The simplest answer to this question is that they should feel snug, but not painfully tight. However, compression socks come in various levels of pressure, so it can be difficult to judge whether or not they fit you solely on how they feel and it is often beneficial to look at the way they sit on your leg too.

Knowing if your compression socks are applied correctly is vital for both comfort and medical efficacy. First, the heel of the sock must be perfectly aligned with your actual heel; if it is bunched up or shifted to the side, the pressure gradient will be uneven. Second, the fabric should be smooth and free of wrinkles or folds; a single fold in the fabric can create a "tourniquet effect" that actually restricts blood flow rather than aiding it. Third, the top band of the sock should sit approximately two finger-widths below the crease of your knee (for knee-highs)—it should never be pulled up over the knee or folded down, as this increases the pressure at the top and can cause swelling. You should feel a firm "squeeze" that is strongest at the ankle and gradually lessens as it moves up the leg. In 2026, many high-end socks feature "alignment lines" or patterns to help you see if the sock is twisted. If you experience numbness, tingling, or a change in skin color (like turning blue or white), the socks are likely too tight or incorrectly positioned and should be removed immediately.