6 of the best pregnancy compression socks and tights 2024
HOW CAN COMPRESSION HOSIERY HELP IN PREGNANCY?
The hormonal changes in pregnancy and the growing uterus can affect blood circulation leading to varicose veins, swollen feet and ankles, and heavy, tired or painful legs. This can often be made worse by prolonged standing or sitting. There is also an increased risk of blood clots, particularly when flying.
Compression socks, stockings, or tights can alleviate this pain and discomfort by exerting pressure on the legs and feet to help improve circulation.
How to choose the right compression product
Whether you choose socks, stockings and tights will depend on personal preference and the clothes that you are wearing but if you have varicose veins in your thighs you will need the stockings or tights.
The right level of compression is important. Your doctor or midwife will be able to best advise what level of compression you need and may even be able to prescribe compression hosiery to you.
Like blood pressure, compression is measured in mmHg. There are generally three levels of compression.
Low which is 8-15mmHg and is suitable for mild symptoms.
Medium which is 15-21 and suitable for moderate symptoms. This is also sometimes called Class 1 compression.
High which is anything over 21 mmHg and suitable for severe symptoms. These should only be used in conjunction with medical help. This is also sometimes called Class 2 compression.
Pebble UK, the experts in compression hosiery, recommend that you always choose products with graduated compression. This places stronger pressure at the feet and ankles than at the top.
Be warned that if you want something to match your skin tone the colour range is often terrible.
When should you wear compression socks and tights?
They can be worn all day and put on from when you wake up. You won’t need to wear them at night when the legs and feet are raised to the same level as your body.
what else can you do to avoid tired, aching, swollen legs and feet in pregnancy?
Take exercise suitable for pregnancy that uses the leg muscles like walking or swimming.
Try to avoid any prolonged sitting or standing.
Keep the legs raised when possible.
Drink lots of water.
Wear flat shoes.
WHAT ARE THE BEST MATERNITY COMPRESSION SOCKS AND TIGHTS TO BUY?
This list has been narrowed down to the very best with thorough research and the following considered:
Consumer reviews
Best-seller lists
Recommendations from industry experts
Award-winning products
Personal experience and the products loved by other parents.
The list is updated annually. It was last updated on January 5 2024.
If you buy through a link, we may earn a small affiliate commission. 5% of profits are donated to UK Baby Banks to help parents in need of essentials.
1. Socks Lane Cotton Compression Socks
Compression factor of 15-20 mmHg.
Made from 65% cotton with 15% elastane, 10% lycra and 10% nylon.
Hand wash only.
They don’t really look like compression socks and come in a variety of colours and patterns including black, grey, white, navy blue, spotty and stripy.
Pregnant reviews have described them as comfortable and one said they gave her ‘instant relief’.
2. Physix Gear Compression Socks
Socks with graduated compression of 20 - 30 mmHg.
70% nylon and 30% elastane.
Hand wash only.
Comes in a variety of colours and patterns.
They’ve had some great reviews from pregnant women who praise their comfort and say they have helped with sore and swollen legs, feet and ankles.
3. DZANS Copper Compression Socks
Compression factor of 20-30 mmHg.
These contain copper, which is thought to boost blood circulation.
They are also made of 83% nylon and 7% elastane and are hand wash only.
Graduated compression.
Pack of three pairs.
They are some of the cheapest you can find and are described as ‘very comfortable’ by many reviewers.
4. Calves Kelson Compression Socks
Compression factor of 20-30 mmHg with graduated compression.
Made from nylon and elastane.
Hand washing is recommended but they are also suitable for the washing machine.
They come in black but you can choose the heel colour.
Pack of two.
Pregnant reviewers have remarked on their comfort and effectiveness.
5. Pebble sheer maternity support tights
Compression factor of 15-20 mmHg.
Sheer tights with graduated compression.
There is a Y-shaped pouch that allows for baby growth.
They have a cotton gusset, reinforced heels and toes and flat seams.
Made from 80% Nylon and 20% Lycra Spandex.
Available in black and beige.
Made by experts in compression hosiery.
6. thermafirm PREGGERS FOOTLESS MATERNITY SUPPORT TIGHTS
Compression factor 10-15 mmHg.
Soft, opaque, footless maternity support tights.
Lightweight graduated compression.
The stretchy waistband can be worn under or over your bump.
Made with MicroCool breathable material.
It can take a while for your body to resume normal business post-birth. Unless you have a baby that painlessly slides out like an eel. All the stuff that may follow - the stitches, the bleeding, the piles, the fear of the first poo - none of it really matters as you’ve just expelled a real live baby from your body. You just won’t care. But there are some things you can get to make it all a lot easier.