Frequently Asked Questions
Compression, fit, feel, and finding your kinda tight
THE BASICS
What are compression socks?
Compression socks are specially designed socks that gently squeeze your legs to help support circulation. Graduated compression socks are tightest around the ankle and gradually become less compressive as they move up the leg.
BENNEY makes knee-high graduated compression socks designed to give you the benefits of compression without feeling like something you borrowed from a hospital.
What do compression socks actually do?
Compression socks apply gentle, graduated pressure to your legs. This can help support healthy blood flow and reduce the tired, heavy, swollen feeling that can come from spending a long day sitting or standing.
Basically: good for your legs, veins, circulation, and energy.
Who should wear compression socks?
Compression socks can be useful for people who spend long days on their feet, sit at a desk for hours, travel frequently, are pregnant, experience tired or swollen legs, or simply want some extra support throughout the day.
You don't need to wait until your legs hurt or see veins developing to start taking care of them.
Do compression socks actually work?
Compression therapy is widely used to support circulation and help manage leg swelling and discomfort. The amount of compression that makes sense for you depends on why you're wearing them.
BENNEY is designed for everyday life: work, travel, pregnancy, sitting, standing, recovery, and all the life in between.
FIND YOUR KINDA TIGHT
What does mmHg mean on compression socks?
mmHg stands for millimeters of mercury. It's the unit used to measure the amount of pressure a compression sock applies to your leg. The higher the number, the stronger the compression.
BENNEY comes in two compression levels: 15–20 mmHg and 20–30 mmHg
What's the difference between 15–20 mmHg and 20–30 mmHg compression socks?
15–20 mmHg is moderate compression and is a popular choice for everyday wear, travel, and mild swelling.
20–30 mmHg provides firmer compression. It's commonly used when someone wants more significant support for long days on your feet.
If you're using compression to manage a medical condition, check with your healthcare provider about the right compression level for you.
Which compression level should I choose?
If you're new to compression socks or primarily want them for everyday wear, travel, or sitting at a desk, 15–20 mmHg is a great place to start.
If you know you like a firmer feel, 20–30 mmHg may be your thing. Reach for these ahead of those long days.
When in doubt, especially if you have an underlying health condition, ask your healthcare provider.
Should compression socks feel tight?
Yes.
They should feel snug and supportive, particularly around your ankle, but they shouldn't be painful, cause numbness, or make your feet or legs feel worse.
Kinda tight. Kinda perfect.
EVERYDAY WEAR
Can I wear compression socks every day?
Yes, for most, compression socks can be worn as part of an everyday routine, particularly if you spend a lot of time sitting or standing.
Put them on in the morning before your legs have had a chance to swell and take them off at the end of the day.
Are compression socks good for standing all day?
BENNEY compression socks were designed with long days on your feet in mind. Whether you work in a restaurant (like our founder), hospital, grocery store, salon, retail shop, stadium, or on set, graduated compression can help support circulation and reduce that tired, heavy, swollen feeling at the end of the day.
Long day on your feet? We got you.
Are compression socks good if I sit for most of the day?
Yep. Long periods of sitting can also contribute to sluggish circulation and leg swelling. Compression socks are great for long days at the desk.
When should I put compression socks on?
Morning is usually best. Your legs tend to be least swollen after you've been lying down overnight, which can also make compression socks easier to put on.
Should I sleep in compression socks?
Unless a healthcare provider has specifically told you to wear compression socks while sleeping, they're generally designed to be worn while you're awake and removed at bedtime.
TRAVEL
Are compression socks good for flying?
Compression socks are popular for air travel because sitting in one position for hours can contribute to swelling and discomfort in your legs and feet.
Put them on before your flight and wear them while you travel.
What compression level is best for flying?
15–20 mmHg compression is commonly used for travel and is a good starting point for many healthy travelers looking for everyday support.
Some people use 20–30 mmHg compression based on their needs or a healthcare provider's recommendation.
If you have a history of blood clots, circulation problems, or another medical condition, ask your healthcare provider what's appropriate for you before flying.
PREGNANCY
Are compression socks good during pregnancy?
Yes. Compression socks are commonly worn during pregnancy to help with tired, heavy, and swollen legs and feet. Consider it a little extra support while your body is doing a lot.
Because every pregnancy is different, ask your healthcare provider if you're unsure which level is right for you..
What compression level is best during pregnancy?
Many pregnant women wear 15–20 mmHg compression for everyday support, while stronger compression may be recommended for some people.
Because every pregnancy is different, ask your healthcare provider if you're unsure which level is right for you.
When should I start wearing compression socks during pregnancy?
You don't necessarily need to wait until swelling starts. Some people begin wearing them when they start noticing tired or heavy legs, during travel, or simply as part of their daily routine.
Because every pregnancy is different, ask your healthcare provider if you're unsure.
FIT + FEEL
Why are compression socks so hard to put on?
They're designed to be tight, so it kind of comes with the territory.
Putting them on first thing in the morning can make things easier since your legs are typically less swollen.
Instead of pulling them on like regular knee socks, turn the sock partially inside out and gradually roll it up your leg. And if getting them on yourself is still a struggle, there are some great tools that can help. Reach out and we're happy to share our favorites.
How should compression socks fit?
They should feel snug from your foot through your calf, with the strongest compression near your ankle.
The fabric should lie smoothly against your skin without bunching, folding, or digging in at the top.
About BENNEY
What makes BENNEY compression socks different?
BENNEY makes compression socks for people who know compression is probably good for them but haven't found a pair they actually want to wear.
They're thoughtfully designed for all-day wear with graduated compression, a seamless toe, heel and toe cushioning, arch support, airflow venting, and a stay-up cuff.
And because how something feels matters just as much as what it does, we use a soft Supima cotton blend you'll actually want to put on in the morning.
What are BENNEY compression socks made from?
BENNEY socks are made with 66% Supima cotton, 17% polyester, 10% elastane, and 7% nylon.
The result is a compression sock designed to feel soft and breathable while still delivering graduated compression.
Where is BENNEY based?
BENNEY was founded in Seattle, Washington after founder Amy finally took her nurse mom's advice and tried compression socks while spending long days on her feet at The Crumpet Shop.
Why is it called BENNEY?
BENNEY is named after our founder Amy’s second son, Bennett. And, of course, all the BENNEY-fits of compression socks. 🙃
Where can I buy BENNEY compression socks?
Right here at benney.co.
Good for your legs. Good for your energy.
Kinda tight. Kinda perfect.