The Best Compression Socks for Long-Haul Flights, Tested by Our Editors

These socks carried me through pregnancy—some time around the seven-month mark (with twins, no less) when I was measuring full-term and basically unable to reach my poor, swollen feet anymore, the compression socks I’d been using to prevent swelling became a complete necessity. Enter Comrad, which are stretchy in a way where they retain a broader shape before you even put them on; this meant my husband, sister, mom—whoever was around, really—could help me get them on so much more easily than with any of the other brands I owned, and I even finagled getting them on myself a few times when I was in a pinch (which is truly an Olympic-level feat when you’re the size of someone nine months pregnant). I’ve stashed all four pairs I own in my hospital bag, and will be leaving the other models in my closet for the days when I’m more able-bodied. —Shannon McMahon, senior destinations editor

Compression level: 15-25 mmHg

I wore these compression socks on flights back and forth between NYC and Rome as well as during a few shorter trips domestically. I love that you’re able to purchase them in a set of three with multiple colors depending on which goes best with your outfit—and when my travel companions both forgot their pairs, I was happy to share! By the end of the flight, the socks did have me feeling a bit constrained and uncomfortable (as compression socks tend to do when they’re working correctly), but I appreciate that they weren’t so restrictive that I was in pain or had to take them off immediately. The fabric is comfortable, durable, and easy to pull on without being too tight. —Jamie Spain, travel bookings editor

Compression level: 15-20 mmHg

I love my Bombas, but this pair from 2XU is another favorite. Other compression socks I’ve tried can be insanely tight and difficult to get on. This pair does the job, but are less hardcore in terms of pressure—meaning I can wear them more often. I don’t feel like I need to peel them off the minute my plane lands, because I sort of forget I’m wearing them. I also love the super sleek, streamlined design—some compression socks look like they’re medically issued, but I like that these are just black socks. —M.S.

My go-to compression socks were a total last-minute buy. A few days before flying to South Africa—on a lengthy New York–to-Nairobi-to–Cape Town flight path—I realized I should probably bring a pair along to wear on the planes. This pair was available on Amazon Prime, and had a 4.4-star rating from more than 50,000 reviews, so I went for it. They turned out to work extremely well, and I’ve worn them on every international or cross-country flight since. At 20-30 mmHg, the knee-high socks do take a bit of effort to pull on, but are not overly tight, and I can feel the difference in my calves almost immediately. I went for a classic striped design, but you can order them in a whole host of colors and patterns. —Madison Flager, commerce director

Compression level: 20-30 mmHg

I’m new to compression socks. For a long time I thought they would squeeze and pinch my legs, so I steered clear of them. On a recent flight to Alberta, Canada, I gave these $20 compression socks a shot. They offer a medium level of support and feel just right—tight enough without being too much to wear for hours. My favorite thing about them, besides the cute colors, is its super-soft material. They’re gentle on the skin, kept me warm on the icy cold plane, and left my legs pain-free. I’ll definitely be wearing them on the plane from now on. —Meaghan Kenny, commerce editor

Compression level: 15-25 mmHg

The Copper Fit socks are my favorite for long-distance travel, especially for flying. I never feel as comfortable getting off a 15+ hour flight as I do when I wear them. Like any compression socks, these fit snugly, but getting into and adjusting them is easy—no wrestling out stubborn wrinkles necessary. I’ve had mine for three years now, and the weave feels as secure as when I first got them, even after dozens of washes in the laundry, weekend runs, and long-haul trips. Family members who have the same pair, though in different sizes, tell me the guidance on the sizing chart is accurate and that these socks have really gone the distance for them as well. Though this pair is only available in black and white, there is a women’s line that has colorful athletic options. —Kat Chen, editorial assistant

Compression level: Not listed

These compression socks are not technically socks, so to speak. They’re more like compression sleeves that cover your calf—because sometimes that’s all you need. I wear these at home sometimes after an intense workout for muscle support and recovery. They’re great for traveling too. One time, when I wanted to flash some ankle at the airport, I figured that a compression calf-sleeve would offer the best of both worlds: style and swelling-reduction. I also imagine this can be particularly useful for anyone who wants a compression moment around their leg but for whatever reason may need to keep their foot free. —Matt Ortile, associate editor