Help a compression sock/stocking noob

March 9, 2024 4:04 PM

I don't know anything about non-medically-required compression garments, but I will shortly be taking five plane rides, two of them extremely long. Should I wear compression socks?

I'm a medium-fat, short person with large calves, though I'm also in the category of "way more muscly than I seem." I have had thick ankles all my life, no matter my weight. I wouldn't say I've had any specific problem with long flights. I tend not to be able to sleep, prefer an aisle seat, and drink a ton of water so I get up numerous times in a long flight.

My upcoming flights: three are 2ish hours; two are 11+ hours.

So should I wear them? If yes, can you recommend brands that'll fit my legs?

posted by BlahLaLa to Travel & Transportation (16 answers total)

I have never worn compression socks on flights and have done several 16+ hour flights. Some of my colleagues wore them on the long flights when pregnant.

However, once I became pregnant I bought several types to wear on long road trips or when I felt uncomfortable. Most were a disaster and far too tight to be comfortable. I have always had thick calves that prevented me from buying knee high boots until I found that one magical pair that I immediately bought.

I did find one more of compression socks that worked with my calves and I have kept them since pregnancy for when my legs are a little sore. I'd recommend these.
posted by icaicaer at 4:27 PM on March 9

Try them at home first. I do think they are a bit more comfortable for long flights, but you want to get the right size and be prepared to fight with them a little. I wear them for flights longer than 6 hours and feel slightly happier at the end of the flight.
posted by chocotaco at 4:45 PM on March 9

I like wearing compression socks for flights and long city walks. Socks come in strength of compression and calf size. I'm 5' 3" with chunky calves and med ankles. I buy the ones off of Amazon that are "low compression" and for wide calves. Its a gentle hug that truly reduces the fatigue and swelling for my legs and ankles. I suggest buying just one pair to try. I don't have a brand suggestions since most now look like they came from the same factory and branded under different drop shippers.
posted by tipsyBumblebee at 4:53 PM on March 9

I bought a pair from an online medical supply business that had instructions for measuring your calf to determine the appropriate size.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 5:23 PM on March 9

Have you noticed ankle/calf swelling on long flights / bus rides / car trips / sitting stints before? If not, I don't think you need to bother.

If so, then yes they are a huge improvement! Even more so than noise-cancelling headphones!

It sounds as if my sizing is really different to yours so I'm afraid I can't help with that part.
posted by inexorably_forward at 5:49 PM on March 9

You may see a mmHg number; you want 15-20 mmHg or lower. Higher compression are for specific medical conditions and will feel way too tight.
posted by brook horse at 6:13 PM on March 9

If you have varicose veins, you should definitely wear compression socks to prevent deep vein thrombosis developing over long flights. I have heard there is some of the same benefit to everyone else.

I wear them because they make my veins happy, and because I stand for most of my work day. I like Crazy Compression for the designs, price, and comfort. I am 5'4" and medium fat/surprisingly dense and the regular width are comfortable for me, though they are about 6 inches too long (I fold them down, and it doesn't seem to matter.)
posted by blnkfrnk at 6:17 PM on March 9

Can't recommend compression socks for long flights enough. Or for sitting or standing for long hours for any reason, really. Wish I'd started wearing them years ago. Highly recommend Vim & Vigr for those of us with thicker calves. I have several pair, some in cotton and some in merino wool. Their sizing guide will let you know if you take a S/M, M/L, or L/XL in Wide Calf. And yes, get 15-20 mmHg.

Be prepared to hand wash, or at the very least lie flat to dry, and expect to replace them two or three times a year if you travel a lot; more often if you wear them for daily work sitting or standing.

Here are all of Wirecutter's picks.
posted by tzikeh at 10:03 PM on March 9

I like compression socks in general, and I agree, try them before travel. Size charts differ by manufacturer. Nursemates has wide (up to 22" diameter) and extra-wide (up to 24") calf graduated compression socks, 12 - 14 mmHg ($14-$16). Cherokee uniform 10-15 mmHg compression socks, wide-width is up to 22" calf ($10-$11). Mojo makes extended sizes; 15 -20mmHg gauge athletic sock; its 7XL = up to 18" ankle, & up to 32" calf. Some companies make wide-calf, petite-length socks.
posted by Iris Gambol at 8:05 AM on March 10

I bought two pair of vim & vigr socks for a flight to Australia. What I've learned is that putting them on about halfway through a long haul flight is amazing. I now do this on every international flight. Something about changing into them (I bring a change of clothes too) is very rejuvenating.
posted by pazazygeek at 8:38 AM on March 10

I have been using Dr. Scholl's graduated compression socks for an injury and they have been good. They have a mild compression version (8-15mmHg) that I have found to be more comfortable than others, but also effective. You may want to try something with mild compression like this.
posted by Mid at 9:22 AM on March 10

I started wearing them after a 20-something acquaintance ended up with a blood clot in one leg after a long flight between San Francisco and France. She didn’t have any risk factors and developing that blood clot compromised her health for quite a long time. So I say you should get compression socks and you should wear them. I buy some at my local Swedish pharmacy and so I can’t really make a recommendation for a particular kind. It’s a good form of self-care. Hope you take the plunge as it were.
posted by Bella Donna at 3:31 PM on March 10

I also can't sleep, stay well-hydrated, and get up a lot on long flights and find that with compression stockings, my legs feel noticeably less fatigued at the end of the flight. Can't say I notice much of a difference at the two hour mark, but I certainly do by six hours.

On a nurse friend's advice, I've always gotten stockings that are tight enough that they can't be pulled on. She said that's the level of compression needed to reduce thrombosis risk. Rolling the stockings down over a sturdy bottle or can helps get a tight roll that's easier to get over my heel and ankle.
posted by EvaDestruction at 7:09 PM on March 10

Personally, I travel a lot and wear compression socks for flights longer than 2.5 hours. I'm not sure why I decided that number.

I'd love to piggyback on here and ask if any of you have noticed a difference in warmth with certain brands or materials? I have synthetic socks and 100% cotton socks and they are so hot! That plus a mask makes me overheat so much.
posted by Bunglegirl at 8:21 PM on March 10

I have a set of compression calf sleeves and prefer them so I can rewear them a few times before washing. I wear regular socks over them and change those.
posted by advicepig at 7:27 AM on March 11

We bought pairs from Bomba, and they seemed to work well. I'll continue to use them for long flights.
posted by BlahLaLa at 9:41 AM on May 8