It’s all fun and games - until the hot weather rolls around. Long-time compression wearers know the drill.
Fall leaves bring chilly temps, longer pants, and the perfect fashion opportunity to transition summer outfits into autumn with the addition of compression tights. Winter follows with even colder months & an added excuse for additional layers. October through March glides by with little inconvenience to the compression wearer’s wardrobe. April showers bring May flowers and rising barometers too.
As hemlines shorten and winter gear is stored for the season, summer elicits longer days, welcomed sunshine, and new anxiety for support stocking users. Heat makes the prospect of layering or wearing long garments unpalatable.
Sweat + stockings anyone? No thank you. The irony about the heat & the effect it has in making wearing compression more challenging is that it can also exacerbate leg symptoms too. It’s not uncommon for swelling to worsen in hot, humid weather. Travel, a common partner to summer breaks, can also wreck havoc on leg health.
To prevent DVT while flying it’s recommended users wear compression stockings, stay hydrated and move frequently. So while its tempting to abandon compression come June, the occasions and environments that accompany it make wearing it just as important as ever. We can’t promise it will be more comfortable wearing compression stockings than it would be to rock shorts & flip flops, but there are a few tricks for making it more bearable in hot weather.
Consider fabric finish – Knit from a finer denier of covered yarns, sheers offer a bit more breathability than opaques in the hot summer months. We also love the small hint of skin they allow to glimpse through the garment. Consider them a subtle way to get the support you need while still appearing seasonally appropriate. If varicose veins or spider veins are of concern, sheer compression stockings are also a great way to provide coverage & smoothness while also sporting your favorite dresses, skirts, and shorts.
Seek out moisture-wicking materials – Certain compression socks are knit with special moisture-wicking fibers to help with moisture control & temperature management. We particularly love CoolMax, for its moisture-wicking properties that help repel moisture from your skin to keep you dry and comfortable.
Try open toe options – For days sandals are a must, opt for an open-toe compression stocking in a nude colorway. We love pairing open-toe nude thigh highs with a maxi dress in summer as a sneaky way to get support while looking effortlessly chic.
Step out of the black box – We all love a basic black, but summer’s the perfect time to mix it up. Reflect light & repel heat by opting for lighter hues. Look for socks in neutral or lighter colors. Our Rejuva knee high compression socks come in a variety of bright color and patterns that are perfect for summer. Plus, bright, fresh colors are exactly what summer is about. And with the resurgence in popularity of fashion socks, a pair with shorts & your favorite ankle boots (or rolled up jeans & tennis shoes) is an adorable and heat-friendly option too.
What's your favorite tips for surviving the heat while wearing compression? Tell us by commenting below or joining us on Facebook or Instagram. Until next time ...stay cool!
