If you've ever sat on the edge of the bed wrestling a compression sock over your heel, you're in good company. It's the most common complaint about compression socks, and it's one of the main reasons a perfectly good pair ends up unused in a drawer.
The fix isn't strength. It's technique. Once you know the method, it takes about a minute a leg.
Why they're harder to put on than regular socks
Compression socks are designed to be snugger than your leg. That's the whole point: the squeeze is what supports blood flow. So when you try to put one on the way you'd put on a normal sock, by bunching it up and pulling hard, you're fighting the very thing that makes it work.
Pulling from the top also stretches the elastic unevenly, which shortens the life of the sock. The easy way works with the sock instead of against it.
The step-by-step method
- Sit down. Sit on the edge of the bed or a firm chair, with your foot within easy reach.
- Turn the sock inside out down to the heel. Put your hand inside the sock, grab the heel, and pull the leg part inside out, so you're left with the foot section tucked inside.
- Slip your foot in. Put your toes and foot into the foot section, and settle your heel into the heel pocket.
- Roll, don't pull. Ease the rest of the sock over your heel and roll it up your leg a little at a time, using your palms rather than your fingertips.
- Smooth it out. Run your hands up the sock to smooth out wrinkles, especially around the ankle and behind the knee. The top should sit just below the knee.
That's it. The first couple of times feel slow. By the end of the week you won't think about it.
Do it in the morning, and why
Put your socks on as soon as you can after getting up. Overnight, lying flat, the fluid that collected in your legs during the day drains away. First thing in the morning, your legs are at their slimmest, and the socks go on more easily.
Leave it until mid-morning, after you've been standing around, and your ankles will already have started to swell. The sock will feel tighter going on, and you'll have lost some of the benefit. Our guide on how long to wear compression socks covers the rest of the day.
Humid skin and the Indian summer problem
Damp skin grips fabric. If you put your socks on straight after a bath on a humid morning, they'll catch and drag at every step.
Dry your legs and feet thoroughly, and give your skin a couple of minutes under the fan before you start. A light dusting of talc on your feet and ankles helps the sock slide on. In the monsoon, when nothing ever feels quite dry, this makes a big difference.
How to take them off without stretching the top
Don't grab the top and yank. Instead:
- Fold the top of the sock down over itself.
- Peel it down your leg, turning it inside out as you go.
- Ease it over your heel and off your foot.
The sock comes off inside out, ready to go straight into the wash. See how to wash compression socks for the next step. Turning it the right way out after it's dry takes a second.
If you have limited grip, reach or mobility
Some people find this harder than others, whether because of pregnancy, back pain, arthritis or simply stiffness. A few things help:
- Rubber gloves. Ordinary kitchen gloves give you far more grip on the fabric.
- Stay seated. Never try to put compression socks on standing on one leg.
- A donning aid. These are simple frames that hold the sock open while you slide your foot in. They're easy to find online.
- Ask for help. There's no shame in having someone at home help, especially later in pregnancy. Our guide to compression socks in pregnancy has more on this.
Three mistakes that damage the sock
Pulling by the top. It overstretches the band that holds the sock up and wears out the elastic.
Leaving it bunched. Bunching creates a tight ring that concentrates pressure in one spot. A little bunching is normal, since leg lengths vary so much, but smooth it out as far as you can. If it's excessive, check the size guide.
Folding the top over. Folding it down to make it shorter doubles the pressure at the fold. Wear it full length, with the top just below the knee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are compression socks so hard to put on?
They're designed to be snugger than your leg. Turning them inside out to the heel and rolling them up makes it much easier.
When is the best time to put them on?
First thing in the morning, when your legs are least swollen.
Can I put them on while standing?
It's much harder and you risk losing your balance. Sit down.
How do I put them on if my skin is damp?
Dry thoroughly, wait a couple of minutes, and use a little talc on your feet and ankles.
Is it normal to find them tight at first?
Yes. They should feel snug, not painful. Most people get used to them within a day or two.
Looking for a pair? Wekynd compression socks are 15-20 mmHg graduated compression in 68% combed cotton.