If you have large legs, finding compression stockings that fit can be a challenge. For people with wide calves, whether its chronic swelling or genetic, rolling and sliding socks is often a problem. There are solutions for both of these issues. To find the absolute BEST fit, you do need to measure your leg - so take a look at our measuring guide as you get started.

Large or Thick Legs

Most manufacturers make wide-calf styles designed for customers with wide or plus size legs.

Therafirm Core-Spun products are our top pick for larger legs! Let me tell you all the ways they're amazing - they're super soft, easy to get on and come in every compression level. They even have fashionable patterns! Core-Spun Knee High Socks are available for men and women. The largest size will accommodate a 17 inch ankle with up to a 25.5 inch calf. Core-Spun Thigh Highs are available in sizes up to XXXL. They will fit an ankle up to 19″ in circumference, and a thigh up to 39.5″. Core-Spun Thigh Highs are designed for men and women, come in three compression levels and two colors: black and white. Sizes XL-XXXL are offered in the 15-20 and 20-30 mmHg compressions only. You can see where you’d fit on the size chart below:

The largest knee high and thigh high available is in the Sigvaris Secure Line. The calf sizing goes up to 74 cm (slightly over 29″) and the max thigh is 102 cm (about 40″). The Secure products are made to manage strong edema – swelling that does not do well in thinner fabrics like sheer or microfiber. While the fabric is incredibly strong, it is still breathable and comfortable to wear. With its precise sizing, you are guaranteed to get a perfect fit in this product. Available in 20-30, 30-40 and 40-50 mmHg.

The Sigvaris Comfort PLUS is another great option – it’s softer and stretchier than the Secure line. It comes in 20-30 mmHg and 30-40 mmHg. The X-Large size in this product can fit a calf up to 28″ around and they come in short and long lengths.  

If you're looking for something that's more affordable in price, the Allegro Surgical Weight Knee Highs 20-30mmHg are available in Wide-Calf sizes that fit a calf circumference up to 26 inches and an ankle up to 14.5 inches. The Allegro Sheer Thigh Highs are sized up to XXX-Large to fit a 13.5 inch ankle and 32 inch thigh. A customer who purchased the Surgical Weight Knee highs said, “This product fit perfectly and I have really big calves… not too tight – comfortable. Wore them all day!” The Allegro products are a great, affordable option for most customers.

Mediven has the largest selection for wide calves. Extra-Wide Calf sizes are available in Medi Plus, Medi Comfort,  Mediven for Men, Medi Assure and Mediven Forte, 20-30 mmHg and higher. Medi Extra-Wide Calf varies by size, so be sure to check the size chart for the specific stocking you are interested in.

Juzo has begun carrying a line of Dynamic Max products designed for larger legs. Size V will fit an ankle up to 14 inches, a calf up to 26 inches and a thigh up to 37 inches. The Max line is available in 20-30 and 30-40 mmHg in knee highs and thigh highs.

Jobst Full-Calf sizes are designed to fit a calf circumference of 18-24 inches and an ankle up to 14 inches. These sizes are available in Jobst for Men Casual, Jobst ActiveWear, Jobst Relief, and Jobst UltraSheer in 15-20, 20-30, and 30-40 mmHg. Full-Calf sizes are available in Jobst Opaque 20-30 mmHg and higher.

Cone Shaped Legs

When I first heard this term, I thought, “Well, nearly everyone has a cone-shaped leg – the ankle is always smaller than the thigh.” But, that is not the shape we’re speaking of when it comes to socks and stockings. When you measure your legs, many people will find that their knee circumference is smaller than the widest point of the calf. In a cone-shaped leg, the measurements do not decrease at any point as you move up the leg – the calf and knee are about the same measurement.

If your leg is cone-shaped, compression knee highs have a tendency to roll or slide. A sticky, silicone top-band will typically solve this problem. Knee highs with silicone top-bands are available in 15-20, 20-30 and 30-40 mmHg.

Mediven Vitality offers all day comfort through an advanced design. Made with a lanolin blend, they control sweat while strengthening the integrity of the sock. They have also created a silicone top-band where they use sticky silicone fibers that are woven through the band. This creates a more gentle hold against the skin.

Looking for wide-calf sheers? Try the Allegro Essential Sheers. The collection includes quality fabrics as well as a wide, comfortable top-band. The balloon toe feature also promotes comfort while wearing.

If you still have difficulty keeping the silicone top band in place, using a light adhesive at the band is a great option. It Stays is a water-soluble skin glue that is hypo-allergenic and safe for all compression stockings. It’s available in a 2 oz roll-on bottle. A dab or two of It Stays will keep your knee highs and thigh highs up all day.

If you suffer from compression that falls down or is too tight, use the above links to find relief in compression that fits. Keep in mind each brand and style varies in size, so be sure to refer to the size chart on the product page, before purchasing. If you have a question about compression sizes, or anything compression related, comment below. 

The options for open toe compression socks and stockings are vast. You have the full range of compression levels as well as options of knee high, thigh high and pantyhose so no matter what style you need or prefer, we have you covered. Best of all, you aren’t limited in color choices, the spectrum ranges from a variety of neutral colors to match skin tones to wild colors and tie dye patterns.

Our Allegro line offers affordable options and high quality choices that are all made in the USA. We have had a lot of customers asking for open-toe compression socks in 8-15 mmHg, especially a sheer. We heard you and are pleased to announce that we have added this to the Allegro line up. The Allegro line of open toe stockings has a variety of fabrics, compression levels and styles available, even an open toe/open heel option.

The Jobst open toe compression stocking choices have the caliber of compression you need and sizes to fit any leg, from petite to full calf. A full range of styles are available, but if you are looking for a luxury sheer, the Jobst UltraSheer has been a best-seller for over a decade.

Juzo offers the widest variety of toeless compression socks and stockings. With Juzo, you can find the highest level of compression we offer, 40-50 mmHg as well as all style options. If you want subdued color, they’ve got it as well as fun bright colors and tie dye.

Mediven colors are on the subtle side, but if you are looking for plus size or maternity open toe selections, this is the brand for you. Most Mediven compression stocking styles come in 14 sizes for a near custom fit. Their Sheer & Soft line is unequaled sheerness, a soft feel and features ClimaComfort to keep your legs cool and comfortable.

Rounding out your choices is Sigvaris with luxurious fabrics and natural fibers for a beautiful look. These open toe compression stockings offer the widest range of colors to match a variety of skin tones, from warm sand and toasted almond if you have pink undertones, to mocha for those with brown undertones. You can also find compression up to 40-50 mmHg as well as plus size and wide calf selections.

If you want to be barefoot but still need compression on your legs, RejuvaHealth has some footless compression selections you will want to check out. The leggings from this brand are a popular choice with customers and are also available in a stirrup style. Also available is the sheer compression leggings which are great under skirts and dresses.

When it comes to compression socks and stockings, especially the open toe variety, the choices and selections can be overwhelming. If you have any trouble at all finding the color, style and size you need, our experienced Customer Service team is at your ready.