My Thigh High stockings – will NOT Stay up, WHY?

Thigh High Compression Stockings

Everyone has different legs! The question we ask… Is the stockings (rolling down) or (sliding down) your leg? When we hear the word “rolling down” most often, the stockings are too tight on the upper thigh. It could be your stockings may be an incorrect size. The most important thing you do when you purchase a pair of compression stockings is to be, properly measured. Most all medical thigh high stockings provide a size guide / size chart for that particular style of stocking. The size chart has a range of circumference of your legs. When the thigh high stockings are rolling down or flipping down, as some may suggest, usually the stockings is too tight on your upper thigh. When the thigh high stocking are too tight on the upper thigh, that is not healthy. It can cause (re-verse compression), meaning the stocking is tighter on the upper part of leg then at the ankle.

Compression stockings are called “gradient compression stockings” for a reason.

Meaning, they provide greater compression and squeeze from the ankle to the knee and less compression as the stocking goes up your leg. It’s about promoting good blood circulation. The steadily graduated compression squeeze / pressure in the lower extremities on legs helps veins and leg muscles force blood upward. Forcing the blood upward, sends the blood back to the heart. This helps relieve the pain and chronic swelling of the legs, so your legs will feel pampered and refreshed all day.

Graduated Compression Levels shown when wearing compression stockings
graduated-compression-levels

40%  pressure on the upper Thigh

70%  pressure on the Calf

100%  pressure on the Ankle

You must read, this informative information on how graduated compression stockings actually work, posted in an article Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M.D https://www.healthline.com/health/dvt/compression-stockings#how-to-use. In this article it reads… While you may wear ordinary stockings for style. Compression stockings have an elastic support fabric designed to fit tightly around the ankles, legs, and thighs. These stockings are tighter around the ankle and less tight around the calves and thighs. The pressure created by the stockings pushes fluid up the leg, which allows blood to flow freely from the legs to the heart. Compression stockings not only improve blood flow, but also reduce swelling and pain. They are particularly recommended for the prevention of DVT because the pressure stops blood from pooling and clotting.

When we hear the words “sliding or falling down” see the different factors that could be the cause.

  • Your stockings may not be the correct size

You need to get properly measured! We have a “certified fittest” on call daily, waiting to help you with your leg measurements, so your first purchase will be the right one.  This will save you from purchasing stockings that are too tight or too lose, for your legs.

  • Your stockings may be too old and worn out

With everyday use, your stockings generally are effective with good compression and elasticity for a period of between 4 to 6 months. Wearing your stockings for a period longer than 6 months. Most likely the stockings are worn out and stretched and lost the elasticity needed to stay up and lost the effective benefits. A good rule of thumb is to mark your calendar the day you start wearing your stockings. By marking your calendar, you can keep up with the effective use and durability for your next purchase pair.

  • Buildup on top band of stockings called the silicone band

When the compression stocking is sliding or slipping down the leg, could be the “silicone band” needs to be cleaned and washed. Yes, our bodily oils, dead skin, sweat and dirt collects on the stockings every day you wear them. If you’re not washing you stocking daily or every other day, this can cause slippage, sliding down of your stockings. This can be frustrating.

  • Greasy legs caused by Creams and Lotions

Stockings will NOT hold onto the skin, if you have applied certain creams or lotions. The skin becomes oily and slippery and makes it impossible to keep stockings on upper thighs when wearing lots of lotions. For individuals that need moisture on your legs because of dryness, put lotions and cream on at bedtime and towel dry legs in the mornings.

  • Choose bigger sized stockings – for easier wearing

Most individuals that are told they need to wear compression stockings, are NOT Happy about wearing them. So, what do they do…they buy a bigger size hoping the compression stockings will not feel so constricting. Unfortunately, this makes the stockings “unable” to compress the legs effectively to do the job for which they are worn to do. Therefore, the stockings will continually slide down the legs because the elastic top band is not tight enough to wrap around your legs.

  • Pantyhose Tights – may be the “Solution”

Some people just cannot wear “thigh high” compression stockings. If you do need compression therapy above the knee, the other option is full support Pantyhose / Tights.  Wearing pantyhose / tights mean you will get full support in all area of the leg.  Wearing compression pantyhose to the waist, means no worry of sliding or falling down during your busy day.

Why is it, some people, cannot wear Thigh High stockings?

Many individuals have skinny thighs, their ankle and calf are swollen because of edema or chronic venous insufficiency. If this is the case, it makes it almost impossible to find a good fitting thigh high stocking. When this happens, the leg measurements do not line up with the manufactured size guide. The next possible solution is trying a Pantyhose or Tights to the waist. Pantyhose makes is easy, just pull this stocking up to your waist. You will not be hassled and worried about your stocking falling or sliding down!

We offer quality made, comfortable “thigh high compression stockings” that can help you stay true to your health and well-being of your legs. Try our “Two Way Stretch,” we have more customers that come back and do repeat orders for this style, because of the comfortable breathable fit and easy-on feature.

Upper Thigh High Compression Stocking
The Natural Brand “Two Way Stretch” Thigh High Compression Stocking


Feel free to call our Toll Free # at 1-844-629-9642 and one of our Certified Fitting Specialists will be happy to answer any questions you may have and help with your leg measurements, if needed.

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