If you are wearing compression stockings regularly, which realistically is really the only way you can benefit from them, you may have mixed feelings when it comes to summer sun and fun and the frequently very hot and humid days that come with it.

When temperatures soar, it is all too tempting to consider foregoing wearing compression or support hosiery for edema (swelling), varicose veins or whatever other venous problems you may be dealing with.

You may be thinking, “a few months of not wearing compression stockings or support hose won’t make any difference in the long run” for the sake of wearing shorts and sandals and enjoying that airy feeling of the summer breeze around your legs and feet.

However, you may want to think again before you get yourself lulled into the belief that “it won’t make a difference” whether or not you are donning compression stockings.

As convenient as it may sound, not wearing graduated compression or support hose during the hot weather season could have very negative consequences of potentially worsening any vein or lymphatic problems you have.

It is a known fact any vein specialist will confirm to you that during the heat of the summer already weakened veins are even more at risk of further deterioration than during the colder months.

We also recommend reading our post

“The Price You Could Pay For Not Wearing Compression Stockings When You Should”

Compression Stocking Alternatives for the Summer

In the following, we will discuss viable options for compression stockings that allow the legs to breathe a little easier during the hotter season, yet still provide the much-needed compression and support to help with conditions such as varicose veins, spider veins, swelling, and other venous issues.

• Compression Leggings
• Footless Compression Pantyhose
• Footless Compression Tights
• Open Toe Compression Stockings
• Open Toe Compression Pantyhose

Compression Leggings
They can be found as Capri style or ankle-length footless leggings featuring graduated compression.

Whether you prefer pants style leggings or leggings for each individual leg without the pants portion you can have your choice.

Mixed and matched with skirts or dresses, tunics and T-shirts compression leggings can be paired up with sandals, flip flops or open-toed shoes for seemingly endless fashion combinations.

The built-in graduated compression in these garments can not only help with leg discomfort, varicose veins and swelling but may even provide an added bonus of creating a slimming and shaping effect on your legs and thighs.

Footless Compression Pantyhose and Tights
Following the trend of creating more fashionable compression garments, an ever-growing number of manufacturers are now offering sheer footless compression pantyhose and tights with lighter and stronger support depending on the desired health benefits.

In addition, modern compression legwear is undeniably becoming more and more attractive to the point of mirroring the looks of main street hosiery with creative designs and a vivid range of colors.

Made of highly durable fibers and utilizing advanced knitting technology, today’s graduated compression garments can wick away moisture and provide the wearer with a cooler all-around comfortable feeling, especially during the summer months.

Did you know that the waitresses of a certain popular restaurant chain share a not so well kept secret?  Footless and footed compression pantyhose and tights are not only part of their waitressing attire, but also help them against fatigue and achy legs during their long workdays of serving customers.

If you are the more serious athletic type you can opt for Capri style or full-length compression tights with graduated compression, which are engineered to promote circulation and support the muscles during training, in competitions and while you are recovering.

Essential features such as antibacterial treatment of fabrics and moisture control promise to keep you fresh during it all.  Manufacturers hail their high-performance compression tights to keep your body cooler when temperatures are heating up and warmer when it’s freezing out.

Open Toe Compression Stockings and Pantyhose

Toeless compression hosiery can be found in the widest variety of styles, sizes and colors.

You can choose from open-toe knee-high, mid-thigh high, thigh-high, and fully fashioned compression pantyhose styles in a broad range of compression classifications.

A rainbow array of colors is certain to complement virtually anything in your closet.

Physicians often prescribe compression stockings with open toes after surgery or other vein procedures such as sclerotherapy (a treatment for varicose and spider veins).  This makes it easier to check the blood flow to a patient’s feet without the need to remove the stocking(s).

People with foot problems (e.g. bunions, hammertoes) or individuals who simply have a larger foot size may also have a more comfortable wearing experience with open toe compression hosiery because it eliminates the risk of pressure or crowding in the toe area.

Open toe compression stockings not only allow your feet to be breezier during the dog days of the summer but they also let your piggies wiggle free without being cramped in any way.

Women, in particular, will appreciate being able to wear the latest in sandals and other open-toe footwear while showing off their pedicures and toenail fashions.