The Compression Encyclopedia

Straight answers about compression, recovery and fit — including the parts that cost us sales.

Most of what is written about these products is written to sell them. This is not that. Where a benefit is real, we say so. Where it is overstated, we say that too, and where something is genuinely unsafe for some people, we say who and why. If a page tells you that you probably want a different product than the one you were looking at, that is deliberate.

Compression socks — the basics

• What do the mmHg numbers actually mean? — 15-20, 20-30 and 30-40 explained, and which one you should start with.
• How do you measure for compression socks? — they are sized by calf circumference, not shoe size. This is the mistake almost everyone makes.
• How do you put them on when they are too tight? — the single most common reason people give up on compression entirely.
• How many hours a day should you wear them?

Compression socks — specific situations

• Can diabetics wear compression socks? — sometimes, and this is a question for your doctor rather than a product page.
• Do they help varicose veins?
• Do they prevent DVT on long flights? — including what the research actually measured, which is narrower than the marketing suggests.
• The best compression for twelve-hour shifts.

Postpartum recovery

• When can you wear a belly band after a caesarean? — generally two to four weeks, and only once your provider has seen the incision.
• Do postpartum belly wraps actually work? — for comfort and support yes, for changing your body no.
• Postpartum recovery, week by week.
• When can you start using silicone scar sheets? — only on a closed, fully healed scar.
• What to actually pack in your hospital bag.

Fit and sizing

• Why does shapewear roll down? — almost always because it is too small, which is the opposite of what most people assume.
• What size shapewear should you buy?

For men

• What is gynecomastia, and does a compression shirt help? — what it is, what causes it, what a shirt does and does not do, and when to see a doctor instead.

The one rule that runs through all of it

Compression works by squeezing the veins so blood returns up the leg more easily. It assumes arterial blood is arriving normally in the first place.

If it is not — peripheral arterial disease, reduced sensation in the feet, uncontrolled diabetes, an open wound on the leg, untreated heart failure — external pressure can make things worse rather than better. Speak to a doctor before wearing compression at any strength.

A well-fitted compression garment feels firm and supportive. It should never feel numbing. If it does, if your toes change colour, or if you get pins and needles, take it off.