Best compression socks for pregnancy (2024)

Comrad is the favorite brand among professionals and pregnant women alike due to its impressive range of styles: ankle socks, no-show socks, crew socks, available in recycled cotton, combed cotton, wool, and nylon blends in colors and patterns including stripes and ombre.

The most popular of all: These knee-high socks made from moisture-wicking nylon with graduated medium compression (15 to 20 mmHg) that wearers find strike an ideal balance between comfort and effectiveness. They're available in sizes to fit women's shoe sizes 4 to 10+, and calves from 10 to 20 inches, as well as in stripes, solids, and dip-dyed ombre patterns (there are more patterns available in wool and cotton fabrics, too).

"During pregnancy, the knee socks definitely helped," says Jeanne Beacom, BabyCenter's Senior Campaign Reporting Manager about these socks. "I had some pretty significant swelling (and, as it turns out, pre-eclampsia), but I could feel a difference at the end of the day." Jeanne says her Comrad socks were easier to put on and take off than the Motif socks she tried, especially considering that she was working around her belly. She also liked that Comrad offers more colors and styles than other compression sock brands.

Heads up
Comrad's care instructions say to machine-wash cold and hang to dry but Jeanne says she washed her socks in a lingerie bag with the rest of her laundry and air-dried with good results.

Parents say
"I bought mine from Comrad Compression Socks and I really like them. Comfy, breathable."

"I asked my OB about it today and she said she always recommends Comrad compression socks (she actually pulled up her scrub pants to show me hers)."

"They’re not cheap, but my 'on her feet for 12 hour shifts' nurse sister loves Comrad brand compression socks, so I got a few pairs for this pregnancy. So far I’ve really liked them."

Specs

• Compression level: 15-20 mmHg
• Material: Nylon, spandex
• Available sizes: S-XL, shoe sizes 4-10+, calves 10-20 inches
• Color options: 11
  

If your pregnancy-related edema isn't being adequately controlled wearing socks with milder levels of compression, these socks with 20 to 30 mmHg graduated compression may work better for you. Fans of these socks appreciate the "comfort band" at the top, which doesn't dig into your calves like the top of many socks. Made of a blend of nylon, spandex, and polyester, these socks come in six colors and patterns, including sporty stripes, neutral solids, and a vivid turquoise, pink, and orange confetti design.

Jeanne says that when she was swelling uncomfortably towards the end of her pregnancy, these Motif socks really helped, reducing the swelling more significantly than the Comrad socks, which she also used. Fans of these socks agree, saying that their Motif socks made it easier to stand, sit, and walk, and even wear their regular shoes instead of resorting to flip flips and other slip-ons. Jeanne also appreciated that her insurance paid for her Motif socks: When she ordered her breast pump through her insurance, she was also able to get free socks, a significant bonus since compression socks are expensive.

Heads up
This is Motif's only compression style; it doesn't come in other styles or fabrics.

Parents say
"I got mine through my insurance. Aeroflow where you can get breast pumps through insurance got me them and a postpartum recovery item as well as a pregnancy belt to lift belly if your back and such hurt!"

Specs

• Compression level: 20-30 mmHg
• Material: Nylon, spandex, polyester
• Available sizes: S-XL, ankles 11-15 inches, calves 11-23 inches
• Color options: 11
  

If your swelling is on the mild side, these socks from well-known and trusted brand Dr. Scholl's might suffice. They look and feel like regular socks, but the light 8 to 15 mmHg compression helps reduce swelling, and reduces aches and pains for women who walk a lot or work on their feet. Fans of these socks love that they're inexpensive and available in many colors and patterns, from sporty (athletic stripes) to dress (neutral colors with subtle patterns) to plain solids like black and white.

Wearers who like these socks also say that they're not as sweaty as other compression socks they've tried. The nylon-spandex knit is thinner than socks with more compression, so if you tend to have warm feet or live in a hot climate, these socks may be what you're looking for.

Heads up
These socks are sold singly or in two or three-packs. Packs can have pairs of the same or different designs, so check carefully to ensure you're buying the right pack.

Parents say
"I wore Dr Scholl’s compression socks for diabetics to reduce the swelling. They weren’t too tight and were breathable. I purchased them from Walmart for $6-$8 per pack (2 pair)."

"I got the Dr. Scholl's Women's Knee High Socks with Graduated Compression off Amazon and they have been the best purchase of this third trimester!"

"I found some light compression socks at my Walmart in both women’s and men’s sections. By Dr. Scholl's. They're actually pretty comfortable and don’t bind or slip. I use the men’s since I have wider calves."

"I bought a pair of Dr. Scholls for $9 at Walmart and if I dare wear regular socks my ankles swell like crazy but when I wear those I have no issues."

Specs

• Compression level: 8-15 mmHg
• Material: Polyester, nylon, spandex
• Available sizes: S-M, shoe sizes 4-11
• Color options: 17
  

Compression socks can be so helpful for pregnancy swelling, but they have a distinct downside: They make your legs feel hot and sweaty, particularly if you're used to wearing breathable cotton socks, or no socks at all. But Pro's compression socks are made from a blend of nylon and spandex that fans say is cooler and more comfortable than similar socks. They're made for athletes (thus the "marathon" in the name), and wearers say they do a superior job of wicking sweat and allowing airflow. They come in an amazing variety of colors and patterns: 61 in all.

With a compression level of 20 to 30 mmHg, these Marathon socks are on the higher end of the compression our experts recommend. Fans say they work beautifully to keep pregnancy related swelling in check, but if your swelling is only mild, you may prefer Pro's PC DressOpens a new window socks instead, which are similar to the Marathon style but only give 10 to 20 mmHg compression.

Heads up
Some, but not all, Marathon styles come in "wide calf"Opens a new window sizes that fit calves from 20 to 22 inches.

Parents say
"ProCompression socks are amazing. I’m a nurse and I’m on my feet for 12 hour shifts. Pretty much everyone I work with buys this brand. They are a bit pricey, but they often have “grab bag” deals or BOGO deals, especially closer to Black Friday."

"I wear Pro Compression socks. They are high quality and comfortable. I normally use them for running recovery, but they've been great during pregnancy."

"I use Pro Compression socks for work and love them. Lots of deals."

Specs

• Compression level: 20-30 mmHg
• Material: Nylon, spandex
• Available sizes: XS-XL, shoe sizes 5-14, calves 10-19 inches
• Color options: 61
  

Compression socks are supposed to be tight, but they shouldn't make your legs and feet feel like they're strangling. Yet that's exactly what pregnant women who wear too-small compression socks may experience. Typical brands of compression socks fit only calves up to around 20 inches or less, so if your calves are wider, you may worry you're out of luck. But Pembrook's plus size options goes up to a 6X, accommodating ankles up to 16 inches in diameter, and calves up to 27 inches.

With a compression rate of 20 to 30 mmHg, these socks offer firm support, but fans say they're not too tight around their calves, nor do they squeeze their feet uncomfortably, important for users who have bunions or hammertoes. Wearers particularly like that the band at the top of these socks doesn't pinch, and stays up nicely.

Heads up
The fabric of these socks is on the thicker side; some say they were hot and sweaty, particularly in the summertime.

Specs

• Compression level: 20-30 mmHg
• Material: Nylon, spandex
• Available sizes: XL-6XL, ankles 11-16 inches, calves 15-27 inches
• Color options: 5
  

For around $2 to $4 a pair, you can buy a whole drawer full of Actinput's well-reviewed compression socks. Fans of these socks say that they aren't compromising on effectiveness: They say that the 15 to 20 mmHg graduated compression in these socks worked well to reduce swelling and keep pregnant women comfortable. Wearers say these socks are very stretchy, and easier to pull up than other brands; they also appreciate that the knit on these socks is very smooth, and say they're less likely to leave marks on their legs than other compression socks they've tried.

These socks are available in many solid colors (black, white, gray, pink, green), as well as wildly patterned brights that can add some fun to your sock collection. Since many brands of compression socks only come in plain neutrals, wearers appreciate having the option of fun or serious socks.

Heads up
Unlike many brands that sell compression socks in men's sizes that are larger than women's, Actinput's socks are unisex.

Specs

• Compression level: 15-20 mmHg
• Material: Nylon, polyester, elastane
• Available sizes: S-M, shoe sizes 6-15.5, calves 12-23 inches
• Color options: 43
  

If you're shopping for compression socks, you've been cleared to wear them, and you've checked with your ob-gyn to make sure your swelling is not a sign of complications such as pre-eclampsia,you'll want to consider these qualities.

• Fit: Compression socks should fit both your feet and your calves. Check size charts for the brand of socks you're considering; it is helpful to know both your regular shoe size and the measurement of your calves' circumference. Most brands are sized from small to large; some offer extra-small and extra-large. When you put on your socks, your toes and heel should fit comfortably with no sagging.
• Fabric: Most compression socks are made of nylon and/or polyester, with spandex for stretch. Less commonly, they may also contain cotton, bamboo, or wool. Cotton and bamboo are lighter, while wool is good for colder conditions; either way, natural-fiber compression socks usually cost more and are more prone to shrink than nylon/polyester socks, say wearers.
• Level of compression: Compression is measured in mmHg or millimeters of mercury, a standard measurement of pressure also used to measure blood pressure. Most compression socks provide anywhere from 8 to 40 mmHg of pressure; Dr. Alvarez recommends topping out at moderate compression of 20 mmHg; Dr. Spencer recommends a maximum of 40 mmHg. Some socks and stockings offer even higher compression levels, but you may need a prescription from your doctor or midwife to buy them. Dr. Spencer advises trying lower levels of compression first; if that doesn't bring relief, you can ask your caregiver about more intense compression.
• Style of compression: Some socks deploy "graduated" compression – they squeeze more and more tightly the farther they are from the heart. Non-graduated compression socks provide even levels of compression all over. Both types can help relieve edema, says Dr. Alvarez, but graduated socks may be more comfortable and provide better results since they allow for increased blood flow towards the heart.

Compression sock safety notes

Compression socks gently squeeze your legs, putting pressure on your veins and increasing the blood flow from your legs. They can help reduce fluids pooling in your lower extremities, easing edema, and speed up the return of blood to the heart.

Compression socks can also lower the chances of getting deep vein thrombosis (DVT)Opens a new window, a kind of blood clot, and can reduce the swelling and discomfort associated with varicose veins, says Dr. Spencer. But both Dr. Spencer and Dr. Alvarez note that women should watch for signs that edema is signaling a serious problem, such as:

• Discomfort, redness or warmth in their lower extremities
• Pain, tenderness, discoloration, or warmth in swollen areas
• Swelling that persists for hours, or overnight
• Hardened skin (fibrosis)
• Swollen areas that weep fluid
• Wounds caused by swelling

"Compression socks can help reduce the symptoms associated with edema but shouldn't take the place of seeking medical attention if the swelling persists or worsens," says Dr. Alvarez.

Sudden and severe edema can be a sign of complications such as preeclampsia and DVT; call your doctor right away if you notice the warning signs of either.

You'll also want to check with your caregiver to find out what level of compression you need. More is not always better when it comes to compression: If they're too tight, Dr. Alvarez says women may actually be more uncomfortable during or after wearing

How many hours a day should you wear compression socks?

It depends on your symptoms and discomfort, but Dr. Alvarez says that most women can benefit from wearing compression socks from four to eight hours a day. Most experts, Dr. Alvarez and Dr. Spencer included, do not recommend wearing compression socks at night.

When should you wear compression socks?

Dr. Alvarez and Dr. Spencer both advise putting on compression socks first thing in the morning to prevent fluids from accumulating. But Dr. Alvarez says it's best to discuss how often and how long you should wear compression socks with your caregiver.

ACOG says that pregnant women who are traveling for four hours or moreOpens a new window should consider wearing compression socks, no matter what form of transportation they're using: plane, train, bus, or car.

Marisa Solis contributed to this story