How to Look & Feel Good Wearing Compression Hose in the Summer
A reader wrote to ask me how to look and feel good wearing compression hose in the summer. Good question! I did my usual research and discovered a wide array of answers. It depends on lots of things. Some of them are:
- the colors,
- the materials,
- the situation and environment,
- your style preferences
- and even your wardrobe.
I’m happy to honor requests from my readers, so feel free to ask away! I hope you benefit from what I found out about:
How to Look & Feel Good Wearing Compression Hose in Summer
First, let me mention who can reap health benefits from wearing compression stockings. A pair of compression socks may be recommended by doctors to patients recovering from surgery or to those who suffer from certain medical conditions. But they are also helpful and healthy for:
- athletes and fitness enthusiasts,
- pregnant women,
- people with circulatory issues,
- frequent travelers and
- people who stand or sit for long hours.
Compression socks increase blood flow, thereby energizing your feet and legs. They alleviate so many leg problems, including varicose veins.
So let’s see how to look and feel good wearing compression hose despite the heat of summer!
Choose lively colors that stand out. Experiment with color clashes; you never know what might end up looking amazing until you try. You might like to read my post on how to be bold and creative with print mixing HERE. You might also like to explore my posts on Color Combos HERE.
Wear bold patterns with a monochrome outfit.
Repel heat rather than absorbing it by opting for lighter colors. Look for compression socks in neutrals or the lighter colors of summer. 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-avoidance option too.
Choose subtle tones or sheer stockings in a less relaxed setting, such as in an office.
Embrace the athletic look when you’re hiking or running. Or go for a golf chic look when you’re off duty (such as plaid socks with shorts and a polo shirt).
— From “How to Style Cute Outfits with Compression Socks” at Vim&Vigor
Tips for Wearing Compression Hose in Summer
You totally can wear compression socks with open-toed shoes. In fact, you can find a range of open-toe socks or stockings. These will still give you the benefit of a blood flow boost around your ankles and lower limbs.
Knee-high socks in the summer give you a fresh preppy look while keeping your legs energized and light. They work great with dresses and skirts too.
Wearing compression hose in the summer in knee-high length with maxi dresses and maxi skirts makes it easy to keep cool. If your stockings are not toeless, try adding some comfy sneakers or stretchy slip-ons.
If you have printed or solid-color opaque stockings, you can get away with wearing shorter skirts.
Jumpsuits are loose enough to allow air to circulate at the same time as covering your legs.
My favorite outfit formula is leggings and a loose tunic, whether dressy or casual.
Compression Hose in Summer With Shorts
Here are some tips for looking good in shorts and support hose, also known as compression socks or stockings:
- Consider the environment: For a more relaxed look, try bold patterns or lively colors that stand out. In a less relaxed setting, like an office, you can try more subtle tones or sheer stockings that complement your outfit.
- Choose the right style: For a sporty look, pair neutral compression socks with casual shorts. For a golf chic style, try ironed shorts and a polo shirt with preppy plaid compression socks. Knee-high compression socks can also look great with jeans shorts or a dress.
- Skin-toned stockings are best under light-color pants or skirts or even shorts. But bright colored and patterned socks might also work with certain clothing options.
- Choose breathable options: In hot weather, you can also try toeless compression socks with sandals, or thigh highs that are cooler than tights. If you plan on being active, like at the gym or on the basketball court, breathable compression socks can help keep your feet smelling fresh and prevent bacteria.
- Knee-high and thigh-high stockings are cooler than pantyhose.
- There are toeless compression stocking options if you want to wear sandals. Just try your best to match your stockings to your skin color.
Final Thoughts on Wearing Compression Hose
- She recommends Juzo, Sigvaris and Jobst for medical-grade compression garments that are colorful or patterned and not as high in price as others.
- Sockwell has moderate-to-firm graduated compression socks that are cute and come in various colors and patterns.
- In the summer, Lana feels most comfortable in compression socks with loose-fitting linen or other breathable trousers.
- For footwear, she finds that high tops or a high vamp add additional support to control swelling. Shoes with ties or with stretch are more practical because they allow for fluctuations in swelling throughout the day. Lana typically prefers high-top sneakers, lace-up booties, slip-on shoes with stretch or sandals with Velcro for easy adjustability.
In Conclusion
Be the most comfortable by being your true self. Choose to wear what you love and dare to try something new. It just might take a little more effort to feel presentable, but don’t let that stop you. You are worth it!
P.S. When I talk to you, I take my own advice. When I encourage you, I encourage myself. We are all the same, only with different challenges. I love writing and researching subjects for you because I end up learning and using the information for myself as well!
So I hope this was helpful to you. Please let me know. I’d love it if you would leave a reply below!
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Angie
Related posts:
Lifelong Health, Ways to Wear It
Comfort Dressing, Compression Garments, Dress for Health, Summer, Summer Style
Thank you for all the great ideas, Angie! I struggle with swelling due to lymphedema, and it takes courage to wear compression with shorts. The hardest thing about wearing compression in the summer is how hot the stockings feel. And the psychological/emotional component is real. You’ve presented some fun options!
I hope this is helpful, Betsy! XO, Angie
What an excellent post, Angie! This is also great for people who have to take long flights! The hot weather definitely makes wearing them more of a challenge!
I didn’t talk about the difficulties that caused someone to ask for help with this, so thanks for mentioning a couple of the reasons this is a helpful post!