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. 

Well, our team at BrightLife strives to find socks and hosiery for every size leg.  We’ve compiled a list of great options for anyone with a larger thigh, so you don’t have to hunt for them. As always, our certified fitters can help you choose the right size for your legs – you can reach them at (+31)262843975 (toll-free).

Allegro Sheer Support

15- 20 mmHg

20 – 30 mmHg

Fits a thigh circumference up to 36” (91 cm). These thigh highs are a customer favorite for the affordable price and great quality – check the reviews! They come in five different colors.

Medi Sheer & Soft

15-20 mmHg

20-30 mmHg

30-40 mmHg

Fits a thigh circumference up to 34.25” (87 cm). These thigh highs are extremely comfortable and come in five different colors.  They even feature a lace silicone top band to keep the stockings comfortably in place.

Medi Comfort

15-20 mmHg

20-30 mmHg

30-40 mmHg

Fits a thigh circumference up to 34.25” (87 cm). These thigh highs are available in ebony or natural and feature a beaded silicone top band –  great for individuals with sensitive skin. High-tech fabric construction promises to keep legs cool and comfortable.

Medi Comfort With Lace

15-20 mmHg

20-30 mmHg

30-40 mmHg

Fits a thigh circumference up to 34.25” (87 cm). These thigh highs have all the great features of the Medi Comfort but with an added lacy trim for those looking for a little extra style.

Medi Plus

20-30 mmHg

30-40 mmHg

Fits a thigh circumference up to 34.25” (87 cm). These opaque thigh highs are designed for men and women, great for concealing scarring, varicose veins or blemishes on the leg.  Though they only come in beige, these stockings have closed or open toe options and regular and petite sizing. For anyone who wants the Medi comfort and quality without the lace – these are your stockings.

Juzo Varin 

20-30 mmHg

30-40 mmHg

Fits a thigh circumference up to 37” (94 cm). Available in beige, black or chestnut, these soft, stretch thigh highs are incredibly durable and comfortable. Depending on your height, you can order these thigh highs in short or regular sizing. They are also available with an open or closed toe.

Allegro Surgical

20-30 mmHg

Fits a thigh circumference up to 34” (86 cm). These unisex thigh highs come in beige or black and open or closed toe. Made with surgical weight fabric – these thigh highs are two to three times less expensive than similar name brand products.

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If ready-to-wear thigh highs just won’t fit your legs – check out these compression alternatives:

FarrowWrap Classic

FarrowWrap Thigh

FarrowWrap Leg

The FarrowWrap system is a great alternative for full-leg compression. FarrowWrap pieces provide a wider range of compression than traditional thigh highs. When active, the pieces provide a higher working compression and when you are stationary, they provide a comfortable resting compression. These wraps also eliminate the trouble of pulling a stocking over the foot and up the leg.

For full-leg compression, you should purchase both a thigh piece and a lower leg piece. You can also purchase a FarrowWrap foot piece to complete the system. Farrow has several different versions of this great product:

• Basic: FarrowWrap Basic is an economical version of the Wrap system. It can be machine washed and dried and provides moderate to strong compression.
• Lite: FarrowWrap Lite provides mild to moderate compression. Must be hand washed.
• Classic: FarrowWrap Classic is designed for moderate to severe leg swelling. Must be hand washed.
• Strong: FarrowWrap Strong is designed for moderate to severe leg swelling. It can be machine washed and dried.

Comprefit

This durable and light-weight wrap fits easily under most clothing and eliminates the stress of pulling on traditional compression thigh highs. The non-elastic straps provide 30-40mmHg active compression, with a lower resting compression. It can be combined with the calf unit for full leg compression and is appropriate for day and night wear. Calf units are available in two different versions:

• BK: Provides 30-40 mmHg of active compression with a lower resting compression, like the thigh piece. Includes a pair of seamless cotton liners.
• BK Plus: The Plus line includes all of the great BK features but also has a high density, low profile foam liner. This soft foam evenly distributes the compression and is great for use on granulation tissue.

By Brita @ lebontadipio