Deep Vein Thrombosis occurs when the blood flow is restricted and this can then form clots usually in the leg. If the clot breaks off it can travel along with the blood flow and may reach the lungs or brain and can therefore be fatal for the passenger.
The research showed that if a passengers use travel socks then the user has only one tenth of the risk of developing DVT compared to those that do not use compression socks. 2,300 passengers on flights were analysed on flights that lasted for seven hours or more. Of the 50 who developed DVT symptoms 47 were not wearing compression socks.
Studies have concluded that the chance of getting DVT is about one in every 6,000 long haul flights for a healthy person. Last December a DTI report that all forms of transport involving a journey of more than four hours increased the risk of DVT and the risk of DVT is higher in people over 40 who have a family history in bloody clots, have recently had surgery or have existing circulation problems. DVT is also more common in women who are pregnant or have recently had a baby or take the contraception bill or on HRT.
Symptoms include swelling, pan and redness especially on the back of the leg which may develop during a journey. These symptoms can quickly occur within hours or even days later after the journey. The latest concern highlighted by doctors is concerning people working on periods at their desks without activity. A new form of DVT ‘e-thromobosis’ can occur with individuals that are bound to their desks working long hours without little physical movement.
One designer that has spotted the enormous potential of this market is Victoria Jowett from Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication. Vickie explained
” I have always had an interest in design and finished school at 16 to do a 2-year AVCE in Art and Design at Leeds College of Art and Design. Initially studying 3D design, and then moving into fashion. I subsequently went on to study Fashion at Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication. The first year taught me a variety of skills and in the second year I chose to specialise in promotion.
I first came across DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) when my granddad developed a large blood clot in his calf as a result of driving, needing medication to thin the blood.
As many people still do, I always associated DVT as happening to older people, and those taking many long haul flights.
It wasn’t until last summer when I started to become more aware of DVT and the potential market for patterned compression socks. I was on an 8-hour flight and the plane was occupied by a mixture of age groups. A young woman was sat across the aisle from me wearing a pair of knee high compression tights with a short skirt. The tights looked very medical and like a product you would wear because you needed to-not because you wanted to.
It made me think that if you could combine a health-benefiting product with good design it would make the product appealing to a wider audience. I began researching further into DVT and who it effects and found myself to be in a high-risk category. Those over 40, who have a history of blood clots in their family, women taking the contraceptive pill and who are pregnant are among those at the highest risk.
DVT occurs when movement is restricted, for example when travelling or sat for long periods at a desk. It is really important to wear travel socks and to keep your legs moving, especially when flying.
I read an article around the time I began developing the idea, about an 18-year-old girl who died from DVT following a 4-hour flight from Gran Caneria. This made me realise how important it is to raise awareness of DVT especially amongst younger people.
People will buy travel socks because they look great, then realise that they could potentially save their life.”
Victoria has now domestically and internationally sourced a manufacturer to supply trendy compression socks under her company Travel Socks Ltd. Recently formed Vickie already has a stockist waiting to carry the range of socks. Based at Croydon the Enter Boutique will be the first UK retail unit to have the unique product
Manageress Hayleigh Amos commented “We have a wide cross section of quality customers that regularly visit the Enter boutique. Many of these customers are local office workers that are office bound and also travel extensively. The socks look marvellous and makes such a change from the normal ‘American tan’ and black functional socks that you normally buy when travelling for holidays and work. We are delighted to be stocking Travel Socks Ltd and looking forward to receiving the first shipment.”
For further information regarding Travel Socks Ltd please contact Victoria Jowett directly at Unit 10, Fashion House, 23 Langdale Avenue, Leeds LS6 3HA 07725 360608
