When choosing your compression stocking, you and your doctor will determine the level of tightness, or compression strength, best suited for your legs. You will also then decide between uniform hosiery, which applies the same amount of pressure throughout the stocking, or graduated hosiery, which is tighter at the ankle and decreases in pressure as it moves up your leg. Once you have made these two important choices, you can pick your preferred fabric and sock height or leg coverage.