Gone are the days where compression socks were only for athletes and those who need medical grade support. From running errands and lounging at home to hitting the gym and a night out on the town, it's now easier than ever to find the perfect pair of compression socks to fit your lifestyle. Forget dull and drab; stylish compression socks for circulation, inflammation, and lymphatic support now come in a variety of colors, styles and lengths, so you can do more than just 'make them work' - you can use them to elevate your look while you enjoy all of the compression sock benefits including:
- Prevent swelling in ankles
- Improve circulation to legs
- Reduce swelling after surgery
- Period pain and menopause support
- Avoid leg fatigue
- Boost athletic performance
- Reduce pain in legs and feet
Pear Compression ensures that these benefits don't have to come at the expense of your style. Our modern compression stockings come in a variety of fabrics and designs that can be easily incorporated into a range of looks and lifestyles.
In this blog article, we'll take a look at the history of compression socks to see how far we've come in terms of innovative materials, cutting-edge designs, and stylish options that offer a vast range of uses for compression socks and make integrating them into your daily wardrobe a breeze!
A Brief History of Compression Socks
A brief history of anything might not sound like a thrilling read but knowing where compression socks came from reveals an evolutionary journey that dates back to ancient times. (We'll make it brief, we promise!)
Surajit Bhattacharya's research on 'Wound Healing Through the Ages', notes how Ancient Egyptians "were masters in applying and arranging bandages, and they recognized the cardinal signs of infection and inflammation." Wrapping bandages and binding swollen and painful limbs was widely acceptable throughout ancient Egyptian and Roman civilizations, which signaled the starting point for what eventually became compression garments.
The modern incarnation of compression stockings was invented by Conrad Jobst just before the Second World War. Noting the positive impact that the pressure of swimming pool water had on his chronic venous insufficiency, he sought to re-create the results with what would become the first compression socks. Jobst officially established his compression sock brand in 1950 which was taken over by his wife in 1957 after his death. The design was later adapted in the 1980s to offer graduated compression, which is the foundation of industry-leading compression socks today.
More recent history has shown compression socks to be scientifically-proven to offer a range of health benefits, including the ability to reduce inflammation, support recovery after surgery, and improve circulation.
Modern Compression Socks
Today, compression sock design has become so advanced that they are practically indistinguishable from regular socks (i.e. no more trying to hide beige or brown socks that look like they came from a medical supply store!). Thought-leading compression sock brands, like Pear, have revolutionized the market with materials, designs, and styles that have people who wear compression socks looking chic and stylish as they go about their daily lives with their designer compression socks in full view of unsuspecting passers-by.
Compression Sock Materials
From makeshift bandages and elasticated garments to intricate weaving, and hypoallergenic, natural materials, compression sock materials have come a long way. Today's compression socks are made with fabrics that can help regulate temperature for optimum comfort, and Pear offers a choice between a premium, Italian-made Microfiber and Lycra blend or a sheer Polyamide and Elastane blend that's perfect for the office or a night out on the town. The superior materials we use are also soft and breathable, anti-microbial, moisture-wicking, and have anti-odor properties that keep your socks feeling and smelling fresh throughout the day (because no one enjoys a smelly sock).
Compression Sock Designs
Compression socks now come in a variety of designs to provide superior support and comfort while being stylish enough to be worn for any occasion. While early compression socks came in a limited 'skin tone' color palette, modern compression sock designs are available in everything from playful patterns and graphics to solid colors and subtle stripes. Pear's Be Kind Crew Compression Socks come with a little reminder embroidered onto your socks for a subtle but meaningful way to encourage you to be just as kind to yourself as you are to others. Our signature Pink Polka dot Knee-High Socks are the perfect addition to any fashion-forward wardrobe, and our convenient three-packs come in a range of muted and deep tones, natural colors, and simply chic black and white to go with any uniform or outfit.
Compression Sock Styles
Today, there are a variety of compression socks that are easy to put on (no bending and contorting required), with each one providing its own benefits and level of support. Knee-high compression socks provide coverage from the foot up to just below the knee and are ideal for those who lead active lifestyles or who suffer from chronic pain, swelling, or inflammation in their legs. Ankle-length compression socks or crew socks, as we call them at Pear, provide support from the foot to just above the ankle and are perfectly suited to those who want to reduce swelling in feet and relieve or prevent swelling in ankles. Pear's brand new range of sheer compression stockings have been designed to provide working professionals and socialites alike with the support they need without taking away from their overall aesthetic.
How to Incorporate Fashionable Compression Stockings into Your Wardrobe
If you're wanting to enjoy all of the compression sock benefits, but you're worried about how to incorporate them into your wardrobe, fear not! We're here to help.
The first question you might be asking is can you wear compression stockings all day? The short answer is an all-out yes! Compression socks are designed to be worn throughout the day, and with Pear's range of stylish options and comfortable fabrics, you can match them with your outfit or uniform for the day and even see them transform with your ensemble as you move from your day to night look. The only caveats we have here are that:
(a) sleeping with compression socks is typically a no-no, and
(b) if you do suffer from chronic pain, poor circulation, diabetes, or any venous disorders, you should chat to your healthcare provider to see what they recommend as your optimal compression level and how long you should wear them for during the day.
Casual Compression
Compression socks can be worn as part of more leisurely looks (we call it casual compression), and we recommend pairing our White and Tan Outline Knee-High Compression Socks with your favorite loungewear for a relaxed day at home or channeling all the neutrals by pairing our Tan and Black Be Kind Crew Compression Socks with jeans, a neutral t-shirt or tank top, and white sneakers for a casual weekend lunch date with friends. Compression socks have been shown to be an innovative period pain remedy and provide support for menopause-related symptoms so wearing a Pear around the house can be beneficial in a myriad of ways beyond improved circulation.
Step it Up
Compression socks have been proven to help those who stand for extended periods during the day avoid leg fatigue and prevent swelling in legs and ankles by improving circulation. If you're looking to take your compression socks from home to the office, then our Sheer Knee-High Compression Socks are a brilliant choice under a pencil skirt or trousers. Sheer compression knee-highs are also great for a night out on the town and provide just the right amount of coverage while allowing for a more elegant and sophisticated look. If you're a nurse, healthcare worker, beautician, waiter, or anyone who wears a uniform to work, our choice of knee-high compression stockings or crew compression socks in white, tan, or black are designed to blend in seamlessly with any uniform and are machine washable so a 3-pack can easily last you all week!
For the Gentlemen
The misconception that compression socks are strictly for women couldn’t be further from the truth! Men who perform construction work, office work, electrical work, those who are in nursing, healthcare, teaching, and hospitality, and those who sit for extended periods of time such as men in the IT industry are increasingly wearing men’s crew compression socks and knee-highs for work and recreation. Our Black and White Outline Knee-High Compression Socks are well-suited to wearing with construction boots and our Light Grey Knee-High Compression Socks are great for both professional environments and casual-wear.
Ambitious Athletes
Compression socks for athletes have long been considered an excellent way to boost performance and accelerate recovery for both pros and novices. Our White and Tan Be Kind Crew Cut Compression Socks will have you feeling motivated and supported for your next gym session, and they're perfect for hitting the courts too. Put on a Pear of Dark Grey Knee-High Compression Socks with your favorite running shorts and you’ll be ready to hit the track or trail in ultimate style!
Conclusion
At Pear, we understand that everyone is different and that compression socks (crew-length and knee-highs) are worn for a wide range of reasons. Whether you’re an avid athlete, struggle with diabetes or venous disease-related symptoms, or you’re simply looking to proactively maintain your health, we’re committed to providing you with the highest quality, fashionable compression stockings for every lifestyle. With modern designs that compliment any uniform or outfit, our range is not only elegant and contemporary but our standard and sheer compression socks are all made with premium-quality, natural materials that are hypoallergenic for sensitive skin and easy to wash in the machine.
Browse our range today to find your perfect Pear!
While we do make every effort to produce accurate and up-to-date content, the information in this blog article is provided for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health program. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.