Sarah is a freelance writer with a focus on health and wellness. She has written for publications like Women's Health, Healthline, and Parents. She taught creative writing for five years, and has a bachelor's degree in English from Southern Connecticut State University.
Chris Vincent, MD, is board-certified in family medicine. He is a clinical professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine and practices at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
Christina Oehler is a commerce editor for Verywell Health. She has a degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and has work published on sites like Health, Shape, and Brides.
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Varicose veins—enlarged bulging veins, bluish in color, that can be seen on the surface of the skin, usually on the legs—can happen to anyone. Compression socks or stockings are fitted socks that come in varying lengths, usually below the knee or thigh-high. While compression socks cannot treat varicose veins that have already formed, they can help prevent new ones, says Bauer Sumpio, MD, a Yale Medicine vein surgeon. This has to do with the underlying cause of the varicose veins—the incompetency or defective valves in the vein, which promotes swelling.
Our top choice on this list is the Bluemaple Copper Compression Socks because they're versatile, comfortable, and affordable. If you're looking for more of a compression stocking rather than a sock, we recommend the Thigh High Compression Socks from PPXGOGO.
“We commonly prescribe below-the-knee compression stockings,” says Dr. Sumpio. “These are medical-grade stockings because they have to be woven with consideration of the location of tension in the leg, and specifically the tension in the stocking at the ankle is much higher than that at the thigh.” This promotes a continuous flow of the venous blood draining the leg. If the pressure of the stockings were the same throughout, it could impede the flow and cause more swelling in the leg.
When shopping for compression socks, look for ones that provide knee-high pressure (at least 20 to 30 mmHg) to give you the most comfortable fit. You'll also want to keep in mind that these socks stretch over time, so you'll want to look for socks that come in packs for multiple uses. We researched dozens of compression socks and evaluated them for materials, compression level, comfort, price, and sizes available.
Here are the best compression socks for varicose veins on the market today.
Comes in a pack of six
Graduated compression to circulate blood flow upward
Patterned varieties may be harder to put on
These breathable compression socks by Bluemaple are our top choice for many reasons. They provide compression, are comfortable for all day wear, and come in multipacks with a variety of color and patterns available. Bonus features such as copper infusion (which has antimicrobial properties) and 360-degree stretch make them unique. Plus, you get six pairs, which last the whole work week.
These knee-high socks are made with a durable, washable, moisture-wicking microfiber blend. While the copper in the fabric doesn’t have any additional compressive benefits, it may help reduce odor by keeping bacteria at bay.
What we appreciate most about these socks is their graduated compression. They give higher levels of compression at the bottom and milder compression towards the upper calf. This helps circulate blood from your legs to your heart, providing relief.
Material: 85% nylon, 15% polyester | Fit: Knee-high | Sizes Available: S/M and L/XL
May stretch out too much over time
We like CHARMKING's compression socks because they are comfortable, affordable, and easy to wear. They also provide the right amount of compression.
These socks are available in many colors and patterns, from less flashy skin colors to more festive designs. The socks are made with breathable nylon and offer 15 to 20 mmHg of compression. However, there are only two sizes.
You can wear these socks all day or slip them on for extra support during a workout. In any event, they will keep you comfortable, cool and dry. Their affordable price tag means you can easily restock if they stretch out faster than expected.
Material: 85% nylon, 15% polyester | Fit: Knee-high | Sizes Available: S/M and L/XL
May be too tight or loose around the thighs
Delicate; could snag or tear
PXGOGO’s thigh-high compression socks are easy to wear, comfortable, and effective. They are more delicate than the average pair, but they still provide 20 to 30 mmHg of compression. Plus, their pantyhose-like consistency helps them fit under your clothes with ease.
These socks are made with a stretchy but firm nylon-spandex blend that helps them stay in place. They lie flat with secure banding around the thigh and have open toes for added comfort.
Material: 77% nylon, 23% spandex | Fit: Thigh-high, open-toed | Sizes Available: S, M, L, XL, XXL
May be too long for shorter users
Ankle and thigh bands may be too tight
We chose these stockings because of their supportive thigh-high design. This feature provides enough compression for people with severe varicose veins. These socks provide compression of 20-30mmHg and cover your legs but not your feet. They come in 11 sizes, so it is easy to get a pair that fits. Made from a blend of three stretchy fabrics, Mojo's stockings provide a snug, supportive fit.
They might be too long for some users, and their bands might be tight. But we picked these stockings for their sizing options, full leg coverage and unisex opaque fabric.
Material: 72% nylon, 24 % Lycra, 4% silicone | Fit: Thigh-high, footless | Sizes Available: S, M, L, XL, 2XL - 7XL
Delicate; could snag or tear
Design may make them difficult to put on
For people with mild symptoms, Truform’s 20-30 mmHg Compression Stocking offers many benefits. These knee-high, open-toed stockings are made from nylon and spandex. They provide focused compression for your feet which is perfect if you don't need compression for your whole legs.
These stockings have a reinforced heel and are available in neutral colors. Their open-toe design helps them lie discreetly beneath your clothes. Truform's compression stockings come with a measurement and sizing guide. They are available in seven sizes to help you get the best fit.
Material: 80% nylon, 20% spandex | Fit: Knee-high, open-toed | Sizes Available: S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL
Focused calf and shin support
Breathable knit fabric advertised, but no specific info
Stitching may not be durable over time
If you walk, jog, run, or cycle, you will appreciate the extra support from these footless calf sleeves by BLITZU. These stockings are also ideal if you have sore calf muscles or other mobility issues.
The stockings are made of knit fabric and provide 20 to 30 mmHg of compression. They are comfortable, and their non-slip cuff keeps the sleeves in place. If you have muscle cramps, shin splints, swelling or varicose veins, you can slide these on for relief.
We like that these socks are modeled after kinesiology tape. And their unique design is especially helpful for people with injuries and those with an active lifestyle.
Material: Knit blend, unspecified | Fit: Knee-high, footless | Sizes Available: S/M, L/XL, XXL
Durable and easy to wash
Non-elastic top band may be too tight for some users
You can wear most compression socks during exercise. But when choosing workout socks, you want comfort, moisture-wicking and adequate compression.
The Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks provide all those benefits and more. They are fitted with shock absorption and ankle stability to keep you comfortable during your workout. Their seams and stitches are specially crafted to be gentle on your skin. Made from a moisture-wicking fabric blend, these socks dry out quickly, preventing blisters. Plus, they provide 20 to 30 mmHg of focused compression to your heel and calves.
Material: 70% nylon, 30% spandex | Fit: Knee-high | Sizes Available: S/M, L/XL, XXL
Inner fabric may be uncomfortable to some
May be too long for shorter users
It's often hard to find comfortable socks if you have sensitive skin. Most compression socks are made from synthetic fibers. Such fibers stretch easily but they can be hot and itchy.
SocksLane's compression socks provide adequate compression and comfort for sensitive skin. They blend soft, combed cotton with lower amounts of nylon, elastex, and spandex. This gives you the comfort of cotton with the stretchability of synthetic fiber. These socks provide lower compression (15 to 20mmHg) but are still suitable if your symptoms are mild.
SocksLane Cotton Compression Socks are available in four sizes, including extra-wide. They feature a thick stay-in-place band and are easy to wear. They are an excellent choice for people who have sensitive skin, need mild compression, or only use them occasionally.
Material: 65% combed cotton, 15% stretch nylon, 10% elastex, 10% spandex | Fit: Knee-high | Sizes Available: S/M, L/XL, XXL, X-Wide
Bluemaple's Copper Compression Socks come in a variety of colors and patterns. They also offer graduated compression from 10 mmHg up to 30 mmHg. For anyone who wants more cotton than synthetic fibers in a compression sock, SocksLane offers a pair with 65% cotton.
To choose the best compression socks for varicose veins, we spoke with vein specialists and picked socks to recommend based on criteria recommended by the experts: sizing, compression level, material, and price.
Throughout our research, we compared each sock's benefits to its price tag. While some choices on our list may be more expensive, we wanted to give a wide range of options that would fit all needs and budgets. Based on these factors, we compiled this list of the best compression socks for varicose veins.
Choosing the right size of compression socks is essential. “The most important thing to look for when buying compression socks is the right fit,” says Robert Botta, MD, a board-certified vascular surgeon based in Connecticut.
Compression socks come in various sizes. Some brands have just two sizes, while others offer four or more. The manufacturers include instructions for measuring your legs. That helps you get the right size. But sometimes, it can be hard to get the correct fit.
If you can't find something that fits, Dr. Botta advises that you visit a vascular surgeon. The surgeon will give you a compression sock prescription. With that, you will get measured for socks at a pharmacy, and a pair will be made just for you.
Dr. Botta also warns against wearing socks that aren't your size. "A sock that is too small or too large can lead to discomfort or ineffective treatment. In severe cases, such socks can cause damage to the skin resulting in ulcers," he says.
A good pair of compression socks must exert enough pressure to relieve symptoms. The amount of compression you require depends on how severe your symptoms are. Dr. Botta says the best way to know how much compression you should get is to speak with a vascular surgeon.
"Compression socks are graded based on the pressure generated from the bottom to the top of the sock. The compression grades are as follows: 8-12mmHg, 15-20mmHg, 20-30mmHg, 30-40mmHg and 40-50mmHg. Many factors determine the best level of compression for a patient. For instance: severity of symptoms, leg shape, and other health conditions," says Dr. Botta.
Comfort is a vital consideration when choosing compression socks. If the socks are too hot, itchy, tight, or uncomfortable in any way, you won't wear them long enough to get relief.
“Even though socks may be the same size, some people will feel better in certain brands and styles. For example, knee-high socks are usually more comfortable than thigh-high. Open-toe may feel better than closed-toe. And thicker socks may provide more cushioning than thinner ones,” Dr. Botta explains.
“Comfort is subjective,” he says. “If the sock is more comfortable, then the consumer is more likely to wear it.” And when you wear the socks regularly, you will get the desired relief and support.
Compression socks are usually made from synthetic fabrics like nylon, spandex and elastex. These fabrics stretch easily, but they can irritate sensitive skin.
Cotton compression socks are a good alternative in such cases. They are less irritating. And can still provide enough compression for people with mild symptoms.
“If the sock is more comfortable in terms of material and style, then the consumer is more likely to wear the sock,” says Dr. Botta.
If you have varicose veins, you have too much blood pooling in your legs and increasing the pressure in those lower veins, says Dr. Barnes. This pressure causes the veins to bulge out, but compression socks exert the opposite effect.
“Compression socks help to squeeze the leg,” Dr. Barnes explains, “[encouraging] blood flow from the legs back up towards the heart and reducing the pressure of blood that can pool in the veins of the legs.”
That said, this little magic trick only works while you’re wearing the socks, i.e., when you’re applying physical pressure to your legs.
It depends, partly, on how severe your symptoms are. Dr. Tulloch says people with mild varicose veins or who are simply trying to improve their appearance can get away with wearing them as needed. This might be for the part of the day you’re on your feet the most or when traveling (air travel can exacerbate symptoms).
If your varicose veins are more severe, then you may need to wear compression socks for all your waking hours. “For most patients with varicose veins, we recommend wearing compression socks from morning until night on as many days of the week as possible,” suggests Dr. Barnes.
Wearing compression socks as often as possible has a few benefits. For one, you’re likely wearing them because you want your legs to feel better, says Dr. Barnes—so the longer you wear them, the more your legs will feel better.
They also may help slow the progression of vein disease, explains Dr. Tulloch, who adds that varicose veins can only be treated, not cured: “If you wear them religiously, it can slow down the process [of those veins collapsing], and over long periods of time, that will help them from getting worse.”
Unless your doctor tells you to, it’s probably not necessary—gravity should help do some of the work of your socks when you’re sleeping.
“It’s generally recommended to take the socks off at night when you lay in bed,” says Dr. Barnes, recommending that people who need relief at night can try elevating their legs in bed with a pillow to reduce blood pooling in the lower extremities.
Sarah Bradley has been writing health content since 2017—everything from product roundups and illness FAQs to nutrition explainers and the dish on diet trends. She knows how important it is to receive trustworthy and expert-approved advice about over-the-counter products that manage everyday health conditions, from GI issues and allergies to chronic headaches and joint pain.
Additional reporting by Nsisong Bassey.
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