Knee-High vs. Waist-High: Which Is Better for POTS?

One of the most debated topics in the POTS community: should you wear knee-high compression socks, or do you need waist-high compression?

The short answer is that waist-high tends to be more effective in clinical research — but knee-highs are what most people actually wear. Here's why both matter.

What the Research Says

Studies on compression for orthostatic intolerance have generally found that abdominal and lower-body compression provides the greatest reduction in heart rate and symptoms on standing. This makes sense: POTS causes blood pooling not just in the calves, but throughout the lower body and abdomen.

A waist-high garment compresses more of the venous system, which means more blood gets pushed back toward the heart when you stand up.

Knee-high socks primarily compress the calves and ankles. While they help with venous return from the lower legs, they don't address pooling in the thighs or abdomen.

The Real-World Trade-off

Here's the catch: the best compression garment is the one you actually wear.

Waist-high compression is harder to put on, less comfortable for all-day wear (especially in warm weather), and the options available today tend to look and feel very medical. Many patients try waist-highs and end up wearing nothing because the experience is too cumbersome.

Knee-high compression socks are easier to put on, more comfortable, and come in more styles. Most POTS patients who wear compression daily are wearing knee-highs.

When Knee-Highs Make Sense

You're new to compression and building a daily habit
Your symptoms are manageable with 20–30 mmHg knee-highs
You need something practical for work, school, or daily life
Waist-high options are too uncomfortable or inaccessible

When to Consider Waist-High

Knee-high compression isn't providing enough symptom relief
You have significant blood pooling in the thighs or abdomen
Your doctor specifically recommends full lower-body compression
Your most symptomatic times are predictable (e.g., mornings) and you can plan around the extra effort

A Combined Approach

Many POTS patients use both. Knee-highs for daily wear, waist-highs for their worst symptom days or specific activities (long standing, travel, events). This pragmatic approach gets you consistent compression without making it a daily battle.

What We're Building

PotsSocks is developing both knee-high and waist-high options because we know the community needs both. Our waist-high designs are focused on making them actually wearable — modern fit, comfortable materials, and the clinical-grade compression levels that matter.

The goal: waist-highs you don't dread putting on, and knee-highs that actually do enough.