Eight questions that come up before the first pair. Sizing has its own guide, and so does washing.
How do I know which size to order?
Measure the fullest part of your calf with a soft tape, standing, first thing in the morning. Compare that number in inches to the chart on the product page. On knee highs the calf measurement decides the size; shoe size only sets the foot length. If you land between two sizes, take the larger.
What is the difference between 15-20 and 20-30 mmHg?
Both describe the pressure at the ankle. 15-20 mmHg is the lighter gauge and goes on with one hand. 20-30 mmHg is firm enough that most people use two hands and rubber gloves to seat the heel. If you have never worn compression before, the lighter gauge is the easier starting point.
Will a regular knee high fit a wide calf?
Usually not. A standard knee high knit for a 14 inch calf stretched over an 18 inch one loses its graduated profile and rolls down, and the cuff leaves a deep mark. The wide calf builds in this catalog are knit with extra circumference for that reason, up to 29 inches at 5X-Large.
Can I wear these all day?
Most people do, and take them off in the evening. How long compression should be worn is a question for a doctor, not for a sock catalog, especially if you have a circulation condition or a recent injury.
Are the bamboo viscose pairs warmer than cotton?
Cooler, in practice. Viscose moves moisture faster and sits thinner in a shoe. The cotton blends here run 60 to 70 percent cotton and feel thicker and warmer, which some people want in winter and nobody wants in August.
How should I wash them?
Cool water, gentle cycle, mesh bag, no fabric softener, no hot dryer. Heat is what destroys the spandex that creates the compression. Lay flat or hang to dry.
Why does one sock leave a mark at the top?
A cuff always leaves a light line after several hours; that fades in minutes. A deep, red indent that lasts means the size is too small at the calf, not that the gauge is too high. Measure again and move up a size.
Do open toe socks compress less?
No. The gauge is the same. The open toe just leaves the toes uncovered, which people choose for pedicures, a wide toe box or hot weather. It does mean the sock can slide slightly forward on the foot over a long day.