Sizing Chart Tutorial: How to use the sizing chart to get your size?
The Sizing Chart can be a little confusing. So LegSmart has come up with this handy little tutorial for converting your measurements to a size.
Don’t have measurements yet? Check out our tutorial, How to Measure for Compression Stockings.
Deciphering your measurement can take a little practice, but LegSmart is always here to help.
Step 1) Begin by finding your Ankle measurement
Your ankle measurement is important because 100% of your compression stocking’s graduated compression begins at the ankle. An accurate fit at the ankle will allow your sock or stocking to 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. Thus, please write down your measurements.
Step 2) Find your Calf measurement
If you are fitting for a knee high compression stocking, this calf measurement is important because it will determine the effectiveness and comfort of your garment. 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: Short or Long?
If you are fitting for a thigh high, pantyhose or maternity panty, 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. Thus, looking at your calf length measurement, determine if you are above or below 16 inches (or 41 cm). A garment that is too short will not hold the calf and be prone to falling down. A garment that is too long will be easily stretched over the knee and can roll down, causing discomfort.
Step 3 "and-a-half") The Shoe Size (important!)
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 your garment does not squeeze your toes. NOTE: 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: Short of Long?
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. Graduated 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 Sigvaris Sizing Chart. The sizing found in the chart is applicable to all 20-30 mmHg and 30-40 mmHg compression stockings. Now, you’ll have to pick a color. Decisions, decisions.
Have more questions? Email us at support@legsmart.com.
