What are compression socks made of? This question gets asked a lot. After all the material of the socks determines if you can machine wash them, machine dry them. Some people have allergies. Another common question is: Which is the best material for compression socks? If we know what they are made of, we want to choose the best possible material.
Compression socks are used in different ways. Runners use them to perform better and recover, nurses to refresh their legs, pregnant women to get rid of swelling. Different uses require different materials. The best material for compression socks depends on the use among other factors.
Best compression socks made of the best materials:
(Click on the link to know more about the product and pricing)
- Blitzu Air Travel Compression Socks
- Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks
- Charmking Graduated Compression Socks
What are compression socks made of?
Silk, cotton, wool, nylon, lycra (commonly known as spandex) are the most common materials used for manufacturing compression socks. Usually these materials are mixed together to achieve the best possible quality. Any of the above can be the best material for compression socks under the right circumstances.
In certain cases compression socks are made of copper infused nylon. The copper gives these socks a special antibacterial quality. Although some people claim that copper increases venous blood flow, but so far no studies identified this claim. Copper infused nylon is the best material for compression socks in a lot of cases.
What determines the best materials for compression socks?
The material used depends not only on the intended use of the product, but on the price range, desired elasticity, thickness, warmth, durability and style. To achieve optimal performance, most models are knitted from a combination of the materials mentioned above.
The type of compression also plays a major part. A heavy compression product with uniform compression requires a very different material and knitting technology than a sock with a light, graduated compression. Special ankle compression socks are a completely different story. The best materials for compression socks depend on the strength of compression.
Different uses: What are compression socks made of?
Travel compression socks are made of spandex mixed with nylon and some extra cotton added for comfort. If you are going to sit for hours on a plane, the material has to have a certain softness to it.
Muscle recovery socks are less known for their comfort, but they must have excellent elasticity and hold the limbs tightly without exerting too much pressure. They are made of nylon mixed with spandex.
When it comes to compression socks for runners, hygiene is of extra importance, since runners are expected to sweat a lot. A sweaty limb could be an ideal growing ground for bacteria and fungi. Sport products have lines of silver woven into them. This prevents bacterial developments and keeps the leg free of microbes even during a long and demanding workout. The silver works on the same principles as copper. The idea is to improve hygiene. The best material for running compression socks includes silver or copper.
Some socks are made with lycra fibers woven into the product. Lycra – also commonly referred to as spandex – is a synthetic material, which stretches easily and provides a tight fit. With different amounts of spandex added to the product different levels of elasticity can be achieved. Lycra is one of the best materials for compression socks.
Concerns:
Best materials for compression socks for different purposes
You should take into consideration the following concerns when choosing compression socks based on its ingredients:
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The intended use of the product
If you are buying socks for long distance running, you will need a pair made of completely different materials then if you are looking for a model to wear while sitting in front of your computer as an office worker. If you are a pensioner who is looking to treat varicose veins, that is a completely different story again.
Check the buying guides on the site if you are unsure which is the best product for you.
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Allergic reactions
Some people have bad autoimmune reactions to certain materials. If you know that your skin reacts badly to certain fibers, just check the box of the product to know what materials were used for manufacturing it. The best material for compression socks can easily turn into the worst.
Which are the most common materials used for manufacturing compression socks? Let’s go through each material, and the most common characteristics of each one.
Best materials for compression socks: Pros and Cons
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Cotton
This is a natural material that grows in a protective case around the seeds of the plant by the same name. The fiber is almost entirely cellulose, and it is used for manufacturing different pieces of clothing all around the world.
It is a low resistance fiber, which has to be mixed with other ingredients in order to give the final clothing product the desired resistance and durability. Prolonged exposure to sunlight weakens the fiber, so it can not be used as the main component of a compression product. -
Wool
Wool is a type of textile obtained mainly from sheep. It can be obtained from goats, rabbits or muskoxen, but these sources are not prevalent in compression garment manufacturing. The processed wool fiber is shorter than the original fiber, so it is often mixed with cotton or raw wool in commercial use. It is popular for its durability yet softness and warmth.
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Nylon
Nylon is one of the most popular materials used in hosiery manufacturing. It was invented by the Dupont company and quickly took over the market thanks to its resistance to the elements, elasticity and heat setting ability. It dries very quickly after getting wet. It is surprisingly strong compared to its thickness. There are two types of nylon used for manufacturing compression socks – type 6 and type 6.6. Although type 6 is the softer of the two types, the latter is more common due to its strength.
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Elastane
As the name suggests, it is a pretty rubber like, elastic material. Different manufacturers might call it differently, but Lycra, Roica or Dorlastan all refer to the same material. It can stretch to as much as three to seven times its original length, and immediately go back to its original size. The ratio of its stretching ability depends on what materials are mixed together with it. Adding only as little as 2 % elastane can give a product enough elasticity. It is added to compression socks to achieve a tight fit and to make it easier to put them on.
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Microfibers
Microfibers are the finest natural materials know to man. They can be twice as fine as silk. They can be used to produce incredibly tight and dense products. Such hosieries have excellent water and sweat repellent abilities. They allow the skin to breathe and easily regulate temperature. This material provides excellent protection from the elements, combined with great comfort.
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Polyamide
Polyamide is a synthetic fiber that resembles polyester a lot. It is very easy to wash, and can take stress very well, hence its popularity. It is also comfortable, which makes it a common material for manufacturing pantyhose, lingerie and stockings.
- SilkMarco Polo’s adventures around the Silk Road were a long time ago, but silk is just as widely used by the clothing industry as ever. This natural fiber is obtained from the cocoon of farmed silk worms. It is glossy, soft and light. It is usually woven together with wool or cotton during sock manufacturing. Its popularity is down to its warmness during the winter and coolness in the summer. It also provides great breathability for the skin.
Conclusion
As you can see there are many different materials used for manufacturing compression socks. The intended use of the product will determine the best material for compression socks. There is not much variety in what compression socks are made of.
In my experience copper content makes the socks a lot more hygienic. Copper is an essential ingredient, one of the best materials for compression socks.