I am a flight attendant, should I wear full-length or knee-high compression stockings?

As an international flight attendant, I'm on my feet at high altitudes for 8 to 16 hours. Although I have no vein problems I know that compression stockings help my aching legs. Is there a difference in wearing knee-high or full-length stockings?

Answers from doctors (16)


Palm Vein Center

Published on May 14, 2014

Knee-high compression stockings should suffice.

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Answered by Palm Vein Center

Knee-high compression stockings should suffice.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Finesse Surgical Solutions

Published on May 05, 2014

This would be a personal choice based comfort and ease to put on the stocking. You will get more compression with the thigh-high stockings.

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Answered by Finesse Surgical Solutions

This would be a personal choice based comfort and ease to put on the stocking. You will get more compression with the thigh-high stockings.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Apr 30, 2014

If your aches are below the knee, then you only need calf-length hose, usually 15-20mmHg.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

If your aches are below the knee, then you only need calf-length hose, usually 15-20mmHg.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Lakeshore Veins and Wellness

Published on Apr 29, 2014

As women professionals, we too spend our days standing. Stockings can help. Both knee-high and thigh-high stockings should be helpful for your demanding profession. Sometimes knee-high stockings constrict just below the knee in a way that is uncomfortable. Yet, thigh-high stockings can be hard to pull up and keep up. We recommend you wear what covers the area that aches and works for your body shape. Make sure you get yourself measured properly as a good fit is important. If you have never worn stockings, it may be more tolerable to start at 15-20mm Hg.



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Answered by Lakeshore Veins and Wellness

As women professionals, we too spend our days standing. Stockings can help. Both knee-high and thigh-high stockings should be helpful for your demanding profession. Sometimes knee-high stockings constrict just below the knee in a way that is uncomfortable. Yet, thigh-high stockings can be hard to pull up and keep up. We recommend you wear what covers the area that aches and works for your body shape. Make sure you get yourself measured properly as a good fit is important. If you have never worn stockings, it may be more tolerable to start at 15-20mm Hg.



Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Care of New Mexico

Published on Apr 27, 2014

I believe that below the knee 20 -30 mm HG stockings should be adequate. The important function is to compress the calf. Studies have shown that the above the knee compression stockings do not provide adequate compression above the knee to be more effective than below the knee stockings.

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Answered by Vein Care of New Mexico

I believe that below the knee 20 -30 mm HG stockings should be adequate. The important function is to compress the calf. Studies have shown that the above the knee compression stockings do not provide adequate compression above the knee to be more effective than below the knee stockings.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Apr 25, 2014

Either is good, although thigh-high might be better. That said, I would wear what is most comfortable for you. If the compression hose are not comfortable (be it thigh-high or knee-high) you will not wear them enough to get the results you are looking for. Try a graded 15-20 mmHg compression to start.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Either is good, although thigh-high might be better. That said, I would wear what is most comfortable for you. If the compression hose are not comfortable (be it thigh-high or knee-high) you will not wear them enough to get the results you are looking for. Try a graded 15-20 mmHg compression to start.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Apr 23, 2014

Wearing either one is good. However, if you are having swelling in your upper legs, then full-length hose would be better.

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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Wearing either one is good. However, if you are having swelling in your upper legs, then full-length hose would be better.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Daniels Vein and Cosmetic Center

Published on Apr 23, 2014

Based on the nature of your occupation, I recommend full-length stockings. However, you should wear whatever you can best tolerate. Safe travels!

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Answered by Daniels Vein and Cosmetic Center

Based on the nature of your occupation, I recommend full-length stockings. However, you should wear whatever you can best tolerate. Safe travels!

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

Published on Apr 23, 2014

You should wear a thigh -high or pantyhose stocking; not BK.

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Answered by Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

You should wear a thigh -high or pantyhose stocking; not BK.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


20-30mmHG compression stockings would be fine. I would recommend knee-high; there is no need for thigh-high stockings.

Answered by HeartCare Associates Vein Center (View Profile)

20-30mmHG compression stockings would be fine. I would recommend knee-high; there is no need for thigh-high stockings.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Apr 22, 2014

Knee-high support hose should be all that is necessary.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Knee-high support hose should be all that is necessary.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Apr 22, 2014

Thigh-high is best.

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Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Thigh-high is best.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Milford Vascular Institute

Published on Apr 22, 2014

Knee-highs should suffice. The greatest benefit stockings offer are found at the level of the calf muscle. If you have vein disease, however, then a thigh-high length would be optimal.

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Answered by Milford Vascular Institute

Knee-highs should suffice. The greatest benefit stockings offer are found at the level of the calf muscle. If you have vein disease, however, then a thigh-high length would be optimal.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Surgical Arts

Published on Apr 22, 2014

My wife is a flight attendant, too. Wearing compression hoses is an excellent idea, even though you may not have visible vein problems. Depending on your preference, either knee-high or thigh-high will work, but
thigh-high will give you more support overall. At the very least, wear knee-high stockings to decrease the level of congestion in the lower legs and to defray the possibility of developing vein problems later. You can search online and find many vendors that make excellent compression hoses that look and feel like regular hoses. But, make sure you wear at least 10-15mmHg level (15-20 mmHg if you can tolerate them) compression hoses. It's worth spending a little extra money to get the best quality you can with proper care, they will last you a long time.

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Answered by Advanced Surgical Arts

My wife is a flight attendant, too. Wearing compression hoses is an excellent idea, even though you may not have visible vein problems. Depending on your preference, either knee-high or thigh-high will work, but
thigh-high will give you more support overall. At the very least, wear knee-high stockings to decrease the level of congestion in the lower legs and to defray the possibility of developing vein problems later. You can search online and find many vendors that make excellent compression hoses that look and feel like regular hoses. But, make sure you wear at least 10-15mmHg level (15-20 mmHg if you can tolerate them) compression hoses. It's worth spending a little extra money to get the best quality you can with proper care, they will last you a long time.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Apr 22, 2014

We absolutely think you should be wearing compression hose. My niece flies with Qantas in Australia and has found restrictions due to color, density of hose etc. There are many styles now that are suitable (15-20 mmHg pressure) and come in shades of black, gray and neutrals. Even if you don't want to wear the full pantyhose, you could wear thigh-length. With a good quality medial compression, you won't have issues keeping them up. Knee-length hose are adequate for reducing DVT risk. None of these hose can prevent DVT, but when combined with walking, drinking lots water and doing some calf / thigh stretches, you can reduce your risk. The bonus that comes with wearing compression stockings is that you will feel better and be less fatigued at the end of the day.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

We absolutely think you should be wearing compression hose. My niece flies with Qantas in Australia and has found restrictions due to color, density of hose etc. There are many styles now that are suitable (15-20 mmHg pressure) and come in shades of black, gray and neutrals. Even if you don't want to wear the full pantyhose, you could wear thigh-length. With a good quality medial compression, you won't have issues keeping them up. Knee-length hose are adequate for reducing DVT risk. None of these hose can prevent DVT, but when combined with walking, drinking lots water and doing some calf / thigh stretches, you can reduce your risk. The bonus that comes with wearing compression stockings is that you will feel better and be less fatigued at the end of the day.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Apr 22, 2014

Knee-high will do the job. They give over 90% of the benefit and are way easier to wear.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Knee-high will do the job. They give over 90% of the benefit and are way easier to wear.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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