I have very large calves because I played drums for about 20 years.  As a consequence, any type of banding at the top of a sock binds/cuts into my calf.  The bottom of these socks are of medium weight, while the uppers are much lighter/looser but, and this is important, not appearing to be greatly different from regular socks.  Thus I don't feel as though I'm wearing "supp hose".  Btw, if you do need strong support for your calves, these are not the socks for you.  They are very comfortable for me, but would not be appropriate for an international flight to, say, Japan.