Can Real Men Wear Compression Stockings?

For many men and even some women this may seem a valid question.  But the real question here should be – What is more important, protecting the “Male Ego” and being “Macho” or protecting your health and wellbeing?

Obviously both men and women have very similar types of legs and males as well as females can encounter the same types of venous problems with their legs.  In most cases women are comfortable with wearing compression stockings because stockings or pantyhose are normal everyday clothing items they are used to wearing.  In addition, compression hosiery can be purchased in modern styles and fashionable designs, sheer or opaque to suit any occasion, which makes it almost impossible to identify them as compression stockings.

Most men, on the other hand, have difficulty with the idea of wearing support or compression stockings, especially as a preventive measure to preserve the health of their legs.  Men who are already experiencing problems with leg pains, swelling, varicose veins and venous insufficiency (veins that no longer function correctly in performing their task of returning the blood to the heart) tend to be more open to the subject of wearing compression stockings.  This is especially true after they have experienced firsthand the relief they can bring to the painful symptoms.

Due to established attitudes in society and fear of embarrassment, many males have a hard time adopting the idea of donning support or compression stockings.  They don’t want to have anything to do with traditionally “female” stockings.  Nevertheless, men often need the support these leg garments have to offer too.

On the preventive side even without the presence of any venous conditions, good support socks, stockings or pantyhose can make the difference between heavy, tired and achy feeling legs versus energized and invigorated feeling legs after a long [work] day on your feet or prolonged periods of sitting and inactivity.  There are simply no good or logical reasons why men cannot wear support stockings or pantyhose too to keep their legs healthy.  To deliver the most effective support for your legs, the support hose should be made with fibers of at least 70 Den*) weight, or even better, 140 Den.

If your physician has prescribed compression stockings for you, in most cases there may already be an existing condition or significant symptoms involving the veins.  The bottom line – even as a man there should be no need to hide when it comes to your health and wellness.  Depending on your condition – whether you need to wear knee-high, thigh-high or pantyhose style compression stockings, your health and wellbeing should always come first.

Many men have already discovered the benefits of support and compression stockings for preserving their leg health.  Especially brave men who do not adhere to a dress code may even dare to wear shorts with their compression or support stockings during the hot summer months in order to prevent trapped heat under long pants.  Remember, compression stockings can only benefit your health if they are worn regularly from the time you get up all day and if possible every day.

*) Den or Denier = Thickness of one thread of fiber used in manufacturing hosiery.  The lower the denier number, the lighter and finer the yarn and the sheerer the stocking or pantyhose.  The denier number is numerically equal to the weight, in grams, of 9,000 meters of fiber or yarn.  For comparison a human hair for example is approximately 50 denier in thickness.

If you liked this post please let us know by clicking the Facebook like button or the G+1 button below. We also appreciate any comments and personal experiences you have to contribute.