Our Size Guide - Finding the Right Compression Sock | PRO Compression (2024)

FAQs

How do I determine what size compression socks I need? ›

Sizing is based on measurements of the legs before treatment as follows: Knee-high socks only require measuring the circumference of your ankle and calf. Thigh-high stockings require measurements of the circumference of your ankle, calf, and thigh, as do waist-high. Maternity, and chaps style compression stockings.

A good rule of thumb to follow is: 15-20 mmHg: Great for daily wear, travel, and sports. They help improve circulation without being too tight. 20-30 mmHg: Great for sports recovery, daily wear, medical recovery, and to manage mild symptoms of varicose and spider veins.

If you choose a size that is too tight, the top band of the compression garment may bind or roll. If a larger size is chosen, the compression garment may slip or fall throughout the day. Either way, we want your calf to be comfortable.

They should not be too tight as to feel uncomfortable after a while, but not so loose that they feel like any other pair of socks. How tight is subjective, but if you follow the size guide you will get a compressive fit that will end up helping your legs and feet feel much better at the end of the day.

Take the ankle measurement above the ankle bone at the narrowest part of the ankle. The calf length is measured from the floor near your heel to the start of the knee on the backside of your leg. For thigh-high compression stockings, take a thigh measurement at the widest part of your thigh.

Compression stockings of 20 mmHg or higher need to be prescribed by a physician. They are used for the treatment of various medical conditions, and should be used under the supervision of a doctor.

Itchiness and irritation — Redness and temporary dents in your skin at the edge of the sock's fabric are a common side effect of improperly-fitted compression socks.

These socks have graduated compression, meaning the compression is tighter at the foot and ankle and slightly lessens as the sock moves up your leg. Since compression socks are meant to gently squeeze your legs, they can be hard to put on.

Compression socks should fit snuggly around your lower limbs and feet but should not feel as if they are constricting you from moving in anyway. The fabric should be breathable and shouldn't make your skin sweat.

Is there a downside to wearing compression socks? Compression stockings are generally safe but can cause you pain or even cut off your circulation if you don't wear the proper size. The pressure also can cause minor bruising or skin ulcers, and tightly fitting socks also can cause dry skin, redness, and itching.

How many hours a day should you wear compression socks? ›

You can wear your compression socks all day by putting them on when getting dressed in the morning, and take them off before bed (unless your doctor advises otherwise).

The LEVSOX 20-30 mmHg Compression Socks for Women and Men met all these requirements when we tried them ourselves, so we've selected them as our best overall pick. The fit, feel, support, and value were all perfect. They weren't hard to wear; they were about as snug and flexible as tights or leggings.

The 30-40 mmHg level of compression is a stronger medical grade class II. It's recommended for leg health symptoms that range from moderate to severe. The 30-40 mmHg level of compression is also recommended when you have a blood clot or a deep vein thrombosis DVT.

Support compression stockings are made available in multiple compression support levels. Most commonly compression support stockings come in mild (8-15 mmHg), Medium (15-20 mmHg), Firm (20-30 mmHg), X-Firm (30-40 mmHg) gradient compression levels.

Taking care of your compression socks

You can wear your compression socks all day by putting them on when getting dressed in the morning, and take them off before bed (unless your doctor advises otherwise).

Class 1: 10-15 mmHg (Very light compression) Class 2: 15-20 mmHg (Light compression) Class 3: 20-36 mmHg (Moderate compression) Class 4: 36+ mmHg (Strong compression)