Have you ever wondered why compression socks cost more than regular socks or why some compression sock brands charge more than others? We’ll get to that soon, but first let's look at what compression socks are.
Compression socks are specially designed garments that improve circulation within the legs by gently squeezing your legs with graduated pressure aka: compression. This graduated compression is strongest at your ankle and decreases up your leg which is why compression levels are stated as a numerical range. The various compression levels are used to treat and prevent a number of conditions such as varicose veins, DVT and edema related diagnoses. While wearing compression is mainly used for medical reasons, it's also beneficial for maternity, travel, athletics, and overall wellness for tired, achy legs.
Compression levels are measured by mmHg, which means millimeters of mercury and it indicates the level of pressure or compression. There's mild 15-20 mmHg, moderate 20-30 mmHg and firm 30-40 mmHg. 30-40 mmHg should only be worn at the recommendation of a physician, please consult your doctor before wearing this level of support.
In addition to graduated compression, these socks often have things like a reinforced heel and toe to provide durability while not cramping the toes. The reinforcements keep compression socks functional for longer because the compression level of the garments will be affected if a hole or tear materializes in the fabric.
Not all compression socks are made equal with the same medical-grade classes. Rejuva’s facility and garments are registered with the FDA; our stockings are registered as Class 1 Medical Support Stockings intended for general medical purposes. This is very important due to the increasing popularity of compression; more and more companies are advertising having it – despite not having the required FDA listing nor performing the essential tests to ensure you’re getting the graduated compression you need.
We use state-of-the-art circular knitting machines that we customize with yarn control devices -- they're medical machines that regulate the stitch length and the tension of our yarns for precise graduated compression.
This means that at the lowest price point, customers are likely purchasing a sock with little to no shape, virtually a tube sock. A higher price point should mean precise size and anatomical shape -- manufacturing precise sizes with precise graduated compression means that we have to invest more in our process than those who don’t have medical grade certification.
It’s important you ensure you are using carefully measured graduated compression & not just a “tight” garment to enjoy its benefits! Using correct sizing is also important when buying compression garments. Rejuva makes it easy with their
how-to-measure guide.When buying compression, it’s important to remember to buy medical-grade. Only medical-grade compression garments apply the optimal benefits for true graduated compression. Rejuva makes buying medical-grade compression easy and fashionable! For more information see
Frequently Asked Questions.
