When the weather picks up and the sun starts shining, the thought of wearing thick, tight compression socks is not a good one. But whether you need them for a medical reason, are a keen athlete, or work a demanding job, wearing compression socks in summer can still be a comfortable, beneficial experience.
This blog post tells you everything you need to know about the best compression socks for the summer heat.
Who Might Need Summer Compression Socks
Even in the UK, those hot summer days can make us reach for our sandals or flip-flops, but sometimes, compression socks are still needed for the circulation benefits they bring.
Health Conditions That May Require Compression in the Heat
- Varicose veins: Compression socks and stockings improve blood flow and can prevent varicose veins from getting worse.
- Lymphedema: They can keep swelling under control, especially in the heat, when fluid retention can increase.
- Chronic venous insufficiency: Helps blood circulate more effectively back to the heart.
- DVT: As above, they improve circulation and help to prevent DVT.
- Post-surgical recovery: Reduces swelling and may aid healing.
Professionals Who Should Wear Compression Socks in Summer
If your job has you sitting or standing for long hours, summer compression socks can be a great addition to your wardrobe. Some of these professions include:
- Healthcare Professionals: Doctors, nurses, paramedics and porters who are on their feet all day.
- Frequent Travellers: Flyers, drivers and commuters risk swelling and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by spending a long time sitting.
- Retail, Teaching & Manual Jobs: Employees who spend all day standing and moving could benefit from compression garments.
- Office & Desk Occupations: Compression socks can help offset poor circulation from sitting too long.
Athletes and Active Lifestyles
Whether you’re a runner or a hiker, a gym bunny or a cyclist, wearing sports compression socks in summer can help you recover faster and avoid the dreaded DOMS. In the warmer months, breathable compression socks can also be worn while competing to keep your feet cooler.
How To Wear Compression Socks In Summer
Wearing compression socks in summer doesn’t have to mean putting up with hot, sweaty feet and an uncomfortable day. If you know what to look for and you find the right pair, you won’t notice any difference. So, here’s how to comfortably wear compression socks in the summer.
- Material Choice: Choose a lightweight, breathable material such as cotton or bamboo. These are great at wicking away moisture, cooling you down and helping prevent getting smelly feet.
- Choosing the Right Type: You might not want to wear long socks during the warm weather, so if you can, choose summer calf compression sleeves that can be used with your preferred summer wardrobe or below knee compression stockings.
- Choose a Light Compression: Unless you have a medical condition, choosing a light compression level between 14-17 mmHg should help keep you cool and comfortable, while still proving beneficial. Our Fitlegs Everyday Life range of compression socks are all 14-17mmHg and would be a great fit for summer months.
There are also some things you can do to help keep you cool and comfortable throughout those hot summer days. For example, keeping well hydrated will help your circulation and regulate your temperature. Likewise, wearing them with lightweight, breathable footwear will let cool air get to your feet and legs. Finally, you could consider having a spare, fresh pair on hand to change during the day
FITLEGs: The Best Compression Socks For Summer Heat
To keep your feet cool and blood circulating this summer, look no further than FITLEGs Everyday range of compression socks.
Lightweight, breathable and available in a wide range of compression levels, they’re the perfect choice for the warmer weather.
