What Size Compression Socks Do You Need?
Why You Should Measure Before Buying Compression Socks
Compression socks are often prescribed by doctors to help a variety of chronic illnesses. Just like any other prescription, things can vary from person to person. The most obvious factor with compression socks is the size. The correct size of sock will ensure that the socks are compressing the right areas of your leg. Scientific studies have found that wearing the correct size of compression sock could provide health benefits like:
- Better blood flow in the lower legs to help treat symptoms of venous insufficiency, lymphedema, poor peripheral circulation, or severe swelling
- Enhanced recovery after exercise
- Improved blood circulation throughout the body if you have varicose veins
- Lower risk of edema or deep vein thrombosis on flights
Our compression socks come in 6 different sizes, including wide calf varieties, to ensure absolute comfort and function for many bodies. We are constantly pushing ourselves to offer more options to hopefully one day get everyone in stylish compression socks!
Knowing your measurements ensures that you will get the compression garment that fits comfortably and provides you with the health benefits you are looking for.
Our compression socks and tights are made with graduated compression technology. Graduated compression is tightest around the lower part of the leg and progressively gets looser towards the top to allow for better blood flow out of the legs and back towards the heart. As you can imagine, accurate sizing is essential for making sure the graduated compression is effective. When wearing the compression socks, here is what you should look for; your garments should not pinch or hurt. They should feel like a gentle hug that supports your legs. Depending on the compression level you get, you may feel more or less of a squeeze. We cover compression levels and their meanings in another article that we encourage you to read.
Steps for Measuring Your Leg, Calf, and Thigh
Discussing where your pain is located with your doctor or Podiatrist is the first step towards deciding what kind of compression product you should get – a sleeve, stocking, or sock. Our compression socks, sleeves, and stockings come in a wide range of sizes, so determining accurate measurements is the key to getting the best fit.
We suggest that you take measurements when you first wake up in the morning, because the swelling in your feet will be at its lowest point. Your limbs—including your legs, calves, and thighs—should be measured with your bare skin exposed. All measurements taken are based on the angle between the sole and the foot or the sole and the leg being bent at approximately 90 degrees for the most accurate measurement. Follow these steps to find your size:
- Mark the widest point of your calf and thigh with a marker.
- Measure the widest part of your calf and take note of the measurement in inches.
- Find your most commonly worn shoe size.
For our compression tights, we use height and weight to help determine size. See the compression tights sizing chart below the compression socks sizing chart.
While we suggest ordering with exact measurements, if you are giving compression socks as a gift, we have a very generous exchange policy to ensure your gift is perfect!
Use Our Compression Sock Size Chart to Find Your Size.
After you’ve completed all the measurements for your calf and have identified your shoe size, you should compare these metrics to our sizing chart below. For compression socks, our chart includes shoe sizes for men, women, and European conversions, as well as calf circumference. You can also find compression sleeves and tights sizing. We look forward to giving you the perfect fit!
| SIZE | WOMEN | MEN | EUR | CALF CIRCUMFERENCE |
| S/M | 5 - 8 | 3.5 - 6.5 | 36 - 39 | 12" - 16" |
| Wide Calf S/M | 5 - 8 | 3.5 - 6.5 | 36 - 39 | 17" - 21" |
| M/L | 8.5 - 11.5 | 7 - 10 | 39 - 42 | 13" - 17" |
| Wide Calf M/L | 8.5 - 11.5 | 7 - 10 | 39 - 42 | 17" - 21" |
| L/XL | 12 - 15 | 10.5 - 13.5 | 42 - 46 | 14" - 18" |
| Wide Calf L/XL | 12 - 15 | 10.5 - 13.5 | 42 - 46 | 17" - 21" |
The Healthiest Tights
| HEIGHT | |||||||||
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| 5'6" | |||||||||
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Frequently Asked Questions:
What if I'm Between Sizes of Compression Socks?
If you're in between sizes, take into consideration your body type and what you are generally most comfortable in. Do you find that you often size up in shoes or pants? Do you have wide feet or are they narrow? Do you like a tight fit for the feeling of support?
Don't forget we do offer postage-paid free returns & exchanges - so if the first size you try isn't a perfect fit, we'll happily help you find one that does.
Need help with sizing? Email orders@vimvigr.com.
How do I know if I Need a "Wide Calf" Size for Compression Socks?
Our wide calf sizes accommodate a calf circumference of 17-21," measured at the widest point of the calf. To measure your calves, use a tape measure or a piece of string that you can lay alongside a ruler.
If your calf measures between a wide calf and standard calf size, we recommend trying the standard calf size first. Compression socks should feel tight, like a gentle hug for your legs.
Five Star reviews:
“The Vim and Vigr socks fit me so much better than another brand that I have tried - fits good in the leg as well perfect fit in the foot. Thank you so very much!”
-Jacqueline Arndt
“These tights are sturdy and resistant to nicks and tears. They fit perfectly size-wise and provide adequate compression/support. Highly recommend!”
- Vladislava Juric
“Wonderful product! It is tight, but not too tight 😊 These socks helped keep my legs in a good shape for the entire day!
The color is matching spring outfit and looks like regular socks instead of some prescription ones. Highly recommend!”
- Andrei Koren
References
Olsen, J. H. H., Öberg, S., & Rosenberg, J. (2019). The effect of compression stocking on leg edema and discomfort during a 3-hour flight: A randomized controlled trial. European journal of internal medicine, 62, 54–57. 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.
Montoye, A. H. K., Mithen, A. A., Westra, H. L., Besteman, S. S., & Rider, B. C. (2021). The Effect of Compression Socks on Maximal Exercise Performance and Recovery in Insufficiently Active Adults. International journal of exercise science, 14(7), 1036–1051. Read it here.
Ibegbuna, V., Delis, K., & Nicolaides, A. N. (1997). Effect of lightweight compression stockings on venous haemodynamics. International angiology : a journal of the International Union of Angiology, 16(3), 185–188. Read it here.
Hi Karen,
Thank you for reaching out. We recommend that you machine wash after each wear, on delicate and cold. Air dry is preferred to maintain the elasticity and quality of fabrics.
To learn more about taking care of your compression socks, feel free to check out our blog post below:
A Guide for Washing Compression Socks
Please let us know if there is anything else we can assist you with.
Take care & stay safe,
VIM & VIGR Customer Service
This leg wear is fairly easy to put on, but I have a really hard time to get them off without help. Therefore I do not wear them as often as I should. When I went on the website I thought I could find instructions for this but I
couldn’t find any. Also there are no washing instructions.
15-20 mmHg. Cotton
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