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A timeless stocking for the fashion-conscious.
mediven sheer & soft open-toe knee-high stockings in 15-20 mmHg are medi’s sheerest, most transparent graduated compression hosiery, designed for the wearer who wants medical-grade leg support that looks like everyday sheer hosiery. At the light, entry-level 15-20 mmHg range, they relieve tired, aching, heavy legs, ease mild to moderate spider and varicose veins and mild swelling, and support everyday venous health.
Knit to blend with your natural skin tone, the ultra-sheer fabric stays barely visible while delivering accurate, consistent graduated compression. the breathable yarns keep legs cool, dry, and fresh all day. Made in the USA and latex-free.
Key features
- Sheerest coverage - the most transparent medical compression in its class, hardly visible under any outfit
- Clima Comfort™ - moisture-wicking microfiber regulates temperature for cool, dry wear
- Clima Fresh™ - permanent antimicrobial yarn keeps legs odor-free
- Acu-Knit® - precision knit holds accurate graduated compression over time
- Reinforced foot - durable construction for everyday wear
- Variety - wide range of sizes, lengths, and shades for a custom fit
- Open-toe design - accommodates larger feet, toe sensitivity, and warmer climates
Acu-Knit®
Precision knit for consistent graduated compression accuracy
Clima Comfort™
Moisture management microfiber for all-day cool wear
Clima Fresh™
Clinically tested antimicrobial odor protection
Perfect Fit
Anatomical foot construction for fatigue-free wearing
Soft Elastic
Reduced-compression soft foot for easier application and comfort
Variety
Wide range of sizes, lengths, colors, and styles for a custom fit
Important - see full prescribing info
Not intended for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) with an ABI below 0.5. For mixed venous and arterial conditions, consult your clinician before use.
Indicated for
- Mild to moderate spider veins
- Symptomatic varicose veins
- Mild venous edema
- Tired, achy, heavy legs
- Prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Common use scenarios
- Long travel by air, car, or rail
- Long days standing or sitting at work
- Pregnancy support
- First-time compression wear
- Everyday venous health maintenance
Care Instructions
Hand wash or machine wash only using gentle detergents on delicate cycle at 100°F. Do not use fabric softeners, chlorine-based detergents, or Woolite™-type detergents. Most mediven models are suitable for machine drying using the gentle cycle. Do not dry over heaters, in direct sunlight, or by wringing out the garments. Do not dry clean or iron your medi garments. Use the medi stocking guardian wash bag to wash your compression garments with extra care and to prolong their lifespan. Follow the specific wear and care instructions provided with each product.
What makes mediven sheer & soft different from other compression stockings?
mediven sheer & soft is the sheerest medical compression stocking available. It looks and feels like fine everyday hosiery while delivering genuine graduated compression. Unlike many sheer stockings, sheer & soft uses no silicone on its yarns, which adds breathability and improves moisture regulation for cooler, drier wear. Independent studies have found it both softer and more durable than comparable sheer stockings.
Will mediven sheer & soft show under clothing?
Sheer & soft is medi's most transparent stocking, designed to look like everyday sheer hosiery rather than a medical garment. It pairs well with skirts, dresses, and dress pants, making it the most discreet option in medi's compression range.
How do I put on mediven sheer & soft stockings?
Apply your stockings first thing in the morning before swelling sets in. Reach inside the stocking down to the heel, then turn it inside out down to the foot. Slip your foot in, position the heel correctly, then gradually unroll the stocking up your leg, smoothing as you go. Avoid pulling from the top, work the fabric up in sections to prevent runs or uneven compression.
How do I care for my mediven sheer & soft stockings?
Hand wash or machine wash on a delicate cycle at 100°F using a gentle detergent. Avoid fabric softeners, chlorine-based detergents, and Woolite™-type detergents. Machine drying on the gentle cycle is acceptable. Do not dry in direct sunlight, over heaters, by wringing, or by dry cleaning. Using a mesh wash bag extends the life of your stockings.
What sizes and colors are mediven sheer & soft available in?
Sheer & soft is available in seven sizes (I-VII) across knee high, thigh high, and pantyhose styles, with both open toe and closed toe options. Color selection includes a range of natural skin tones and neutrals to coordinate with everyday hosiery shades.
What does 15-20 mmHg compression treat?
15-20 mmHg is light, entry-level medical compression. It supports mild to moderate spider veins, early or symptomatic varicose veins, mild venous edema, and tired, achy, heavy legs. It's also commonly used for everyday prevention during long travel, prolonged standing or sitting, and pregnancy.
Do I need a prescription for 15-20 mmHg compression?
No. 15-20 mmHg is the lightest medical compression range and is available over the counter without a prescription in most regions. Higher compression levels (20-30 mmHg and above) are typically prescribed by a clinician for diagnosed conditions.
Can I wear 15-20 mmHg compression every day?
Yes. 15-20 mmHg is designed for daily wear and is well-suited to long days at work, travel, pregnancy, and general venous health maintenance. Replace your stockings every 3-6 months with regular use, as the compression fabric naturally loses elasticity over time.
Is 15-20 mmHg right for me if I'm new to compression?
15-20 mmHg is widely recommended as a starting point for first-time compression wearers. The light compression is comfortable enough for all-day wear while still providing meaningful support. If you've been prescribed a specific compression level, follow your clinician's guidance.
What's the difference between 15-20 mmHg and 20-30 mmHg?
15-20 mmHg is light compression suitable for mild symptoms and prevention; 20-30 mmHg is the most commonly prescribed therapeutic level, used for more pronounced varicose veins, moderate edema, post-sclerotherapy maintenance, and chronic venous insufficiency. If you're treating a diagnosed condition, your clinician will determine the appropriate level.
| circumference | I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| panty & thigh | 16½"-22½"(42-57 cm) | 17¾"-24¼"(45-61.5 cm) | 19¼"-26¼"(49-66.5 cm) | 20½"-28¾"(52-73 cm) | 22"-31"(56-79 cm) | 23¾"-33¼"(60-84.5 cm) | 25½"-34½"(64-87.5 cm) |
| extra-wide calf | N/A | N/A | 16½"-19½"(42-49.5 cm) | 17¾"-20¾"(45-53 cm) | 19"-22"(48-56 cm) | 20¼"-23¼"(51.5-59 cm) | 21½"-24½"(54.5-62 cm) |
| calf | 11"-14"(28-35.5 cm) | 11¾"-15¼"(30-39 cm) | 12¾"-16½"(32.5-42 cm) | 13¾"-17¾"(35-45 cm) | 14½"-19"(37-48.5 cm) | 15½"-20¼"(39.5-51.5 cm) | 16¼"-21½"(41.5-54.5 cm) |
| ankle | 7"-7¾"(18-20 cm) | 8"-8¾"(20.5-22.5 cm) | 9"-9¾"(23-25 cm) | 10"-10¾"(25.5-27.5 cm) | 11"-11¾"(28-30 cm) | 12"-13"(30.5-33 cm) | 13¼"-14¼"(33.5-36 cm) |