By hour three of a long-haul flight, many people notice it: ankles feeling tight, legs feeling heavy, and a dull ache that builds the longer you sit. Prolonged sitting slows blood flow in the legs. These graduated compression flight socks apply firmer pressure at the ankle that eases toward the knee, and are designed to support circulation and leg comfort on long flights and journeys. Compression level: 14–17mmHg. Available in Black and Nude, in Small, Medium and Large. If you have a medical condition, speak to your doctor before wearing compression socks. Medical warning: Do not use if you have serious circulatory problems. Consult a healthcare professional before use if you have any circulatory problems, have had major surgery or chronic illness, or are pregnant. Not recommended for children under 13. Do not fold the top band over or allow socks to roll down. Key Features 14–17mmHg graduated compression: firmest at the ankle, easing toward the knee, a mild level commonly chosen for travel. Designed for leg comfort: made to support circulation and reduce the heavy, tired feeling that can come with long periods of sitting. 80% nylon, 20% elastane: holds its compression through repeated wear and washing when cared for correctly. Three sizes: Small, Medium and Large, sized by ankle and calf circumference. Two colour options: Black and Nude. Specifications Compression level 14–17mmHg (graduated) Material 80% nylon, 20% elastane Sizes Small, Medium, Large Colours Black, Nude Weight per pair Approx. 100g Regulatory listing Class 1 medical device, ARTG 260845 Size Guide — Measure Before You Order Correct sizing matters for compression to work as intended. Measure the circumference of your ankle and the widest point of your calf with a soft tape measure. Choose the larger size if you fall between sizes. Size Ankle circumference Widest calf circumference Top band Small 18–21cm 28–39cm 26–37cm Medium 21–24cm 33–41cm 31–39cm Large 24–28cm 36–45cm 33–43cm What's Included 1 pair of compression flight socks (your chosen size and colour) How to Put On Compression Socks Turn the sock inside out down to the heel. Place your foot into the sock and pull the heel into position. Gradually roll the sock up your leg, smoothing out any wrinkles as you go. Make sure the top band sits below the knee. Do not fold it over or let it roll down. Check that the sock feels firm but not painful. If circulation feels restricted, remove them and speak to a healthcare professional. Tip: Put the socks on before boarding, ideally while still at the gate. They are much easier to fit correctly when you are not in a cramped seat. In-Flight Tips to Support Circulation Compression socks work best as part of a broader approach to in-flight comfort. Government travel health advice, including Smartraveller's health information, is a good starting point. Common tips include: Move your legs regularly: flex and rotate your ankles, press your feet against the floor, and do calf raises in your seat every 30–60 minutes. Walk the cabin: get up and walk when the seatbelt sign is off. Stay hydrated: drink water regularly and go easy on alcohol and caffeine. Choose an aisle seat: it makes it easier to get up and move without disturbing other passengers. About DVT and Long Flights Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in a deep vein, most often in the leg. Long periods of sitting, including on long flights, are one of the factors linked with it. The risk on any single flight is low, but if you have had clots before or have other risk factors, speak to your doctor before you fly. Compression socks are not a treatment or a guarantee against DVT, and they are one of several comfort steps alongside staying hydrated and moving regularly. Care Instructions Machine wash warm, gentle cycle. Do not tumble dry. Air dry flat to look after the compression level. Do not iron or dry clean. Replace the socks when the compression feels reduced or the fabric shows significant wear. Best For Long-haul and international travellers on flights of 4 hours or more Frequent flyers whose legs feel heavy or tired after flying Travellers advised by a healthcare professional to wear compression during travel Long car, bus or train journeys where extended sitting is unavoidable Not Ideal For People with serious circulatory problems. Speak to a healthcare professional before use Children under 13 Anyone who has not measured their ankle and calf before ordering, as an ill-fitting sock will not compress as intended Anyone prescribed a specific compression level above 17mmHg by a doctor. Check your prescription before purchasing Frequently Asked Questions What does 14–17mmHg compression mean? 14–17mmHg is a mild graduated compression level, commonly chosen for travel and general leg comfort. It is below the higher levels (20mmHg and above) that doctors prescribe for diagnosed venous conditions. If you have been prescribed a specific compression level, confirm this product suits your prescription before purchasing. How do I know which size to order? Measure your ankle and the widest point of your calf with a soft tape measure and match the numbers to the size guide above. If you fall between sizes, choose the larger size. When should I put them on? Before you board, ideally at the gate where you have space to sit and fit them correctly. Can I wear these on short flights or non-flight travel? Yes. They are most often chosen for flights of 4 hours or more, and are also suitable for long car, bus and train journeys. How long do they last? With gentle machine washing and flat air drying, they should hold their compression for a good period of regular use. Replace them when the fabric feels loose or the compression noticeably reduces. Can I wear these if I'm pregnant? Speak to your doctor or midwife before use during pregnancy. They can confirm whether compression suits you and at what level. Do these socks have a left and right foot? Compression socks like these are typically symmetrical, with no designated left or right. Shipping, Returns & Support For delivery timeframes, returns and support, see our shipping policy and returns policy. Questions? Contact our team. More for Healthy Travel Browse our health and travelling collection, our DVT prevention range, and our full travel accessories range.
