Putting on compression stockings is easier when you use the inside-out method, which prevents bunching and lets you slide the fabric over your foot and leg in smooth stages. The trick is turning the stocking inside out down to the heel pocket before you start, then gradually pulling it up. Most people struggle because they try to pull the stocking on like a regular sock, which fights the tight elastic at every inch.
The Inside-Out Method, Step by Step
Sit on a sturdy chair or the edge of your bed where your feet can rest flat on the floor. Hold the top of the stocking with one hand, then reach your other hand inside and grab the heel pocket. Pull your hand back out through the stocking, turning it inside out down to the heel. You should now be holding what looks like a short pouch with the foot section ready and the rest of the stocking neatly folded back on itself.
Slide your toes into the foot section as far as they’ll go. Center your heel into the heel pocket, making sure it sits snugly in the right spot. A misaligned heel is the most common reason stockings feel uncomfortable or slip during the day. Once your heel is seated, begin unrolling the stocking up your calf in small increments, smoothing the fabric as you go. Don’t yank it up in one pull. Work it up a few inches at a time, keeping the fabric flat against your skin without any folds or wrinkles.
For knee-length stockings, stop just below the bend of your knee. For thigh-length stockings, continue smoothing upward until the top band sits at your upper thigh near the buttock fold. Never pull the stocking higher than the length it was sized for.
Why Morning Is the Best Time
Your legs have the least swelling first thing in the morning after a night of lying flat. Putting stockings on before you stand up and walk around means you’re working with legs at their slimmest, which makes the stocking easier to pull on and lets it do its job of preventing swelling throughout the day rather than trying to compress fluid that’s already pooled.
If you do need to apply them later, try lying down with your legs elevated for 15 to 20 minutes beforehand to let gravity drain some of the fluid.
Getting the Right Size
Compression stockings only work properly when they fit. A stocking that’s too loose won’t provide enough pressure, and one that’s too tight can restrict circulation. You’ll need to take measurements before purchasing.
For knee-length stockings, measure two things: your calf circumference at its widest point and the length from the back of your heel to the bend of your knee. For thigh-length stockings, you’ll also need your upper thigh circumference (measured at the buttock fold) and the full length from your heel to the buttock fold. Take these measurements in the morning when swelling is minimal, and use a flexible tape measure held snug but not tight against your skin.
Compression levels are measured in mmHg. Stockings in the 8 to 20 mmHg range are available over the counter at drugstores and online. These lighter levels work well for mild swelling, tired legs, and long flights or desk-bound days. Higher levels, from 20 to 30 mmHg or 30 to 40 mmHg, provide stronger pressure for more significant circulation problems and typically require a prescription or guidance from a healthcare provider.
Open-Toe vs. Closed-Toe Styles
Open-toe stockings are generally easier to put on and take off, which is why they’re often recommended after surgery. They’re also a better choice if you have wide feet, bunions, ingrown toenails, or any toe sensitivity that makes a closed toe box uncomfortable. If your feet tend to sweat, the ventilation from an open toe helps keep skin dry, which can also reduce the risk of fungal infections like athlete’s foot.
Closed-toe stockings provide full foot coverage and tend to stay in place more securely around the foot. They’re a straightforward choice if none of the issues above apply to you.
Tools That Make It Easier
If you have limited grip strength, arthritis, or trouble bending down, donning aids can make a real difference. Rubber gloves (even basic dishwashing gloves) give you a much better grip on the fabric and are the simplest, cheapest option. They let you grab and smooth the stocking without the fabric slipping through your fingers.
Stocking “butler” frames are metal or plastic devices that hold the stocking open so you can step into it and then slide the frame up your leg. These are especially useful for people who can’t reach their feet easily. Your medical supply store or pharmacist can help you find one that works with your stocking type.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Never fold or roll down the top of your stocking during wear. A folded band creates a tourniquet effect that restricts blood flow, which is the opposite of what you want. It also increases the risk of blood clots. If your stocking keeps sliding down, the fit is likely wrong rather than something you should fix by folding the top over.
Make sure your legs are completely dry before putting on your stockings. Moisture makes the fabric grip unevenly and can irritate skin over time. If you use lotions or creams on your legs, apply them at night after you’ve removed your stockings, not in the morning before putting them on. Lotion makes the fabric harder to pull on and can degrade the elastic fibers.
Be careful with rings, long fingernails, and rough patches of skin on your heels, all of which can snag and damage the fabric. Some people find it helpful to wear thin latex gloves during application to protect the stocking while also improving their grip.
People with severe peripheral artery disease should not wear compression stockings. The added pressure can further reduce blood flow in arteries that are already narrowed.
Washing and Replacing Your Stockings
Compression stockings should be washed after every wear. This isn’t just about hygiene. Washing restores the elasticity of the fabric, so the stocking delivers its full compression again the next day. Use a gentle cycle at 30 to 40 degrees Celsius with a simple color detergent. Skip the fabric softener entirely, as it breaks down the elastic fibers. Spin at no more than 1,200 RPM.
After washing, gently press water out into a towel rather than wringing the stocking. Don’t leave wet stockings balled up in a towel, and don’t dry them on a radiator, heater, or in direct sunlight. Lay them flat or hang them in a well-ventilated area away from heat.
Even with perfect care, compression stockings lose their elasticity over time. Plan to replace them every six months. If you notice the stocking sliding down more easily, feeling looser, or leaving less of an impression on your skin at the end of the day, it’s likely lost enough compression to be ineffective.