7 Reasons Why Merino Wool is Perfect for Compression Garments
Shop now5 Reasons Hairstylists Need Compression Socks
Standing all day is hard on your legs. Learn what you can do to lessen the effects and feel better.
Shop nowExperience unmatched comfort and performance with merino wool compression
When you’re on the hunt for the perfect material for compression garments, merino wool takes the cake for many reasons. This natural fiber is versatile and packed with benefits, making it a top pick for athletes, travelers, and anyone wanting comfortable and high-performing clothing.
Let’s dive into the seven reasons why Merino wool can make your compression-wearing experience even better!
Looking good doesn't come easy
As a hairstylist, you're committed to providing your clients with haircuts that bring out their best. However, with a demanding job that keeps you on your feet all day, you may experience some discomfort or health issues.
Chronic Venous Disease (CVD), pain, leg fatigue, and swelling are common ailments among hairstylists. These conditions can get worse if left untreated.
Even with the average hairstylist seeing about 12 clients a day, we know it’s important for you to bring your best to each one. We’re here to provide you with the solution to pain and discomfort so you can focus on your clients.
Wearing the perfect pair of compression socks can ensure style and comfort from morning to night.
1. Unmatched breathability
Merino wool excels in regulating body temperature, making it ideal for compression garments. Its fibers ensure breathability while keeping you warm in the cold and cool in the heat.
This remarkable property is largely due to the unique structure of Merino wool, where each fiber traps pockets of air, creating highly efficient insulation. This natural adaptability is why Merino wool is favored in both summer and winter compression wear.
It's no wonder that sports professionals and outdoor enthusiasts consider this material a game-changer for high-performance apparel. Whether you're skiing down a mountain or going for a summer run, Merino wool helps your body remain at the optimum temperature, enhancing performance and comfort simultaneously.
2. Exceptional moisture management
Merino wool's natural moisture-wicking abilities help keep your skin dry, drawing sweat away and allowing it to evaporate quickly. The fibers absorb moisture vapor but repel liquid, meaning any sweat generated is quickly transferred away from the skin, keeping you dry even when you're pushing limits.
Moisture management becomes crucial in preventing skin issues often caused by prolonged dampness, such as blisters or fungal infections. Merino wool can help maintain a stable microclimate between your skin and the fabric, leading to enhanced comfort. Merino wool's ability to manage moisture is why it's often chosen for athletic wear.
Compression garments, often worn for extended periods, benefit immensely from being moisture-wicking, providing wearers with both comfort and protection. For those who partake in endurance sports like skiing or hiking, this ensures that moisture management is never a concern, leaving you free to concentrate on your performance.
3. Odor resistance
A common concern with compression garments is odor. Merino wool possesses natural antibacterial properties that prevent odor buildup. These properties stem from the ability of merino fibers to maintain dryness by absorbing excess moisture, therefore minimizing the habitats where odor-causing bacteria thrive.
By reducing the presence of moisture, merino wool effectively limits the occurance of these microorganisms, ensuring that your compression garments remain fresh for longer periods. This allows you to wear your compression garments multiple times between washes without worry, making it a convenient and cleaner choice.
4. Softness and comfort
Unlike traditional wool, Merino wool fibers are finer, allowing them to bend smoothly against the skin and feel incredibly soft and comfortable.
Due to its hypoallergenic properties, Merino wool is an excellent choice for individuals with sensitive skin. Its non-itchy nature makes it suitable for direct skin contact, a necessity in garments designed for continuous use.
Beyond just softness, Merino wool adapts to your body's movements, providing unparalleled flexibility. This adaptability means that compression wear made from Merino wool not only offers comfort during wear but also support in physical activities.
Whether you're sitting through long flights or working out in a gym, Merino wool complements your lifestyle by keeping discomfort at bay.
5. Durability and longevity
Merino wool is soft and resilient, with a natural elasticity that allows garments to stretch and recover shape. This contributes to the longevity of compression garments made from this fiber.
Unlike synthetic materials that can degrade over time, Merino wool maintains its structure due to the inherent crimp within the fibers, which serves as natural elasticity. This durability translates into fewer replacements and a more sustainable wardrobe. The ability to withstand repeated stretching and bending makes Merino wool garments durable and long-lasting, ideal for the rigorous demands of compression wear.
The durability of Merino wool also means it withstands the wear and tear of regular use, making it perfect for garments that need to maintain their performance over an extended period. Whether you're an athlete in constant training or someone who requires daily use of compression garments, the long-lasting nature of Merino wool ensures you won't need to replace your gear frequently.
6. Sustainable
As a renewable resource, Merino wool is an environmentally friendly choice. The sheep from which this wool is harvested regrow their coats annually. Furthermore, its biodegradability ensures that it returns to the earth without leaving a lasting impact, breaking down naturally and re-integrating into the environment.
Merino wool has a natural elasticity, allowing garments to hold their shape and compression for longer than your average garment. This leads to a resilent compression sock that requires less replacements overtime.
With the growing awareness around sustainable fashion, materials like merino wool become important assets in reducing one's carbon footprint while ensuring high-quality wear.
7. Versatility in design
Merino wool is highly versatile in terms of style and function. Its natural properties allow for a wide range of designs, enabling manufacturers to create innovative compression garments that meet various needs and preferences.
Whether it's sleek and minimalistic designs for daily wear or rugged attire for outdoor adventures, the versatility of Merino wool ensures there is something for everyone. With its blend of practicality and aesthetics, garments made from merino wool can transition seamlessly through different environments, occasions, and seasons.
Designers and manufacturers can push the boundaries of what's possible, resulting in functional yet fashionable compression garments that appeal to a broad audience. This versatility also means that personalization and customization are more achievable, allowing compression wear tailored not just to function but also to reflect personal style preferences.
How compression helps
Whether you’re looking for compression to manage symptoms of CVD or want to prevent spider veins, here’s how Sigvaris compression socks can help you during long shifts at the salon:
Graduated compression helps reduce swelling
Depending on your job or previous health conditions, standing all day can cause fluid to build up in your legs and feet. This build-up, (otherwise known as edema), slows blood circulation and hinders your body's ability to rid itself of excess fluids. Graduated compression provides gradual pressure starting at the ankle. Blood and fluid are gently guided back up your leg, through decreasing strength, easing swelling and discomfort.
Graduated compression helps prevent spider veins
Spider veins, (and varicose veins), can be seen from the surface of the skin. The dark purple or blue veins are caused by weakened blood vessel walls. Although they are mostly a cosmetic concern, they can at times be achy or painful. Graduated compression helps guide the weak vein wall back into place. This regulates blood flow and reduces the appearance of spider and varicose veins.
Graduated compression can lead to more energy
Working on your feet all day is exhausting. Leg pain or discomfort can take a mental strain on you as well. Some hairstylists choose to wear compression socks because they help them feel more energized throughout the day. Trusting that your legs are supported by the right compression sock or stocking will help give you more energy to devote to your clients.
Graduated compression can aid in muscle recovery
Many athletes choose to wear compression socks or stockings to aid muscle recovery. Because your legs and muscles need blood to recover, regulating the blood flow in your legs can help you recover faster. As a hairstylist, maybe you’re not sprinting on a regular basis, but being on your feet all day does cause strain on your muscles. Wearing graduated compression reduces soreness and shortens recovery time.
Sigvaris compression socks provide plenty of style inspiration
You want to feel and look good while doing your job. Sigvaris makes it our mission to provide not only high-quality compression socks and stockings, but inspiring pieces to add to your wardrobe. Building an outfit around a chic pair of compression thigh-highs or patterned socks could be just what you need to feel confident at work.
What should you look for in a compression sock or stocking?
Compression level of at least
15-20mmHg
Although you can get some benefits from a lighter level of compression, wearing at least 15-20mmHg will provide the best results. If you choose lighter compression than this, it might not be enough to help prevent leg pain.
Soft Silhouette Leggings
At least knee-high length
Most swelling takes place in the ankles and calves, so your compression sock should at least cover your calves. Knee-high compression socks are an effective length to reduce swelling, but you could always opt for full-length compression leggings instead. Rule of thumb -- anything shorter than knee-highs won't do the trick.
Style Soft Opaque Calf for Women
Make sure you love the style and texture
If you don’t like the style, color, or texture of your compression socks, you likely won’t wear them. You’ll miss out on the health benefits as well. Microfiber is soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking, so it's a great starter material.
Style Microfiber Patterns for Women and Men