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Compression Socks and Tights: Benefits, Who Should Wear Them, and How They Work

Compression Socks and Tights: Benefits, Who Should Wear Them, and How They Work

Why Compression? 

Since our launch in 2018, we’ve been getting emails and DMs from our community asking about compression products and whether or not we plan on developing them. And for good reason! There are many reasons why most people can benefit from wearing light compression products to improve their health. Let’s dive into it…

What are Compression Socks and Tights? 

Compression socks and tights are specifically designed to put therapeutic pressure on your calves or legs in order to promote enhanced blood circulation in your body. The blood in your body travels from head to toe. However, the blood in your feet and lower legs often have to work extra-hard against gravity to push the blood back up to the heart. As we get older, the veins in our feet are unable to push the blood as efficiently and the blood is more stagnant around the feet than we would like, creating uncomfortable swelling. Compression socks and tights put pressure on the veins and arteries in your legs, which helps the veins push the blood back up to the heart.

Compression socks and tights come in lots of different grades and strengths (8mmHg to 50mmHg), but anything 20mmHg and up would be considered “medical-grade” and is usually prescribed or recommended by a healthcare professional. Threads’ compression socks and tights are “light compression” (not medical grade), meaning they are 8-15mmHg and do not need to be prescribed by a healthcare professional. 

Are Compression Socks & Tights Right For Me?

Compression socks & tights can be helpful for you if you are someone who is:

  • On their feet all day - Wearing compression products can help reduce fatigue.
  • Working a desk job - Wearing compression products can help circulation
  • Pregnant - Blood volume increases in pregnant women, which can lead to swelling particular in legs and ankles. Wearing compression products can help the risk of getting varicose veins.
  • Traveling or flying a lot - Long trips can lead to circulation issues (particularly if you’re not getting up to move around every hour or so).
  • An athlete or works out a lot - Wearing compression products after working out can lower post-exercise blood lactate levels and reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).

Our compression products have light graduated compression, meaning the compression is highest around the ankle and eases up as you get higher on the leg (for maximum comfort!). That being said, everyone is different and we recommend you consult with your healthcare provider! 

Compression for Athletes and Active People

Whether you're a runner, cyclist, triathlete, or someone who just takes their gym sessions seriously, compression is one of the most underrated tools in your kit. It works both during and after exercise, and there's science to back it up.

During activity: Graduated compression helps maintain consistent blood flow to working muscles, which can reduce the sensation of fatigue during longer efforts.
Post-workout recovery: Wearing compression after exercise has been shown to reduce blood lactate levels and minimize delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) (that deep achiness you feel 24–48 hours after a hard effort). Basically: less soreness, faster recovery.
Compression tights are also popular with cyclists and runners for the added muscle support during long rides or runs, reducing vibration and micro-movement in the leg muscles, which contributes to fatigue over time.

Health Benefits of Compression Socks & Tights:

  • Improves circulation in legs and feet
  • Reduces swelling and pressure 
  • Minimizes pain caused by varicose veins
  • Enhance lymphatic drainage
  • Provides support for tired and achy legs 
  • Speeds up post-exercise recovery
  • Helps prevent DVY risk during long-distance travel (consult your doctor)

Note: Everybody is different! We recommend you consult your doctor or healthcare provider to make sure compression socks are right for you.

Compression Socks vs. Compression Tights: What's the Difference?
Both deliver the same graduated compression benefits — the difference is coverage and preference:

  • Compression socks cover the foot and calf. Great for travel, desk days, and workouts where you want to layer freely.
  • Compression tights cover the full leg. Popular for athletes (especially runners and cyclists), during pregnancy, and anyone who wants full-leg coverage and support throughout the day.

How to Care for Your Compression Products
Compression garments are made with elastane and technical fibres that need a little more care than your average sock. To protect the compression and extend the life of your garment:
•    Hand wash or machine wash on a gentle/delicate cycle in a delicates bag. 
•    Use cold water and a mild detergent
•    Avoid fabric softener (it breaks down the elastic fibres)
•    Air dry flat. NEVER put in the dryer.

Can I get compression socks & tights at Threads?

Yes! We have both tights and socks. You can see our Compression collection here.

P.S. Our Knee-High Light Compression socks recently won the award for "Best Dressy Compression Sock" by Women's Health Magazine!

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