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Men's compression socks: how to pick a pressure, a size and a style
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- Men's ribbed dress compression socks, 15 to 20 mmHg. Best for: Office days, long meetings and flights. See options on Amazon
- Men's 20 to 30 mmHg knee-high compression socks. Best for: Varicose veins or mild swelling, with a doctor's okay. See options on Amazon
- Full-calf men's compression socks. Best for: Muscular or larger calves. See options on Amazon
- Cushioned-sole casual compression socks. Best for: Long days on your feet in work shoes or boots. See options on Amazon
Choosing a pressure
| Level | What Sigvaris says it is for | How to buy |
|---|---|---|
| 8 to 15 mmHg | Mildly aching, tired legs; a little everyday support | Over the counter |
| 15 to 20 mmHg | Day-to-day relief for achy, heavy, slightly swollen legs | Over the counter |
| 20 to 30 mmHg | Most commonly prescribed; varicose veins, mild swelling | Usually prescribed |
| 30 to 40 mmHg | Moderate to severe edema and lymphedema, DVT, venous ulcers | Prescription |
A desk job, long drives or a day on your feet usually fit the lower two levels. If you have visible varicose veins, swelling that does not go down overnight, or a past clot, ask your doctor which level to use.
Sizing: measure, do not guess
Compression only works if the sock fits the leg it is on. MedlinePlus says a medical equipment store can measure your legs, and that knee-length stockings should reach 2 fingers below the knee bend. Follow the maker's chart for which measurements to take, usually around the ankle and calf.
Men with muscular or larger calves should look for full-calf or wide-calf sizes rather than sizing up, which loosens the ankle where pressure should be highest. JOBST forMen, for example, offers S, M, L, L Full Calf, XL and XL Full Calf. See wide calf compression socks for more.
Styles built for men
Medical compression no longer has to look medical. JOBST describes its forMen line as men's compression stockings with a ribbed design that makes them look like regular socks, in 15 to 20, 20 to 30 and 30 to 40 mmHg, knee-high and thigh-high, closed or open toe, and brown, anthracite, navy, black and khaki. It lists a cushioned sole and odor control among the features, and uses for heavy or swollen legs, spider and varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency and venous leg ulcers.
- Dress: fine ribbed knit in dark colors for office shoes.
- Casual: cotton-feel knits for everyday wear.
- Athletic: cushioned, sweat-wicking styles; see athletic compression socks.
Putting them on and looking after them
- Morning, before swelling builds. MedlinePlus says put them on before you get out of bed.
- Roll, do not bunch. Roll the sock down, fit the foot and heel, unroll it up the leg and smooth out wrinkles.
- Tricks if they are hard to get on: MedlinePlus suggests lotion allowed to dry, a little powder, rubber gloves or a stocking donner.
- Care: wash in mild soap and water, air dry, keep two pairs to alternate, and replace every 3 to 6 months to maintain compression (MedlinePlus).
- Nights: medi says it is best practice to take medical compression off for sleep. See can you sleep in compression socks.
Who should check with a doctor first
Two makers spell out who should not simply buy a pair. medi says compression garments should not be worn with circulation disorders in the leg arteries or with serious heart conditions, and suggests special precautions for loss of sensitivity from polyneuropathy. Sigvaris lists arterial insufficiency, intermittent claudication, ischemia, uncontrolled congestive heart failure and signs of infection in the legs. If you have diabetes, or get calf pain when walking that eases at rest, ask about an artery check first. For diabetes-specific options, see diabetic compression socks.
What to look for when you buy
Men's ribbed dress compression socks, 15 to 20 mmHg
Best for: Office days, long meetings and flights
Sigvaris lists 15 to 20 mmHg for achy, heavy, slightly swollen legs, and ribbed dress styles look like regular socks under trousers.
Watch out: Thin dress knits can be harder to pull on; a donning aid helps.
See options on AmazonMen's 20 to 30 mmHg knee-high compression socks
Best for: Varicose veins or mild swelling, with a doctor's okay
Sigvaris calls 20 to 30 mmHg the most commonly prescribed level, used for varicose veins and mild swelling.
Watch out: Get measured, and check with your doctor if you have artery disease, diabetes or heart failure.
See options on AmazonFull-calf men's compression socks
Best for: Muscular or larger calves
Full-calf sizing, as offered in JOBST forMen, fits a bigger calf without loosening the ankle, where MedlinePlus says pressure should be highest.
Watch out: Measure both calves; one may be larger.
See options on AmazonCushioned-sole casual compression socks
Best for: Long days on your feet in work shoes or boots
A cushioned sole, a feature JOBST lists for forMen, adds comfort on hard floors while the leg gets graduated support.
Watch out: Thicker socks need roomier shoes.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- What compression level should men use?
- Most start at 15 to 20 mmHg for everyday achy or heavy legs. 20 to 30 mmHg is the most commonly prescribed level, per Sigvaris; ask your doctor before going higher.
- Are men's compression socks different from women's?
- The compression works the same way. Men's lines differ in sizing, including full-calf options, and in styling like ribbed dress knits and darker colors.
- How should men's compression socks fit?
- Snug, smooth, with no wrinkles, and with knee-highs ending 2 fingers below the knee bend, according to MedlinePlus.
- How often should I replace compression socks?
- MedlinePlus says every 3 to 6 months, to keep the compression working.
Sources
- Compression levels and when to wear which one (sigvaris.com), Sigvaris (maker)
- Compression stockings (medlineplus.gov), MedlinePlus (NIH)
- JOBST forMen (jobst-usa.com), JOBST (maker)
- When not to wear compression socks? (mediusa.com), medi (maker help center)