Support Hose for Women: Support Stockings vs Compression Stockings
"Support hose" is a broad name for stockings worn to support tired, heavy legs, and it can mean different things on different labels. Some support hose is light, uniform pressure with no stated strength. Some is graduated compression with a measured mmHg range. This guide explains what support hose means, how support stockings differ from compression stockings, how to read the label, and how to choose the strength, the style and the size.
What support hose means
Hose is an old word for stockings, and support hose simply means stockings that support the legs. The term is used for different kinds of hosiery. MedlinePlus lists compression hose, support stockings, pressure stockings and gradient stockings as other names for compression stockings, the stockings that gently squeeze your legs to move blood up them (MedlinePlus, compression stockings). Shops also use support hose for lighter pantyhose that feel firmer than fashion tights but give no pressure figure.
So two pairs sold as support hose can be very different garments. The difference that matters is whether the pressure is graduated and stated in mmHg, which the next section explains.
Support stockings vs compression stockings
The review by Lim and Davies in the Canadian Medical Association Journal sorts stockings into three groups (CMAJ 2014):
Used for relief of tired, heavy and aching legs. Usually much less pressure than graduated compression, and the pressure is even rather than graduated. It does not have to meet medical specifications and is often sold over the counter.
Firmest at the ankle, with pressure gradually easing up the leg. Made to strict medical and technical specifications to give a set ankle pressure. Often used for chronic venous disease and swelling.
Graduated stockings designed for people who are confined to bed, to lower the risk of blood clots. They are not made for people who are up and walking.
In everyday shopping the line between the first two is blurry, because many graduated stockings in the light and moderate range are also sold as support hose. The store's sheer pantyhose, knee highs and thigh highs are examples: each product page gives an mmHg range and says the compression is graduated, strongest at the ankle.
If you are not sure which kind you have, look at the packaging or product page. Look for the manufacturer's stated mmHg range, graduated design and intended use. If those details are missing, ask the seller or manufacturer; a missing pressure figure does not tell you what kind of garment it is or whether it is suitable for you. Our explainer on what 20-30 mmHg means covers how graduated pressure works.
How to read the label
The number on a support hose label is the pressure at the ankle in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The CMAJ review explains that manufacturers set it from laboratory measurements and that no single standard is used worldwide, which can be confusing. In general it calls under 20 mmHg low compression, 20-30 mmHg medium and over 30 mmHg high (CMAJ 2014).
The same review notes that the pressure you actually feel also depends on the stretch and stiffness of the fabric, the size and shape of your legs, and how you move. That is one reason the size chart matters as much as the number. Other words on the label to look for:
- Graduated or gradient: firmest at the ankle, easing up the leg.
- Sheer or opaque: how see-through the knit is, not how strong it is. Our sheer compression socks guide compares the two.
- Latex-free: worth checking if you are sensitive to latex.
- Open toe: the foot is covered, the toes are left free.
Which strength of support hose
Start with the level your doctor or pharmacist suggests. As a general guide, the store's women's hose comes in these levels:
Close to the feel of classic support hose. The A109 sheer pantyhose, A107 sheer knee highs and A108 lace grip top stockings.
A common everyday choice for tired legs, travel and long days on your feet. The A103 sheer pantyhose, A101 sheer knee highs and A102 sheer thigh highs.
Firmer support, usually on a clinician's advice for varicose veins or swelling. The A207 sheer and A204 opaque pantyhose.
Our guide to choosing a compression level goes into each range. If you already have varicose veins or swollen legs, read our guides to compression stockings for varicose veins and compression socks for swelling before you choose.
Support pantyhose, thigh highs or knee highs
MedlinePlus notes that compression stockings come in different pressures, lengths from knee high to the top of the thigh, and colors. Choose the length by where your legs feel tired or heavy, and by what you wear:
Covers the whole leg with no top band, so nothing digs in at the thigh. A natural fit under skirts and dresses.
Full-leg coverage with a top band, cooler than pantyhose. Our thigh high guide covers top bands and fit.
The easiest to put on and to wear with trousers, for legs that tire mostly at the ankle and calf.
For thigh highs, the A102 sheer thigh highs are 15-20 mmHg and the A108 lace grip top stockings are 8-15 mmHg. For firmer pantyhose, the A207 sheer and the A204 opaque are both 20-30 mmHg; the A204 runs up to 7XL. Our guides to compression pantyhose vs tights vs leggings, thigh high stockings and keeping stockings up go further on each style.
Getting the size right
Support hose only works if it fits. MedlinePlus advises putting stockings on first thing in the morning, when your legs are least swollen, and suggests a medical equipment store that can measure your legs for a good fit (MedlinePlus). Measure at the same time of day, with a soft tape snug against the skin.
- Knee highs: ankle and calf circumference.
- Thigh highs: ankle, calf and thigh circumference.
- Pantyhose: ankle, calf and thigh, plus hip for some styles.
Then use the size chart on the product page, since each style has its own chart. Several pairs in the range run well past XL, including the A101 knee highs and the A204 opaque pantyhose up to 7XL. The CMAJ review notes that poorly fitting stockings can cause discomfort and, at worst, pressure damage to the skin. If a pair digs in, rolls, or leaves deep marks, check the size before you wear it again. If it causes pain, or your toes become cold, numb or tingly, take it off and seek medical advice.
Who should ask before wearing support hose
Light support hose is worn by many people without any problem, but graduated compression is not right for every leg. The CMAJ review lists reasons not to use graduated compression stockings, including suspected or proven peripheral arterial disease, severe nerve damage or loss of feeling in the legs, allergy to the material, massive leg swelling or fluid on the lungs from heart failure, fragile or damaged skin, and a leg shape or size that prevents a correct fit (CMAJ 2014). Talk to your doctor before wearing graduated compression at any level if you have:
- Peripheral arterial disease or poor arterial circulation in the legs
- Severe numbness or reduced sensation in the feet or legs, as with some diabetic neuropathy
- Fragile or broken skin, dermatitis, or recent skin grafts on the leg
- Severe swelling caused by heart failure
If one leg suddenly becomes swollen, painful, red or warm, seek urgent medical help as soon as possible rather than trying support hose. These can be signs of a blood clot. If you also have chest pain or shortness of breath, call local emergency services immediately.
Wearing and caring for support hose
MedlinePlus gives simple steps for putting on and looking after compression stockings (MedlinePlus):
- Put them on in the morning before you get out of bed. Hold the top, roll the stocking down to the heel, slip your foot in, then unroll it up the leg and smooth out any wrinkles.
- Knee highs should come to about two fingers below the bend of the knee. Do not let the stockings bunch up.
- If they are hard to put on, let lotion dry first, use a little powder, or wear rubber gloves to smooth the fabric.
- Wash them every day with mild soap and water, rinse, and air dry. Two pairs let you wear one while the other dries.
- Replace them every 3 to 6 months so they keep their support.
The store's product pages also advise against fabric softener. If your stockings feel too uncomfortable, MedlinePlus suggests talking to your provider about a different kind rather than simply stopping.
Quick decision guide
FAQ
What is the difference between support hose and compression stockings?
Support hose is a broad name. Nonmedical support hosiery usually gives light, even pressure with no stated strength, while graduated compression stockings are firmest at the ankle and are made to give a set pressure in mmHg. Many light and moderate graduated stockings are also sold as support hose, so check the label for an mmHg range and the word graduated.
What mmHg is support hose?
There is no single number. Nonmedical support hose often has no stated pressure. Graduated support hose usually starts at 8-15 mmHg (light) or 15-20 mmHg (moderate). The CMAJ review calls under 20 mmHg low compression and 20-30 mmHg medium.
Do I need a prescription for support hose?
Some support hosiery is sold over the counter, but availability without a prescription does not tell you whether a particular garment or pressure is right for you. MedlinePlus suggests asking your provider which compression stockings are right for you, checking whether your health plan pays for them, and getting your legs measured for a good fit. Ask your doctor before choosing compression for varicose veins, swelling or a circulation problem.
Can I wear support hose every day?
Many people do. Put them on in the morning, wash them each day with mild soap and air dry, and keep two pairs so one can dry. MedlinePlus advises replacing them every 3 to 6 months. Follow your doctor's advice on how many hours a day to wear them if you were told to use them for a medical reason.
Are support pantyhose better than knee highs?
Neither is better for everyone. Pantyhose cover the whole leg with no top band, which suits skirts and dresses and legs that tire above the knee. Knee highs are easier to put on and suit legs that tire mostly at the ankle and calf. Your doctor may suggest a length if you have a medical reason for wearing them.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor about whether firm compression fits your situation, especially if you have a circulatory condition, diabetes, or are pregnant.
Lorea Lastiri is an SEO consultant who writes the medical-compression guides for Absolute Support, working from published clinical sources and the store's own sizing data. She also helps online stores grow their Shopify sales from the questions their customers search.