From Airports to ERs: How Compression Gear Is Becoming a Daily Essential

With work environments becoming more demanding than ever, people are turning to compression gear for support. The aches and pains, fatigue, and swelling that come from long hours on your feet used to be something people had to just deal with, but that’s changing.

Compression garments like socks, sleeves, and pants are quickly becoming everyday essentials for professionals to stand, walk, lift, bend, and move nonstop. Gentle compression is simple, but it reduces fatigue, improves circulation, and provides much-needed comfort to people who need it most.

Many workers report feeling less drained after a full shift when they wear compression garments, like socks, pants, or arm sleeves. The gentle compression gives muscles support all day long and prevents major fatigue.

Although they have a reputation for being something your grandparents would wear, compression clothing has evolved into a workplace necessity. Here’s a look at how and why workers in a variety of industries are wearing compression garments daily.

Compression socks are affordable

Affordability is the number one reason so many people are wearing compression socks. Often, solutions that provide comfort and ease are out of a worker’s budget, like getting weekly massages or hitting the infrared sauna after work. While there are a variety of therapies and self-care practices available, compression socks are one of the most affordable. You can get them for the price of a good pair of work socks, and many companies offer BOGO deals to sweeten the deal. They’re so affordable, there’s no reason not to get a pair to at least try them out.

Healthcare workers know the benefits of improved circulation

Anyone who works in healthcare knows blood circulation is important, and that’s why ER nurses, surgeons, and hospital staff working 12+ hour shifts wear compression socks. Over time, these long hours take a huge toll on the body, causing relentlessly tired legs, sore feet, and swelling. Wearing compression socks provides the graduated pressure needed to reduce soreness and keep circulation healthy.

Sitting all day can result in poor circulation, too

Just like standing all day, workers who sit for long hours, either in an office or at home, are at risk for poor circulation that can cause fluid to build-up in their legs, ankles, and feet. Compression socks apply constant, gentle pressure that encourages blood to flow back to the heart to reduce swelling. For this reason, compression socks have become the go-to solution for remote workers, independent contractors, and entrepreneurs.

Swelling is more likely at high altitudes

For decades, long-haul fliers have worn compression stockings during their flights to minimize the potential for swelling and blood clots. That’s why pilots and flight attendants wear compression footwear to support circulation since they know being in a pressurized cabin can prevent healthy circulation. Additionally, ground crews working at an airport commonly wear compression socks. Airport security, baggage handlers, and ticketing agents engage in grueling work that keeps them on their feet for 8-10 hours a day, and compression provides relief.

Compression garments can prevent strain

Workers in shipping centers, like Amazon’s warehouses, spend countless hours walking, lifting, and moving heavy packages. While compression socks can reduce muscle soreness, so can compression arm sleeves and pants. For people with arthritis or tendonitis in their elbows, wearing a compression garment can make a huge difference. Less pain equals higher productivity and helps companies retain employees long-term.

Workers need all-day support

Working on your feet all day is one of the most demanding activities, regardless of the industry. Workers need support throughout the day because taking frequent breaks isn’t usually an option. Compression socks help by preventing DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) that becomes inevitable after long shifts.

Many large corporations follow the law to the letter, like retail and fast food giants, but a large number of employers postpone breaks past the legal limit. Employees working long hours need as much support as they can get.

Compression garments are stylish

Long gone are the days where compression clothing looked like something only your grandparents would wear. Whether it’s a pair of socks or sleeves for arms or knees, today’s compression wear looks great and won’t make you look frumpy. Whether you’re working at home, the airport, a warehouse, a restaurant, or a hospital, compression gear will blend in with the rest of your outfit.

Compression gear is the new workwear

For many people, compression gear is a routine part of getting dressed for work. No longer just a medical tool, it’s a functional piece of clothing that supports circulation and reduces soreness from standing all day. If you haven’t tried compression wear yet, now is the perfect time to experiment.