So, you have decided to buy compression stockings or tights to cure your legs from varicose veins or prevent the appearance of purple mesh on your legs. Once you have chosen the model, compression class and manufacturer of the compression garments, it’s time to think about what size to buy.
How to determine the size of compression stockings?
To do this you need to take measurements. It is better to do this at home in the morning, because by the evening your legs swell, which means that the measurements taken at this time of day will be larger than necessary. The sizes of compression stockings for surgery are determined according to the same principle as anti-varicose stockings or hosiery for pregnant women.
Please note that different models of compression garments will require different measurements. For example, if you are choosing the size of thigh-length compression stockings, it is not at all necessary to measure your waist and hips: these measurements will not be needed.
- circumference of the lower leg above the ankle (at the ankle);
- circumference of the shin at the widest point of the calf;
- shin length from heel to knee (for golf);
- leg circumference at a height of 25-30 cm from the knee (the widest point);
- leg length from heel to groin (for stockings);
- waist and hip circumference (for tights).
How do you know that you have chosen the right size of compression stockings?
Firstly, you should be comfortable in them. Secondly, properly selected anti-varicose stockings fit the leg tightly, do not gather anywhere, do not bulge, and end strictly at the waist. Thirdly, compression tights and stockings should not slip down.
If you are sure that you have chosen the right size of compression stockings, but still experience discomfort while wearing them, do not worry. This may be due to the fact that you have never worn this type of underwear and are simply not used to the sensations.
Tip: If you buy compression stockings online, get an inexpensive model first to get used to the feel and make sure you get the right size. If the underwear is suitable, feel free to take more expensive and effective models of the same brand.
Compression stocking size charts
| Knee socks | |||
| XS | 17 – 19 | 26 – 32 | - |
| S | 20 – 22 | 30 – 42 | - |
| M | 20 – 22 | 34 – 44 | - |
| L | 23 – 25 | 38 – 48 | - |
| LX | 26 – 28 | 44 – 55 | - |
| XL | 29 – 31 | 44 – 55 | - |
| Stockings | Circumference of the lower leg above the ankle, cm | Circumference of the lower leg under the kneecap, cm | Upper thigh circumference, cm |
| XS | 17 – 19 | 26 – 36 | 40 – 50 |
| S | 20 – 22 | 30 – 42 | 48 – 60 |
| SX | 20 - 22 | 30 – 42 | 56 – 70 |
| M | 23 – 25 | 34 – 46 | 56 – 70 |
| MX | 23 - 25 | 34 – 46 | 64 – 80 |
| L | 26 – 28 | 38 – 51 | 64 – 80 |
| LX | 26 – 28 | 38 – 51 | 72 - 90 |
| XL | 29 – 31 | 42 - 55 | 72 - 90 |
| XLX | 29 - 31 | 42 - 55 | 80 - 100 |
| Stockings with clasp at waist | Circumference of the lower leg above the ankle, cm | Circumference of the lower leg under the kneecap, cm | Upper thigh circumference, cm |
| S | 20 – 22 | 30 – 42 | 46 – 60 |
| M | 23 – 25 | 34 – 46 | 56 – 70 |
| L | 26 – 28 | 38 – 51 | 64 – 80 |
| LX | 26 – 28 | 38 – 51 | 72 – 90 |
A third of the planet's humanity faces problems with the venous system. Doctors advise people suffering from varicose veins to wear compression garments. It can help the patient get rid of problems with the venous system.
If a person decides to buy such underwear, then the size table for compression stockings will help him choose the right size. Stockings or tights with similar healing properties can prevent the occurrence of venous dilatation and stop the process of the appearance of purple mesh on the legs.
Size Chart
When the first signs of varicose veins appear, you should think about ways to eliminate them. Choosing the right underwear is the key to quick treatment. How to find out the size of compression stockings? A size chart created by product manufacturers will help answer the question asked.
Based on the data presented, you can determine the dimensions of the compression stocking to the thigh.
Conclusion
Knowing how to measure the size of compression stockings, each woman will be able to choose a product that can eliminate her problems with the venous system. All stockings that have a similar therapeutic effect have exactly the same properties and operating principle; their only difference is the manufacturer and design of the product produced.
Before purchasing, it is important to determine the correct size of compression stockings. If the product does not correspond to the parameters of the leg, it will not only not have a sufficient therapeutic and prophylactic effect, but can also cause severe discomfort and circulatory problems.
The selection of compression stockings is carried out individually. Bandage products with compression of 2 degrees or more are prescribed to people for special medical reasons. The correct selection of knitwear allows you to achieve such therapeutic effects as:
- Normalization of venous outflow.
- Elimination of stagnation.
- Reduced swelling of the lower extremities.
- Reducing the feeling of fatigue and heaviness after a working day.
- Prevention of varicose veins, thrombosis.
Selecting the size of compression stockings
To find out your parameters, you need to take measurements. Measurements to determine your leg size should be taken in the first half of the day. In the evening, the lower limbs swell, so the results often exceed normal values.
When purchasing tights, you will need to take measurements from your waist and hips. When choosing products that end up to the hip, you do not need to find out the waist measurements.
To find out the size of compression stockings, you need to check:
- Circumference of the calf above the ankle. Measurements are taken at the narrowest point, at the ankle.
- Calf circumference. Measured at its widest point.
- Leg circumference at a height of 25-30 cm from the knee, where the widest point is located.
- Length of the leg from heel to groin.
When purchasing golf shoes, you need to additionally measure the length of your shin from heel to knee.
Selection rules
When choosing compression stockings for women and men, you need to pay attention to the special labels on the packaging. Some knitted products can have an antimicrobial and hypoallergenic effect. If the label contains the designation Oko-Tex Standard 100, this confirms that the product is made from environmentally friendly material.
Most often, the problem of choosing compression stockings faces middle-aged women, since they are the ones who most often suffer from varicose veins. However, men often need to buy therapeutic and prophylactic knitwear. Knee socks with a bandage effect are recommended for athletes, travelers, and overweight people. Patients use pressure stockings after surgery and serious injuries.
Compression knitwear is popular among pregnant women who need to support the abdominal muscles and pelvic organs, reduce the load on the vessels of the legs, eliminate swelling and a feeling of heaviness. Buying tights or stockings for pregnant women is necessary after consultation with a gynecologist.
Doctors usually recommend starting to wear compression stockings from the first trimester to avoid the appearance of pronounced spider veins. Products should not put excessive pressure on the abdomen or cause discomfort when you need to go to the toilet.
Size charts for selecting stockings
To determine the size of compression stockings, you need to use special tables.
How to know if the size is correct
If you determine the size of compression stockings without errors:
- They will fit snugly around your leg.
- Tights and stockings will not slip down.
- A person will not experience discomfort when worn for a long time.
- Stockings will not cause circulatory problems.
To avoid mistakes when choosing knitwear, it is recommended to take the advice of professional consultants from the ORTEKA online store. Qualified specialists will help you determine the appropriate size of compression stockings and tell you about current discounts and promotions.
We offer a wide range of products from the world's leading manufacturers. By purchasing products for the prevention of varicose veins, our customers will be able to choose additional comfortable orthopedic shoes, insoles and many other products to maintain health.
The size of compression stockings is determined individually, taking into account anatomical features. The underwear should follow the shape of the legs - the result of use depends on this. The wrong size reduces the effectiveness of treatment or creates discomfort and harms health.
The sizes don't match. Manufacturers create a separate table for each model. Correctly selected stockings fit snugly to the legs, do not cause discomfort, and do not slip down.
Main volumes:
- ankle;
- mid-calf;
- girth under the knee;
- thigh circumference;
- product length.
Standard sizes of compression stockings are shown in the table:
| Girth, cm | S | M | L | XL |
| Ankle | 20-23 | 23-26 | 26-29 | 29-31 |
| Shin | 29-39 | 33-42 | 36-45 | 39-47 |
| Below the knee | 28-38 | 32-41 | 35-44 | 38-46 |
| Hip | 48-63 | 54-67 | 58-72 | 63-74 |
Stockings length:
- to mid-thigh – 63-72 cm;
- to the groin – 68-78 cm.
Manufacturers do not limit the choice by size grid. Stockings can be selected to order individually.
According to the rules, measurements are carried out in the first half of the day. By evening, your legs will swell - the measurements will be distorted upward.
Instructions for selection
Compression stockings are products for the treatment of thrombosis. Elastic material supports blood vessels from the outside, improves blood circulation, relieves swelling and fatigue. They buy slimming products as prescribed by a phlebologist - self-medication is unacceptable and dangerous.
Contraindications:
- open trophic ulcers;
- soft tissue infections;
- severe forms of circulatory disorders in the extremities;
- weeping;
- cardiopulmonary failure.
On the packaging, manufacturers mark the product size, class, pressure. Additionally, indicate the density of the linen in DEN.
Pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury or hectopascals. Compression above 21 mm. rt. Art. are chosen solely as prescribed by a doctor.
- preventive;
- medicinal;
- hospital.
A description of the classes of compression garments is given in the table:
| Category | Class | Compression | Indications for use | Purpose | |
| mm. rt. Art. | hPa | ||||
| Prevention | A | 10 – 14 | 13 – 19 | swelling, fatigue, heaviness in the legs, initial stages of varicose veins | No |
| Treatment | I | 15 – 21 | 24 – 28 | leg pain, spider veins | |
| II | 22 – 33 | 31 – 43 | thrombophlebitis, varicose veins | doctor | |
| III | 34 – 46 | 45 – 61 | venous insufficiency, trophic disorders | ||
| Hospital linen | IV | more than 49 | more than 65 | , normalization of lymph flow | |
Stocking models:
- without fastening;
- with elastic band;
- with open or closed toe.
In medical knitwear, the pressure is distributed unevenly: 100% on the ankle, 70% under the knee, 40% on the thigh. A product with the same compression along its entire length is less healthy. The difference in pressure improves blood circulation, removes congestion, and restores metabolism.
Compression is not marked in DEN - the density of the fabric is not related to the stretching properties of the material.
Manufacturers of compression garments
Modern models are comfortable and aesthetically pleasing - the underwear is suitable for everyday life and goes well with clothes. Well-known manufacturers: Orto, Venotex, Medi, Sigvaris. Many products are created using environmentally friendly materials. Natural threads in the composition add an antibacterial and hypoallergenic effect. The fabric allows air to pass through and prevents the appearance of unpleasant odors.
ORTO
The Russian company produces underwear at an affordable price. The product has relatively low wear resistance, the therapeutic effect lasts up to 4 months of use.
Offers:
- prophylactic underwear with lace top;
- Class I-II – lace products of different densities and colors. Soft material, wide elastic band with added silicone. Hypoallergenic;
- Class III – tight bandages for one leg. The height of the model is mid-thigh or higher, the heel and toe are open. Seamless, contains cotton and rubber;
- knitwear for recovery - white products, with silicone inserts, open toe. Compression – 15-22 mm. rt. Art.
VENOTEX
The products have international and Russian quality certificates. Average price, service life - up to six months.
Offers:
- I-II class – summer and dense models. Smooth seams, hypoallergenic silicone added to the elastic. In warm models of the “comfort” category, microfiber threads are used, the toe and heel are reinforced;
- Class II-III – therapeutic stockings with open and closed toes, soft on the toe;
- postoperative knitwear – pressure up to 18 mm. rt. Art. Fastening with a belt at the waist, open toe.
MEDI
A German company that produces compression garments from natural materials. The products are durable and high quality. The cost is higher than analogues on the market. Feature: to put on stockings of class II and higher, additional devices are required. The range of linen is varied.
Offers:
- preventive products – pressure up to 18 mm. rt. Art. Maintains proper thermoregulation and water balance of the skin;
- postoperative stockings - elastic models for fixing ligaments, the material is breathable. Compression 23-35 mm. Hg;
- Class I-II - products with an open or closed toe; in warm versions, the heel and toe are reinforced. Silicone based rubber bands. In some models, the fabric is treated with lanolin to protect the skin;
- Class I-III models – underwear for every day, thick material. Threads with silver ions have been added to the composition;
- antibacterial models II-III class - hard knitted stockings. Wear-resistant, hypoallergenic;
- Class I-IV - the material is flat knit and durable. The category is intended for the treatment of lymphedema. Additional inserts and fastenings are available to order.
SIGVARIS
The company creates wear-resistant stockings from high-quality natural fabrics. Instead of lycra, the manufacturer uses innovative Japanese threads. The cost of products is higher than the market average.
- Class I-II – high models with satin elastic with the addition of silicone. The “comfort” category is distinguished by its soft texture and variety of colors;
- Class I-III – cotton products for sensitive skin;
- Rubber – II-IV class. Durable and safe material, has high breathability and elasticity. Suitable for severe diseases of the blood vessels and lymphatic system.
View compression products are prescribed by a doctor depending on the situation. So, for some people, using knee socks is enough. But, they often worsen the condition of the veins under the knee, since this area is considered a weak point. Therefore, in such a situation, it is recommended to use stockings. They have a length up to the middle of the thigh or to the groin area.
Today all manufacturers compression knitwear uses silicone elastic. But, if you are allergic to silicone or due to anatomical features, it is better to use this type of product such as tights.
Before choosing compression stockings, you need to familiarize yourself with some points.
1) Find out your compression stocking size
Sizing is related to the medical purpose of compression products. To obtain a therapeutic effect, a dosed distribution of pressure is necessary, which decreases towards the thigh. So, on the ankle and shin there should be 100% pressure, in the knee 70%, and in the hip area only 40%. For this reason, you need to choose the size of such stockings individually according to your leg parameters. Also, when choosing, you need to pay attention to the advice of a specific manufacturer. compression knitwear
Remember that size tables from different manufacturers differ, and the degree of complexity of the table determines the correct size of compression stockings, which guarantees a positive effect.
Size selection is carried out according to fundamental parameters, they can be measured with the help of a specialist compression knitwear or yourself. It is recommended to do this in the morning or half an hour after rest, raising your legs up to chest level.
It is necessary to take measurements of the circumference of the ankle, calves, knee joint and hip area (this is 5 cm below the groin area).
After this, you can use the manufacturer’s table to determine the size. In the case when the measurements are average between those indicated in the intervals, this means that such products will be as comfortable as possible. If the obtained measurements fall within the boundary values or generally fall into different size columns, then it is necessary to check the correctness of the measurements taken or seek help from a specialist who has experience in choosing compression products from a certain manufacturer.
It is not recommended to buy compression hosiery according to height and weight parameters, because it does not have healing properties. Basically, its purpose is the prevention of varicose veins.
2) Choosing a class of compression stockings
Compression hosiery can only be prescribed by a doctor, namely in cases where the compression class is more than 20 mmHg. A specialist such as a phlebologist who deals with venous diseases will help you choose the right compression class. He does an ultrasound, and based on its results, he assigns a class that will correspond a certain disease.
3) Compression stockings are not measured in deniers
Compression products must be of good quality and therefore meet international standards for this type of product. Therefore, compression should be measured in millimeters of mercury (abbreviated as mm Hg, or mm Hg).
From this we can conclude that anti-varicose stockings, marked in dens, do not belong to medical products and do not have a therapeutic effect. Such knitwear can even cause harm. This occurs as a result of less compression pressure on the ankle than on the hip, leading to fluid retention and worsening of the condition.
The compression placement process is only possible using professional equipment For this reason, it is advisable to buy compression stockings from well-known and trusted manufacturers. and are anti-allergenic. Products are manufactured at specialized equipment using the most modern technologies, and the entire process is strictly controlled. All this leads to the fact that the cost of good compression stockings is quite high.
Organizations selling medical equipment offer therapeutic compression hosiery from various manufacturers. All products have clearly calculated compression. For this reason, the stockings have the same anti-varicose impact . And their difference lies in the design, duration socks, and price.
