How to Size Compression Socks - FITS®

July 26, 2022

Combatting discomfort and swelling at the end of a long work day or training session can be difficult. That's why we made compression socks for nurses, athletes and soon-to-be-mothers to fight against these symptoms. These versatile garments are your ally when it comes to preventing deep vein thrombosis and fatigue in your legs and feet. The best thing about compression socks is that anyone can experience the benefits!


Compression socks reduce swelling in the legs by increasing blood circulation, which is ideal for those who spend long hours on their feet or suffer from conditions like edema or varicose veins. The increased circulation also helps reduce muscle soreness and fatigue, which is welcomed news for athletes and those who engage in strenuous activity. Compression socks can prevent cramping and other problems associated with poor circulation and improve cognitive function by increasing oxygenated blood flow to the brain. Plus, they are simply more comfortable to wear than traditional socks! Understanding how to size compression socks is essential to experiencing the many benefits available to those who wear them.

How to Size Compression Socks in 4 Easy Steps

Accurately sizing your compression socks will ensure you don't miss out on any of the benefits. Learn how to size compression socks in four easy steps:


  1. Remove your shoes and socks.
  2. Wrap a measuring tape around the smallest part of your ankle just above the ankle bone and note the measurement.
  3. Wrap a measuring tape around the widest part of your calf and note the measurement.
  4. Take note of your shoe size, and consult a sock sizing chart to determine your correct compression sock size.

If you’re in between sizes, consider sizing up to ensure the socks aren’t too constricting, especially if your legs or feet swell.

The Importance of the Right Fit

Compression socks provide support and improve blood circulation. However, they can do more harm than good if they are too small or tight. If the socks are too tight, they can constrict blood flow, cause discomfort, and in severe cases, lead to bruising or other skin damage. If the socks are too big or loose, they won’t provide the necessary level of compression, causing the hose to slip down your leg, bunch, or twist, which can be uncomfortable. If you are considering wearing compression socks, follow the four easy steps listed above on how to size compression socks and make sure to put them on and wear them correctly.

How to Put on and Wear Compression Socks 

To guarantee you get the most from your compression socks, you must not only learn how to size compression socks but how to wear them properly. If you’ve never worn compression socks before, putting them on can be a little difficult if you treat them the same way as a normal sock. Here’s how to get them on easily:


  • Put your hand through the sock, grab onto the heel pocket, and pull.
  • Holding onto the heel, turn the sock inside out, creating a nice little pocket for your toes.
  • Take your thumbs and separate the pocket so you can easily slide your foot in.
  • Use your thumbs and pull the sock until it completely covers your heel.
  • Grab the material by your toes and pull the compression sock halfway up your leg.
  • Pull the remaining sock material up to cover your calf right below your knee.

Find the Best Fitting, Best Feeling Compression Socks on the Market

Now that you know how to size compression socks, you are ready to find a new pair of compression socks for men or compression socks for women. Once you select a pair you love, use the FITS sock size chart to ensure you get the right size!


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Sock Sizing
women and men size chart

The Perfect Fit Starts With the Right Size.

Your sock size shouldn’t be a guessing game. Our socks range from small to double XL, but the best way to know the perfect fit for you is to match your shoe size to the chart on the left. That way, you’ll know the size you select will give you the fit and feel you expect.

Between sizes? Go with your gut, but rest assured that your socks will still fit great. If you receive your order and find yourself wishing you’d gone up or down a size, just let us know. We’ll happily send you replacements for your preferred size.

Concerned about laundry mix-ups? All FITS® socks are coordinated by color and size, based on the colors you see on the size chart. So, you won’t have to worry about mixing up your sizes with the other FITS® wearers in your home. (But stray socks mysteriously going missing in the dryer? Unfortunately, we can’t help with that.)

 

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How Do You Determine Sock Size?

Sock sizes are typically measured in inches, not by your shoe size. So, a sock size 6-8 will comfortably fit someone whose feet are between six and eight inches long. However, at FITS®, we make it easy for you to choose the ideal sock size without having to measure your foot. Simply use our sock size conversion chart based on your shoe size to select the right fit for you. 

How Do You Measure Your Foot for Socks?

To measure your foot for socks, measure the length from the heel of your foot to the tip of your longest toe. The measurement in inches correlates to your sock size. For example, if your foot is 10 inches long, a sock size 9-11 should fit you comfortably. At FITS®, you can skip this step and find your sock size based on your shoe size using our conversion chart. 

What Is the Sock Size Conversion?

The sock size conversion refers to sock size compared to shoe size. While all companies may vary slightly on which size socks to purchase based on your shoe size, you can always measure your foot to find the right fit for you. 

What is Sock Size to Shoe Size?

Because sock sizes are determined by the length of your foot in inches vs. your shoe size, shoe and sock sizes differ. The FITS® sock size to shoe size conversion is as follows:

Knowing this makes it easy to choose the ideal sock size based on your shoe size without measuring your foot. 

What Age is Sock Size 9-12?

Sock sizes typically don’t correlate with age. For kids, age can be a general indicator of what size sock they’ll need, but everyone is different. An adult sock size 9-12 fits anyone whose feet are approximately nine to twelve inches long. For kids’ sock sizing, check with the company to find exact details to ensure your little one gets the perfect fit. 

Got more questions about finding the perfect sock size for you? Let’s talk.

 

 

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