You can't eyeball compression sock sizes the way you might with regular athletic socks. The fit needs to be precise for compression to work correctly. Too loose and you won't get the circulation benefits. Too tight and you risk cutting off blood flow instead of improving it.
Taking accurate measurements before you buy saves you from ordering the wrong size and having to deal with returns.
Why Accurate Measurements Matter
Compression socks work through graduated pressure. The sock is designed to be tightest at your ankle and gradually decrease in compression as it moves up your calf.
If the sock doesn't fit your leg properly, this graduation doesn't work as intended. A sock that's too large won't compress enough at any point. A sock that's too small will be overly tight everywhere, which defeats the purpose.
Your measurements determine which size will deliver the correct compression profile for your specific legs.
What You'll Need
Grab a flexible measuring tape, the kind used for sewing. If you don't have one, you can use a string and then measure the string against a ruler, though a proper tape measure is easier and more accurate.
Take measurements in the morning before your legs have a chance to swell from daily activity. Your legs are at their smallest right after waking up, which gives you the most accurate baseline.
Sit in a chair with your foot flat on the floor. Your calf should be at about a 90-degree angle to your foot.
Measuring Your Ankle
Find the narrowest part of your ankle, just above the ankle bone. This is typically where your ankle meets your foot.
Wrap the measuring tape around this point, making sure the tape lies flat against your skin all the way around. Don't pull it tight; let it rest naturally against your ankle.
The tape should be snug enough that it doesn't slip but not so tight that it dents your skin. Read the measurement and write it down.
Measuring Your Calf
Stand up and locate the widest part of your calf. For most people, this is roughly halfway between your ankle and knee, but everyone's legs are slightly different.
If you're not sure where your calf is widest, measure at several points and use the largest number.
Wrap the tape around this point, again keeping it flat and level all the way around. The tape should feel snug but not restrictive. Write down this measurement.
Measuring for Knee-High Socks
If you're buying tall compression socks, you also need to know your leg length.
Measure from the floor to the bend behind your knee (where your leg creases when you bend your knee). Take this measurement while standing with your leg straight.
Most compression sock size charts use ankle and calf measurements as the primary factors, but leg length helps ensure the sock won't be too short or too long.
Using Size Charts
Once you have your measurements, check the manufacturer's size chart. Every brand sizes differently, so don't assume you're the same size across all compression socks.
CEP compression socks use specific measurements that correspond to their sizing. Look for your calf circumference and ankle circumference on the chart.
If your measurements fall between two sizes, consider your primary use. For athletic performance during runs, some people prefer the smaller size for firmer compression. For all-day comfort and recovery, the larger size might feel better.
Trying Them On
When your compression socks arrive, put them on right away to verify the fit before you wear them outside.
The foot should fit like a regular sock with your heel in the heel pocket and your toes reaching the toe area without bunching.
The ankle should feel snug but not painfully tight. You should feel noticeable compression here since it's the firmest part of graduated compression.
The calf portion should feel like a firm hug. The top band should stay up without rolling down, but shouldn't leave deep marks or cause discomfort.
Common Fit Issues
The socks won't pull up: They might be too small. Compression socks are tighter than regular socks, but pulling them on shouldn't be extremely difficult.
The top band slides down: This suggests the socks are too large. The band should stay in place during the activity.
You feel numbness or tingling: The compression is too strong or the fit is too tight. Take them off immediately.
Wrinkles or bunching: The length might be wrong for your legs, or you didn't pull them on smoothly.
Special Considerations
If you have particularly muscular calves or wider-than-average legs, look for compression socks that come in wide-calf options.
Pregnant women should know that leg measurements may change during pregnancy. Remeasure periodically if you're wearing compression socks throughout pregnancy.
People with significant swelling should measure when the swelling is at its peak (usually in the evening) to ensure the socks will accommodate fluctuating leg size.
When to Remeasure
Your leg measurements can change. Weight loss or gain, changes in muscle mass from training, or medical conditions that cause swelling all affect measurements.
Remeasure every 3-6 months if you're a regular compression sock wearer. Always remeasure if your current socks start feeling too tight or too loose.
Shop Compression Apparel for Injury Prevention
Compression apparel from CEP is specifically designed to prevent injuries and help with existing injuries such as knee pain, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, ankle pain, elbow pain, and Achilles injuries. Shop for compression socks in a variety of styles, sizes, and colors in both men's and women's apparel and stay off the sidelines.
FAQs
Q. What part of the calf do you measure for compression socks?
Measure the widest part of your calf. For most people, this sits about halfway between the ankle and the knee. Measuring at the widest point ensures the sock provides proper graduated compression without feeling restrictive.
Q. Should I measure my legs in the morning or evening?
Measure in the morning before daily activity causes swelling. Morning measurements give the most accurate baseline and help you choose a size that delivers the intended compression level.
Q. Do I need to measure both legs?
Yes. If one leg is larger than the other, measure both and use the larger measurement when selecting your size. Compression socks should never feel overly tight on either leg.
Q. What if my measurements fall between sizes?
Sizing depends on how you plan to use the socks. Smaller sizes offer firmer compression that some athletes prefer for training and racing. Larger sizes usually feel more comfortable for all-day wear and recovery.
Q. How tight should compression socks feel?
Compression socks should feel snug, similar to a firm hug. The strongest compression should be at the ankle, gradually easing up the calf. Pain, numbness, or tingling means the fit is too tight.
Q. Do compression sock sizes run small?
Compression socks are designed to fit tighter than regular socks, which can feel small at first. Following the brandβs size chart based on accurate measurements ensures the correct fit and proper compression performance.
