Women's compression socks

Sizing for women

Where shoe size and calf size disagree, follow the calf. Graduated compression is engineered around the circumference it stretches over, so a sock rated for a smaller calf delivers more than 30 mmHg on a larger one — and in the wrong gradient.

Measuring your calf

1. Measure first thing in the morning, before your legs have had time to swell.
2. Stand with weight evenly on both feet.
3. Find the widest point of the calf, usually a third of the way up from the ankle.
4. Wrap a tape snugly and level, without squeezing the muscle.
5. Measure both legs and use the larger number.

Full international conversions, and what to do if you are between sizes, are in the size guide.

Slim calves and wider calves

Slim calves have the opposite problem to wide ones: conventional compression socks slide down because the elastic band cannot find enough circumference to grip. The usual fix is to buy a size smaller, which then over-compresses the ankle. TrueFit's wide comfort strap grips across a broad band of the calf instead of one tight line, so it holds without needing to be over-tight.

Wider calves get the reverse benefit: the strap's stretch range takes it to 20 inches without turning into a tourniquet. If your calf is within an inch of the 16-inch boundary, size up — slightly loose is far better than too tight.

Wearing them with what you already own

• Trousers and jeans — invisible. Plain matte black, ribbed knit.
• Trainers and flats — the foot section is thin, so shoe fit does not change.
• Boots — knee-highs sit naturally under ankle and calf boots; the reinforced heel handles the wear.
• Dresses and skirts in winter — they read as opaque knee-high socks, not hosiery.
• Scrubs and work uniforms — no medical styling at all; see compression socks for nurses.

Pregnancy

Leg swelling, heaviness and new varicose veins in pregnancy are extremely common, and graduated compression is a standard, non-drug way to manage them. A few practical points:

• Put them on in the morning before you get up properly, when your legs are smallest.
• Re-measure your calf each trimester — circumference genuinely changes.
• Knee-high is sufficient for most pregnancy swelling.
• Tell your midwife or doctor you are wearing them, and get advice first if you have any complications.
• Sudden swelling, swelling in one leg only, or swelling with headache or visual changes needs same-day medical assessment.

More detail in our pregnancy compression guide.

Work, travel and swelling

• On your feet all day — retail, teaching, hospitality, healthcare. See standing all day.
• Desk work — sitting idles the calf pump just as standing does.
• Flights and long drives — put them on before you leave home; flight guidance here.
• Daily ankle swelling — see swollen feet and ankles, including when swelling needs a doctor first.
• Varicose veins — the standard conservative first step; what compression can and cannot do.

Care and lifespan

• Wash after every wear, cold, on a gentle cycle or by hand.
• Use a mesh laundry bag to stop snagging.
• Hang dry — never tumble dry. Heat destroys the elastane that provides the pressure.
• Skip fabric softener; it coats fibres and reduces stretch recovery.
• Replace after around three to six months of daily wear.

Bundles and the guarantee

Prices in USD, free worldwide shipping with tracking, 30-day money-back guarantee that covers worn and washed pairs, and free size exchanges. Regional delivery windows are on the shipping page.