When I started to write about compression tights and stockings for men some of my friends failed to see the need. They would visit my various articles published elsewhere and ask the same question: "Do you really believe men should wear pantyhose?" Initially my answers were tentative at best. I knew that compression tights and stockings are a necessary evil for people with varicose veins or who suffer from tired leg syndrome due to swelling of the legs during the day. However, I initially thought that medical solutions should be enough for men. In the time that has passed since I started researching the topic I came to understand one simple truth. There is a huge grey area between men with absolutely no need to wear any supporting legwear and men who are prescribed medical grade compression stockings or tights. That grey area includes men who work long hours standing or sitting still, men who would like to improve their stamina during exercise, men who enjoy a warmer feeling on their lower body during winter months...I think you get the picture. Men in the grey area would not need the expensive medical compression tights or professional athletics wear but something that might alleviate their discomfort or increase their performance. Thus, men in this area would require legwear that is functional but also affordable at the same time. This blog is for these men as well as women. Now, here are some of the common questions I (and other bloggers in this nice niche of support hosiery) commonly have to answer.
Q: Are there actual benefits to men wearing support pantyhose?
A: The obvious short answer is yes. Whatever benefits there are for women in wearing tights with leg support they exist for men as well. But we can make this answer a little longer. In fact all persons (note the gender-less expression ) with existing or potential circulation problems should wear legwear designed to help circulation. The problem might be only cosmetic (that spiderweb appearance less the pain) but support hosiery would actually help. And also many times we attribute our lack of stamina and weariness to physical strain. However most of the time the problem is blood swelling your legs. Whether you have an existing circulatory problem or not you are likely to suffer from tired leg syndrome if you sit motionless for long periods of time and / or stand still for long time. Support hosiery helps prevent swelling and thus alleviate your pain and discomfort. Also, people who fly long hours frequently (e.g. flight attendants and frequent flyers) are particularly suspect. In Europe Kunert is now marketing tights that are certified by Lufthansa as fit for long flights. Er doctors, nurses, checkout clerks, chefs stand hours on end. Truck drivers, and office workers stand with little movement for long hours. In either case your leg muscles that help pump blood up your legs stop doing their duty. So, wearing tights with leg support helps. Men and women alike.
Q: Women are running away from tights and pantyhose, are they not? Why should men now take it up?
A: Many women run away from tights because they wear them wrong. Also, what seems part of a women's liberation movement in the English speaking world has not extended to legwear in most parts of Europe as it is in UK or the US (Of course Kate Middleton is changing the trend in the UK on her own). Women in central and eastern Europe and most Asian countries still seem comfortable wearing pantyhose or tights. Besides, one of the reasons many women think of pantyhose as an item of torture stems from wearing too cheap tights in the wrong size. Cheap pantyhose will sag, and pinch, and slide down your waist..Wear it one size too small and it will run down and will tear quickly. Buy a pair of tights that is $7.99 a pair instead of a budget pack of three pairs at $2.99 and you will notice the difference. A properly chosen pair of quality pantyhose will last much longer and feel immensely more comfortable than the cheap all nylon pantyhose you buy from your drug store discount rack. The major problem is that for most women pantyhose is not a proper item of clothing but a necessary evil they have to bear. So they opt for the cheapest kind. However, if women took their time they would be surprised how comfortable pantyhose can turn out to be.
All of the foregoing issues would certainly give anyone pause before wearing such a garment. However, most of the hosiery made specifically for men, such as ActivSkin legwear, is proportioned so as to fit male body proportions well, including a comfortable waistband and fly opening in front. The snug fit of support hosiery with a control top need not feel constricting. Instead, the proper blend of nylon and lycra provides enough 'give' to make them comfortable while not allowing them to sag excessively throughout the day. It should be noted that the pantyhose that women complain most about sagging are not control top.
Q: What are my options?
A: There are so many! Many doctors nowadays prescribe pantyhose that is not specifically designed for medical purposes. Many people who suffer from tiredness in their legs do not yet require medical attention. However support on their legs is what they need. And doctors have started to advise their patients to go and buy a few pairs of support pantyhose. A support pantyhose with mild leg support can do wonders for your legs.
However if you have gender issues, not comfortable wearing an item of clothing that has a long history of sensual connotations then you might turn to athletics wear. Find the compression tights with the lowest compression rate to start with and you are set to go. However, remember that many sporting items are designed for outdoors and heavy physical activity. Therefore donning a pair of running tights under your pants for a day in office may not be very practical. However, a 40 den support pantyhose under your pants will not add any thickness and might be more comfortable for a long day in office.
In the upcoming posts I will try to enlighten the world of men (and women, I think) about comparative advantages and disadvantages of various styles of support tights and compression stockings.
When we think about tights we think of a feminine accessory. And to a certain extent that perception is all right. The correct tights or pantyhose or stockings can transform a woman's look from just OK to fantastic, and sexy. Therefore incorporating pantyhose to a man's daily wardrobe is not easy to accept. A man in tights easily provokes ideas of cross-dressing or transvestism. However, an office worker, male or female, is likely to spend hours sitting on a desk or sometimes stand with little movement. This is a recipe for painful legs, feelings of tiredness and uncomfortable legs and an open invitation to varicose veins.
for men that can be worn during exercise. Most of these tights are wonderful products but they are not suitable for men who would like to have a comfortable pair of support tights they can wear during a long work day at the office. However a new website I discovered offers a very nice solution. 