Medity Health

September 3, 2026

If you've ever ordered a compression garment based on your regular clothing size, only to find it too tight, too loose, or rolling at the edges, you already know that compression sizing works differently. Medical and post-surgical compression garments rely on precise body measurements, not standard sizing, because their entire function depends on applying the right amount of pressure to the right places. Get the measurements wrong, and the garment can fail to do its job, or worse, cause discomfort, poor circulation, or skin irritation.

This guide walks through why accurate measuring matters, what tools you need, how to measure for the most common types of medical compression garments, and the mistakes that trip people up most often.

Before you start, gather:

• A flexible measuring tape
• A notepad or your phone to record numbers immediately (since it's easy to forget them)
• The garment manufacturer's size chart, which you should have open before you begin, since different brands measure slightly differently

If you have limited mobility or have recently had surgery, you may want a second person to assist with taking the measurements. Some of the measurements can be difficult to see or reach under these circumstances.

Here's a few general guidelines that we recommend following whenever you're measuring for compression garments:

1. Measure in the morning, if possible. Swelling fluctuates throughout the day, and it's usually recommended to measure in the morning before swelling increases. That way, you can measure your leg at its least swollen, and your compression garment can help keep it at this size.
2. Keep the tape snug but not tight. You want the tape to lie flat against the skin without indenting it.
3. Measure the circumferences for both legs. Swelling is often uneven, especially post-surgery or with lymphedema, so don't assume both legs will match. Measure both legs to ensure that you're getting the correct size for each.
4. Record measurements in the units your size chart uses. Most sizing charts use both inches and centimeters, but be sure to double check your size with the correct unit of measure before ordering.

Knee-high compression stockings will typically require the following measurements:

• Ankle Circumference: Measure the circumference of the ankle just above the ankle bone
• Calf Circumference: Measure the circumference of the calf at the thickest part (usually a little below the knee)
• Calf Length: With your foot flat on the floor, measure from the floor to two finger widths below the bend in your knee.

Thigh-high compression stockings and pantyhose will require the same ankle and calf circumference measurements that were mentioned above plus two additional measurements. Those measurements are:

• Thigh Circumference: Measure the circumference of the thigh at the thickest part (usually at the top of the leg)
• Leg Length: With your foot flat on the floor, measure from the floor to the top of your leg (just below where your buttocks starts and it's also where you would want the stockings to end).

Armsleeves will typically require the following measurements:

• Wrist Circumference: Measure the circumference of the wrist just before the wrist bone
• Forearm Circumference: Measure the circumference of the forearm at the thickest part
• Bicep Circumference: Measure the circumference of the bicep at the thickest part (usually around the middle of the bicep)
• Arm Length: Measure from your wrist to your armpit (where you would want the garment to stop before your shoulder)

There's a few key measuring mistakes that we hear about, and you should avoid when taking your measurements.

Measuring over thick clothing. This will increase the circumference you get for your measurements and could lead to getting the incorrect size for your garment

Different brands have different sizing. People will often assume that if they're a small in one brand that they're a small in all of them. Each brand (and even products within that brand) does their sizing differently. Make sure to re-check your size any time you're switching brands or garments.

Assuming measurements are final.  Especially when dealing with lymphedema or post-surgical swelling, your size can change over time. So, just because you had a certain size previously, doesn't mean that will be the best size next time. For these cases, we recommend re-checking your measurements before reordering your garments.

Measuring for a medical compression garment takes a little more care than picking a shirt size, but it's not complicated. It just requires the right tools, the right technique, and attention to the sizing instructions for each garment. Take your time, measure twice, and don't hesitate to reach out to the Medity Health team if you have any additional questions. A properly measured garment is far more comfortable, effective, and worth the extra few minutes it takes to get right.

If you need any additional details about sizing, please reach out to us and let us know! You can chat with us using the green chat button in the bottom right corner of our website, email us at support@medityhealth.com, or call us at (866) 945-4766.