Nylon Compression Socks

Written By Alecsa Stewart 
Scientifically Reviewed by Daniel Chantigian

If you’re looking for stylish compression during physical activity or just everyday wear, our nylon compression socks are lightweight, soft and flexible, designed to offer support and comfort at the highest levels. Thanks to their multi-dimensional weave and 4-way stretch, these socks are more comfortable and long-lasting, no matter where you’re using them. Our fabric stretches without changing shape, giving you high-quality graduated compression socks you can rely on for a long time. 

Whether you’re looking to soothe tired legs, boost circulation, or simply enjoy the sleek look and feel of nylon compression stockings, this collection marries style with wellness. Decades of research also shows us that nylon compression socks are great for improving athletic performance and speeding up recovery, which makes these your perfect match for running, cycling, or hiking. 

Benefits of Wearing Nylon Compression Socks

Besides the well-known benefits of compression wear (improved circulation, better joint and muscle support, soothing massage, among others), picking a pair of high-quality nylon compression socks gives you added versatility, durability, comfort, and style.

Versatility for Physical Activities

Nylon compression socks are sleek and flexible, allowing them to move with the body so that you can barely feel them during exercise. We use 200 needle-count fabric which, added to the multi-dimensional weave, is ideal for movement and for giving you an athletic feel. 

Synthetic fabrics (particularly nylon and polyester) tend to be better adapted for moisture management than cotton. Moreover, nylon retains its elasticity and shape over longer periods of effort and through repeated washes. This is why we see athletes use nylon compression socks, but also those dealing with changes in temperature or having to enjoy the benefit of compression in humid, warm climates. 

Durability

Thanks to their 4-way stretch design, Vim & Vigr nylon compression socks retain their elasticity for longer, with added resilience from the multi-dimensional weave. As a result, your socks will keep the same pressure levels applied to the lower legs, for a longer period of time. 

Superior Comfort

The buttery-soft finish of our nylon compression socks provides superior comfort, avoiding irritation and chafing. This is great not just for athletes, but for everyone looking for the benefits of compression in warm climates or poorly air-conditioned or close quarters. 

Compression socks are known to prevent swelling and blood pooling at the periphery, especially when traveling or not moving for extended periods of time. In addition to keeping your feet and ankles from expanding thanks to the boost in circulation, nylon compression socks also protect your feet from skin rashes and blisters thanks to the softness of the material. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Nylon Compression Socks

1. Is nylon good for compression socks?

Yes, nylon is one of the best compression socks materials thanks to its lightweight, flexible, and durable nature. We use 200 needle-count fabric that moves seamlessly with your body, so you will get the benefits of improved circulation and support without any bunching, folding, or discomfort. Nylon is also breathable and moisture-wicking, which is an added bonus for active people. 

We also provide a specific moisture-wicking nylon collection for even better sweat management. Check it out here.

2. What is the difference between nylon and cotton compression socks?

While both fabrics are soft and versatile, allowing you to wear your graduated compression socks all day long, nylon is typically more elastic and flexible. This makes nylon one of the best compression sock materials for physical activities. It is also better at wicking away moisture and keeping your feet dry, while cotton can retain moisture more, while not providing the same level of stretch. 

With Vim & Vigr stylish compression socks, you get to choose among multiple patterns and designs, while also personalizing the fabric you wear, depending on what you’re doing. Check out our cotton socks here for a soft, everyday feel. 

3. Are nylon compression socks good for walking?

Absolutely, nylon compression socks are flexible, durable, and supportive enough to help you level up your walking for fitness. Because of how sleek nylon socks are, you will be able to wear them with any type of hiking boots or shoes. The result is better circulation during long days in the outdoors, reducing the risk of swelling, soreness, and discomfort. 

4. Can I wear nylon compression socks all day?

In most cases, compression socks can be worn 24 hours a day, as long as you’re comfortable in them. After surgery, the National Health Service in the United Kingdom actually recommends wearing your nylon compression socks day and night, as much as possible.

As long as your socks fit well, they can give you a whole host of benefits such as reducing the risk of blood clots, avoiding edema and other complications, and generally feeling more energized and supported. However, we do recommend that you follow your doctor’s advice around how long you should wear compression socks, in case you have any doubts or a particular medical condition.

5. Are compression nylon socks suitable for air travel?

Definitely, nylon compression socks help reduce the risk of developing blood clots during long-haul flights and are on the list of recommended steps that the CDC suggests to take when boarding a plane. Nylon is a super sleek, comfortable material, which is stretchier and helps wick away moisture, so it’s a good choice for traveling on a plane in a poorly ventilated cabin. 

If you’re preparing for a trip, make sure to check out our most popular styles for travel to find the perfect pair of compression socks for you. 

6. How do I choose my compression level?

Nylon compression socks come in various levels of compression, because not all compression socks apply the same strength of therapeutic pressure to the legs:

• 15-20 mmHg is an everyday wear level, which is comfortable for exercising in and is also suitable for first-time wearers of compression socks

• 20-30 mmHg offers stronger compression, particularly useful for those who are at risk of a circulatory condition or already suffer from varicose veins or poor circulation

• 30-40 mmHg is the strongest level of compression we offer, available by prescription only.

Consult with a medical professional if you have any questions or concerns, as they will be able to advise on what’s best for your situation. 

Explore More Nylon Options

Despite the popularity of our nylon compression sock range, we realized that the knitting pattern allowing 4-way stretch restricted the patterns we were able to offer. This is why we experimented with putting our classic nylon fabric on the same machine as the one we use for cotton and merino wool compression socks. This is how Choice nylon was born - more bold and colorful designs for stylish compression, plus it’s allowed us to remove the toe seam we have in our regular nylon collection. 

Check out the Choice nylon collection to browse more great-looking, versatile, and effective compression socks. 

References:

Brown, F., Gissane, C., Howatson, G., van Someren, K., Pedlar, C., & Hill, J. (2017). Compression Garments and Recovery from Exercise: A Meta-Analysis. Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 47(11), 2245–2267. Read it here. 

Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Advice for Travelers: Blood Clots During Travel. Traveler’s Health. Read it here. 

Charles, T., Mackintosh, D., Healy, B., Perrin, K., Weatherall, M., & Beasley, R. (2011). Merino wool graduated compression stocking increases lower limb venous blood flow: a randomized controlled trial. Advances in therapy, 28(3), 227–237. Read it here. 

Clarke, M. J., Broderick, C., Hopewell, S., Juszczak, E., & Eisinga, A. (2021). Compression stockings for preventing deep vein thrombosis in airline passengers. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 4(4), CD004002. Read it here. 

Mosti, G., Picerni, P., & Partsch, H. (2012). Compression stockings with moderate pressure are able to reduce chronic leg oedema. Phlebology, 27(6), 289–296. Read it here. 

Mota, G. R., Simim, M. A. M., Dos Santos, I. A., Sasaki, J. E., & Marocolo, M. (2020). Effects of Wearing Compression Stockings on Exercise Performance and Associated Indicators: A Systematic Review. Open access journal of sports medicine, 11, 29–42. Read it here.

National Health Service Staff. (2024). After Surgery: Having an operation (surgery). Read it here.