How to Buy Compression Socks

If you have issues with blood flow, issues with swelling in your legs, or you’re an athlete, you might be looking into compression socks. With so many options and styles available, figuring out the right type of compression sock for you can be a little overwhelming. That’s why we’ve listed out the key points that you’ll need to know to buy compression socks, as well as a few handy tips for putting them on and washing them after you buy.

1

Check your prescription for details if you have one.

If your doctor recommends compression socks, they may write you a prescription. If that’s the case, most of the work has been done for you, and all you need to do is head to the pharmacy and pick up the socks that are waiting for you. Your doctor will have recommended the compression type and sock length to help treat your medical condition, so you don’t have to make any of those decisions yourself.^{[1]XResearch source}
- If you have a serious health condition, talk to your doctor before buying compression socks on your own. Compression socks aren’t safe for people with some conditions, including peripheral vascular disease and diabetes.
- When you have a prescription, your doctor will most likely measure your calf and ankle to get a proper fit.
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2

Buy compression socks at most drugstores.

You might also be able to find them at an athletic store. If you don’t have a prescription for compression socks, head to a drug store, a pharmacy, or an athletic goods store near you. They’ll most likely have compression socks and stockings in the first aid and medical section.^{[2]XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Large home goods stores also usually carry compression socks, although they may have slightly less variety.

3

Go for 15-20mmHg compression if it’s your first time.

This is also called light compression, and it’s the lowest that there is. If you’re new to compression socks or you just aren't sure whether they’re right for you, try 15-20mmHg ones. They’re perfect for reducing swelling and alleviating pain in minor varicose veins.^{[3]XTrustworthy SourceMedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of MedicineGo to source}
- Varicose veins are caused by standing for long periods of time without moving. Compression socks help to gently push the blood up and out of your legs back toward your heart to prevent swelling and pain.^{[4]XExpert SourceVlad Gendelman, MD
  Board Certified PhysicianExpert Interview. 17 July 2020.}
- If you’re an athlete, you should also go for light compression to start out with. That way, you can figure out if they’re right for you before moving up in compression.
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4

Try 20-30mmHg during pregnancy and post-surgery.

This level is medium compression, so it’s a little tighter fitting. If you’re pregnant, compression socks can help reduce fluid buildup in your extremities and offer some relief. If you’re recovering from surgery, compression socks can help prevent blood clots when you’re bed-ridden. Medium level compression socks can also treat recurring varicose and spider veins in your legs.^{[5]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- If you are recovering from surgery, go for anti-embolism socks (rather than graduated ones). Anti-embolism socks are tight around your entire leg, not just around your ankle.

5

Go for 30-40mmHg to treat severe varicose veins.

You can also use them if you have severe edema or lymphedema. 40mmHg is the highest that compression socks go, and you may need a prescription to find these (most drug stores only sell light or medium compression socks). If you think you need high compression, talk to your doctor first to avoid any injuries.^{[6]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- These are also sometimes called “extra firm.”
- Some doctors will prescribe 40-50mmHG compression socks, but that’s usually only in the case of severe swelling.
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6

Pick graduated socks unless you’re recovering from surgery.

Graduated is the most common type, and that’s probably what you’ll use. Anti-embolism socks are mostly used for people in the hospital recovering from surgery (because they help prevent blood clots). If you’re able to stand up and move around throughout the day, go for graduated socks instead.^{[7]XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Graduated means that the socks are tightest around the ankle and then get looser as they go up your calf.

7

Buy thigh-high socks if you have thick calf muscles.

knee-high and thigh-high. If you have thicker calf muscles, experts recommend that you choose thigh-high socks, just for a little extra comfort. Otherwise, you can go for knee-high socks.^{[8]XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- You might also be able to find full compression tights, which are pretty popular with athletes.
- Some sock lengths help treat specific conditions, so your doctor might recommend the length to you, too.
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8

Choose between a closed or open toe.

This choice really comes down to preference. Compression socks can leave you feeling a little sweaty, so you may want to pick an open toe sock if you plan on moving around throughout the day. However, if you want to wear shoes with your compression socks, go for closed toed ones to mimic a real sock.^{[9]XResearch source}
- Open toe compression socks end at the base of the toe, so they’re also a great choice if you plan to wear flip flops or sandals during the summer.

9

Pick the color that you like.

Usually, you can choose between nude or white. Nude colored compression socks help blend into your leg a little more, while white ones just look like normal socks. The color won’t affect the compression type or the style of the sock, so you can pick whichever one is right for you.^{[10]XResearch source}
- If you plan on wearing your compression socks every day, you might want to grab a few different pairs in different colors.
- Compression socks are almost always made from a blend of synthetic fabrics, usually nylon and polyester.
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10

Put your socks on first thing in the morning.

This is when your legs will be the least swollen. Putting on your compression socks can take some getting used to, so don’t be afraid to practice for a couple of days. If your stockings feel painful or cause your feet to go numb, take them off right away, and talk to your doctor.^{[11]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- If you have trouble putting on your socks, look into getting a stocking donner, a metal device that can help grab and pull the socks up your leg.
- If you have sensitive skin, you may get a slight rash from the fabric of the compression socks. If that’s the case, take them off and then talk to your doctor about your options.

11

Replace your socks every 4 to 6 months.

Over time, compression socks will lose their support. Try to remember how long you’ve had your socks for, and buy a new pair every 4 to 6 months or so. That way, you’ll keep getting the benefits of compression socks the entire time you wear them.^{[12]XResearch source}
- You can throw away your old compression socks once they’ve lost their support.
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Tips

Compression socks usually cost around $10 per pair.
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Warnings

If compression socks cause you pain or discomfort, talk to your doctor.^{[13]XTrustworthy SourceMedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of MedicineGo to source}
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