Can You Wear Compression Socks for Pilates and Yoga?

As many of us know, compression socks are great for endurance athletes (runners), professionals that stand a lot (nurses), and those who are sitting for long periods (sedentary patients, office workers, and travelers). But, yogis and pilates-heads -- can they practice in compression socks?

The short answer to this question is YES! Keep reading for the longer answer and a suggestion on what type of compression socks are best for pilates and yoga.

Yoga is a Sanskrit word translated as "yoke" or " union." To yoke means to draw together, bind together, or unite. Yoga aims to create a union between body, mind, soul, and universal consciousness by combining physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects. Yoga encompasses breathing techniques, postures, relaxation, chanting, and meditation while focusing on physical fitness and wellness.

Pilates is a type of exercise that emphasizes proper posture, alignment, and movement. It's often done on a mat but can also be practiced using specialized equipment. Pilates, like yoga, can be a very gentle and effective form of exercise as it is considered low-impact and ideal for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Before we dive into all the advantages yoga or pilates enthusiasts can enjoy while wearing compression socks, let's quickly go over how they work. Compression socks are designed to increase blood flow in your legs, squeezing most tightly around the foot and ankle and gradually becoming less tight higher up the leg. That increased blood flow reduces lactic acid build-up, which reduces soreness, speeds up recovery, and increases your endurance levels; the pressure offers the wearer extra support, preventing injury. Compression socks improve athletic performance and stimulate blood circulation better than regular socks.

So, how can compression socks help you while practicing yoga or pilates? Yoga and pilates require focus, balance, strength, and endurance, especially if you're taking more advanced classes. Compression socks help you stay focused by keeping blood flowing freely, preventing that heavy, tired feeling in your legs. They assist your balance by supporting the most vulnerable parts of your leg, like your knees and ankles, and keep your muscles sufficiently oxygenated, so you can endure your workout session longer without growing weary. The more advanced and experienced you are in yoga or pilates, the more helpful compression socks will be. After all, when more is required of your body, it needs all the help it can get! Beginners will also find compression socks helpful, especially if making it through one session is difficult. Don't forget; compression socks are also beneficial for recovery after your workout is done, so don't feel like you have to take them off as soon as you're done exercising.

A nonphysical benefit of wearing compression socks to yoga or pilates class is that you may make a new friend. After all, compression socks these days are available in all kinds of colors, patterns, and prints. Some companies, like ours, even let you design your custom pair! Whoever's next to you in class will notice how great your socks are and ask where you got them. Before you know it, you've made a buddy! Staying motivated to go to class will be more accessible than ever.

It might be tempting to buy the next pair of compression socks you see, but slow down a little–you want to ensure you get as much out of your socks as possible! Let's take a look at your options.

First, let's talk about length. Compression socks can be as long or short as you want! There are runner socks, which are about the same length as regular short socks that only come up to your ankle, but there are also socks that cover your calf, go over your knee, and cover the entire leg. Super-long compression socks are recommended for those with certain medical conditions; that length might seem excessive for yoga or pilates practitioners. On the other hand, short socks might not seem like they're nearly effective enough. That's why we recommend over-the-calf (OTC) socks, which cover the entirety of your foot and then stretch up over your calf. These socks will give you all the support you need in your knees and ankles without feeling like they're suffocating you! Instead, it'll feel like a warm, soothing hug.

You might be thinking about the people who practice yoga or pilates with bare feet. Don't worry–there are compression socks for them too. Usually referred to as compression sleeves, these socks only cover the calf of your leg, leaving your feet free and exposed. If you think being barefoot would help you grip the mat better during your yoga session, we recommend using the sleeve instead of the sock!

• Your circulation is an integral part of your health and happiness
• Yoga and pilates gently twist and stretch your body that enhances circulation
• Well-made, proper graduated compression socks or sleeves are made to boost circulation
• High-quality compression socks are also fantastic in aiding muscle recovery and fatigued feet
• Compression socks and yoga or pilates work well together

There are a lot of benefits to wearing compression socks in general, and runners, nurses, and office workers already know about them. Now, it's time for yoga and pilates enthusiasts and Crazy Compression to shine!

Please browse our inventory of bright, cheerful, funny, holiday, patriotic, and unique compression socks and sleeves perfect for your next class or session. Whether you're looking for 360 printed, solid color and knits, wide fit, compression with cushioning, elite runner socks, or compression sleeves—we'll have a perfect pair! Please bookmark us and often visit to keep up-to-date on the latest sales and exclusives, and get the inside scoop when you subscribe with your email!

Grab some compression sleeves or OTC compression socks for yourself and enjoy all their benefits, from improving your balance to strengthening your muscles, from reducing soreness to preventing injury.