Medical compression leggings for circulation: mmHg, graduated compression and how to choose

If your legs feel heavy, swollen or tired by the end of the day, or you have been told compression could help your circulation, you have probably found that "compression leggings" can mean anything from gym tights to clinical garments. This guide explains what makes a legging medical-grade, what the mmHg number means, and how to pick a level and style. It is written for shoppers in Australia, the USA, Canada and the UK.

It is general information, not medical advice. Please talk to your doctor, physiotherapist or nurse about your own circulation and what pressure suits you.

The short answer

Look for three things: a stated pressure in mmHg, graduated compression (firmer lower down, easing further up), and a garment that is registered as a medical device. Our medical-grade CORETECH® leggings for POTS and lipedema (lipoedema) deliver graduated compression of 25+ mmHg through the legs and abdomen, as stated on each product page, and are Registered with the TGA.

How compression can help circulation

Veins in the legs work against gravity to bring blood back to the heart. When you stand or sit for long periods, blood and fluid can pool in the lower legs, which can feel like heaviness, aching or swelling. Graduated compression applies the most pressure lower on the leg and gradually less higher up. This is designed to support the veins and calf muscles in moving blood upwards.

For some people, pooling also affects the abdomen. That is why many people with POTS use abdominal compression as well as leg compression. Our CORETECH® leggings combine both in one high-waisted garment, with body-mapped support for the pelvis and core.

What the mmHg number means

mmHg (millimetres of mercury) is the unit used for compression pressure. A higher number means firmer compression. Ready-to-wear compression is often grouped like this:

• About 15 to 20 mmHg (moderate): common for pregnancy, travel and long days on your feet. Our Jenny pregnancy support leggings use gentle 15 to 20 mmHg body-mapped compression.
• About 20 to 30 mmHg (firm): often used for everyday circulation support. The Florence running leggings and men's Carl POTS tights deliver 20 to 25 mmHg. Our POTS compression leggings, Meryl extra high-waisted leggings and lipedema compression leggings deliver 25+ mmHg, and Grace about 25 to 30 mmHg.
• About 30 to 40 mmHg and above (extra firm): usually prescribed or fitted on clinical advice, often as stockings rather than leggings.

The UK, Europe and the USA label compression classes differently, so compare the mmHg figure rather than the class name. If you have been given a pressure by your clinician, start there.

Medical-grade compression vs ordinary tight leggings

Fashion and gym leggings can feel tight but usually do not state a pressure or apply it in a graduated way. Shapewear squeezes mainly at the waist and can feel restrictive without helping the legs. Medical-grade garments are made to a stated pressure and fit, and in Australia can be registered with the TGA. Read more in CORETECH® vs regular compression and what TGA registration means.

How to choose compression leggings for circulation

• Start with your reason. Feeling faint or tired when upright with POTS, heavy painful legs with lipedema, swelling in pregnancy, or tired legs from long days standing all point to slightly different styles. See our guides to standing and walking with POTS, the best compression leggings for lipedema and compression during pregnancy.
• Check the mmHg on the product page. Each Supacore product page states its compression level.
• Choose full length or 7/8. Full-length and 7/8 leggings cover more of the leg than shorts, which matters if your aim is leg circulation.
• Get the size right. Medical-grade compression is sized by height and weight, not by clothing size. Use our sizing guides. If you are between sizes, choose the smaller size. Many women's styles go from XS to XXXL; see our plus size compression leggings guide.
• Think about the waistband. High-waisted styles such as Meryl add more abdominal compression. Lower-waisted styles such as Grace can feel easier for all-day wear.

Options for men and for lower legs

Men can shop men's compression for varicose veins and circulation and the Carl POTS tights. Women can also browse women's compression for varicose veins. If you only want support below the knee for running or travel, a calf compression sleeve is a lighter option.

Safety first

Compression is not right for everyone. Clinical guidance advises against firm compression without specialist advice for people with peripheral arterial disease or poor blood supply to the legs. Ask your doctor first if you have diabetes, numbness or nerve problems in your legs, fragile skin, a skin infection, or a suspected blood clot. Compression should feel firm and secure but never painful. If your legs tingle, go numb or change colour, take the garment off and get advice.

Shipping, returns and sizing help

Free shipping from A$199, ships worldwide, with 30-day free returns and free size exchanges. If you need help choosing a size or level, email us at info@supacore.com.

Common questions about compression leggings for circulation

What are medical compression leggings for circulation?

They are firm, graduated compression leggings that list a pressure in mmHg. The pressure is usually firmest lower on the leg and eases further up, which is designed to help blood return towards the heart instead of pooling in the legs. Supacore's medical-grade CORETECH® leggings also add compression through the abdomen and pelvis.

What mmHg is best for circulation?

It depends on why you want compression, so ask your doctor or therapist. Ready-to-wear garments are often grouped as about 15 to 20 mmHg (moderate, common for pregnancy, travel and long days on your feet), 20 to 30 mmHg (firm) and 30 to 40 mmHg (extra firm, usually on clinical advice). Our POTS and lipedema leggings deliver graduated compression of 25+ mmHg, as stated on each product page.

What does graduated compression mean?

Graduated compression means the pressure is not the same everywhere. It is strongest lower down and gradually eases up the leg. Ordinary tight leggings and shapewear squeeze evenly or only at the waist, so they are not the same thing.

Who should not wear compression leggings?

Do not wear firm compression without medical advice if you have, or might have, peripheral arterial disease, poor blood supply to the legs, numbness or nerve problems in the legs, a current skin infection or fragile skin, or a suspected blood clot. If your legs tingle, go numb, change colour or hurt more, take the garment off and get advice.

Can men wear compression leggings for circulation?

Yes. Men's options include the body-mapped Carl POTS tights at 20 to 25 mmHg and our men's compression for varicose veins and circulation. Size by height and weight using the men's chart.

Are Supacore compression leggings a medical device?

Yes. Supacore's CORETECH® garments are Registered with the TGA, Australia's medical device regulator. Free shipping from A$199, ships worldwide, with 30-day free returns and free size exchanges.

Sources

• NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries: Compression stockings.
• Derbyshire Joint Area Prescribing Committee (NHS): Guidelines for the use of compression hosiery.
• Compression levels for Supacore garments are taken from each product page.