Compression Stockings Sizes

Shopping for any clothing online can be a nightmare, so here at Compression Stockings we’ve worked to make it as easy as possible to get the right compression stockings for you. And a massive part of that is making sure that you get the right size.

Why Does the Size Matter?

There are two main reasons why getting the right size for your compression stockings is so important. Firstly, wearing compression stockings with the wrong size can be very uncomfortable and makes it much harder to put them on, increasing the chance of deforming or tearing them.

Wearing the wrong size compression stockings can also make the condition you’re trying to treat worse. If they’re too tight they can put too much compression on your leg, and the wrong length can mean pressure is applied in the wrong place.

How Are Compression Stockings Sized?

There are two elements to compression stockings sizes: the size itself and the length. The size of compression stockings is based on the circumference of your leg at certain points – usually at your ankle, the thickest part of your calf (or just below the knee) and the thickest part of your thigh. 

The length of stockings is determined from, unsurprisingly, the length of your leg. For knee high compression stockings it’s usually measured from the bottom of your knee to your foot, and for thigh high compression stockings it’s usually measured from the top of your thigh down to your foot.

These points of measurement can vary based on the make and model of compression stocking, so it’s important that you check the sizing chart for each stocking individually.

Measuring Yourself: Tips and Tricks

There’s a few things you can do to make measuring yourself for a compression stocking easier and more accurate than ever. The best thing you can do is invest in a good tailor’s tape measure. This will give a more accurate measurement than using a ruler or a metal DIY-style tape measure (which is too rigid to get a good reading on your leg), and it’ll be a lot more comfortable, too.

Another great tip for measuring yourself for a compression stocking is to have someone to help you. Unless you’re a master of flexibility and yoga, seeing the reading on the tape measure can be quite difficult when you’re standing up, so having someone there to help you will make the whole process faster and easier.

See Your Doctor

Of course, you should always consult with your doctor before using compression stockings, so you know they’re right for you. But if you’re still not sure about the right sizing for your compression stockings, your doctor can give you an accurate measurement and recommend the best size for you.

If you’re interested in getting your hands on some compression garments, head on over to Compression Stockings and check out our range of compression stockings. And every compression garment on Compression Stockings has a size chart, so you can get the exact size you need.