Compression Sock Size Guide
Find your compression sock size by ankle + calf measurement. Learn what mmHg you need — medical or athletic.
mmHg ratings — what to choose
| Class | mmHg | For |
|---|---|---|
| Mild | 8–15 | Tired legs, mild swelling, athletic recovery |
| Moderate (OTC) | 15–20 | Travel, pregnancy, varicose vein prevention, long standing/sitting |
| Firm (Rx) | 20–30 | Mild–moderate varicose veins, post-sclerotherapy, mild edema |
| Extra Firm (Rx) | 30–40 | DVT, severe varicose veins, lymphedema, post-thrombotic syndrome |
| Robust (Rx) | 40–50+ | Severe lymphedema, venous ulcers (specialist fitting required) |
Common compression sock uses
Pregnancy
15–20 mmHg, knee-high. Reduces swelling, prevents varicose veins. Wear in morning before swelling builds.
Long-haul flights (DVT prevention)
15–20 mmHg, knee-high. Put on before boarding, take off ~2 hours after landing.
Standing / desk work
15–20 mmHg. Wear all workday. Take off in evening to recover.
Athletic recovery (running, cycling)
15–25 mmHg, knee-high or sleeves. Wear 30–60 min post-workout. Doesn't enhance performance during exercise, but does aid recovery.
Diabetic socks
NOT the same as compression. Diabetic socks are looser than regular socks (zero compression) to avoid restricting circulation. Don't confuse the two.
FAQ
How long should compression socks last?
6 months daily wear, or ~70 washes. Once the elastic loses spring (the sock no longer feels tight), the mmHg has dropped — replace.
Can compression socks be too tight?
Yes — if your toes go numb, the calf has indentations, or the sock rolls/cuts in. Either size up or step down mmHg. Bad fit can cause skin damage in diabetics.
Knee-high vs thigh-high vs full pantyhose?
Knee-high handles most use cases (90% of patients). Thigh-high for higher-located varicose veins or post-thigh-surgery. Pantyhose for severe lymphedema or those who get rolling/sliding with knee-highs.
Open-toe vs closed-toe?
Closed-toe is standard. Open-toe is for: hot climates, foot injuries, or if you find closed-toe uncomfortable. Both give the same leg compression.