From about Presidents’ Day to Thanksgiving, I live outside in my garden. I’ve been known to disappear from my house for hours at a time, and my family can usually spot me through a window, resplendent in my typical gardening uniform: Leggings or overalls. A T-shirt that says something hilarious like, “I work hard so my chickens can have a better life.” Wellies.
And, now, compression socks.
I spent most of 2023 testing compression socks, even during the hottest days of summer. With their snug fit that applies pressure to your ankle and then gradually eases as it goes up your leg, compression socks were designed to boost circulation. Doctors might prescribe medical-grade socks for serious leg issues including swelling and varicose veins, but over-the-counter socks like the ones we’ve tested can be soothing for people who spend their days on their feet (like nurses) or who sit for long periods of time (compression socks can help prevent deep vein thrombosis on flights).
After months of testing compression socks in my everyday life—wearing them on flights, while sitting at my desk for hours, or while doing chores around the house—I became a convert. And I discovered they made perfect gardening socks when I was outside for hours doing hard chores.
Now I don’t head outside without them. Wellow Compression Socks are my favorites for a long day of outdoor chores, and since I started testing them, I’ve bought myself about a dozen pairs.
