Whats the big deal with support hose?

[Florence NightinFAIL]

I keep hearing/reading people rave about support hoses. How are they different from regular hoses and tights? How do they work?

And do you wear & swear by them? :)

[SHURN]

can anyone recommend a brand that is super light weight? I have never worn them because I tend to overheat very easily - i can't even wear high boots in the winter because i get so hot! any ideas?

[elkpark]

can anyone recommend a brand that is super light weight? I have never worn them because I tend to overheat very easily - i can't even wear high boots in the winter because i get so hot! any ideas?

Well, the compression factor seems to be directly related to how "thick" the hose are, so I believe you would have to compromise on how much support you're getting. However, I always wore the L'eggs brand "Full Support" pantyhose back when I was doing floor nursing (they come in white and fashion colors), and like the feel of support hose so much that I wear the L'eggs "Sheer Energy" for everyday/real world wear -- less support than the "Full Support" style, but also more sheer and lightweight. They come in a range of fashion colors and are available quite reasonably at the Hanes/L'eggs outlets (or on-line). Another thing I like about wearing support hose (besides my legs feeling so much better at the end of the day) is that they are harder to run than "regular" hose, so they last longer -- which, IMHO, more than makes up for them costing more than "regular" hose.

[meadowsong, ASN, RN]

This is timely because I have been searching for a thin, lightweight pair. I don't have any leg issues at this time (varicose veins or even sore feet at the end of the day) but I would like to hopefully prevent any if possible!