Compression therapy is the first line of care for people with lymphoedema, chronic oedema, lipoedema, and chronic venous disease. To achieve the best therapeutic results, compression garments must be worn correctly and cared for properly.
Applying and caring for compression garments is straightforward once you are familiar with some of the specifics. These tips are for compression socks and stockings but can also apply to most compression garments.
Before putting on your compression garment, take a moment to review the instructions for use, as application details may vary across products.
Most compression socks and stockings can be applied following these steps:
To remove your compression garment, reverse the process of putting them on:
Before you put on compression garments, your legs and feet should be clean and fully dry. To avoid damaging the garment, keep nails short, and remove jewellery. Using grip-friendly gloves, such as those made of rubber, can help you hold the fabric securely but gently, making it easier to put on your garments. Avoid gathering and bunching up the fabric while you put your compression garments on.
Washing compression garments is important to maintain hygiene as well as effectiveness.
By washing and drying your garments correctly, you help maintain their shape and ensure they continue to deliver the prescribed level of compression for as long as possible.
Like other delicate garments, compression stockings should be washed on a gentle cycle or by hand, following the care instructions on the label (usually at a maximum temperature of 40°C), and with items of the same colour.
To help protect the fibres, it is also recommended to use a laundry net to help protect the knit, and to avoid using laundry additives such as brighteners, stain removers, and fabric softeners.
After washing, rinse your compression stockings thoroughly to remove any detergent residue.
For best results, wash your compression socks and stockings daily, or at least every other day.
Regular washing helps maintain hygiene and allows the yarns to recover their original performance, so that garment remains effective for longer.
Compression socks should be dried flat to prevent changing their shape and kept away from direct heat, for example from sunlight or a radiator. If washing by hand, gently roll the wet compression stockings in a towel and press to remove excess moisture. Do not wring.
Many compression garments are suitable for tumble-drying, which can make daily care easier. However, this is not always the case, so it is important to check the instructions for use included with the product.
Properly caring for your compression garments can extend their lifespan. It is important to always check the specific instructions associated with the compression garment used as they can differ between products. However, the following tips will apply to most compression garments:
Compression garments should be stored flat or lightly rolled, and in a cool, dark, dry place.
Handle compression stockings, and other compression garments with care to help prevent snags and support a comfortable fit. Use the palm of your hands to smooth the fabric into place and adjust the garment where needed, rather than pulling on the top band. If you find it difficult to put compression stockings on or take them off, grip-friendly gloves and donning/doffing aids can help you hold the fabric securely while being gentle on the knit.
Speak to your healthcare professional about products to help you easily put on, take off, and extend the wearing life of your compression stockings and garments.
Compression garments should be washed regularly according to their specific instructions to last as long as possible. They should never be ironed or left in direct sunlight or on a radiator. Rotating multiple pairs allows more time between uses which extends the life of the garment.
Explore the full range of JOBST® compression garments designed to provide you with comfort and support.
To keep your compression garments and stockings working well, it is best to replace them every six months if you use and care for them daily. Over time, these garments can stretch and lose their ability to support you properly. If you notice the fabric wearing thin, the compression feels weaker, or the fit is much looser than when you first started wearing it, speak to your healthcare professional. They can tell you if you need a new garment sooner or need to be re-measured.
The instructions for use for JOBST compression garment can be found in the packaging. Also please access this link for all safety information when using the product.
