Compression socks are made of a tightly woven fabric that provides graduated compression up the leg. This pressure, expressed in mmHg (millimeters of mercury), helps boost circulation, reduces swelling and helps improve tired, aching legs. Compression socks for nurses can help prevent or relieve sore legs after a 12-hour shift on your feet. Here are six of our favorite brands that make the best compression socks for nurses:

Nurse Mates compression socks are made especially with nurses in mind. For nurses new to wearing compression socks and stockings, Nurse Mates provides garments with mild to moderate mmHg of compression to help your legs feel energized and your body to adjust to wearing compression. Their knee high socks come in fun designs and patterns to suit every taste, from hearts to stripes to EKG readings to dogs. Nurse Mates compression socks are made of an ultra-soft microfiber blend for maximum comfort. Nurse Mates also makes wide calf compression socksfor those who need more sizing options.

Pro Compression socks live up to their name: They were designed with marathon runners in mind and will help your legs withstand a long 12 hours on your feet. Their socks are made of a 93 percent nylon, 7 percent spandex fabric blend that’s moisture-wicking and antimicrobial. Their 20-30 mmHg compression level is perfect for those who need a bit more compression support to help boost circulation and prevent swelling. The socks are available in a selection of different solid colors as well as multiple bold patterns for nurses looking to add a pop of color to their uniforms.

For nurses looking for mild compression support, Think Medical makes compression socks mostly offering between 8-15 mmHg of pressure. The socks’ fabric blend of 90 percent nylon, 8 percent elastic and 2 percent spandex unites compression with enough stretch to conform to your foot and leg. Think Medical offers classic patterns such as dots and stripes as well as a wide variety of medical-themed designs, including stethoscopes, pills and breast cancer ribbons. Men’s, women’s and unisex designs are all available, and they’re all made with a ribbed top line with a non-restrictive band so they stay put during a long shift.

True to its name, Cutieful makes some really fun compression sock patterns. From all-over prints (including everything from geometric diamonds to leopard print) to solid heathered styles, this brand designs beautiful socks. It also makes many seasonal prints–including spring flowers and Christmas trees–that you can match to the season or wear all year round. The closed, seamless toe reduces chafing and improves comfort. For sustainably minded nurses, Cutieful also makes an EcoSox line with an eco-friendly fabric blend of 85 percent bamboo viscose, 11 percent nylon and 4 percent spandex. These cushy, moisture-wicking socks come in knee and crew length designs as well as multiple solid colors, including black, white and olive green.

For a truly high-quality compression sock, you can’t do better than Sockwell. These premium socks are made from a blend of 32 percent Merino wool, 31 percent bamboo rayon, 32 percent stretch nylon and 5 percent spandex that works to regulate temperature and absorb moisture so your feet stay happy and dry. Sockwell makes unique patterns such as twining leaves, alternating chevrons and a royal blue damask–and, of course, it offers tasteful solid colors as well. The 15-20 mmHg socks provide four zones of graduated compression to promote circulation, minimize swelling and reduce fatigue. If you’re looking for holiday gift ideas for the nurse in your life, a pair of Sockwell compression socks would be an excellent choice.

Whether you’re searching for compression socks for women or men, Cherokee has got you covered with plenty of options. The company offers knee high compression socks in literally dozens of solid colors and prints in both men’s and women’s sizes. Cherokee also makes compression stockings for nurses in a variety of lengths, including knee high, thigh high and pantyhose. They even make compression arm sleeves for nurses who struggle with poor circulation and swelling in their upper body. Whatever type of compression garment you’re looking for, Cherokee is sure to offer it.