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Absolute
Support sheer medical knee high compression stockings socks for men and women
in medium support
Model
Number: A101
Sheer Medium Support 15-20 mmHg open and closed toe compression knee high stockings. Designed specifically for fashion-conscious women, patterned sheers provide long-lasting support, comfortable fit, and a designer pattern that is both elegant and contemporary. Fashionably sheer, with perfect colors and exceptional support - these will reshape your perception of support hose!Provide long-lasting, moderate graduated compression to help energize and revitalize the legs - ideal when sitting or standing for extended periods, excellent for both business or casual wear.
Features
Made in the USA Medium support - 15-20mmHg compression
Fashionable sheer fabric Open & closed toe options
Looks and feels like regular knee hi fashion hose Hides minor varicosities, ankle, leg and foot swelling
Sold per pair
Overview
About Absolute Support
Absolute Support provides high quality, medical grade compression at value pricing. Made in the USA, all Absolute Support socks are designed with your health and comfort in mind. Identical to high end brands, we take 4-6 compression measurements at precise intervals between the ankle and end of garment. Multiple measurements guarantee our garments are comfortable and deliver an accurate distribution of the pressure gradient.
Apparel Attire
Compression knee high socks are specifically made to reduce swelling and promote blood circulation between your heart and your legs. By applying pressure to your calves, these socks provide comfortability and health benefits in a versatile and customizable way. Stockings that rise to just below the knee help limit lower leg swelling due to fluid buildup. They may also help prevent venous ulcers and can prevent the development of blood clots in the leg — especially if used after surgery or when you may be inactive for a while.
Material
Sheer: Sheer tights offer a natural, smooth appearance, giving the look of perfect, silky legs with the added benefit of providing an even color all over the leg - like make up. Available in subtle matt or high gloss finish, Sheer hosiery is anything with a denier between 15 denier tights and 30 denier. Sheer is also referred to as translucent or transparent. The materials which can be made translucent include gossamer, silk, rayon or nylon. These sheer fabrics can be made from natural fibers like cotton and silk, synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon or a mix of both fiber types. These stockings are also more transparent than the opaque styles and are often worn more frequently as an elegant stocking. However, avoid a sheer stocking if you have moderate to severe edema, or swelling. With moderate to severe swelling, it is best to wear a compression stocking that is a bit thicker and that will have better containment, such as an opaque stocking. Sheer compression stockings are thinner in material than an opaque stocking, they are great to wear during seasons with warmer weather. Sheer tights are worn typically during the spring / summer months when the weather gets a little warmer, as they offer you coverage, but the sheer yarns will keep you cool. A sheer stocking is wonderful for warmer months, travelling to an area with warmer climate, and going to a fancy dinner, event, etc
At Discount Surgical Stockings, we stand behind size-inclusivity for all categories and we proudly offer a variety of options for every style, shape, and budget. Our plus-size compression garments are designed to provide the medical compression support for extra wide sizes. These strong, surgical weight compression socks give you the graduated compression doctors recommend, especially for lymphedema patients.
Compression: 15-20 mmhg (Moderate Support)
To help muscles recover after sports, compressions socks and stockings are usually for 15-20 mmhg. Low compression levels such as 15-20 mmHg are an excellent choice for daily wear of compression stockings to help with mild swelling and leg fatigue from lengthy periods of travel, sitting or standing. Particularly if you have a sedentary job, wearing compression garments of 15-20 mmHg dramatically helps minimize leg swelling and subsequent discomfort versus not wearing them. The lowest level of compression is helpful for mild to moderate swelling and pain and may also help prevent varicose veins (especially during pregnancy). Light compression helps prevent swelling, leg pain and deep vein thrombosis and is a popular choice for frequent flyers.
Many people wear 15-20 mmHg graduated compression stockings to maintain good leg health as well as energize their legs throughout the day. Just about everyone can benefit from the effects of 15-20 mmHg compression stockings. If you are looking for a pair, we offer 15-20 mmHg knee-highs, thigh-highs, and waist-highs. Just use the options below to find the perfect compression socks for you.
Best Used For
Aching/Fatigue Legs
Pre/Post vein procedures
Helps prevent varicose/spider veins during pregnancy
Prevention of minor/moderate varicose/spider veins
Helps minor Swelling/Edema
Helps reduce the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Compression socks are rated in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) — the same unit as blood pressure. The number is the pressure measured at the ankle, where the garment squeezes hardest. Five bands cover almost everything sold, from a snug travel sock to a prescription garment for venous ulcers. Pick too little and nothing changes; pick too much without advice and you can restrict blood flow.
Why it's called graduated
Thigh
40%
Calf
70%
Ankle
100%
Pressure drops as it moves up the leg, so blood is pushed toward the heart rather than pooling in the feet. A sock with even pressure top to bottom is not a compression sock.
The scale every card below is measured against
Ankle pressure, mmHg
0
10
20
30
40
50
Level 01
8–15mmHg
Light support
Sold as: mild, everyday, "energising" socks. Some brands stretch the label down to 5 mmHg.
Over the counter
No fitting needed
Pharmacy · online
Description
The gentlest true compression. Feels like a firm athletic sock and pulls on with one hand. Enough to counter fluid pooling from gravity, not enough to treat a diagnosed vein problem. A safe place to find out whether you tolerate compression at all.
Medical conditions
None required — this is a comfort and prevention level
Tired, heavy, aching legs
Mild ankle or foot swelling that clears overnight
Spider veins (cosmetic)
Early pregnancy heaviness
Use for
Desk days and long sitting
Short flights and car journeys
Standing shifts under 8 hours
Post-exercise recovery wear
A first trial before stepping up
Target market
The mass consumer market. Office and remote workers, retail and hospitality staff, travellers, older adults who want light support, and complete beginners. This is the impulse-buy tier: bought off a shelf or a marketplace listing, rarely on anyone's advice, and it drives the highest unit volume of any level.
Lightest sold8 → 15 mmHg
Level 02
15–20mmHg
Moderate
Sold as: medium, travel, maternity, flight socks. The best-selling strength worldwide.
Over the counter
Fitting advised
Pharmacy · sport · online
Description
Distinctly firm at the ankle but still easy to get on unaided. The strongest level most people can buy and wear all day without a clinician involved, and the level most airlines and midwives point to. If one pair is going to live in a suitcase, it's this one.
Medical conditions
Minor to moderate varicose and spider veins
Mild oedema and end-of-day swelling
Pregnancy swelling and varicosities
Travel-related leg swelling
Lower-risk DVT prevention on long flights
After small-vein sclerotherapy
Use for
10–12 hour shifts on your feet
Flights over roughly 4 hours
Pregnancy into the third trimester
Swelling that keeps coming back
Training and recovery wear
Target market
Working people on their feet and frequent flyers: nurses, teachers, chefs, warehouse and retail staff, cabin crew. Plus pregnant customers, runners, and older adults with recurring swelling. Commercially the sweet spot — medically credible, no prescription, and the tier most premium consumer brands are built on.
Most popular15 → 20 mmHg
Level 03
20–30mmHg
Firm · medical class I
Sold as: firm, Class I, medical grade. Roughly German RAL CCL 2 territory.
Get advice first
Measure your leg
Medical supply · pharmacy
Description
Where real medical compression starts, and the strength a doctor names most often. Sold without a prescription in the US, prescribed in much of Europe. Getting it on takes effort and correct measurements matter — a garment this firm on a badly sized leg can cut in behind the knee or slide down and act like a tourniquet.
Medical conditions
Moderate to severe varicose veins
Early chronic venous insufficiency
Moderate oedema that doesn't clear overnight
After vein surgery, ablation or sclerotherapy
Post-thrombotic syndrome prevention after a DVT
Mild lymphoedema
Orthostatic hypotension, POTS and fainting on standing
Use for
All-day wear on a clinician's instruction
Recovery after a vein procedure
Long-haul travel with a clotting history
Standing work with diagnosed vein disease
Holding swelling down between appointments
Target market
Patients rather than shoppers. People with a diagnosed venous condition, post-surgical and post-DVT patients, POTS and dysautonomia communities, and a slice of endurance athletes. Bought through pharmacies, medical supply stores and specialist e-commerce, often on a doctor's note even where none is legally required.
Medical entry point20 → 30 mmHg
Level 04
30–40mmHg
Extra firm · medical class II
Sold as: Class II, extra firm. Close to German RAL CCL 3.
Prescription
Professional fitting
Donning aid likely
Description
Serious therapeutic pressure, dispensed against a diagnosis and measured by a trained fitter. Most people cannot pull these on by hand and use a donning frame, silk slip or rubber gloves. Reimbursed by insurers and health services in many countries because it prevents expensive complications.
Medical conditions
Severe varicose veins
Established chronic venous insufficiency
Healed venous leg ulcers and stasis dermatitis
Lymphoedema, maintenance phase
Post-thrombotic syndrome
Severe oedema and lipoedema
Use for
Stopping a healed ulcer from returning
Holding limb volume after decongestive therapy
Long-term venous disease management
Swelling that 20–30 mmHg failed to control
Target market
A clinical market, not a retail one. Patients under vascular, wound-care or lymphoedema specialists, typically older or post-DVT, often with mobility limits. Sold through DME suppliers, hospital clinics and certified fitters; repeat purchase every 3–6 months makes it a high-value, low-churn customer.
Prescription range30 → 40 mmHg
Level 05
40–50mmHg
Class III
Sold as: Class III. Overlaps German RAL CCL 4 at the top end.
Prescription only
Often custom-made
Supervised wear
Description
The strongest routinely prescribed hosiery, reserved for limbs that lower pressures could not control. Frequently made to measure, sometimes flat-knit rather than circular-knit for a badly misshapen limb, and often layered or paired with bandaging and pneumatic pumps. Arterial circulation must be checked before it goes on.
Medical conditions
Severe chronic venous insufficiency
Recurrent or non-healing venous ulceration
Severe lymphoedema
Severe post-thrombotic syndrome
Advanced lipo-lymphoedema
Use for
Limbs unresponsive to 30–40 mmHg
Long-term control of gross swelling
Ulcer prevention in high-risk legs
Target market
A narrow specialist population managed by vascular surgeons and lymphoedema therapists. Almost entirely funded by insurers or national health services, supplied by a handful of manufacturers, and never bought casually.
Specialist care40 → 50 mmHg
Beyond the scale
50+ mmHg
Class IV garments exist but are rare, custom-built, and used for extreme lymphoedema and elephantiasis under close specialist supervision. Nothing at this pressure is bought over a counter, and no consumer brand sells it. If a listing advertises 50 mmHg to the general public, treat the number — and the seller — with suspicion.
Side by side
The five levels at a glance
Useful when you're standing in a pharmacy aisle trying to remember which number was which.
The same sock has different numbers in different countries
"Class 2" means three different pressures depending on where the packet was printed. Always compare the mmHg range, not the class name.
United States — mmHg ranges
No binding national standard for consumer compression socks. Products are described by their mmHg range, and anything up to 30 mmHg is generally sold without a prescription. Quality and accuracy vary widely between brands.
Germany — RAL-GZ 387
The strictest scheme, with independent testing. CCL 1 is 18–21 mmHg, CCL 2 is 23–32, CCL 3 is 34–46, CCL 4 is 49 and above. A German CCL 2 sits roughly where the US calls 20–30 mmHg.
United Kingdom — BS 6612
Class 1 is 14–17 mmHg, Class 2 is 18–24, Class 3 is 25–35. The test method differs from the German one, so a British Class 3 is considerably weaker than a German CCL 3 despite the shared word.
France — ASQUAL
Four classes running from about 10–15 mmHg up to 36 mmHg and above, tested to French national requirements. Another reminder that class numbers travel badly across borders.
Check before you buy
When compression is the wrong answer
Compression assumes the arteries can still deliver blood to the foot. Where they can't, squeezing the leg makes things worse. Talk to a clinician before wearing any compression if you have:
Peripheral arterial disease or poor arterial flow. An ankle-brachial pressure index below 0.8 needs review; below 0.5, standard compression is generally unsafe.
Decompensated heart failure. Pushing fluid back toward the heart can overload it.
Diabetic neuropathy or any loss of sensation. You may not feel a garment cutting in until damage is done.
Active skin infection, cellulitis, or weeping dermatitis.
Fragile, broken or very thin skin, or a known allergy to elastane, latex or rubber.
A suspected new DVT — get it assessed first rather than self-treating.
Take them off and get advice if you notice numbness, pins and needles, throbbing pain, a cold or discoloured foot, or new sores and indentations in the skin.
Getting it right
Choosing and wearing them
Measure in the morning
Take the ankle circumference at its narrowest point just above the ankle bone, the calf at its widest, and the length from floor to just below the knee. Measure before you've been upright long enough to swell.
Match the level to the reason
Comfort and prevention live at 8–20 mmHg. Anything from 20 mmHg up is treating something, so it should follow a diagnosis rather than a guess or a product review.
Put them on first thing
Before you get out of bed, while the leg is at its smallest. Smooth out every wrinkle and never roll or fold the top band down — a folded cuff turns into a tight ring.
Replace them on schedule
Elastic fatigue is invisible. Most garments lose their rated pressure after 3–6 months of daily wear, so buy two pairs and rotate them, and put a date on the packet.
Compression 15-20MMHG
Compression stockings are medical grade devices designed to move blood flow.
Support compression stockings are made available in multiple compression support levels. Most commonly compression support stockings come in mild (8-15 mmHg), Medium (15-20 mmHg), Firm (20-30 mmHg), X-Firm (30-40 mmHg) gradient compression levels.
Compression Therapy Guide
Mild
Provides relief and minimizes tired and achy legs.
Prevents fatigued legs from long periods of sitting or standing.
Helps relieve minor swelling of feet, ankles, and legs.
During pregnancy, helps prevent the formation of varicose and spider veins.
Helps maintain healthy, energized legs.
First Time Wearing Compression Stockings? We recommend you start with 15-20mmHg
Medium
For the prevention and relief of minor to moderate varicose and spider veins.
Helps relieve tired, aching legs, and minor swelling of feet, ankles, and legs.
During pregnancy, helps prevent varicose veins and spider veins.
Helps prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT), also known as economy class syndrome.
Used in post-sclerotherapy treatment to help prevent the reappearance of varicose veins and spider veins.
Ideal compression level used for those traveling long distances.
Firm
Helps prevent and relieve moderate to severe varicose veins (also during pregnancy).
For post-surgical and post-sclerotherapy treatment to help prevent the reappearance of varicose and spider veins.
Helps in treatment of moderate to severe edema or lymphatic edema.
Helps with the management of active ulcers and manifestations of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS).
Helps relieve superficial thrombophlebitis.
Helps prevent orthostatic hypotension (sudden fall in blood pressure when standing).
Helps prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT), also known as economy class syndrome.
Extra Firm
Helps prevent and relieve severe varicose veins.
Used in the treatment of severe edema and lymphedema.
Used in post-surgical and post-sclerotherapy treatment to help prevent the reappearance of varicose and spider veins.
Helps reduce symptoms of Orthostatic Hypotension and Postural Hypotension
For the management of Venous Ulcers and manifestations of Post-Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS).
Prevents deep vein thrombosis (DVT), also known as economy class syndrome.
RX
40-50 mmHg Gradient Compression Stockings are generally indicated for more Serious Venous Diseases such as Acute Leg/Ankle Swelling, Varicose Veins, Chronic Vein Insufficiency and Deep Vein Thrombosis.
The benefits of Compression Therapy are plentiful and the reasons vary from person to person why you may choose to wear compression socks or stockings. As shown in the above chart, some of the most prevalent symptoms or conditions that benefit from compression therapy are:
Pregnancy related swelling and vein problems
Varicose or spider veins
Lymphedema or edema
Swelling, pain or blood clots in the lower legs, also known as DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)
Poor circulation from sitting for long periods
Post-surgical and post-sclerotherapy treatment
It can even be used as a preventive measure to maintain healthy legs for someone who spends extensive amounts of time on their feet. Quite simply, when we stand still for long periods, the forces of gravity increase the pressure within the veins of the legs where the greater effects happen at the ankle and decreases gradually up the leg and body. This pressure depends on the vertical distance of the column of blood from the heart to the foot. That's why gradient compression stockings are designed with the pressure greatest at the ankle and diminishing as it moves up the leg in order to counter the effects of the higher venous pressures.
Compression therapy products are put on in the morning upon arising, which is typically before any significant swelling would occur, and then removed at night. Throughout the day the compression prevents blood from pooling in leg veins, which in turn helps your overall circulation and lessens or eliminates any leg swelling you may have.
When shopping for compression socks or stockings, it is best to measure earlier in the day before swelling builds in the legs. Measurements taken later in the day after swelling occurs may cause you to choose an item that is too large and then not effective.
There are many types of compression socks and stockings available without a prescription and they do offer wide-ranging benefits. Before wearing a compression therapy of 20 mmHg (Firm Compression) and above, it is generally recommended to consult your health care provider to find out if graduated compression stockings are right for you. If the answer is yes, they can tell you what pressure grade you should buy for maximum benefit and relief.
QA
I would prefer closed toe which states to order by shoe size but what is the length and calf size of the A101 in L/XL? Asked by Christina
For A101, a large calf could fit 14.5"–16", and an extra large is 16"–17.5". Please note that length measurements are estimates and measured when flat.
My shoes size is 8.5 39 EU but the sports compression sock in M are too large both in the toe box and even the length to the knee is a bit long. I will reorder these in S but what about these sheer compression stockings...what size should I order for these? Asked by Nicki
I would suggest you also try the small ones. It is difficult for us to assure the size for you due to a lack of information. In order for us to be completely accurate, we would also need your height and weight.
Do you carry a men's sheer support knee highs Asked by Nicklos
We do not carry one for men, but you can easily use one for women. We have garments like A820 and A821 that go by measurements, and you could go 2 sizes up from your shoe's size, and that's the size you would wear in women. Example: If you are a size 8 in men, you would be a size 10 in women.
I am looking for open toe waterproof knee high graduated medium stockings. Are these water proof so that I can take a shower in them? Asked by Ann Marie
They are not waterproof.
How do I order with silicone Asked by Ronald
If it has the option of a silicone border, you just pick that feature, and it should automatically apply it before checking out.
-what is the difference in color between nude and natural in the absolute support sheer knee high Asked by Velma
The nude has more of a red undertone, and the natural has more of a golden undertone.
How do I place an item on my wish list?
Asked by L
When the item is in the shopping cart and you are viewing it, there is a small iicon next to the subtotal, which is immediately followed by a pencil and an x icon.
I can not find the washing instructions for these socks. Why wouldn't you out them on the package? Asked by Debbie
We recommend you wash them by hand in cool or warm water with a mild soap. Let them hang dry; NEVER put them in a heater.
ABSO-A101 I would like to reorder 6 of these. at $9.95. but now I can't get the "open toe" to open. and the price changed and then disappears. Asked by Shirley
The open toe for A101 is subject to stock availability. It will also depend on the size and color of the item. And the price of A101 has changed to $19.95 a pair.
What is the lightest color (not white) for my very fair skin? Asked by Mary Margaret Owen
Nude is the lightest color we have for this item.
How do I register my purchase of the knee hi stockings? Asked by Alvin
The information on the packaging for the registration was just to create an account so you can reorder, process returns easily and have a record of all your orders. Kindly disregard the registration process.
I ordered the closed toe style A101 in size medium based on my calf and ankle measurements. The chart does not specify shoe size. When I tried on the stockings, I discovered a size medium does not fit a woman's size 11 foot. Other than the foot, the stockings fit fine. What size do I need to order if I wear a size 11 shoe? Asked by Susan
Kindly measure your ankle and calf circumference and refer to the size chart.
how do I place an order? Asked by Adrienne
You can place an order online through discountsurgical.com or reach us at our hotline number, 1-800-982-0939.
I need a short length. Please advise. Asked by Tommy
This item does not have a short option.
What does it mean by a pack
Asked by Gaye
A pack means a pair.
Is a 3 pack really 3 pairs or 3 stockings? Asked by Helen
3 packs is 3 pairs of compression stockings
I recently ordered a pair of Therafirm knee high's in short I ordered a xl. I tried one stocking on and it rolled on me, the xlg is for 17-23"calves, my calf at the widest point is 19, could they be rolling because they are to large at the top, they are really nice hose and I hope I can find a pair that wont roll. Thank you Asked by Linda
In general, compression stockings can roll down for several reasons. This may happen if the stocking is too large or too small, if the length is not appropriate, or if the garment is not pulled up evenly and smoothly. Individual leg shape can also affect...
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These support knee highs are the best I have ever purchased at a fair price and I thoroughly recommend them
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Karen
I recommend this product
Very pleased 0 people found this helpful
Overall
100%
Fit
100%
Very pleased with purchase
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Paul
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Great knee highs to wear under pants. 7 people found this helpful
Fit
100%
Overall
100%
These knee highs are great to wear under pants when pantyhose is too hot to wear. Ther have a nice comfortable band on top that prevents them from sliding down. They have reinforced heels and toes to prevent runs. They also have a great taupe color.
Was this review helpful?
Better than pantyhose under pants in the heat. Sheer to keep you cool. Taupe color is awesome.
none
FeistyOne
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Absolute Support Sheer Compression Knee Highs, Medium Graduated Support 15-20mmHg 2 people found this helpful
Fit
100%
Overall
100%
I love the two pairs of Beige Absolute Support Sheer Compression Knee Highs, Medium, Reinforced Toe/Heel Graduate Support 15-20mmHg. Just had hip replacement surgery. These are comfortable, well made, fit well, blend into my own skin so not noticable, hand wash & air dry fast & Made in the USA.
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Reinforced toe & heel are great and hold up well. Easy on/off. Easy to hand wash & air dry within 1 hr.
Mitzi
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Great stockings 1 people found this helpful
Fit
100%
Overall
100%
I needed stocking for the summer and these sheer ones do it nicely. Now if I could get the toeless ones but they're out of stock!
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Cool for the summer as I live in the south. Give me the support I need.
Mild
Medium
Firm
Extra Firm
RX