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. 

Some of us don’t have the option to go sock-less when the weather heats up. We HAVE to wear compression socks or stockings all year long. So, what are the best compression socks options for staying cool and comfortable during the summer months? We think fabric choice is the most important decision in selecting summer compression socks and stockings. Here’s what we suggest if you’re looking for breathable socks and stockings for summer: 

1. Cotton is a natural fiber that’s ideal for hot months. It lets air in and quickly wicks away any moisture on your skin. It’s also perfect for anyone who has sensitive skin. A few cotton options to explore:

• Sigvaris Sea Island Cotton socks for Men and Women are available in 15-20 mmHg and 20-30 mmHg. These Sigvaris socks are great for spring and summer because they are made with a soft and breathable cotton fabric.
• Allegro Allegro Italian Cotton Knee High are made of luxurious Italian cotton – imported just for your summer sock needs! Also available in 20-30 mmHg and with an open toe (for your flip flops!)
• For more stylish cotton options, check out the try the Allegro Men’s Mosaic Cotton Compression Sock or the Allegro Women's Mosaic Cotton Compression Sock. Both with 20-30 mmHg of graduated compression 

2. Microfiber is another great summer fabric for socks. It’s soft, stretchy and breathable. It also wicks away moisture from the skin to keep you cool and comfortable. Some people will choose microfiber over cotton because it’s a thinner fabric, which can be better for dress shoes.

• The Allegro Microfiber collection includes socks, thigh highs, and pantyhose to meet all your compression needs at an affordable price! Choose from 8-15, 15-20 and 20-30 mmHg compression levels. Made from a soft, comfortable fabric.
• Sigvaris Midtown Microfiber for Men is a collection of men’s knee high socks in 15-20, 20-30 and 30-40 mmHg. These latex-free socks are super stretchy and durable. Looking for stripes? Try Sigvaris Shades for men and women, available in 15-20 and 20-30 mmHg in a variety of striped patterns and heather colors.
• Sigvaris Soft Opaque for Women is a line of stylish compression wear that comes in a wide variety of colors. It features an advanced moisture management system that keeps legs cool and dry.
• The EASE Microfiber Collection by Therafirm comes in knee highs, thigh highs and pantyhose in a variety of colors and compression levels. EASE by Therafirm is available in microfiber, opaque and sheer fabrics with a closed or open toe style.

3. Silver and Copper infused fabrics are another great addition to your summer wardrobe. Silver and copper will eliminate any dangers of stinky, sweaty summer feet because it kills the bacteria around your feet. Additionally, the fibers in these socks have thermodynamic properties so you will stay cooler in the summer.

• Juzo Silver Socks are the best of the best. Socks are available in anklets, crew length, knee highs, and thigh highs. Compression options range from zero to 30-40 mmHg.
• Allegro Athletic Copper Support Socks has copper, (which kills 99.9% of bacteria), embedded in the foot bed. This soft, ribbed sock is made with a heavily padded foot and features a fitted toe to prevent blisters and irritation. This durable sock is affordable and is great for summer runs!

4. Sheer stockings are great for summer! We offer a wide variety of sheer, open toe stockings for those of you who want stockings that are less visible for summertime. Customer favorites for warm, humid climates are:

• Mediven Sheer and Soft: Available in 4 different compression levels and a wide variety of sizing, both male and female customers love this line of breathable sheers. A customer in Georgia said, “Living in the south, the summer is very hot and humid but I don’t like to go without hose to work. Compression hose are often uncomfortable hot on a humid day but these are terrific. I can’t say enough about the comfort.”
• Allegro Essential Sheers: Available in 3 compression levels, with many open toe and wide calf options, these stockings are a great affordable option for summer-time wear. Even our customers in Santa Fe are raving about them, “With it being summer, I wanted something I could still wear sandals with. These open-toe stockings are the answer!  And they are sheer…I have had several people comment that they couldn’t even notice I was wearing them.”

Additional Options: The compression experts have been creating their own technologies and materials to keep you cool. Check out these additional, moisture-wicking and skin-cooling fabric options:

• Mediven Comfort for Women: Medi’s patented Climafresh and Clima-Comfort systems allow for high breathability, reliable temperature control and the prevention of odor formation.
• Therafirm Ease: Made of high stretch, moisture wicking CoolMax fibers to provide all-day dry, comfortable coolness. Available in knee high, thigh high, and pantyhose. This line is also available with open toes and an even thinner sheer fabric.
• Go for a run or hit the gym in Jobst Active compression socks, available in black and white. Wear 20-30 mmHg to enhance performance or wear 15-20 mmHg to speed up muscle recovery or help relieve fatigue and swelling after your workout. Now available in full-calf sizes!
• Core-Spun Patterned Compression Socks come in a variety of stylish patterns in 4 compression levels for men and women. These socks are made with an ultra stretchy fabric and CoolMax polyester to make them nice and cool!

Armsleeves: For those of you who wear armsleeves during the summer, we have some great options for you too. Juzo  features a ton of fun patterned armsleeves, gloves and gauntlets. The best part is, these garments are made with a soft, moisture-wicking fabric to keep you cool and dry during the hotter months. 

Rock Your Summer Stockings In Style

Now that you have the basics down, here are some fashionable ways to pair compression with your favorite warmer-weather outfits.

When it's still a bit chilly outside, rock a pair of patterned compression socks with jeans and a tank top or t-shirt. Some of our favorite stylish brands include Sockwell, Sigvaris, and Rejuva.

Not ready to show off your untanned winter legs? Throw on a pair of sheer stockings with your short shorts or a dress for a polished look. There are patterned ones too for a fun vibe.

Looking for something a bit more casual but not boring black? Rock a pair of Sigvaris compression socks under your khakis for a punch of color this season!

It can be really hard to find a sheer stocking that perfectly compliments your skin tone. Sigvaris recently added some new color options and gave us great tips on how to choose the perfect stocking. Check it out:

The Sigvaris EverSheer Collection comes in three compression levels and a variety of gorgeous sheer color options (as shown above). Choose from knee highs, thigh highs or pantyhose. EverSheer stockings are made with double-covered yarns for increased durability, ease of donning, and a less shiny appearance.

Now that you have a general idea of the sheer color you need, here are a few more brands to check out:

Another customer favorite is the Medi Sheer & Soft line. These knee highs, thigh highs and pantyhose come in a variety of colors and four compression levels. Made from a soft, moisture-wicking fabric to keep you cool and comfortable. Medi Sheer & Soft offers some of the sheerest hosiery on the market. These fabulous stockings are available in different lengths and maternity styles too!

The EASE Collection is relatively new to Therafirm. Available in Sheer, Opaque and Microfiber, the EASE line features soft, stretchy, and easy to don compression garments. These stockings are available in three compression levels and two lengths. Choose from a variety of colors to complete the perfect look.

The Jobst UltraSheer line is another customer favorite. These compression stockings come in knee highs, thigh highs, pantyhose and maternity options. Available in a variety of colors and come in two lengths. Made from a durable, lightweight fabric.

Looking for sheer stockings on a budget? Allegro comes in fewer color options, but offers sheer knee highs, thigh highs, pantyhose and maternity stockings at a very affordable price point. These soft, durable stockings come in three compression levels and are even safe to machine wash and dry! Full calf options are available.

If you still have questions about which sheer stocking is best for you, our team of certified fitters is happy to assist you. Just send us a an email or give us a call at (+31)262843975 M-F 9am-6pm EST. Thanks for reading!

The Basics:

Here is a diagram of a Sockwell compression sock. This sock uses triple zone graduated compression, which means you feel the most pressure at the ankle and decreases moving towards the top of the leg. Sockwell compression socks are made with Merino Wool for moisture management and natural thermoregulation, which is great for working out or for those with sweaty feet. The seamless toe closure is designed to prevent irritation and is ideal for diabetics or people with sensitive feet. These socks feature a reinforced heel and toe for durability.

What features should I look for in a compression sock?

The features you want in a compression sock depend on what you find most comfortable and beneficial to you. There is a large variety of options to choose from, including the fabric material, color choice, sheer or opaque styles, open or closed toe, and so on. Start by measuring to determine what size you need. Some socks and stockings are available in short and long lengths, petite, wide calf and plus sizes for the best fit. Depending on the fabric material and compression level, some garments can be softer and more stretchy than others.

If you are worried about wear and tear, look for socks with a reinforced toe for durability. These socks are designed to prevent your toes from sticking through or holes appearing from rubbing against your shoes. However, socks with a reinforced heel or toe may be visibly darker in these areas in order to be stronger to provide more protection to the stocking.

The Allegro Essential – Sheer Support Knee Highs (#16) feature a reciprocated heel and balloon toe for added comfort. A reciprocated heel is knitted in to the stocking and contoured for a better fit. This is so the garment feels more natural and and doesn’t wear out as fast. A balloon toe gives you more wiggle room, which is great for those with sensitive feet.

The Allegro Essential – Sheer Support Knee Highs (#81) feature a sandalfoot, meaning the reinforced area does not stand out from the rest of the stocking. Compare this knee high to the #16 stocking above. This extremely sheer stocking is perfect to wear with flats or sandals since there is no dark toe or heel area.

What is a silicone top band?

Most knee high compression socks feature a wide knit top band that sits comfortably below your knee without digging in or squeezing.  If you have trouble with your compression socks falling down or rolling, you can choose a sock that is made with a silicone top band that gives a bit of extra grip. The Juzo Soft 20-30mmHg Knee High features a silicone band at the top to comfortably keep them in place all day. This is a great option for people with larger calves or if you move around a lot throughout the day.

If you want the strength of silicone without the feeling, check out the Jobst SoftFit and Sensitive Bands. These high-tech, breathable bands are made by cleverly knitting silicone threads into the top band to give you the power of silicone with the comfort and softness of a knit band.

How do compression socks benefit athletes?

The Core-Sport Compression Sock is made with a high-tech fabric that’s antimicrobial to prevent odor and also wicks moisture away from the skin while exercising. Core-Sport by Therafirm features arch protection for added support and a cushioned heel and foot to reduce impact. This sock provides 15-20mmHg graduated compression, which helps to increase circulation to reduce muscle fatigue and recovery time.

What’s the difference between compression socks and sleeves?

If you want the benefits of compression with the freedom to choose any shoe you want to wear, compression sleeves may be for you. However, to get the full benefits of recovery, compression socks are your go-to. Socks more effectively increase circulation to prevent and provide relief for swelling and fatigue, whereas sleeves only cover your ankle up to your knee. But for a nice run or when you hit the gym, compression sleeves are great to wear. Check out this great Zensah infographic to see what’s best for you:

Still have questions? Comment below!

Before you begin shopping, you need to know what compression level is appropriate for your condition. If you already wear stockings, hopefully you know your compression. If this is is your first time, your doctor or therapist should have told you what compression level you need. If they have not, our compression guide can help, but this is not a substitution for medical advice. We highly recommend that you talk to your doctor or health care provider before beginning compression therapy above 20mmHg. 15-20 mmHg is the perfect starting level.

Once you’ve determined the proper compression, you need to decide on the style or length of the garment, that is, a knee high, thigh high or waist high (pantyhose). Remember the stocking has to cover the area of your body where the problem exists. If you have an aching varicose vein in your thigh, a knee high isn’t going to help. If you’re traveling and don’t have any existing venous problems, a knee high should do the job.

Now that you know the compression and style, the rest is easy. Picking the weave or fabric you prefer and deciding if you want an open or closed toe.

The three main fabric choices are sheer, opaque and ribbed. Sheers look great, but are just a bit more delicate than other fabrics. Opaques offer the widest range of prices and sizing options. Ribbed are very durable. All three fabrics are usually woven from nylon and spandex. Opaque and ribbed fabrics are available in cotton, wool, and silver blends.

The toe style does not affect the therapeutic benefit of a compression stocking, and is usually a personal preference. Open toes are great in warm weather, with sandals or flip-flops and if you have problems like corns or hammer toes.

Now it’s time to shop. Let’s say you need a 20-30mmHg compression thigh high, and want a sheer fabric with a closed toe. Mouse over Compression Level in the navigation bar. Move your cursor to 20-30mmHg, then click Thigh Highs. A page will open with all of our Thigh Highs in a 20-30 mmHg level. You can than filter down to the style you want. Select Sheer in the left hand filter, and then Closed Toe. Now let’s look for a 15-20mmHg compression knee high in cotton with an open toe. Mouse over Compression Level, move your cursor to 15-20mmHg, then click Knee High. You will then use the filters on the left hand to select Open Toe and Cotton.

As mentioned in the first paragraph, there are many different ways to search our website for the compression garment you need.

If you have a question or need assistance finding what you want, our trained certified fitters are happy to help at (+31)262843975.