Shopping for JOBST compression socks can feel like reading a code: 15-20mmHg, Md, Full Calf, Petite, Open Toe. The good news is that only three choices really matter: the compression level (measured in mmHg), the style (knee-high, thigh-high or pantyhose) and your size, which for most styles comes from a tape measure, not your shoe size. The short answer: 15–20 mmHg is the everyday level many people choose for tired legs, long shifts and travel, while 20–30 mmHg and above are medical levels best chosen with your doctor or nurse.
This guide is general information only. Follow the instructions that come with your stockings, and ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist about anything clinical. We're an independent Canadian store, not affiliated with JOBST or its maker, Essity.
What mmHg means: JOBST compression levels explained
mmHg stands for millimetres of mercury, the same unit used for blood pressure. On a stocking, it tells you how firmly the fabric squeezes your leg. JOBST stockings are graduated: snuggest at the ankle and gradually gentler up the leg, which helps blood move back up toward the heart. The higher the number, the firmer the squeeze.
People often call these the JOBST compression classes. Here is how JOBST describes each level (its compression FAQ covers 15–40 mmHg, and its compression guide covers 8–15):
| Level | JOBST calls it | What JOBST lists it for | Who usually decides |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8–15 mmHg | Light | Tired, achy legs; light daily support | You |
| 15–20 mmHg | Mild | Tired, achy legs and mild swelling | You, or on a clinician's suggestion |
| 20–30 mmHg | Moderate | Commonly prescribed for varicose veins and moderate swelling | Your doctor or nurse |
| 30–40 mmHg | Firm | More severe conditions, usually under medical supervision | Your doctor or nurse |
8–15 and 15–20 mmHg: compression socks for travel, long shifts and tired legs
8–15 mmHg is the gentlest level. In our range it covers JOBST Sensifoot diabetic socks, made with a padded foot and a smooth, flat toe seam for sensitive feet, and Ultrasheer pantyhose and thigh-highs for light support. If you have diabetes, ask your doctor or foot-care nurse before wearing any compression, including diabetic socks, especially if you have reduced feeling or poor circulation in your feet.
15–20 mmHg is where most people start. JOBST lists it for tired, achy legs and mild swelling, so it's popular with nurses, retail staff and anyone who sits or stands for hours. It's also the usual pick for compression socks for flying or long drives. If you've ever had a blood clot, or you have heart, kidney or circulation problems, ask your doctor what to wear before a long trip.
A good first pair for most men and women is JOBST Activewear: a unisex knee-high with a cushioned foot and moisture-wicking yarn that feels like a regular athletic sock. We carry it in 15–20, 20–30 and 30–40 mmHg, in sizes Small to X-Large, with full-calf versions for wider calves.
Everyday 15–20 mmHg athletic knee-highs for men and women
Jobst Activewear Unisex, Knee High, 15-20mmhg, XL Full Calf, Black, Closed Toe (Pair of 1)$36.41Shop now
Jobst Activewear Unisex, Knee High, 15-20mmhg, Lg, Full Calf, White, Closed Toe (Pair of 1)$33.56Shop now
Jobst Activewear Knee High Compression Stockings, Closed Toe, Full Calf 15-20mmhg, Denim, Large (Pair of 1)$36.41Shop now
Each card is one size and colour, so measure first (see below). If you'd rather pick your size on the page, start with JOBST ActiveWear 15–20 mmHg, which lists Small to Large.
20–30 and 30–40 mmHg: medical compression stockings (talk to your clinician)
Many people search specifically for JOBST compression socks in 20–30 mmHg, and for good reason: it's the level JOBST says is commonly prescribed for varicose veins and moderate swelling. 30–40 mmHg is firm compression that JOBST says is usually worn under medical supervision.
If you're shopping for compression stockings for varicose veins, swelling or pregnancy, let your doctor, nurse practitioner or vein clinic choose the class. Compression also isn't right for everyone. The NHS notes that compression stockings aren't suitable if you have problems with blood flow in your arteries, such as peripheral arterial disease. Clinical guidelines also call for caution with the following. These cautions apply to every level, including light socks:
- heart failure, or swelling caused by heart problems;
- numbness or reduced feeling in the feet, such as from diabetic neuropathy;
- fragile, broken or infected skin on the legs;
- severe swelling, or a leg shape that makes a good fit hard;
- a suspected blood clot (DVT), which needs urgent medical care, not a stocking.
Take your stockings off and call your doctor if your toes turn pale, blue or cold, or you notice pain, numbness, tingling or skin marks that don't fade.
Knee-high, thigh-high or pantyhose? Open or closed toe?
Once you know your level, pick the style. Knee-high suits most people, but your clinician may suggest a longer style if swelling or veins extend above the knee.
- Knee-high: stops just below the knee. It's the easiest to put on and the most popular.
- Thigh-high: ends at the upper thigh, held up by a silicone dot or lace grip band.
- Pantyhose: covers both legs up to the waist, with no top band to roll or dig in.
- Closed toe: looks like a regular sock and keeps the whole foot warm.
- Open toe: leaves the toes free, which many people prefer with bunions, long toes or warm weather. A donning slipper helps it slide on.
Women's lines also come in petite lengths for shorter legs, and many knee-highs have a full calf version with more calf room for the same ankle size.
Which JOBST compression socks to buy: Activewear, Opaque, Ultrasheer, forMen and Sensifoot
| JOBST line (who it's for) | Look, feel and styles | Levels we carry (mmHg) |
|---|---|---|
| Activewear (men and women) | Athletic sock, cushioned foot. Knee-high, closed toe. | 15–20 20–30 30–40 |
| Opaque (women) | Solid and matte, like tights. Knee-high, thigh-high, pantyhose; petite; open or closed toe. | 15–20 20–30 30–40 |
| Ultrasheer (women) | Sheer, like dress hosiery. Knee-high, thigh-high, pantyhose; some petite. | 8–15 15–20 20–30 30–40 |
| forMen (men) | Ribbed dress sock. Knee-high, regular and long lengths. | 15–20 20–30 30–40 |
| Sensifoot (sensitive or diabetic feet) | Padded foot, smooth toe seam. Crew and knee-high. | 8–15 |
Compression socks for women: Opaque and Ultrasheer
Choose Opaque if you want a solid, everyday look, much like regular tights. Choose Ultrasheer if you'd like the look of sheer dress hosiery for work or special occasions. Both come in several colours, from black to natural skin tones.
Everyday 15–20 mmHg opaque knee-highs for women
Compression stockings for men: forMen and ribbed knee-highs
JOBST forMen looks like a ribbed dress sock, not medical compression. The Ambition version has a SoftFit band with soft silicone yarns that helps it stay up without digging in, in numbered sizes with regular and long lengths. We carry Ambition mainly in 20–30 and 30–40 mmHg, for men whose clinician has recommended those levels. For everyday wear, start with JOBST's 15–20 mmHg ribbed men's knee-highs.
Everyday 15–20 mmHg ribbed knee-highs for men
Jobst Medical Leg Wear, Men, Knee High, Ribbed, 15-20mmhg, Lg Tall, Black, Closed Toe (Pair of 1)$34.27Shop now
Jobst Medical Leg Wear, Men, Knee High, Ribbed, 15-20mmhg, Lg, White, Closed Toe (Pair of 1)$34.27Shop now
Jobst Medical Leg Wear, Men, Knee High, Ribbed, 15-20mmhg, XL Black, Closed Toe (Pair of 1)$34.27Shop now
How to measure for JOBST compression sizes (petite, regular and long)
Too loose won't help and too tight can dig in, so measuring is worth five minutes.
- Measure first thing in the morning, before swelling builds, with a soft tape measure, as JOBST advises.
- Ankle: around the narrowest point, just above the ankle bone.
- Calf: around the widest point of the calf.
- Length: sit with your knee bent at a right angle and your foot flat, then measure from the floor to just below the bend of the knee. This decides petite, regular or long.
- Thigh: for thigh-highs, around the widest part of the thigh, if the chart asks.
- Hips: for pantyhose, around the widest part of your hips (some charts use height and weight instead).
- Match every number to that line's chart. Each JOBST line has its own, so note your numbers in cm or inches.
JOBST publishes a chart for each line, like this ActiveWear size chart (open "Size Charts"). Sensifoot and some other light socks go by shoe size instead. Easiest of all: send us your measurements and the line you want, and we'll match them to that line's chart before you order. If your ankle and calf point to different sizes, ask the clinician who suggested compression.
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Putting on and caring for compression stockings
- Wear them while you're up and active, as JOBST advises: on in the morning, off at bedtime, unless you've been told otherwise.
- Turn the stocking inside out down to the heel, slip your foot in, then ease the fabric up a little at a time. Don't roll the top band. Rubber gloves help with grip and protect the fabric. Let any lotion soak in first.
- Wash them daily, or at least every other day, as JOBST recommends, with mild detergent on a gentle cycle. Skip fabric softener and bleach, and dry flat or on low heat, away from radiators and direct sun.
- Replace them about every six months, as JOBST suggests, or sooner if they feel loose. Two or three pairs let you wear one while another is in the wash.
Prescriptions and extended health benefits in Canada
Lighter levels are widely sold without a prescription. Some extended health plans in Canada help pay for medical compression stockings, and many ask for a prescription and a receipt, so check your plan before you order.
Orders are processed in 1–2 business days, and delivery typically takes 2–7 business days across Canada, in a plain, unmarked box with tracking emailed to you. See our shipping and returns page for details.
JOBST compression socks: your questions answered
Are JOBST compression socks 20–30 mmHg right for me?
Only your doctor or nurse can say for sure. JOBST describes 20–30 mmHg as moderate compression that's commonly prescribed for varicose veins and moderate swelling. If you simply want relief for tired legs after long days, 15–20 mmHg is the usual place to start.
Should I wear compression socks for flying?
Many travellers wear 15–20 mmHg knee-highs on long flights. Put them on before you leave, and get up to walk and stretch when you can. If you've had a blood clot or recent surgery, or you're pregnant, ask your doctor what to wear before you fly.
Do compression stockings help with varicose veins?
The NHS says compression stockings can help with swelling and pain. They don't remove varicose veins, though, so have new or painful veins checked and let your clinician choose the class.
Can I wear compression stockings during pregnancy?
JOBST lists 15–20 mmHg for minor varicose veins in pregnancy and 20–30 mmHg for more noticeable ones. Check with your midwife or doctor first.
Where can I buy JOBST compression socks in Canada?
We carry JOBST Activewear, Opaque, Ultrasheer, forMen and Sensifoot in a wide range of levels, colours and sizes, and we ship across Canada.
The bottom line
Choose your level first (15–20 mmHg for everyday comfort, 20–30 and up on your clinician's advice), then your style, then measure in the morning and match your numbers to the chart, or send them to us and we'll do it. If you're looking after a parent at home, our caregiver's supplies checklist covers the rest of the kit.
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