How to Put On and Remove Compression Stockings

Putting On Your Compression Stockings

  1. Make sure your legs and skin are clean and dry
  2. Remove rings or jewelry that could catch the fabric, and consider wearing gripped gloves (garden or dish gloves for example) to improve your grip and protect the garment from fingernails
  3. Turn the sock inside out
  4. Put your hand into the stocking, grasp the heel and pull the heel of the sock out 
  5. Slide your foot into the footbed of the sock
  6. While holding the top of the sock, pull up over your leg 
  7. Smooth the fabric, using gloves with grip if needed, making sure there are no wrinkles, folds, or areas where the garment is bunched
  8. Check that the sock is sitting in its intended position (Tip: For a calf length sock, bend your leg at a 90 degree angle. Your top of sock should sit two fingers width down from the bend of your knee.)

Having trouble? Consider using a donning aid.

Watch this video below for a step-by-step demonstration.

Removing Your Stockings

Gradually peel the stocking down from the top, working your way toward the foot. Avoid rolling the entire stocking down into a tight bundle. Just as with putting the garment on, avoid pulling aggressively on the top of the garment. Once you reach the heel, gently remove the stocking from your foot.