Compression Socks & Stockings: Everything You Need To Know

What types of compression socks and stockings are there?

There are two main types of compression socks and stockings:

• Medical compression stockings: Often prescribed by a doctor to treat medical conditions such as varicose veins and lymphedema or to prevent DVT, these medical grade support stockings come in different strengths, measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg).
• General compression socks: These compression socks for men and women are for everyday use and can be purchased without a prescription. They are often used by athletes, pregnant women, seniors, frequent travellers, and people who sit or stand for long periods to help prevent leg fatigue, swelling, and blood clots. 

What compression level to choose for compression stockings and socks?

Compression socks and stockings come in different levels of compression depending on your needs and any other factors to consider such as age, size and weight, ongoing health conditions, mobility and more. We recommend speaking to a medical or care professional to determine what level of compression you need, but the guide below will help you understand the differences. 

• Light Compression (14-17mmHg) – Everyday Life

Designed for comfort and daily wear, our FITLEGS Everyday Life range provides gentle support to keep your legs feeling fresh. Whether you're on your feet all day, sitting for long periods, or simply looking for light relief, these stockings help improve circulation and reduce mild swelling. Good for everyday wear, travel, or mild circulation issues.

• AES Sigel Profile (18-21mmHg) – Medical Support

Our FITLEGS AES stockings follow the Sigel Profile, offering clinically effective graduated compression. Designed to help reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), they are ideal for post-surgical recovery, prolonged bed rest, or individuals with limited mobility. We offer a closed-toe design for comfort and a grip version, helping to reduce the risk of trips and falls.

• Medium Compression (18-24mmHg) – Sports

For active individuals, our FITLEGS Sports stockings provide medium compression to improve circulation, reduce muscle fatigue, and support recovery. Ideal for athletes, runners, and those who lead an active lifestyle, these stockings help enhance endurance and performance. Ideal for those with minor to moderate varicose veins, swelling, or who want extra support during athletic activity or recovery.

• High Compression (23-32mmHg) – FITLEGS 2

For advanced support, our FITLEGS 2 stockings provide high compression for those with more serious venous conditions. Designed for medical use, they effectively relieve severe swelling, varicose veins, and circulation issues, ensuring maximum therapeutic benefits.

Find your perfect FITLEGS compression solution today and experience the benefits of targeted support

Compression Socks vs Compression Stockings?

Choosing between compression socks, stockings, or leggings depends on what you need support for, how far up your leg the issue extends, and your personal preference. Compression socks, stockings and even leggings all come with pros and cons.

• Compression socks: Ending just below the knee, these target the ankles and calves, providing significant support in those areas. They are ideal for everyday wear, foot pain, ankle swelling, minor varicose veins, and blood circulation issues. This length is often also used for sport compression socks as well as for flying.
• Compression stockings: These support stockings typically have variants that are below knee or thigh length, reaching the mid or upper thigh. They offer graduated compression, which is strongest at the ankle and gradually decreases as it travels up the leg. This is beneficial for conditions like moderate varicose veins, lymphedema, and in helping prevent DVT. These may be recommended for individuals recovering from an injury or surgical procedure, as well as those with long-term medical conditions.
• Compression leggings: These cover your entire leg, sometimes including the feet, and are worn like regular leggings. They can provide a range of compression levels and are suitable for athletic performance, recovery, or everyday comfort, especially if you experience aches, pains and discomfort.

Who should wear compression socks and stockings?

Compression socks and support stockings can and should be worn by a whole host of people. Whether you’re a nurse on your feet all day, a frequent flyer or someone who sits for long periods, a pregnant woman, a patient at risk of developing DVT or varicose veins, an athlete, or even someone who suffers from minor leg aches and pains, compression socks may be able to help.

If you’re unsure whether a compression sock or support stocking is right for you, or which compression level you need, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our expert team is always on hand to help and ensure you find what you need. Explore our range of compression socks for women and men at the FITLEGS shop.