Quick answer: When buying compression socks for pregnant women, look for soft, stretchy fabric, an easy-on design such as open-toe or zip-up, a top band that stays comfortable as you change shape, and sizing based on fresh measurements. They are a comfort buy, so raise any health questions with your midwife or GP.
The first time round I bought the wrong pair, fought with them for a week, then buried them in a drawer. The second time I knew exactly what to look for, and it took ten minutes. So before you spend a penny on compression socks for pregnant women, let me hand you that hard-won shortcut.
Quick and honest, as ever: I am a mum of two and a writer, not a clinician. This is comfort and fit chat, not health advice. Anything to do with your body during pregnancy, your midwife or GP is the person to ask, every single time.
Easy-on beats everything
If I could tell my younger, first-pregnancy self one thing, it would be this: with a bump in the way, how easily a sock goes on matters more than anything else on the list. A beautiful pair you cannot reach to put on helps nobody.
So the first thing to look for is an easy-on design.
- Open-toe styles give your foot wiggle room and slide on with less effort.
- Zip-up styles genuinely do the hard bit for you, a gift when bending is a mission.
- A wider leg opening means less of a fight at the calf.
The whole Zip-Up, Easy-On collection exists for this exact reason, and the Zip Up Compression Socks are the pair I would hand a friend without a second thought.
A soft, roomy fit
Next on my list is give. Calves change through pregnancy, so you want support that feels gentle, not tight. Look for a wide, flat top band that will not dig in, and a fabric with a bit of stretch so it moves as you do. The Open Toe Knee High Compression Socks pair an easy pull-on with a roomy, forgiving feel. Whatever you choose, hold it against your own calf measurement rather than guessing; two minutes now saves a week of grumbling.
Fabric you will actually want to wear
Pregnancy runs warm, so I steered toward soft, breathable knits over heavy cotton every time. A breathable pair is kinder on a muggy afternoon and gentler on skin that has had enough by six o'clock. Comfort is the entire point, so pick the fabric that feels best on you. The full Pregnancy and Maternity collection leans toward these softer, easy-wear styles.
Comfort habits that helped me
Socks are one piece of it. These gentle everyday things helped my feet forgive me, and none of it is medical advice, just mum-to-mum sense.
- Put your feet up when you can. Tommy's, the pregnancy charity, is a warm, trustworthy source on resting and being kind to yourself while expecting.
- Have a gentle wander instead of standing still for ages.
- The NCT offers down-to-earth guidance on staying comfortable through pregnancy that is worth a look.
For the full picture across all three trimesters, my guide, Compression Socks During Pregnancy: A Comfort Guide, ties it together.
Compression socks for pregnant women: the short version
It comes down to three things in order: easy-on first, a soft and roomy fit second, a breathable fabric third. Get those right and you will actually reach for them, which is the only test that counts.
Be gentle with yourself. Your feet are doing overtime just now, and a comfy pair of socks is one small kindness you can absolutely give them.
Frequently asked questions
What should I look for first in maternity compression socks? How easily they go on. Open-toe and zip-up styles need far less bending, which becomes the deciding factor once a bump is in the way.
Do I need a special maternity size? Not always, but do measure your calf and check the size guide, and pick something with a little give so it stays comfortable as things change.
Can I wear them safely while pregnant? Please check that with your midwife or GP. This guide only covers comfort, fit and style, so a professional is the right person for anything health-related.
About the author Hannah Pryce - Real talk for tired, busy mums Hannah is a Cardiff-based writer and mum of two who blogged her way through both pregnancies and built a loyal following of women who wanted the unvarnished version. She is not a clinician and always says so, sticking to comfort, rest and what actually helped her get through the day. Her tea is always cold by the time she drinks it. Writing for Compression Socks UK.