Support stockings (also called compression stockings) are easiest to put on using the “heel pocket” method, which involves turning the stocking inside out and gradually rolling it up your leg. The technique feels awkward at first, but once you get the hang of it, the whole process takes about a minute per leg. Getting the right size and prepping your skin properly makes a bigger difference than most people expect.
The Heel Pocket Method
This is the standard technique recommended by vascular specialists, and it works for both knee-length and thigh-length stockings.
- Step 1: Reach inside the stocking and pinch the heel pocket. Pull the leg portion of the stocking inside out, down to the heel, so you’re left with a short “foot pouch” with the rest of the fabric folded over it.
- Step 2: Slide your foot into the pouch. Hold onto the folded edge and pull the stocking over your toes, ball of your foot, and heel. Make sure the heel sits snugly in the heel pocket, not twisted to one side.
- Step 3: Gently unfold the stocking up your leg, turning it right-side out as you go. Work it up in small increments rather than yanking it all at once. Smooth out any wrinkles or bunched fabric as you go.
Avoid grabbing the top band and pulling hard. This stretches the elastic unevenly and can create folds that dig into your skin. Instead, use the palms of your hands to ease the fabric upward in sections. If you’re wearing thigh-highs, stop when the top band sits just below the crease of your buttock.
When to Put Them On
Put your stockings on first thing in the morning, before you stand up or walk around. Your legs have the least swelling after a night of lying flat, so the stockings slide on more easily and start compressing before gravity pulls fluid downward. If you shower in the morning, put them on right after drying off, before you’ve been on your feet for long. Waiting even 30 minutes of standing or sitting upright can make a noticeable difference in how much you struggle with the fit.
Prepare Your Skin First
Your legs need to be completely dry before you put on compression stockings. Even slightly damp skin creates friction that makes the fabric bunch and stick. Pat your legs dry thoroughly after bathing.
Skip lotions, creams, and moisturizers before application. They make the stockings nearly impossible to pull on smoothly and can degrade the elastic fibers over time. If your skin needs moisturizing, apply your lotion at night after you take the stockings off. A light dusting of cornstarch or talcum powder can help the fabric glide on if you find yourself fighting friction, though most people don’t need it once their skin is fully dry.
Getting the Right Size
Support stockings that are too small will be miserable to wear. Stockings that are too large won’t provide enough compression to help. Proper sizing comes down to a few simple measurements taken with a flexible tape measure.
For knee-length stockings, you need two measurements: 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, add two more: your upper thigh circumference at the crease where your leg meets your buttock, and the full length from your heel to that same crease. Take these measurements in the morning when swelling is minimal, since that’s when you’ll be putting the stockings on.
Every brand has its own size chart, so don’t assume you’re the same size across different manufacturers. Compare your measurements to the chart on the package rather than going by small/medium/large labels alone.
Compression Levels and What They Mean
Support stockings are rated in mmHg, a measure of how much pressure they apply. Higher numbers mean firmer compression.
- 15 to 20 mmHg (mild): Good for tired, achy legs, minor swelling, long flights, or people just getting used to compression for the first time.
- 20 to 30 mmHg (moderate): The most commonly prescribed level. Used for moderate swelling, varicose veins, and post-surgical recovery. Balances effectiveness with comfort for daily wear.
- 30 to 40 mmHg (firm): Prescribed for more significant swelling, chronic venous problems, or cases where moderate compression isn’t enough. These are noticeably harder to put on.
- 40 to 50 mmHg and above: Reserved for severe conditions and only used after clinical assessment.
Anything above 20 mmHg typically requires a prescription or a recommendation from a healthcare provider. If you’re buying your first pair over the counter, 15 to 20 mmHg is a reasonable starting point.
Tools That Make It Easier
If you have limited mobility, arthritis in your hands, or trouble bending down, several tools can help. Metal or plastic stocking frames (sometimes called donners) hold the stocking open so you can step into it and pull it up without bending over. Donning gloves, which have a textured rubber surface, give you a much better grip on the fabric so you can pull the stocking up without pinching, bunching, or accidentally tearing it. Silk liner socks that slide inside the stocking foot can reduce friction during application, making the initial step of getting the stocking over your heel significantly easier.
Even without specialized tools, rubber dishwashing gloves from the kitchen work surprisingly well for grip. Many people who struggle with bare hands find that a pair of rubber gloves is the only aid they actually need.
Signs of a Bad Fit
Some discomfort is normal the first few days as you adjust, especially with moderate or firm compression. But certain signs mean something is wrong. Numbness, tingling, or a change in skin color (blue, purple, or white) in your toes or feet means the stockings are too tight or have rolled down and created a band of pressure. Remove them immediately if this happens.
If the top band of a thigh-high or knee-high stocking rolls down and bunches, it can act like a tourniquet, actually restricting blood flow instead of helping it. This is the opposite of what you want. Rolling usually means the stocking is too long for your leg or the wrong size. Persistent redness, itching, skin irritation, or pain that doesn’t fade after a few minutes of wearing also suggests a sizing or fit problem.
Care and Replacement
Wash your stockings after every use, or at least every two days. Hand washing in cool water with mild soap preserves the elastic best, though most can handle a gentle machine cycle in a mesh laundry bag. Avoid the dryer. Heat breaks down the elastic fibers that provide compression. Air dry them flat or draped over a rack.
Having two pairs and rotating them daily gives each pair time to recover its shape and lets you always have a clean pair ready. Medical-grade compression stockings typically need replacing every 2 to 3 months with daily use, because the elastic gradually loses its ability to deliver consistent pressure. Standard support stockings with lighter compression can last 6 months or longer with good care, but if they start feeling loose or sliding down more easily, the compression has likely faded and it’s time for a new pair.