Compression socks no longer look like hospital garb, thanks to a reinvention of 3M's support hosiery line Futuro. These everyday pantyhose and trouser socks are designed to relieve varicose veins, swelling, aches and improve circulation. Two of the newspaper's Store Troopers put them to the test.

Rolla Breitman of St. Paul wore her Futuro pantyhose under pants to a movie. "Usually, my legs and buttocks would bother me a bit after sitting so long, but that didn't seem to happen," she said. "I would certainly consider wearing these if I was going to be sitting or standing for long periods of time." Added bonus: Breitman said her pants were that much easier to button. "They really held everything in."

Mary Fafinski of Chaska agreed that the hose were "supportive, comfortable — almost massaging" as she walked. But she didn't like their "heavy" appearance with a dress and said they felt warm under pants. "I can't imagine wearing them in summer," she said. Of course, there's still a lot of winter left.

Futuro offers pantyhose in nude and black and trouser socks for women and men in black, navy and nude. Prices range from $10 to $35. They are available at drugstores.

— Allison Kaplan

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