FAQs
Below you’ll find frequently asked questions about Lily Trotters and compression in general. If you don’t find the answers you’re looking for here, please email your question or call us at 855.ROCK.SOX (855.762.5769) and we’ll respond as quickly as we can.
How to Put on Compression Socks
Sizing
How should I select my size?
Sizing for compression is all about knowing your calf circumference. Carefully measure your calf - at its' widest part - using a fabric measuring tape. Lily Trotters can really stretch, so to ensure your calf feels the 15-20 mmHg hug accurately, select the size that matches your calf circumference.
Many people can wear both sizes comfortably. The majority of our product testers found the S/M to be the right size. Our socks do stretch everywhere, so keep that in mind. If you are on the taller side, you may prefer the length of our L/XL. Remember, Lily Trotters are 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed. Follow our Returns & Exchanges policy if your socks do not fit and we will help guide you to the correct size.
Refer to our sizing guide below.
Compression Socks or Compression Sleeves?
Recommended Usage & Wear:
Why should I wear compression socks?
Compression makes our legs feel refreshed and energized by increasing the blood flow from our legs to our heart and raising our blood oxygen level.
But compression socks do more than just make our legs feel great. They minimize leg pain and cramping and reduce swelling in our ankles and feet. Wearing compression socks can also help keep our legs healthy, by delaying the onset of varicose and spider veins. Most importantly, they can help prevent a DVT (deep vein thrombosis)— a life-threatening blood clot that can show up in our legs.
When should I wear compression socks?
You can wear compression socks for support in many aspects of your life. Elite and amateur athletes wear compression socks to increase their athletic performance, speed up muscle recovery and alleviate the lactic acid buildup that occurs post workout. Seasoned travelers wear compression socks to alleviate leg cramps and swollen feet and to minimize their risk of developing a DVT on a long flight. Many healthcare workers or anyone who sits or stands for long periods of time can wear compression socks for leg support and to keep fluid from pooling in the ankles and feet. Pregnant women wear compression to help their circulation, which is compromised for many reasons – including hormonal changes, thickened blood and the weight that babies put on veins. Compression socks are no longer the ugly beige medical ‘grandma’ socks of years gone by. They’re now part of an athlete’s arsenal of gear, a traveler’s must-have for long flights and the healthcare worker’s standard uniform.
How does compression work?
Graduated compression begins with a slight squeeze or pressure at the foot. The tightest compression is at the ankle, followed by a decreased, incremental and carefully measured squeeze moving up the leg. This squeeze, or compression, ensures blood flows toward our heart instead of down toward our foot— or even laterally into superficial veins. This upward movement keeps blood from pooling in our ankles, returning it to our heart and lungs more efficiently than without compression.
Compression reduces the diameter of major veins, which increases the velocity and volume of blood flow. The overall pressure we feel as a result of the compression is affected by many factors, including the elasticity and stiffness of the compression material, the size and shape of our legs and our movements and activities. As a result, we experience increased blood oxygen levels, which can enhance athletic performance, speed up muscle recovery and simply leave our legs feeling refreshed and energized.3
How is compression measured?
Compression strength is described as a range. Each range is described in the chart below. The higher number represents the pressure at the ankle and the lower number represents the pressure at the top of the sock. This unit of pressure is referred to as mm/Hg (millimeters of mercury).
Compression Strength |
||
Category of Compression |
Compression Range |
Notes |
Light |
8-15 mmHg |
|
Moderate |
15-20 mmHg |
|
Firm |
20-30 mmHg |
Typically requires a doctor’s prescription |
Extra Firm |
30-40 mmHg |
Always requires a doctor’s prescription and management |
Heavy |
40-60 mmHg |
Absolutely requires a doctor’s prescription and management |
What compression strength are Lily Trotters?
Lily Trotters are 15-20 mmHg— the IDEAL STRENGTH for athletic performance, recovery, travel, during pregnancy and everyday wear.
Is there a difference between high-performance (athletic) compression and medical compression socks?
Compression socks, stockings and other garments originated for medical purposes – to improve blood circulation, add support after injuries, treat venous insufficiencies, wear post-surgeries and manage chronic illnesses. The idea of wearing compression for athletic performance and recovery is relatively new. Medical compression socks range in strength from 8-15 mmHg to 40-60 mmHg. They’re typically a thin sock and available in mostly plain beige, white and black. Performance compression socks deliver the same benefits as medical compression socks, but they are gear, built marathon- strong. They are primarily 15-20 mmHg— the optimal compression strength for performance, recovery and non-medical wear.
Why might some same-sized socks appear to have different lengths?
A lot of factors can affect the way our socks appear when relaxed and not on our legs. Each sock we knit has a specified targeted length. In hosiery manufacturing, hitting that exact length 100% of the time is impossible, so there is an acceptable range for each size, and a slight variation in length is to be expected between pairs. Temperature and humidity in transit can also affect the appearance of relaxed socks. If you are concerned about the size of your socks, please first try them on, as they do stretch a lot. If you are not happy with your fit, contact us by email, or call us at 855.ROCK.SOX (855.762.5769) and we will replace your purchase as soon as possible. We are committed to our 100% customer satisfaction guarantee and ultimately your happiness.
If I have a medical condition, should I wear compression socks?
Compression socks are often used to minimize swelling and help with recovery from some surgeries. They are also helpful managing many medical conditions including Compartment Syndrome, POTS, venous issues, diabetes and more. If you have a medical condition (especially a history of blood clots), consult your physician before wearing compression socks to see if they could be part of your treatment plan, and if so which level of compression is best suited to your needs
Why isn't the sock’s entire footbed fully cushioned or reinforced?
From heel to toe, Lily Trotters are designed to be marathon strong. Our heels are cushioned to help absorb impact during strenuous and repetitive activity, such as running. Our reinforced toes are built to help keep toes from popping through the socks.
What does mmHG mean?
mmHg stand for millimeters of mercury which is how the strength of compression is measured.
What level compression does Lily Trotters use?
Lily Trotters uses 15-20 mmHg, which is conventionally the strongest level of compression one can technically use without a doctor’s prescription. It is also the optimal level of compression recommended for exercise, travel, sitting and standing for long periods of time and for general wear.
What is graduated compression?
Lily Trotters is committed to providing quality graduated compression – which is tightest at the ankle and incrementally and evenly less tight as it moves up the leg. Testing compression graduation is a core quality standard at Lily Trotters. We are committed to getting this right and test our socks regularly as standard-practice.
Visit the Compression Benefits section of our website to better understand how Lily Trotters will help you!
Ordering & Payment
What credit cards do you accept?
Lily Trotters accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, AMazon Pay and PayPal.
How do I use an online promo code?
To redeem an online coupon code, enter your promotional code in the designated space on the last page of the checkout process, next to payment information. Only one coupon code may be entered at a time.
Do you offer gift cards?
Lily Trotters makes a wonderful gift. Gift cards are available for purchase at our on-line store. To redeem a gift card, enter your gift card code in the designated space on the last page of the checkout process, next to payment information.
Returns & Exchanges
How do I process an online return?
Lily Trotters offers free exchanges and returns. Visit Lily Trotters Returns & Exchanges area for more information.
I think my product may be faulty?
Lily Trotters offers a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, we believe in delivering only the best in high quality products and service to our customers. Visit our Returns & Exchanges area for more information.
Shipping
Does Lily Trotters ship internationally?
Yes, Lily Trotters offers shipping worldwide. A variety of shipping options can be viewed on on our shipping tab, as you look at each item.
Where do you ship from and how fast?
Lily Trotters ships from our fulfillment center in NJ. In stock orders ship FAST, within 1 business day.
- Orders placed Monday-Friday before 2:00 PM EST ship same day.
- Orders placed after 2:00 PM EST ship the next business day.
- Orders placed after 2:00 PM EST Friday ship Monday.
- Customers with a valid email address are provided parcel tracking information upon shipment.
*If you have a special occasion and you need us to deliver, reach out and we’ll do our best to help you.
Who is your shipping vendor?
Lily Trotters preferred carrier is USPS.
How can I track my package?
You will receive a confirmation email from Lily Trotters after you place an order. That email will have a 'Track My Shipment' link that will allow you to track your shipment directly.
Product Availability
The style or size I want is not available, when will it be replenished? If it is not immediately clear by messaging on the product page, email us with the specific item and we’ll respond with the estimated availability.
Wear & Product Care
What are Lily Trotters made of?
93% Nylong and 7% Spandex.
How do I care for my Lily Trotters socks?
Machine wash separately in cold water on delicate cycle. Do not use bleach or fabric softener. Do not mix with cottons or other fabrics. Line dry. Built to last...show your socks some love and they will love you for a long time.
Wholesale
Where can I find a Lily Trotters dealer near me? If there is a store near you that you’d like to see carry Lily Trotters, please let the store know and let us know, too! We’ll work on that as quickly as possible.
Lily Trotters Information
What is a Lily Trotter?
Read more about Our Story and Our Namesake The short and sweet version, a lily trotter, also called a jacana, is a tropical bird found on the continents of Africa and South America, in tropical and marshy areas in the wild. Lily trotters’ extraordinary legs and feet enable them to hop over lily pads and walk on floating vegetation.
What is the Lily Trotters Ambassador program? How can I get involved?
Contact Casey at casey @lilytrotters.com, for information regarding Lily Trotters Ambassador program, or read more.
Where can I send my feedback, ideas and suggestions ?
We love ideas! Share your ideas, suggestions and feedback with us by email , 855.ROCK.SOX (855.762.5769) on our Facebook page.
How often do you add new styles / colors ?
The Lily Trotters keeps a pulse on the latest advances in technology and trends, and our designer is forever with a pencil in her hand, thinking of fresh new designs to bring to you. While we don’t have a formal release schedule, the plan is to release new items twice annually, with limited edition items being released on occasion. Subscribe to our E-newsletter (Sock Flock) via our website or Facebook fan page and you will be one of the first to know when a new product or news is shared.
How does Lily Trotters give back ?
Lily Trotters is committed to giving back in the communities we serve. We donate socks to a number of charities, we sponsor events and we participate with other groups to recognize special individuals with prizes.
Will Lily Trotters make socks with compression stronger than 15-20 mmHg?
Presently, we are conducting research and development relating to the possible launch of other compression levels and size offerings.
Will Lily Trotters be making socks for plus-sized women?
>We plan to add more size options to our sock line as we grow, and hope to introduce a plus-sized option in 2021.
Do you make a men's line?
Men wear Lily Trotters now proudly! We have created a page for men that makes shopping for styles they love easier.
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