Whether you’re new to the world of compression stockings or you’ve been using them for years, it can be difficult to get the right size.. Your size in one brand or style may be completely different from your size in another.

Although differences in the sizes for brands and styles can make it difficult to get the proper size compression socks, have no fear! 

In this article, we’ll be giving you a guide to getting the proper measurements for your compression stockings! This way, you’ll get the perfect fit each time.

OK, How Do I Start Measuring for My Compression Socks?

Measure for Compression Stockings and Compression Socks

Great question! We recommend that you get three things to get started:

  • Tape Measure: This will allow you to easily take the circumference of your ankle and legs.
  • Pen and Paper: To record the measurements once you have completed them.
  • Another Person: It’s easier to take the measurements if you have someone helping!

If you don’t have a tape measure, don’t worry! You can also use a string to help take these measurements as well by:

  1. Wrapping the string around the body part you’re measuring
  2. Marking where the string completes a full circle around that part
  3. Measuring the string against a ruler to get the circumference

So, What Measurements Do I Need for My Compression Stockings?

That depends on the stockings/socks that you’re going to get! You’ll need more measurements if you’re getting thigh-high stockings or pantyhose than if you’re only getting knee-high stockings.

Here are the measurements that you’ll need for knee-high socks:

  • Ankle Circumference: Measure the circumference of the ankle at the narrowest part (right above the ankle bone)
  • Calf Circumference: For this, measure the circumference of your calf at its largest part
  • Lower-Leg Length: Take the measurement from the bottom of your foot to the bend in your knee

For thigh-high stockings, you’ll need those measurements plus you’ll need:

  • Thigh Circumference: Measure the circumference of your thigh, just below the fold in your buttocks (this is where the thigh-high stockings should stop)
  • Total Leg Length: From a standing position, measure from the floor to the fold in your buttocks

And for pantyhose compression stockings, you’ll need one extra measurement:

  • Hip Circumference: Measure the circumference around the hip

I’ve Taken My Measurements, How Do I Know Which Size Fits Me?

Find Compression Stockings and Compression Socks Size Chart

Let’s start by finding the sizing charts for the compression socks you're interested in on medityhealth.com's website. Once you find the item you’re interested in, click on it and the last picture on the product page will be the sizing chart for that item.

Although sizing charts will differ a bit, most of them will have columns with the sizes for the compression stockings on top and measurements for the ankle, calf, etc. on the left-hand side.

Sometimes these measurements will be explicitly called “Ankle” or “Calf” and other times they will have a letter assigned to each measurement. If there is a letter, you can figure out what measurement it’s referring to by checking the picture next to it (e.g. C = Calf Measurement in this picture).

Size Chart for Knee-High Compression Stockings, Thigh-High Compression Stockings and Pantyhose Compression Stockings

In addition, the sizing charts will have a “Length” section which will tell you if you need a Regular or Short/Long version of that compression stocking. 

In these, “A-D” indicates the length from the floor (A) to the bend in the knee (D) and the “A-G” indicates the length from the floor (A) to below the buttocks (G).

Now, you can match up the measurements you took with the measurements in the chart to see what size would best fit you. As an example, if your Ankle Circumference (B) was 9”, your Calf Circumference (C) was 13” and your Lower-Leg Length (A-D) was 16”, you would order a Size II and get the regular length.

Do You Have Any Other Tips?

Yeah, we have a few tips! Here are some of our top recommendations that we give to our customers:

  • 1. If you don’t have a tape measure to get the circumference, use a string instead! Once you have marked the length on the string, you can then measure the string against a standard ruler.
  • 2. Always measure against bareskin! You don’t want clothing or anything else to get in the way of the measurements and affect your sizing.
  • 3. Get your measurements as early in the day as possible. As the day goes on, your swelling will increase (even if you don’t notice it), so the earlier you measure, the more accurate the results will be.

What If I Still Have Questions?

If you still have questions, don’t worry! Our team is here to help.

Please feel free to reach out to us at customersupport@medityhealth.com any time, and we’d be more than happy to help!

Thanks for reading and let us know if you liked the article or have suggestions for new articles!

Compression Stockings How To