need, so you need to know how to pick the pieces that will truly work for you. The same rule goes for compression socks.
First of all, you need to pick the right compression level for your condition because, in this case, one size most definitely doesn’t fit all. There are usually several levels of compression to choose from:
- Up to 15 mmHg – This is the lowest level of compression (mild), and you can use it preventatively while you’re traveling or dealing with a few varicose veins.
- 15-20 mmHg – The level of pressure is slightly higher so these socks are suitable for people who want to wear them every day to improve the state of their varicose veins. This moderate compression is also good for preventing clots in your veins when flying.
- 20-50 mmHg – We’re in the realm of firm compression, which is ideally suited for managing moderate swelling and discomfort in your legs. You can also use these socks while you’re recovering from surgery. If the compression socks have pressure higher than 30 mmHg, they can be used for serious circulation problems like lymphedema, Deep Vein Thrombosis, and painful varicose veins. These should be only used if recommended by your doctor.
Compression socks with compression levels of 40-50 mmHg are considered medical-grade adaptive clothing and should be used only if your doctor prescribes them to you. They’re reserved for the most severe cases of circulatory issues and health conditions.
There are also different shapes of compression socks you can go for, depending on what you plan to use them for. Knee-high stockings are the most common choice, but you can also opt for compression sleeves, which are perfect for running, or thigh-high variety for additional support. There’s even a pantyhose option, if your entire legs would benefit from that extra bit of support.
You want to pick materials that are seamless and allow your skin to breathe, such as cotton, polyester, nylon, and spandex.
Conclusion
Adaptive clothing is only now entering a new era in which the beauty of the garment doesn’t have to be sacrificed for functionality. Compression socks are a perfect example of strides being made in the right direction, and hopefully, things will only continue to improve. Now it’s easier than ever to find the stockings that will give you the support you need and contribute to your style, so enjoy the perks to the max.
