Compression is not simply "tight". In a medical compression stocking the pressure is graduated — highest at the ankle and progressively lower up the leg — so that the garment works with the body instead of against it.
Why the gradient matters
Blood returning from the foot travels upward against gravity. A gradient of pressure gives that return flow a gentle, continuous assist: firm at the narrowest point of the leg, easing as the leg widens. Reverse the gradient and you get the opposite of the intended effect — which is why fit and sizing matter as much as the pressure class.
"A stocking that is comfortable enough to wear every day will always outperform a stronger one that stays in the drawer."
Reading the mmHg classes
Compression is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) at the ankle. The common classes are:
- 15–20 mmHg — daily support for tired, heavy legs, travel and long standing.
- 20–30 mmHg — the most prescribed range for varicose veins and swelling.
- 30–40 mmHg — stronger therapeutic support, used under professional guidance.
Getting the fit right
Measure in the morning, before swelling builds through the day. Take the ankle at its narrowest point, the calf at its widest, and — for thigh-length garments — the thigh 5 cm below the gluteal fold. Compare against the size chart of the specific product; sizes are not interchangeable between series.
Put the stocking on before getting out of bed where possible, and never fold the top band over: a doubled band creates a tourniquet effect that undoes the gradient entirely.
Caring for the garment
Elastic fibres lose recovery with heat. Wash at 30 °C with mild detergent, avoid fabric softener, and dry flat away from direct sun. With daily wear, plan to replace a compression garment roughly every six months — the fabric can look intact long after the pressure has faded.