I know, you’ve seen ads all over the place and now you want to know why you should spend your hard-earned money on socks - well, you’ve come to the right place.
Let’s start with a couple of easy ones…
1) What are compression socks?
In short, they’re a specialty sock designed to apply pressure to your lower legs. Simple right?
2) What is ‘graduated’ compression?
Graduated compression has it’s tightest area around your ankle and the socks gradually reduce pressure as they move up the leg.
3) Ok… now why? And how is graduated compression different than ‘normal’ compression socks?
Well, compression socks are simply socks that are designed to be tight-fitting and stretchy in order to gently squeeze your leg. Graduated compression socks on the other hand (like the ones that Collective Socks designs) utilize the gradual reduction in pressure in increase circulation and reduce lower leg fatigue.
4) Would I benefit from Graduated Compression? Even if I’m not an athlete?
Well, I guess that depends… do you travel? Are you on your feet all day? Do you suffer from poor circulation? There are any number of reasons to wear graduated compression socks and only a small number of them revolve around athletics. Do compression socks help athletes? Absolutely, but that doesn’t mean those same benefits can’t be applied to a nurse or doctor working a 12 hour shift, or a line worker or server going in for a double shift. Keeping your lower legs ‘happy’ is the key to maintaining your energy - the better your circulation, the better you’ll feel.
5) What in the world is mmHg?
This is the default measurement for the level of compression that a garment provides. It’s an easy way to compare from style to style or brand to brand the ‘strength’ of the compression you’re going to be wearing.
mmHg = millimeters of mercury, which is the same scale used to take your blood pressure.
6) What are the levels of compression socks?
8-15 mmHg: The lightest amount of pressure that will be placed on your limbs. This is ideal for those with tired / achy legs in need of a subtle boost in circulation.
15-20 mmHg: This range treats mild conditions such as varicose veins as well as the aches and swelling caused by pregnancy or traveling for long periods. This range is ideal for anyone who sits or stands for long periods of time and can help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) from occurring.
20-30 mmHg: This is the sweet spot. In this range you’ll experience a moderate level of pressure on your limbs. Those with edema, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or varicose veins will appreciate socks that fall in this range. Compression socks with moderate-level compression are also ideal for many types of athletes including runners.
30-40 mmHg: This range treats more severe conditions of edema as well as those suffering from active venous stasis ulcers. Socks in this range will most likely require a doctor’s prescription due to the more intense treatment they provide.
40-50 mmHg: This is the highest compression level that is mainly prescribed by doctors to treat chronic venous conditions.
7) Why Collective Socks?
We finally got here… the most important question of the day.
Collective Socks range from 15-25 mmHg which puts us right in the sweet spot for use - nothing with too much pressure, just enough to alleviate poor circulation and rescue your lower legs from misery. We offer 2 styles of graduate compression socks - Over-the-Calf (OTC) or Knee High Compression Sock and low cut compression sock styles so you can choose the support your most comfortable with.
Lightweight compression socks - designed to soft to the touch, our 200N High Density Knit will keep your feet and legs in soft comfort all day. With an ever-increasing array of colorful options, our designer compression socks can be worn to match your mood, outfit or activity without losing the benefits of graduated compression!
Take a look for yourself in our SHOP
JB
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