Compression leggings help combine therapeutic pressure with style and performance. They apply graduated compression to the leg boosting blood flow while also supporting the muscles and joints. But they can even be a stylish part of your outfit, all while giving you multiple health benefits.

Whether you’re looking to improve poor circulation, get support postpartum or after a surgery, or improve recovery from physical activity or long days on your feet, compression leggings or tights are an easy accessory. Unlike old-school “support hose,” elegant compression garments improve blood flow, reduce swelling and discomfort, and give your legs an energizing “hug.”

In this guide, we’ll explain all you need to know about medical compression leggings, including some top picks, key benefits, and how to choose, wear, and care for your pair.

Medical compression leggings are garments that apply therapeutic pressure to the legs, supporting the blood vessels and muscles and boosting circulation in the limbs and throughout the body. We may call them “medical” as they are often recommended by doctors for people who struggle with blood flow or lymphatic drainage, but in reality, they don’t need to be a doctor-ordered garment and may actually be beneficial for you.

Compression is measured in mmHg and separated in three broad categories:

• Mild compression (15-20 mmHg) for everyday wear, with a boost in blood flow and gentle support for the muscles and joints (particularly footed tights or compression socks).

• Moderate compression (20-30 mmHg) for more serious demands on the circulatory system, such as when you suffer from a medical condition (e.g., blood clots, varicose veins), or when recovering from an injury or from surgery.

• Medical grade compression (30-40 mmHg) for those in more advanced medical cases, like if suffering from deep vein thrombosis or lymphedema - your doctor will prescribe these if needed.

[editorial note: add Infographic: Compression levels (15-20, 20-30, 30+ mmHg) vs. benefits]

Compression tights in 15-20 and 20-30 mmHg deliver lots of benefits, while staying malleable and comfortable for all-day wear or for when you work out or take a rest:

• They boost blood flow in the leg veins, preventing blood and fluids like lymph from pooling in the lower legs.

• This leads to reducing inflammation and swelling caused by poor circulation.

• They help with issues like pregnancy edema or swelling and discomfort brought on by lying, sitting, or standing for long periods of time.

• Through their form-fitting design, they hug the leg muscles, giving them support and minimizing the impact of walking or running.

• They also support the joints, particularly the knees or ankles (in the case of footed tights).

Vim & Vigr compression leggings or tights are a smart choice for getting the benefits of a boost in blood flow from a garment that fits seamlessly into your busy lifestyle. Vim & Vigr tights are designed to deliver graduated compression, which is tighter at the ankle and loosens up the leg, to support venous return that helps prevent swelling and blood clots. At the same time, they are discreet and comfortable, so you can wear them with work clothes, casual outfits, or even when working out.

Compression leggings also support circulation when traveling, so you can ward off the risk of deep vein thrombosis on long flights, for example. And, unlike clinical-looking options, well-designed footless tights offer a sleek, comfortable fit, breathability, and style.

Shop stylish compression tights for work or travel.

Doctors and personal trainers alike recommend compression tights to improve circulation and keep your legs feeling fresh if you’re unable to move for long periods of time (such as long-haul flights, recovering from surgery, and more) or you want to improve circulation while carrying on with everyday life (and looking good while you’re doing it!). Here are our top picks, confirmed by satisfied customer reviews.

These sleek nylon tights can be worn with skirts and dresses for the perfect office look. They come in black or nude coloring so you can have a pair of each, depending on your outfit.

They offer graduated compression, from tightly hugging the ankles and calves to loosening up as they climb the leg.

• Sizing based on height and weight (consult our sizing guide).

• Nylon blend ensures breathability and flexibility, so you never feel restricted.

• Developed in partnership with vascular surgeons and vein clinics, HSA/FSA eligible, and registered with the FDA.

“I have POTS and have problems with my circulation so I frequently wear compression socks, but with winter coming up I wanted to get some compression tights. And well, they are amazing! I will definitely be buying more in the future! I am 5’7 145 lbs and I got a size 2! They fit great!” - Mathea R.

If you need a little more support, especially if you have poor circulation or are at risk of developing blood clots, go up to moderate compression at 20-30 mmHg, without sacrificing style.

Vim & Vigr compression tights in 20-30 mmHg are designed to be worn under skirts, shorts, or dresses, and feature a non-binding honeycomb waistband that stays comfortable all day, despite the higher compression level. Just like the 15-20 mmHg tights, these are graduated, so tighter at the lower end and slowly looser towards the top.

• Sizing based on height and weight (consult our sizing guide).

• Nylon blend ensures breathability and flexibility, so you never feel restricted.

• Developed in partnership with vascular surgeons and vein clinics, HSA/FSA eligible, and registered with the FDA.

“Where do I begin? I am just so impressed and so glad I happened across these! What a huge difference from traditional support hose. I had worn those several years ago and stopped because I couldn't breathe from the super tight waistband and the former brand cutting off circulation. Vim&Vigr tights fit like a glove with zero binding AND they stay up! Not only did my achey swollen feet and legs go back to skinny after wearing just one day, but I had more energy. My nighttime leg pain and cramps 100% gone! I originally purchased a pair of knee highs after seeing on Good Morning America. I couldn't believe how comfortable and effective the knee highs were. So I ordered 5 more pairs of knee highs and one pair of tights. I'm a nurse on my feet, at my desk and commuting for 13 hours daily and these compression socks and tights are an answer to a prayer! I'm a customer for life. Try them, I guarantee you will be forever changed. FYI, for me, the nylon knee highs and compression tights were the most supportive and comfortable. Be sure to try them all and find what's best for you. Thank you Vim&Vigr!” - Sharon B.

All-day comfortable compression from leggings you can wear with your daily outfits or when working out (they are semi-sheer at the top, so wear with a long top!). The footless design gives you a choice of footwear or socks, or you can wear them barefoot if heading to a yoga class.

• Multi-dimensional weave for better breathability and flexibility

• Help with muscle recovery

• FDA registered, HSA/FSA eligible

“Like a hug for your legs… love these. I wear them under dresses. Or with shorts. They’re super comfortable. I live where it’s really hot and I don’t feel hot in these. They stop thigh chafing too. They don’t pinch behind the knees. I have POTS so they help me with blood pooling while still being stylish.” - Celestial D.

Several studies have found several benefits of graduated compression tights, stockings, and socks on overall blood flow. Linked to better circulation, wearing compression tights may also help reduce swelling and fatigue, prevent circulatory problems, and boost your energy levels. All while looking and feeling your best.

Long periods of sitting can make your legs feel heavy, tired, or puffy by the end of the day. Medical compression leggings apply gentle, graduated pressure along the legs to help support healthy blood flow and encourage fluid movement. This will reduce swelling and discomfort during flights, commutes, and long stretches at your desk. The result is also full-leg support that feels practical for real life, without feeling “clinical.”

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the legs. Many people who take long-haul flights report this, because they tend to sit for long hours without moving. A large cohort study found that flights of over four hours increased the risk of thrombosis by approximately three times, especially in the weeks after travel. Wearing compression tights or leggings is an easy and effective way to keep blood moving when you’re not getting up and walking around (although you should also try stretches and small bouts of movement during the flights).

Varicose veins are another side effect of poor circulation:  damage to vein walls or valves can cause blood to pool and put pressure on the veins, which may lead to a multitude of undesirable effects. Graduated compression stockings and tights might be able to reduce the symptoms of varicose veins according to these clinical guidelines.

Leg fatigue caused by swelling and “heavy” feelings can drain your whole energy, especially if your days are busy and you need to be “switched on” until late. Good circulation across the full leg is essential: compression tights support the muscles and joints as well as the blood vessels, soothing aching legs and giving you a reassuring feeling. With the right fit and compression level, they’re a great energy booster.

Choosing your next pair of medical compression leggings for circulation isn’t complicated, if you know what to look for. The key elements for best fit and results are compression level, fabric, design, and how they fit into your life. 

From looser fitting, yet still effective against blood pooling, to firmer compression, your tights can be:

• 15-20 mmHg if you require all-day support without a specific medical concern, or for working out, walking, or running

• 20-30 mmHg for long-haul flights, long days sitting at your desk, or if you suffer from varicose veins or are at risk of blood clots

Traditionally, cotton is the recommended fabric for breathable, all-day wear, while merino wool is perfect for temperature regulation (keeping you warm and dry when it’s cold, and cool and airy when it’s hot). At Vim & Vigr, we offer a wide selection of graduated knee-high compression socks in cotton or merino wool.

But, when it comes to leggings, we know that flexibility and range of movement are key. That is why our graduated medical compression tights are made with a blend of nylon (75%) and latex-free lycra (25%) to ensure that you are comfortable no matter where you choose to wear them. This blend is also great for comfort through the upper leg and pelvic area, avoiding unwanted stretching or digging into the skin.

Shop sleek, flexible compression tights and leggings. 

Another important element when choosing compression tights is the design: footed or footless. We’ve created the footed compression tights to be worn with boots and shoes, covering the ankles and giving your feet some much needed support and blood flow boost. They are a great option for keeping you warm, but also if you’re recovering from injuries like Achilles tendonitis or if you suffer from foot pain.

The footless compression leggings are a better fit for times when you want to go barefoot or if you’re running or walking and want to wear different socks. You can also wear them with sandals or flip-flops and still enjoy the blood flow boost from compression all the way up the leg!

If you need specific wide calf support and find that the tights or leggings become uncomfortable, we also have a solution: wide calf sizing for knee-high compression socks. Measure your calf circumference and use our sizing chart to see if wide calf products might fit you better. With wide calf sizing, the socks are easier to put on and you get a huge range of colors and designs, including open toe!

How you plan to wear them also influences what tights or leggings you choose. Our most frequent use cases include:

• Pregnancy: compression tights will provide full-leg cover and upwards blood flow to prevent blood clotting or pooling as your blood volume increases.

• Travel: opt for footed compression tights to boost blood flow and avoid swollen feet and ankles.

• Work: for desk jobs or for work that requires you to be on your feet all day, alternate tights, leggings, and compression socks.

• Sports recovery: medical compression leggings are great for recovering from physical activity while letting your feet breathe - they massage the muscles and help with bringing oxygen and nutrients to them, to help them recover quicker.

To make the most of your compression tights and have them supporting you for longer, here are our tips for wear and care.

This is the first and most important rule: medical compression tights or leggings need to be supportive, not restrictive. By ensuring you wear the right level of therapeutic pressure and the design that fits your needs best, you’ll be happier wearing them… and more consistent.

If you’ve never worn compression leggings before and don’t have a particular medical condition (or been advised by your doctor), then opt for mild 15-20 mmHg to begin with and only move up if the support feels insufficient.

If your doctor recommends it or you already have some experience and/or medical condition, 20-30 mmHg will be more useful.

Finally, pick the design of your medical compression tights based on need and outfit: footed tights if you want support through the feet and ankle or for wearing with boots and heels, or footless ones if you want to go barefoot.

The next most important element when choosing compression wear is ensuring you get the right fit. We’ve put together a detailed sizing guide to assist with measuring for compression socks or tights, as we know it can get difficult to know which size is best.

Fit matters more with compression tights than with regular leggings. If they are too loose, you may not get the full benefit of graduated compression. If they are too tight, they can feel uncomfortable or leave marks. Use your height and weight to map against our sizes and remember: your tights should feel firm but not cut off your circulation or cause pain. If they do, go a size up.

Compression tights take a little more care to put on than regular leggings, because of the tight grip they have on the legs. Start with dry skin and avoid applying lotion immediately before wear, as this can make the fabric harder to pull into place. Gather one leg of the tights down toward the foot, then place your foot in carefully and ease the fabric over your heel and ankle first. Gradually smooth the material up the calf and thigh, making sure there are no twists, folds, or tight bands of fabric. Repeat on the other side, then pull the waistband into place. The goal is a smooth, even fit from ankle to waist.

If you’re wearing footed compression tights, follow the same principle, but ensure you smooth out the edges around your toes and heels. It’s important to prevent any bunching or folding around these extremities, which can cause blisters.

If you are new to compression, ease into it. Start with shorter wear periods, such as 2 to 3 hours, then gradually increasing as your body gets used to the feeling. For desk days and travel, put your tights on before swelling starts, usually first thing in the morning. During long periods of sitting, compression works best alongside gentle movement, so try ankle circles, short walks, calf raises, and regular hydration.

Always remove your tights if they feel painful, cause numbness, or leave deep, uncomfortable marks. If this happens often, consult with your doctor.

Good care helps preserve the stretch, fit, and compression performance of your tights. Wash them after each wear in cold water, ideally on a delicate machine cycle or by hand. Avoid bleach, fabric softener, and high heat, as these can weaken the elastic fibres that provide compression.

Air drying is best to help maintain the shape and quality of the fabric. If you travel often, you can hand wash your tights and lay them flat to dry overnight (our nylon pairs dry very quickly). With regular washing and gentle drying, your compression tights will stay fresher, more comfortable, and more effective for everyday circulation support.

Medical compression leggings make it easier to care for your legs without changing the way you dress, travel, work, or recover. Thanks to the graduated design, breathable nylon blends, and styles made for real outfits, Vim & Vigr tights and leggings bring together the circulatory benefits of medical compression with the comfort and good looks you want for everyday wear. Choose footed tights for extra ankle and foot support or footless leggings for flexible styling and recovery days.

Ready to give your legs full-length support that looks and feels great? Shop our collection to find the perfect fit for every aspect of your life.

Brown, F., Gissane, C., Howatson, G., van Someren, K., Pedlar, C., & Hill, J. (2017). Compression Garments and Recovery from Exercise: A Meta-Analysis. Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 47(11), 2245–2267. Read it here.

Charles, T., Mackintosh, D., Healy, B., Perrin, K., Weatherall, M., & Beasley, R. (2011). Merino wool graduated compression stocking increases lower limb venous blood flow: a randomized controlled trial. Advances in Therapy, 28(3), 227–237. Read it here.

Clarke, M. J., Broderick, C., Hopewell, S., Juszczak, E., & Eisinga, A. (2021). Compression stockings for preventing deep vein thrombosis in airline passengers. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 4(4), CD004002. Read it here.

Kuipers, S., Cannegieter, S.C., Middeldorp, S., Robyn, L., Büller, H. R., & Rosendall, F. R. (2007). The absolute risk of venous thrombosis after air travel: a cohort study of 8,755 employees of international organisations. PLoS Medicine 4(9): e290. Read it here.

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Mori, K., Koshiyama, M., Watanabe, Y., Okamoto, N., Yanagisawa, N., Banba, A., Ikuta, E., Ono, A., Seki, K., Nakagawa, M., Sakamoto, S. I., Hara, Y., & Nakashima, A. (2025). The Effect of Wearing Elastic Compression Stockings on Leg Edema in Pregnant Women in Late Pregnancy as Determined by Measuring the Deep Venous Velocity and Flow. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 13(3), 214. Read it here.

Mosti, G., Picerni, P., & Partsch, H. (2012). Compression stockings with moderate pressure are able to reduce chronic leg oedema. Phlebology, 27(6), 289–296. Read it here.

O'Riordan, S. F., McGregor, R., Halson, S. L., Bishop, D. J., & Broatch, J. R. (2023). Sports compression garments improve resting markers of venous return and muscle blood flow in male basketball players. Journal of Sport and Health Science, 12(4), 513–522. Read it here.

Tan, M., Urbanek, T., Rabe, E., Gianesini, S., Parsi, K., Davies, A. H., & UIP (2024). Compression therapy in the management of varicose veins. Phlebology, 39(4), 276–279. Read it here.