I wanted to try the product for a few weeks before writing a review. First, I am a nurse working 3/12s and post-knee replacement surgery. I experienced a lot of swelling/fluid retention in my lower limb and knee where the replacement took place and the compression sock did not help cause the knee to swell more; the knee sleeve or the thigh-high compression does not stay up, so the stocking was the next step. I have read many reviews, and let me tell you, this is a great pair of compression stockings. When I tell you, they do the job they do. They are not thin, but the real deal compression is 20-30mmg; in other words, nurses don't wait til the last minute to pee...lol Unless you are intentionally digging a hole in these babies, they hold up pretty well putting them on. I am pretty rough on them, pulling them on, and not one hole did I tear in them. These are a great pair of compression, so much so that I brought a second pair. Now I'm a curvy girl, and these babies go all the way up pass the belly button. Now I am 5'2, but they cover everything. The only downside is that because Im 5'2, there is some excess but only a little. I recommend buying a second pair so you can switch out, alternate days when wearing them, wash them on cold water in a delicate bag, and let them air dry. I have washed them several times, and they still work very well. Going to buy a third pair so I can cover my three shifts. So there you have it... these are the real deal... I brought the black ones, so I can wear them with a dress as tights with some boots and be cute and compressed, yep they compress the belly...lol