How To Measure

Before You Start

What you need:

  • A flexible tape measure (inches or centimeters)
  • A chair and a flat floorPen and paper / phone to record measurements
  • Someone to help, if balance is an issue

Important tips:

  • Measure first thing in the morning if possible, when leg swelling is minimal.
  • Sit for a couple of minutes with your legs down before measuring so fluid settles naturally.
  • Measure directly on the skin (or over very thin socks/stockings if absolutely necessary).

Step 1 – Decide the Style

This changes which measurements you need:

  • Knee-high: covers foot to just below the knee
  • Thigh-high: covers foot to upper thigh
  • Pantyhose / waist-high: covers foot to waist

You can also measure for more than one style at the same time if you’re not sure yet.

Step 2 – Measure the Ankle (B)

This is the most important measurement.

  1. Sit with your foot flat on the floor, knee at about 90°.
  2. Find the narrowest part of your ankle, just above the ankle bone.
  3. Wrap the tape measure around this point—snug but not digging into the skin.
  4. Record this as “Ankle (B)”.

Step 3 – Measure the Calf (C)

  1. Still seated or standing safely, locate the widest part of your calf.
  2. Wrap the tape around this largest point.
  3. Record this as “Calf (C)”.

If you’re between sizes on a size chart, this calf measurement often determines whether a stocking will be too tight or too loose.

Step 4 – Measure Calf Length (for Knee-Highs)

This is the floor-to-knee length on the inside of your leg.

  1. Sit with your foot flat on the floor.
  2. Start the tape at the floor, right behind your heel.
  3. Run the tape up the back of your leg to the point about 1–2 finger widths below the bend of your knee (do not go into the crease).
  4. Record this as “Leg length (A–D)” or “Knee-high length”.

This helps prevent the top band from digging into the back of the knee.

Step 5 – Measure for Thigh-Highs

In addition to the ankle and calf, you’ll need:

5a. Thigh Circumference (G)

  1. Stand if you’re steady (otherwise sit and extend leg carefully).
  2. Go to the upper thigh, where the top of the stocking will sit—usually: For women: about 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) below the groin. For men: similar distance below the groin, where it feels comfortable and not in the crease.
  3. Wrap the tape around this point, keeping it level and snug.
  4. Record this as “Thigh (G)”.

5b. Leg Length for Thigh-Highs

  1. Start at the floor behind the heel.
  2. Run the tape up the inside of the leg to the point where you took the thigh circumference (G).
  3. Record this as “Leg length (A–G)” or “Thigh-high length”.

Step 6 – Measure for Pantyhose / Waist-High

For most brands, you’ll need:

  1. All leg measurements above (ankle, calf, maybe thigh depending on brand).
  2. Height and weight – these are often used to determine the overall pantyhose size.
  3. Some medical brands may also want hip and waist circumference: Hip: around the widest part of your hips/buttocks. Waist: around the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above the belly button area.

Write those down clearly (e.g., “Hip,” “Waist”).

Step 7 – Check Against the Size Chart

Once you have:

  • Ankle (B)
  • Calf (C)
  • Thigh (G) – if needed
  • Leg length(s)
  • Height/weight (for pantyhose)

then:

  1. Pull up the specific brand’s size chart (sizes can differ a lot between brands).
  2. Match ankle and calf first—they’re usually the critical fit points.
  3. Make sure:
    • All your circumferences fall within one size.
    • Your leg length matches the regular/short/long options, if offered.

If one measurement falls outside the chart (for example very large calf with smaller ankle), that might be a sign you need:

  • A different brand,
  • A “full calf” or “plus size” version, or
  • Professional fitting.

Step 8 – When to Consider Professional Fitting

It’s a good idea to have a clinician or certified fitter help if:

  • You have very significant swelling, especially if it changes a lot through the day.
  • You have ulcers, open wounds, or very sensitive skin.
  • You have severe arterial disease or foot/leg deformities.
  • You’ve tried stockings before and they were painful or impossible to put on.

They may use more advanced sizing or custom-made garments.

Quick Reference Checklist

For knee-highs, you should end up with:

  • Ankle circumference (B)
  • Calf circumference (C)
  • Leg length: floor → below knee (A–D)

For thigh-highs:

  • Ankle (B)
  • Calf (C)
  • Thigh (G)
  • Leg length: floor → top of thigh (A–G)

For pantyhose:

  • Ankle, calf (and sometimes thigh)
  • Height and weight
  • Optional: hip and waist circumference