The Actually Stylish Compression Socks That Made My Mother Cry
Save this article to read it later.
Find this story in your account’s‘Saved for Later’section.
Comment
When my mother had both of her knees replaced at the same time a few years ago, the worst part of the recovery was her surgeon’s edict that she should be wearingcompression socks22 hours a day for at least three months. Compression socks are a marvelous invention, keeping blood circulating throughout your limbs, but fashionable they are not. After a solid month of wearing nothing but tan, white, or blacksocks, she was desperate for something else. I Googled “hip compression socks,” and much to my surprise, I found a bunch from Montana brandVim & Vigr, and when I gifted her a few pairs, she cried from happiness when she opened the box.
Compression socks have long been associated with medical necessity, but there’s no reason they have to be surgeon prescribed. Sitting at a desk all day usually means legs aren’t getting enough circulation (it’s why doctors say that astanding deskisn’t necessarily so helpful as just getting up and walking around every hour or so). Since I am on my feet all day at work, I already begin and end every day withthis yoga poseto let gravity do its thing, but adding compression socks to the mix has been a magic bullet. They work by utilizing a heavier-than-average elastic to create increased pressure on your legs, ankles, and feet, which then allows more blood to return to the heart — and the difference in how much less fatigued (and more energized) my legs feel is astounding.
The beauty of Vim & Vigr is that it takes nice-feeling black or tan compression socks and injects them with actual style. You can choose from tastefulmicro dots,nautical stripes, or maybe arugby lookif you’re so inclined (they makemen’s socks, too). I’ve started planning my workday outfits around them —this black-and-white striped pairin particular looks as cute peeking out of a pair of croppedjeansand a frilly blouse as it does with a knee-length skirt andT-shirt. Even if you’re not the kind of person who goes for a statement-sock look, there aresubtly patterned versionsthat quietly whisper when your pants ride up (and they’re not saying, “I have varicose veins”). They’re a perfect gift for the oldermomordadwho wants compression without sacrificing personality.
New! You can now save this product for later.
New! You can now save this product for later.
New! You can now save this product for later.
More Strat-approved socks and compression wear
New! You can now save this product for later.
Strategistsenior editor Simone Kitchenssays of these Smartwool socks: “Day to day, walking around, usually in Converse, I need my socks to be very, very thin. I like the women’s ultralightweight Smartwools: They don’t get all bunched up, still show a little ankle, and while not cheap, they seem to live a longer life.”
New! You can now save this product for later.
Writer Crystal Martin tested thePhysiclo compression pantsand found that they made a big difference in her workout: “I was breathing heavier than usual, sweating more, hitting a wall. I ended up tapping out a mile short of my four-mile goal. This was a disappointment. But I woke up the next day to an unfamiliar after-run sensation: sore abs. The lower abs, in particular. It was like that time I did an advanced-Pilates class, and my stomach soreness radiated down to my groin. The Physiclos had turned my run day into an ab day.”
The Strategistis designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the bestacne treatments,rolling luggage,pillows for side sleepers,natural anxiety remedies, andbath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
Every editorial product is independently selected. If you buy something through our links,New Yorkmay earn an affiliate commission.
