Why are Male Compression Stockings or Support Pantyhose Wearers Not More Liberated?

I recently came across a very typical account of a guy wearing support hosiery and thought it was worth sharing in an article here because there are many men out there that have similar stories.

The name of the person has been left out to protect privacy.

Hi,

I suffer with circulation issues in my lower legs and was advised many years ago by my doctor to wear compression hosiery to help eliminate the pain associated with it.

Initially I had a prescription for compression stockings and got them for free because I was still studying full time. When I started work however, I had to pay for them and the cost was even then considerable and so I stopped wearing them for several years.

My girlfriend at that time, who is now my wife, suggested that I should try standard store bought support hosiery that was intended to help with tired legs.  Admittedly it felt a bit weird at first but it was amazing how much better my legs felt even compared to the prescription hosiery I had used originally.  The cost is also much lower than the so called specialist compression hosiery products.

Fast forward, more than 10 years later I am still wearing support pantyhose. During the summer months I go with a lighter denier of the sheer type pantyhose because I have to wear suits and they allow my pants to glide.  In the winter I go for thicker support tights (70-150 Deniers) in black or gray without the socks.

So far I have never been the victim of a negative comment although I don’t advertise the fact that I am wearing support hose.  But who does advertise what underwear they are wearing?  My wife and family all know and have no problem with it.  When at home in the evening and on weekends I can openly wear them with shorts weather permitting.

When I am out and about I tend to cover them up, because there are closed minded people out there who I suspect would easily come to the conclusion that I am a transvestite, even though men some time ago actually wore pantyhose style legwear first.

I guess for me the bottom line is – it is my life and my health and I do what I need to do to feel comfortable and be healthy.

How Long will it take for Society to Accept that Compression Stockings and Support Hosiery is Unisex?

Isn’t it peculiar how societal thinking and standards tend to be rather compartmentalized? For example, there are occasions such as in ballet dancing, theatre or sports where it is perfectly acceptable for males to wear hosiery garments that are generally thought of as more “female”.

On the other hand if tights or pantyhose are worn by males openly in public it is still perceived as “odd”, “strange”, “weird” or worse by many members of our society.

Considering the many eccentric clothing choices and combinations that can be spotted on female or male members of the population on any given day one would think that a guy wearing tights, support stockings or support pantyhose of any type should be no big deal.

Curiously when it comes to women’s fashion many traditionally male clothing items have been creatively adapted and migrated to become accepted mainstream fashion for females.  Unfortunately the prevailing attitudes in our society do not grant men the same kind of tolerance and acceptance at this point in time.

What is Your Opinion about Men Wearing Compression Stockings or Support Hosiery Openly?

Given the fact that support hose or compression stockings can provide considerable health benefits in the way of preventative care or in controlling and sometimes even improving existing symptoms for a wide range of conditions our stance on this issue is clear.

Neither men nor women should be discriminated against or hassled for wearing compression stockings or support hosiery as legwear. 

Obviously the topic of discrimination and harassment covers a wide range of possible areas for discussion.  However, for the purpose of this article we would like to invite all male and female visitors to leave their comments on this issue and express their opinions about men wearing compression hosiery openly with shorts, especially during the hotter months of the year.

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.