The images used here are for illustrative purposes only. The sizing chart for your brand and model of compression stocking might look a bit different, so please read each sizing chart carefully and always double check your measurements when placing your order. The images used in this tutorial come from the Sigvaris Measure to Wear sizing chart.

Don’t have measurements yet? Check out our tutorial, How to Measure for Compression Stockings. Figuring out your measurement can take a little practice, but Leg Smart is always here to help.

Step 1) Begin by finding your Ankle measurement

Your ankle measurement is important because your compression stocking’s graduated compression begins at the ankle. An accurate fit at the ankle will allow your compression sock or stocking effectively deliver its graduated compression to your legs.

It is recommended that you take this measurement in the morning. Swelling that occurs throughout the day may affect your measurements if you take them during the end of the day. We want to fit your compression garment for the time of day when you put them on, which is first thing in the morning. Please note that sometimes, your ankle measurement will be different from leg to leg.

Step 2) Find your Calf measurement

If you are fitting for a knee high compression stocking, this calf measurement is important. If you choose a size that is too tight, the top band of the compression garment may bind or roll. If a larger size is chosen, the compression garment may slip or fall throughout the day. Either way, we want your calf to be comfortable. Thus, it is advised that you choose a size that puts your calf measurement in the middle of the sizing range.

Step 3) Knee High Length

If you are fitting for a thigh high or waist high (pantyhose, maternity panty or leotard), please skip to steps 4 and 5.

The length of your lower leg will determine if you fit into a Short or a Long. In general, an individual that is taller than 6 feet would not expect to fit into a Short. Looking at your calf length measurement, determine if you are above or below the threashold for the length (in this example: 16 inches or 41 cm). A compression sock or stocking that is too short will not hold the calf and be prone to falling down. A garment that is too long might roll or both your when you bend your knee.

Step 3 “and-a-half”) The Shoe Size

In addition to the length of the lower leg, please take into consideration your shoe size. If you measure into a Short length and have a Men’s size 13 shoe, it would be recommended that you move into a Long length so that the sock does not squeeze your toes.

Leg Smart Tip: If you are shopping for an open toe style, you will not need to worry about shoe size

Step 4) Find your Thigh measurement

The thigh measurement is very important when sizing for a thigh high compression stocking. Similar to the calf measurement, this will determine how your stocking will fit at the very top. A tight fitting thigh may cause discomfort or rolling at the top band. A top thigh measurement that is loose will cause the thigh to fall down the leg.

Step 5) Thigh, Pantyhose, Maternity Panty Length

A thigh high compression stocking that is too short for an individual will have a hard time staying up on the leg. With a pantyhose or a maternity panty, a stocking that is too short will pull on foot. Compression stockings stretch in length and in circumference. A short compression stocking that is overstretched in length on a long leg will cause the garment to fit tightly around the leg. Although this may not seem like an immediate problem, a garment that is too short may cause discomfort and provide inadequate compression. This may also cause increased wear and tear on certain parts of the garment.

A garment that is too long will have trouble staying on the leg. The excess in material will also cause the garment to be a loose fitting.

Again, please keep in mind your shoe size when considering a closed toe compression stocking. (See Step 3 “and-a-half”)

Congratulations!

Now that you have your size, write it down. You are now ready to consult the sizing charts, but make sure you’re looking at the right sizing chart. There are many charts for the different brands and models and some of them look similar.

Of course, we’re always here to help. Email us at support@legsmart.com.

Leg Smart encourages proper fitting because the compression stocking will apply its compression more effectively on the leg and it will be more comfortable when wearing.

The following tutorial will guide you step by step in how to measure for compression stockings.

It is recommended that you take these measurements in the morning because it will help avoid your measurements being biased by swelling.

If you have a tape measure, great! If not, use some string and measure the string with a ruler. It is also encouraged that you write down these measurements on a notepad.

Let’s start measuring!

Step 1) Ankle Circumference

Measure the ankle in the smallest part of the ankle, just above the ankle bone.

Leg Smart Tip: If the foot is swollen, measure the circumference above the foot to the heel (the red dashed line). This diagonal measurement will determine whether or not you will be able to get your compression stocking or sock over your heel when there is swelling in the foot. If this diagonal measurement is 4 inches greater than your ankle measurement, you will experience some difficulty when putting on your compression stocking. Sometimes you might not be able to get the stocking on at all. If this is the case, you will need to put on your compression stockings when your foot is less swollen.

Step 2) Calf Circumference

Measure the largest part of the calf. You may need to search for the largest part of the calf by measuring above and below the middle of the calf.

Leg Smart Tip: When measuring your legs, make sure that your tape measure is straight. A twisted or crooked tape measure will get inaccurate measurements.

Step 3) Thigh Circumference

Measure the largest part of the thigh at the top.

Step 4) Measure the length of the leg.

For the knee high compression stocking, measure from the back of the bend of knee to the floor behind your heel. Do not wear shoes as you will get an inaccurate measurement.

Leg Smart Tip: When measuring the back of the knee, make sure that you are measuring below the bend of the knee. Measuring too high or too close the bend of the knee may result in a sock that is a bit too long for your lower leg. Please pay attention to this detail, especially if your length measurement is right on the edge of the Short and Long lengths.

For thigh high or waist high (pantyhose, maternity panty and leotard), measure the length of leg from the top of the thigh to floor behind the heel.

Congratulations!

Now that you’ve taken your measurements, you are now ready to consult the sizing charts to get the right size for you!

Next, read our Sizing Chart Tutorial.

Have more questions? Email us at support@legsmart.com.