This blog post topic is intended primarily to reveal findings of this mystery and simultaneously it is an open invitation for all the guys out there to comment about wearing support hose or compression stockings to give their legs a boost, to relieve symptoms, and to prevent the occurrence or slow the progression of venous conditions.
We called this topic a mystery because a vast number of men have not mustered the courage yet to wear compression stockings and support pantyhose openly under shorts during the warmer months of the year.
The sad reality is that even if it is medically justified or simply for preventative care of the leg veins all too often there still seems to be a great stigma or even shunning disapproval about seeing men in support stockings, pantyhose, or tights. Depending on what part of the country or city you live in, you may risk being mocked, ridiculed or even physically assaulted if seen in public wearing hosiery.
To come back to our question, we have not been able to come up with any hard numbers or verifiable statistics about how many men are wearing support and compression hosiery, but there is definitely tangible proof out there that men are wearing compression stockings or support hose in significant numbers.
One strong piece of evidence for men wearing compression stockings and support pantyhose can be found when reading the online product reviews and customer comments of support hosiery and compression stocking manufacturers and retailers. In doing so you’ll quickly notice that a significant number of the comments are made by men raving about how much better their legs feel wearing support hosiery.
In addition, some manufacturers of hosiery and compression hosiery have openly stated on occasion that they have seen a boost of sales based on purchases from male customers particularly through their online sales outlets.
Clever guys who are concerned about their general health and wellness and of course their leg health in particular have no issues wearing compression and support hose. They are keenly aware of the invigorating and energizing benefits graduated compression hosiery or support pantyhose can provide for their leg veins throughout a long day of sitting or standing at work, while traveling long-distance or simply to have less muscle fatigue and a speedier recovery during sports and leisure activities.
For additional reading on this topic, we also recommend our blog post…
Men don’t need Compression Stockings and Support Hose or do they?
Why Should Men Wear Compression or Support Garments?
If you have never experienced any leg pain, heaviness, swelling or spider veins and varicose veins you may be asking yourself – “Why would I want to wear support stockings or support hose?”
As that may be, keep in mind that the leg veins in particular have to work very hard whenever we are not laying down or sitting with our legs elevated because they have to transport the blood back up the legs to the heart and lungs against the pull of gravity to be reoxygenated over and over all day long and day after day.
To keep the veins and valves inside the veins from weakening or becoming defective preemptive wearing of support hosiery has been the secret weapon of millions of women for many decades to help keep their legs in shape.
On the other hand, if you already have any of the above-described symptoms you may have tried and experienced the soothing and energizing benefits compression stockings or support pantyhose can provide to improve daily living. If you have not given compression or support hose a try yet you really may want to consider doing so. It is a most invigorating and revitalizing experience for your legs, to say the least.
Nevertheless, before you go hog wild and start buying any compression socks, stockings or pantyhose like there is no tomorrow, make sure to discuss things with your physician first to ensure there are no underlying conditions that would preclude you from wearing compression or support hosiery.
Finally, when you do get ready to purchase compression stockings make sure to get your legs measured properly because getting the right size really does matter for a comfortable fit and to get the most benefit from the gradual compression.
If you liked this post please let us know with a comment and feel free to add any personal experiences you have to contribute.
Kenneth says
I have been wearing compression stockings for the past year or so. I wear them because of muscle fatigue caused by a neurological condition. They relieve the muscle soreness and also help with some of the other neuro symptoms
I wear them almost every day. I’ve always been self conscious about wearing them with shorts. Afraid of the stares from those around me.
It’s taken me a whIle but I have started to get past the self awareness issue. I’ve been wearing the sheer nude or tan stockings with shorts and not a single person has stared or said a word. Or maybe I just haven’t noticed.
I’m still waiting for someone to make some off comment, but have decided that my relief is more important than what others think.
I do wear thigh highs so that they just look like I have tan legs. And the reality is that the tan I have on my arms almost is as dark.
Mike says
I always try and post comments on a retailer’s review of a specific brand of compression hosiery, after making a purchase and trying them on. I have to wear daily, due to swelling from edema for over a year. Whether it’s thigh high stockings or pantyhose, they are now part of my staples. Also wear athletic compression socks when cycling, hiking or working out. Compression is a lifestyle. Thankful I can be active. Have worn natural or tan sheer hose with shorts only a couple of times when traveling out of town, where most people don’t know me. Thanks always for your blog. You help me build confidence wearing full leg compression hosiery.
Gregory says
Great comment – thank you!
Lynna says
I was extremely pleased to discover this website. I want to to thank you for your time for this wonderful read!!
Cheers – Lynna
Ray B. says
Good job!
Mike says
Another helpful blog. The pantyhose help my edema. Now that summer is here, I will try and have the courage to wear them in public with shorts. Your blog has encouraged me to take that step. Thanks.
Chris says
I am prescribed pantyhose 30/40 by the Veterans hospital. I wear them every day. In the summer, I wear shorts.. I don’t care.. 1 blood clot and im a gonner.
Gregory says
I agree that your health should always have priority over what people may think about you wearing compression hosiery with shorts.
Anonymous says
I don’t normally comment but.. nice publish!
Terry says
This is a great blog!
I have been wearing for several years do to Chronic Venous Insufficiency which comes from many hours of sitting every day. I wear 20-30 compression pantyhose. I read on other blogs how some guys would wear in public with shorts, and how nobody would really notice. So in limited situations I started to try wearing with shorts because of excessive heat, and it appeared nobody noticed or cared. I continued to get more confident and started wearing just about everywhere. I later was diagnosed with Factor II Leiden Genetic Mutation (a blood clotting disorder) and was placed on blood thinners. My Dr. recommended I wear from morning to bed time every day to avoid blood clots in my legs. I now wear with shorts everywhere and anywhere, I’ve never had a bad response or reaction. I wear Ames Walker style #33 beige, they make the legs feel incredible.
Mike says
I am one of those men that wear compression pantyhose everyday and have for the past 5 years. I do not just wear them to fly, which I do alot, but for everyday use. My compression is 30-40. Gettingt the courage to wear them with shorts is something I have never been able to do. My daily wear is Juzo Soft under my pants. I have also started to wear thier Natuarlly Sheer product for better comfort with jeans and when traveling by air. I am sitting in Narita Airport at the moment wearing a pair. They are not as hot on the plane as the Soft.
I have also tried to kid myself that I can go without them, but I cannot. A day without the compression is painful.
Anonymous says
This was a very interesting post thanks for writing it!