Q. My husband is a waiter and is on his feet all day long. When he comes home he has to prop his feet up for hours because they ache so badly.
He read in the paper that some men are wearing pantyhose to relieve varicose veins and now he wants me to buy him some. I’m having a hard time imagining him in women’s pantyhose. Does someone make an equivalent for men that would have a fly?
A. We located a men’s support leotard that has a fly. According to the manufacturer, Ames Walker, it provides the same medically approved graduated compression found in support hosiery. It is called AW Style 234, Firm Support Men’s Fly Front Leotard.
Operating room nurses, surgeons, bank tellers, cashiers and other people who must spend hours on their feet find compression hosiery helpful in combating circulatory problems and leg fatigue. Support stockings are also valuable on long airplane flights to reduce the risk of blood clots forming in the veins of legs.
Here are some stories from others who have benefitted from support hose:
“I know men that have been using panty hose for years in scuba diving including myself. The panty hose provide a couple of advantages – first of all they allow the wet suit to go on substantially easier and it comes off easier. Secondly they keep a person warmer when diving, especially in cooler waters and in cooler weather. I have also seen men use panty hose when using dry suits in extremely cold waters. They look a little strange but they work so who cares how they look.
“Once I started wearing panty hose when I was diving made me realize how smart females were to wear them when baring their legs in different outfits such as dresses and skirts.”
Rick
“I am not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV. But I do know what works well in eliminating the swelling in my lower extremities … and it ain’t pantyhose!
“Due to the diagnosis of damaged valves in my veins, I have worn support hose for the past three years. I doubt that ‘ultra sheer’ pantyhose would provide the same degree of support. I also see no added benefit whatsoever in constraining the thigh when most issues occur below the knee.
“I’m also very ‘snug’ (cheap), and would much rather pay ten bucks or more for a good pair of black support hose that last YEARS, over the endless expense of replacing pantyhose. My wife is envious for this reason alone.”
Scott
