My compression stockings are too tight, is there a way to stretch them out?

Unfortunately I bought a pair of compression stockings that are too tight. I have worn them already and can't return them at this point. Is there a way to stretch them them out?

Answers from doctors (10)


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Jul 29, 2013

Unfortunately, there is no way to stretch out compression stockings without compromising the graduated compression of the hose. Are you absolutely sure they are the wrong size? Compression hose do just that, compress. Before you give up on them, why don't you have your legs measured (ankle circumference, calf circ., thigh circ.) and compare the measurements to the sizing chart on the box to see if indeed the hose you have are the wrong size. All the best!

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Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

Unfortunately, there is no way to stretch out compression stockings without compromising the graduated compression of the hose. Are you absolutely sure they are the wrong size? Compression hose do just that, compress. Before you give up on them, why don't you have your legs measured (ankle circumference, calf circ., thigh circ.) and compare the measurements to the sizing chart on the box to see if indeed the hose you have are the wrong size. All the best!

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Jul 24, 2013

If the compression hose are in fact too tight, maybe you should get remeasured.

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Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

If the compression hose are in fact too tight, maybe you should get remeasured.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Jul 23, 2013

Either lose weight or get a new, properly measured pair.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

Either lose weight or get a new, properly measured pair.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Jul 23, 2013

To my knowledge there is no good way to stretch out compression stockings.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

To my knowledge there is no good way to stretch out compression stockings.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Tulane Heart & Vascular Institute

Published on Jul 23, 2013

All support hose are intended to be tight, but not so much that they begin to cause pain and discomfort. Please go to a surgical supply shop to discuss the proper way to put them on. It should take 5 minutes per leg. The assistant may also be able to suggest ways to stretch them out. If the compression stockings are ill-fitted and in fact just too tight, you may want to be resized and refitted for a new pair.

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Answered by Tulane Heart & Vascular Institute

All support hose are intended to be tight, but not so much that they begin to cause pain and discomfort. Please go to a surgical supply shop to discuss the proper way to put them on. It should take 5 minutes per leg. The assistant may also be able to suggest ways to stretch them out. If the compression stockings are ill-fitted and in fact just too tight, you may want to be resized and refitted for a new pair.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jul 23, 2013

Absolutely not. Medical compression hose should be measured and fitted by a certified and experienced fitter. If they do not fit correctly, they can impair circulation. If they do not fit correctly, they shouldn't be worn. I recommend you get fitted for the right hose.


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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Absolutely not. Medical compression hose should be measured and fitted by a certified and experienced fitter. If they do not fit correctly, they can impair circulation. If they do not fit correctly, they shouldn't be worn. I recommend you get fitted for the right hose.


Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Jul 22, 2013

Compression stockings are supposed to be tight, unless they are turning your skin blue or hurting so much that you can't stand it. Did you get measured by a medial supply company? If not, that could be the reason they are too tight. Compression stockings need to be properly fitted.

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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Compression stockings are supposed to be tight, unless they are turning your skin blue or hurting so much that you can't stand it. Did you get measured by a medial supply company? If not, that could be the reason they are too tight. Compression stockings need to be properly fitted.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Jul 22, 2013

There is no great way to stretch out compression stockings, although washing them a few times and drying them in the dryer usually helps.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

There is no great way to stretch out compression stockings, although washing them a few times and drying them in the dryer usually helps.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Jul 22, 2013

Compression stockings do stretch a little bit after they've been worn. Remember, they are supposed to be tight but too tight isn't good. I would check with the store or doctor where you bought them to make sure they were properly measured.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Compression stockings do stretch a little bit after they've been worn. Remember, they are supposed to be tight but too tight isn't good. I would check with the store or doctor where you bought them to make sure they were properly measured.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jul 22, 2013

Stretching the stockings will not work and will only make them less useful. Unfortunately, you will probably need to replace the current stockings with a proper fitting pair.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Stretching the stockings will not work and will only make them less useful. Unfortunately, you will probably need to replace the current stockings with a proper fitting pair.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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