There are four main types of compression stockings: gradient, thigh-high, knee-high and pantyhose.Gradient compression stockings are the most common type and are meant to be worn on the lower legs. They gradually decrease in pressure as they go up the leg.Thigh-high compression stockings are meant to be worn above the knee and provide the most compression. They are often prescribed to people who have had a blood clot in their leg or who have chronic venous insufficiency.Knee-high compression stockings provide less compression than thigh-high stockings but are still meant to be worn above the knee. They are often prescribed to people with varicose veins, moderate edema or Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI).Pantyhose compression stockings are not as commonly prescribed as the other types of compression stockings. They provide light compression and are meant to be worn like regular pantyhose.